WOW ...

Yes. Nate is seven months old today! I am more and more amazed as to how wonderful and beautiful he is becoming.

Man I love this little dude!

In the last month he has gone from a wiggly lump to a full on bubba! He is moving around the floor, sitting up by himself and eating with the family! He is in to everything and as independent as the girls are! Look out! He's going to be trouble, I can tell!

But in light of what's to come, I am so excited. He will brighten every day and make for some great stories too! I love you little man xxx

Six months ago we were blessed with our little man.

Yep, that's right. This month Nate is 6 months old! Which is huge as far as baby standards go.

This month he has gone from being a little mushy mess to becoming a little man. He has learnt to sit on his own, army crawl and we are trying our big kids food too! Mash banana and scrambled eggs have become his favourites!

I love watching him, it's so cute! If you have been following us on Instagram you'll see that Nate has been spoilt by the lovely folk at Tommee Tippee. I received a pack with some amazing products for starting solids.

The spoons are fantastic, with their temperature sensitive head, you will be the first to know if your bubba's food is too hot for them to eat!






The divided bowl is great for when you are out and about. I pre make all of Nate's food, generally the night before when I am cooking dinner or I freeze and defrost. So I can put his food in one side and some snacks in the other and off we go! Great for when you are out to dinner too!




But by far my favourite is the fresh food feeder! Have you ever seen on elf these?

Ive had four kids over ten years and I have never once seen or tried a feeder before! So you could imagine my response when I opened it! What the hell is this I said to hubby and he laughed ... no idea! I had a great response from my readers on Instagram and Facebook saying they loved it and swear by it ... I was still at a loss. So I jumped on the Tommee Tippee website and sussed it out. Lone and behold, it's a feeder! You unscrew it, put a piece of fruit in it and bugs can eat away with worry of him choking on it or dropping it everywhere! BRILLIANT!! Where have these been over the years?

So needless to say, I'm loving that Nate is eating like a big boy! He is too, such a great eater! I just can't wait until I can stop steaming and blending all his foods! The dishes and mess and driving me crazy! But I wouldn't change a thing!

Dear Nate,

So today you are five months old. I can't believe it. These months have just disappeared before my eyes.

The haze that was the first few months has finally lifted and I am seeing things all so clearly. I have my moments where I freak out at the thought of being the mother of four children - amazing children, nonetheless, a mother of four.

But you my little man, you make everything so amazing. You are happy and bright and light up a room with that aura of yours. I watch you turn the grumpy girl at the chemist warehouse to a bowl of jelly with your grin. I knew when I held you that very first time that you were something special.

I have seen you grow and boy do you ever! You are so long and so strong already. Rolling around on the floor, lifting your head up, wanting to be like those big sisters of yours. He lifts his arms out to them too, his attempt at a hug. I watch you light up when they're around and the love you all have for each other is beyond words.

I cannot express to you the happiness you bring to our family. You may have an odd night where we don't sleep much, but you are forgiven when you turn to me and your eyes are filled with love. One small touch of you hand. A giggle that melts all.

I have to be the luckiest mother in the world to have been blessed with a son like you. I know in a few months when you're crawling I might sound different or even in a year when you are running wild, but for now, you are everything to me, you daddy and your three big sisters. Because you are you and no one can take that away,

I love you son xxx

So we are back in hospital with little Nate. We came to the emergency room on Tuesday afternoon with concerns with his breathing, as he has been struggling with this cough and cold.

The doctor took one look at him and he was admitted.

The diagnosis is Bronchiolitis - a chest infection found in babies.

As the dust settles on what was a wild month, I look back and wonder where the last four weeks have gone.

With hospital visits, renovations, illness and just utter chaos, the last month has been one we want to forget as well as hold to the memories forever.

Having a little man in my life is so different to the girls. I think it’s because we had wanted a boy for so many year’s means that we appreciate the smaller things more. Also the fact he was unwell in the start too.

But now, as normality settles back in, I look at how our little crew has adjusted so well. I am so proud of the girls and how they are so smitten with him and help in way they can!  He is going to be the golden child. I can see it already, the girls will despise the fact he can do no wrong as hubby will cover for him! It’s exciting to think of what the future will hold for us all.

For now, we continue with school runs, kinder runs, dancing and swimming and the little dude just plods along with us all. Does he have a choice?

So I am content. Although I am sleep deprived and tears flow often. I love what we have here, and I know that the sleepless nights won’t last forever, so I try to indulge in the little precious moments before they elude us.

Thanks, Hayley

AndSo as you are all aware by now, my little man has arrived! We have been blessed with the most adorable little guy you could imagine. 

So as the story goes, we arrived at the maternity ward of our local hospital at 7am Friday the 4th of October, greeted by the lovely staff and shown to our room. As this is our fourth child and third induction we are pretty accustomed to how things run. They did all the usual obs, settled us in, finalised paperwork and got us ready.

The midwife and obstetrician inserted my IV and the drip began ... 

At 2:30 that same afternoon, the midwife and obstetrician return to break my waters. Unfortunately for us, the IV wasn't effective on its own and four other women on the ward were having babies, which made us less of a priority.

AS it happened, breaking the waters was what I needed to get things happening. I tried just the gas. Nothing was happening and labour wasn't progressing, but the contractions were coming on strong and fast thanks to the IV, I tried the gas and Pethadine. Still no progression. There were tears at this point. I wanted him out and I wanted him out now! The poor midwife returned and I begged her for an Epidural. Something I never thought I would do. I had been laouring for 9 hours with no progression, sitting at 3cm since I arrived. I was adament that I wouldn't have an epidural but between the fainting, the pain and the pure exhaustion there was no other option. 

The anesthetist arrived sometime after 11pm, prepped me and away we went. By this stage huubby had called for back up and MIL arrived in time to relieve him for a little. It was hard on both of us. Labouring for so long with no progression was taking its toll on us all. No meals, no rest we were both at our wits end. MIL sent him off to get some air and food and by the time he returned I was feeling on top of the world! I could still feel my contractions but the edge was taken off and I was able to rest a little. Hubby rested back on the couch and closed his eyes for what felt like a nano second, before I said "I think I need to push!"

The midwife returned and I warned her that I felt as though I needed to push and she tried reassuring me that it wouldn't be there yet. I asked her to check and low and behold, I was 7cm! It was all a whirlwind from there, the Epidural relaxed me enough to let everything happen as it should and we were over and done with in under an hour. 1:23am Master Nate joined us in this world, with the most amzing sound and wiggle ever. It was a releif to finally hold this little man in my arms, hold him close to my chest and cradle his little body.

Tears stung my eyes as hubby and I look on in amazement at what we created. after having three daughters, to have a little boy of our own is magical, surreal. We are truely blessed.

Thanks ...

Yesterday was my 36 week obstetrician appointment. I left feeling an emotional wreck. Between the conflicting beliefs amongst the obstetricians or having just being placated at earlier appointments, I left feeling as the wind had just been struck from me.

I was meant to be induced at 37 weeks. I went in thinking we were setting a date for my induction or caesarean for the following week. Yet I was faced with the obstetrician with high ideals. Condescending is one word I used to describe the woman. I felt as though I was in the principal’s office being chastised for something that I knew was not my fault.

As you are aware by now, I suffer from fainting episodes, at any given time under any circumstances. Of late, they are happening more often than not. I’m suffering dizzy spells and increased heart rate and I am aware that this is a result of the extra pressure on my body from being pregnant.

A month ago, as I previously mentioned, we attended the Maternity section of our hospital after I had fainted for 10-15 seconds and there was no warning that it was coming. This scared hubby and I enough to make us seek out what can be done to bring on the birth to avoid anything happening to little AJ.

When we were at the hospital we spoke with a fantastic midwife and obstetrician that ensured us that we needed to wait until 37 weeks before anything could be done, otherwise there could be complications with his health. Placated.

I realise now that we were told what we wanted to hear. I am honestly scared for my child. I have to deal with this issue every day and I do everything I can to avoid it occurring. But my argument is why should AJ have to suffer if I was to fall and he was hurt? This, to me, is an avoidable issue. The obstetrician I met with yesterday proceeded to tell me that if they induced labour at 37 weeks, he could still have issues breathing etc, but if he was born naturally then that would be ok. I’m not sure I understand her logic.

My favourite part of the appointment yesterday was when I was told “I know this condition is an inconvenience for you, but I have a duty of care to the baby.”

Shock rolled over me in waves, inconvenience is the last description I would use to describe what I go through. I deal with my issues, I have turned my life upside down for issues, I have a family that is constantly on edge when it comes to my issues. But never has anyone complained. Never has anyone said that it was inconvenient that I have this issue.

Since leaving the appointment I have realised that the obstetrician had already made her mind up prior to my appointment. I imagine she thought the reason I wanted this was because I was over it and wanted the baby out. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I want nothing more than to have my beautiful little man in my arms and he be healthy and strong, which leaves me with the dilemma.

Am I just being selfish? Would it be better to risk the chance of fainting and he was hurt, to keep him inside for a little longer? If I was to have him now, would he be too unhealthy and suffer as a consequence? Every day I sit and contemplate these questions. For the past month I have been going over and over in my head if this was the right thing to do, of course, I decided it was. As long as he was healthy and strong, why leave him there any longer and risk both his and my health.

Well in two weeks’ time I will return and I hope to have better news. I wish that I could magically fix the fainting, but that is unlikely. Fingers crossed I see someone different at that appointment.

Thanks ...

Hello all!

We were lucky (and unlucky I guess) to have had scan done today at 34 weeks. I was able to see my little man and the lovely lady that completed the ultrasound was nice enough to give me a tour. It was just the girls and I as hubby was jet setting about! But we saw him, not in full, but saw the heart beat, the diaphragm working and he practicing his breathing like a good little man. He was approx 43cm long and weighing in at approx 2.2kgs! Little fatso!

But the reason for the scan was to follow up on my last scan and check his kidneys. The issue we are following up is a mild pelvic dilation. From what I understand, the left kidney is holding onto the urine a little longer than it should as it slightly swollen. This is only a mild and usually is something that rectifies itself. I was told that he will have to have another scan a few after birth to ensure that it hasn't increased in size, but generally it resolves by itself.

phew ...

What a day! We then drove out to Bacchus Marsh to have an interview with Bacchus Marsh Grammar for Miss 10. We have had her on a waiting list since grade one and we informed last week that they are increasing the number of grade 5 and 6 classes and were conducting interviews.

Woohoo ... I think.

This is an amazing school, but would mean more travel, changing schools again, Miss 4 is meant to start prep next year and is looking forward to being with her sister but if she changes schools they cannot guarantee a placement in a prep class. ARGH! Oh and by the way you have 10 days to decide! Bloody hell!

After our last failed attempt at changing schools, I am hesitant to move her AGAIN but the opportunities it would provide for her and the others is amazing. What do you do? If we turn it down we may never get our foot back in that door. Schools ... hooley dooley!

Wow, there is less than four weeks until little AJ arrives. The time is flying! It was a couple of weeks ago we were told we are going to be brought on at 37 weeks. In that week, I have been a mass of emotions and a basic walking zombie. Not only am I unable (translated as not allowed) to do anything, but it has taken me all week a few break downs to realise I'm in a bit of shock.

Now the shock has passed, I am able to think a little clearer. I am able to see what needs to be done and what a short time we have to do it in. List number one. The to do list. This list is all the preparations we have to make to the house before we can settle AJ into his new home. Things like, setup the girls new beds. Clean out the room. Bring the bassinet and bath down from the roof space. The fun stuff!!!

Then I think of how unprepared we are. List number two. The shopping list. Here I am mentally, physically and verbally expressing how much we need to hit the shops. Nappies, wipes, cotton buds, baby oil, nappy cream, baby bath, cotton balls. Endless ...

Then I allow myself to wonder if I were to go into labour on my own. Not going to happen. If I'm induced or booked for 37 weeks, he will not beat that! All of my children have been induced on or after 40 weeks and even then they were either spot on the due date or late. But the thought is still there and I think, I might need to pack a hospital bag. List number three. The hospital bag. All the goodies go in this one. Nursing bras, breast pads, maternity pads, undies, change of clothes. Then the added bag for my man, lollies, toothbrushes, mags to read and phone chargers. Then AJ's bag of singlets and beanies and little suits! ARGH!!! I feel like I'm losing it a little!

But the thought that gets me through it all, we have the best support group! My sisters in-law and mother-inlaw will have everything sorted if we needed. They are the best and without them I know hubby would go into melt down! lol! We are blessed and I get to hold my little man soon!

Thanks ... MCM xxx