The Amazing Smith Boys!

Hark! It's Spring!

2010-10-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

Hello again everyone. I know I say this ALL THE TIME...but I can't get over how fast time is flying by. I nearly had a mini stroke when October hit! I didn't recall moving through September! Geesh. Before we know it, it'll be Christmas and then New Years and then 2011. Yikes! Spring is finally here and our days are getting warmer and longer. The boys ask every day if it's "swimming weather" yet and they need convincing it's bedtime even though "the sun's still out." Life is going great for all us Smiths. Everyone is happy and healthy and at the end of the day, what more can you really ask for???? Max auditioned for his first musical! I'm so proud!!!! He and I auditioned for The Sound of Music. Maxie made it through both call-backs but sadly didn't get the part. I found out later that he was just too young and little. But the panel thought he did a great job for his first time. I didn't get the part I wanted either, and I was more upset about Max! He now wants to audition again, he really wants to be on stage. And I would LOVE to do a show with him.

The boys had a two week break in the school term and have just started back for one last term. It's a little hard to believe that it's the end of year 2 for Max and Ashton will start grade 1 next year! I began the holiday break with a solo trip to Sydney to visit a friend of mine from college. Yes, another Yank living Down Under. It was great to get away and be "Kara" for the weekend and it was awesome to see Sydney.

When my boys picked me up from the airport, we went to the Royal Melbourne Show. It's like a giant state fair type thing, with food, rides, animals, etc. We go every year and the boys really enjoy the day. We learned that Alex does NOT like animals (he screamed the whole time we were in the petting zoo area) or fireworks. Oops.

Dan is going through withdrawl as he is NOT playing cricket this year. Sniff sniff. He is getting psyched up for double ankle reconstruction surgery next week. After years of playing hockey and cricket, the ligaments in his ankles are wrecked. He ripped the left ankle's ligaments playing cricket last year, and then tore the right side jumping up and down watch the rugby on tv. The surgeon thinks that because he's fit and young, he can handle double surgery....no one thought if I could handle it!!!!! The poor bastard will be in bed for 2 weeks, casts on for 4-6, moon boots for another 6-8 wks. I'm thinking of sending him back to live with his parents. He's looking forward to being able to walk without pain...and getting sponge baths. Nice.

Pray for him...but pray MORE for me.

Baby's first snow

2010-07-17T01:25:00.000-07:00

STOP THE PRESSES!!! This is a first...I am actually blogging something on the VERY DAY IT HAPPENED!!!! I know, I know...even a blind squirrel...yada yada yada (Random: Did you know they don't use that saying in Australia? I guess cause they don't have squirrels.)

Anywho, today we decided to dust off the ski gear, pack up the car, and head up to the snow. (We're lucky where we live; within 90 minutes we can make it to the beach, snow and city. Pretty cool.)

I was keen to introduce Alex to the snow and the boys were busting to go back up. We couldn't go last winter because I was feeding Alex and he was too little to take. So we've been watching the snowfall and waiting for a weekend that had nothing planned (not easy.)

Alexander was really quiet for the first hour or so. He just sort of sat there and watched everything. Dan and I had to laugh at his expression. It was part "What's all this white crap everywhere?" and part "WHERE THE HELL DID MY HANDS GO?!?!?!?"

Max was so cute- he actually got down and handed Alex some snow saying "Look Allie, this is called snow." lol I DID say I wanted to "introduce" Alex...

Every time Dan and the boys took off down the sledding hill, Alex would scream bloody murder, so Dan kept taking him down the hill. But I'm not convinced Allie actually liked sledding- he didn't laugh or cry, just rode down quietly, like it was a normal activity.

Overall, we had a great day! Dan and I even got a good workout in since lugging around 10 kilos THROUGH the snow is no easy task. No wonder we were all back home and down for a nap by 3pm. :)

Another third of the year...GONE!

2010-06-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

I decided to change the name of the blog. It was Alex's to begin with, but I want to include all three boys, so I thought a name change was in order. It got me thinking of all the famous trios; The Three Musketeers, The Three Amigos, and The Three Little Pigs. I think all are suitable names...just not sure it's "all for one and one for all" at this stage. (Memories of finger-pointing and "he did it!" spring to mind!!!)

It never ceases to amaze me how fast the time flies. Children grow up so fast and so quickly when they are little, that you really do blink your eyes, and they've changed.

Max, in his 'footy' gear, getting ready to play!

Speaking of footy, the boys took me to my first proper AFL game in Melbourne.

And I actually liked it!!

Allie on his bike...must be making an important

phone call before we head out for a walk!

Happy 8th Birthday Max!!

(Hard to believe I have an eight-year old!)

Ashie all dressed up for "Italian Day" at school.

He went as the Mafia. lol!

Alexander turned ONE back in April. It was really hard to grasp that one! When did my baby grow up?? We had a party and he got spoiled rotten. It was a great day!

Everyone sings "Happy Birthday" to an unsure Alex.

Yum!!! Cake!!!!!!

The best part of presents when you're one, is ripping the paper!

Winter is setting in and the days are getting shorter and colder. Mind you, not THAT cold, but I don't think the Aussies know what cold is (til they have to hike it somewhere in the snow and dig their cars out and try to drive!) The school term ends this week and the boys get the next two weeks off to bug the hell out of me....er, I meant to play and relax and catch up on sleep. Should be...interesting.

The end of Summer and the start of new things

2010-04-01T03:07:00.000-07:00

Our days are getting shorter and the weather's getting cooler...but there's still plenty of fun to be had by all. The past three months have been jammed packed with busyness. Life continues to be a crazy whirlwind!! Already in 2010, Ashton has started school AND turned six. Max has begun grade 2 and started footy training. Dan's job is busier than ever and he has begun coaching footy (adults...not Max!) As for me, I am rehearsing for a play I'm in and am looking at doing some more teaching once school go back after Easter. Alexander is quickly moving around the house and leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

Basically, Alex is quickly growing up. And I do mean QUICKLY!!! It's insane how you blink and they age. He sometimes still feels new to us. Like we have to take a second look and think "wow! We've got another baby!" But he will be one THIS MONTH (it feels very weird to say that!!!!!!) Anywho, Allie (as he is usually called) is different then the other two. Not sure how kids with the same DNA and upbringing can be so different! Everything at the moment is "Hi Dad" even if it's not Dan he's saying it to. He says "mum" and "dad" and we think "baba" is 'brother' since he usually calls Ash and Max that. He has a very cheeky grin, in which he crinkles the nose and closes the eyes. Too cute!
Alex has also started "roaring." He yells! (Maybe he figures it's the only way to get heard around here!) We sometimes call him "Alex the Lion" (from Madagascar, the movie) guess he's living up to his nickname.

But he's a happy baby. Even a fortnight ago, when he was hospitalized with croup, Alex was still his bubbly little self.

School started on February 1st, and both boys were super excited. They are both in great classes with wonderful teachers and we are all very happy.

On a recent trip to Melbourne, we took the big boys ice skating at a new rink that just opened. (It's funny how "foreign" skating is to Aussies!) It took them a while to get the hang of it, but they were both hooked after a while.

Baby's 1st Christmas

2010-01-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

First, a great big HAPPY HOLIDAYS and HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!!!!! (yes, I know, it's the 13th of January, but better late then never. Right?

We had a lovely but quiet Christmas this year. It was exciting because the big boys are really old enough to enjoy (and still believe in) Christmas morning. Alex, although way to young to understand any of it, was content to be part of the fuss. As long as he's in the thick of things, he is a happy baby. There were 11 of us at Christmas lunch (Bob's mother was visiting.) It's funny to think that at my first Christmas Down Under, when Dan and I got engaged, there were 5!

The big boys and I did our annual making of the gingerbread houses. They also each made one to take in for their teachers (remember that our school year ends in December, so it's a "xmas" and "goodbye" gift all in one delicious house!!)

Santa spoiled all three boys (like always) and Alex lucked out with some awesome pressies.

Max, the AFL-mad kid, got an official umpires

shirt and lots of lego

Ash, my little master chef, got cooking things and an apron

Alexander got the most deluxe bike, complete with sun shade, phone and drink holder!

Alex's Christening

2009-12-19T20:58:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you all are looking at the title of this blog and then glancing at your calendar and asking yourselves..."Is she CRAZY?!?!" Yes, I do admit that planning a Christening two weeks before Christmas may seem insane (and it was) but we didn't want to leave it for too longer and Alex IS 8 months old. (Plus I needed him to fit into the christening gown!)

So we had his christening and then a light lunch afterwards. It was small, but very nice. Alexander, of course, was perfect and just cruised through the few hours at church like it was an every day event (and trust me...it isn't!)

Alex wore the same gown that Max and Ashton wore. It was made from parts of my wedding dress. I wanted to have something that my children could pass down to their children. Dan, like many men I assume, thought that it was cruel to put his son in a dress. But I thought Alex looked beautiful (and a heck of a lot better then the other two boys being christened who's parents put them in matching white bakers outfits, complete with suspenders and these weird hats.)

We were really honored that our wonderful friends Tess and Grantley agreed to be Alex's godparents. We trust that they will shower him with expensive gifts and lollies over the years...just kidding. :) We know that they will help show our little man love and kindness, all that we could ask for in great godparents.

Alex at the "after christening party"

Trick AND treating

2009-11-03T23:57:00.000-08:00

The Aussies don't get Halloween. Every October, people start complaining about "yet another stupid American" thing that's made its way across the ocean. And every year, I roll my eyes, thinking "WHAT'S SO WRONG WITH CHILDREN DRESSING UP AND EATING CANDY?!?!?" I even wrote into the paper to say that Halloween was, in fact, Irish and that it was no longer about witches and evil. It was about make-believe and junk food! Lighten up Australia!

For some reason this year, the Aussies seemed to be embracing All Hallow's Eve a bit more. The firt few years I lived here, October went by without so much as a "boo!" But this year was different. Max was more aware of the holiday and somehow knew about trick-or-treating and dressing up. So we decided to dress up and celebrate Halloween...with other Americans! The American grocery store near Melbourne hosts Halloween every year, but they always do it on a Saturday and Dan usually plays cricket. Since he's injured this year, we planned to head down to Melbourne.

The biggest hurdle was....what to dress up as!? And since we're a group of five, with yours truly being the only woman, I had to do some big time thinking. But then the answer hit me like a candy covered apple...THE WIZARD OF OZ!!

So we hit the craft stores and dusted off the sewing machine to create a Dorothy, Scarecrow and Tinman costume. Funny enough, we already had a lion costume (one my grandmother had sent Max when he was a baby.)

Now, most men usually don't want to dress up and join in. Dan took a LOT of convincing to get into the Halloween spirit with us. The boys did a good job emotionally blackmailing daddy. "But dad!! It won't be the same without you!" And because I'm not THAT mean a wife, we worked Dan's costume so that alone, it wasn't really a costume, but when he was with the rest of us- it worked. With some paint and a sponge, he became the Yellow Brick Road!

The day turned out to be hot (30C!!) but we had fun. We won 1st place in the family division of the costume contest (A: The American had a huge advantage and B: Nothing beats a baby in a costume!!!)

We arrived back home around 7pm to find a few groups of kids trick-or-treating around the area, so we let the boys dress back up and hot a few homes that were participating. It gave us great joy to see them running down the block, all dressed up.

Laughs, chatting and playing tourist

2009-08-12T03:08:00.000-07:00

Our little man is nearly 4 months old!!!!!! Can't believe it!! He's full of smiles now and loves to "chat." Some days he goes on and on, and he'll even chat to himself in the mirror. He's becoming more and more interactive, and the bigger boys can't get enough. If I had a nickel for every time I yelled "GET OUT OF HIS FACE!"....

We sadly had to say goodbye to our American relatives. We had a blast and I loved sharing my new little man with them. We played "tourist" with Bob and Beanie for a week, ending out time in Melbourne. Alex had his first trip to the zoo, and although her slept through most of it, it was a great day.

That all said, our guest room is now vacant, so all you out there may start planning your trip out here. :)

Alexander has gone from smiling and little giggles to full blown laughing in a few short weeks. He's very ticklish and has a special spot (on his last rib) that makes him really laugh. It's so cute and Alex laughs so much he tends to end up with the hiccups!

Baby Alex helps celebrate mummy's 30th Birthday

2009-07-28T03:51:00.000-07:00

WOAH!!!! This is the second update in July!! I'm getting better!!! :) Lots has been happening lately.

It's sooooo hard to believe that Alex is now three months old. We are now at the point we talk about his age in "months" rather than "weeks." It's crazy. We STILL have to pinch ourselves when we realize that we have this baby. It's pretty cool. The big boys STILL love Alex and will make sure they've each had their turn for cuddles. If Alex is awake at bedtime, they each have to have a cuddle in bed with him.

Alexander is "talking" lots and I swear he sings. If you sing to him, you can see him watching you and trying to mimic back. It's like you can see his brain clicking over. Think-think-think.

He's got this great smile and even his eyes light up when he's happy, which is most of the time.

As for me, I've hit the big 3-0 and of course, we partied in style. On top of having a fantastic party (which was American themed, of course) my Aunt Beanie and Uncle Bob surprised me all the way from the USA!!!!! It was a real treat and was even cooler that they got to meet my new little man.

MORE photos

2009-07-04T01:37:00.000-07:00

Little Boy blue

2009-07-04T01:10:00.000-07:00

I KNOW, I KNOW, I KNOW....I guess it's true that you don't "do" as much for your child when it's not your first. And everyone keeps asking me for photos and the days keep flying by. Honestly, I blink and another week is over. It is SO HARD to believe that Alexander is 11 weeks old today!?!?!?!?!

Our "little man," is proving to be a textbook perfect child. He is a wonderful feeder, stacking on the weight. The health nurse says I get a gold star because he is thriving so well. (Makes me feel great!) Daddy's bought BIG AL little shirts that say "I'm a tits man" and "boobies make me smile." Nice.

Alex is changing so much so fast, that many say they don't know who he looks like. He looked like an Olney (and like Max) when he was first born. But then I started to see "ashton" in him, as he grew out of that newborn stage. But now, with his deep blue eyes, we are not sure who he looks like. He has the most beautiful smile and although he doesn't give them away freely, a smirk from our boy is sure to melt anyone's heart.

Not sure why I bother

2009-06-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

What I mean is, why do I bother with having a blog. I used to have all the time in the world to log on and update...only I didn't have much to share. There's only so much you can tell others when you're pregnant ("Today I had a nap and lost contact with my ankles.")

Now that I have TONS I want to share with everyone, I seem to never have the time to sit at the computer. (Funny, I know, seeing how I have a newborn, 2 other children, have had renovations going on and still have a household to run.)

Alex turned 6 weeks last saturday...hard to believe. I spent my pregnancy wishing away the weeks, and now I want time to slow down! The baby still seems so new to me. And yet, it feels like he's always been a part of our family. The older boys are totally in love with Alexander. They fight over who gets to hold Alex and they keep track over the amount of "cuddle time" the other person gets. Max can't go off to school without his morning cuddle. It's been lovely how kind and caring the two older boys have been. There is no jealousy and Max still says "I can't believe we have a new baby brother!" even after 6 weeks.

When people ask me if Alex is a good baby, I often reply "I finally got one that's read the manual." And he has. He knows how to feed, how to sleep, how to self settle. (I sometimes feel a bit spoiled and wonder when the ball will drop! Although, a friend of mine says that we "deserve" a good baby." I agree.) Anywho, Alexander has been waking only once during the night, which means Dan and I are getting a really good night's sleep. Amen! I never could really function on no sleep. Of course, that doesn't mean the Danny hasn't resummed his nap-time with the baby (something he's done with each of the boys...he sits on the couch with the baby and they BOTH pass out!)

Alex has started to smile and "talk" and it warms my heart so much. He has the biggest smile and even his eyes light up when he grins at you. I have yet to get it on camera, but here are some recent photos of our little "Allie Boy."

Time Flies...and a Happy Mother's Day at last

2009-05-08T04:04:00.000-07:00

WOW!! Where did the past three weeks go?????? I cannot believe that Baby Alex is three weeks old already. How I wish life had a pause button, so we could freeze time, and enjoy our little bundle while he's still little.

The past three weeks has been a bit of a blur. Not for lack of sleep, which I'm sure many would assume. Our earth-angel is a sleeping god and does not deprive of us of too much sleep. I honestly don't know how we've arrived at Mother's Day already. YIKES!! So much has happened in the past 3 weeks and I feel a bit bad that I have not updated my blog as often as I had planned. (Yes, I know...a newborn is a pretty good excuse. But when that newborn spends most of his days sleeping, one begins to wonder how exactly I fill my days....I'm not entirely sure. :)

Danny took two weeks "Carers Leave" off of work. It was lovely to have him home, helping man the Smith Ship. He patiently did the school/kinder runs in the mornings, allowing me to catch up on missed sleep. He, Alexander and I kept busy, shopping and lunching. I cannot stand being housebound and I tend to get cabin fever easily. It was nice to have Dan around to help the baby and I get out once a day. Within these first few weeks, Alex has made trips to Daddy's work, Max's school, and Ashie's kinder to be shown off. He has also had his first trip to Melbourne, with Dad, mum and Ashton. He loves the car and didn't seem to mind being in it for the two hour car ride. We went to Build-a-Bear where Ashton made Baby Alex a special bunny. It was really cute.

On Thursday, I took Alexander to the health centre for a weekly weigh-in with the nurse. They like babies to put on 150 grams a week (sorry, I don't know what that is in ounces.) The nurse re-weighed him THREE times, in disbelief that the scale said what it actually said. Turns out my porker of a baby put on....wait for it...570gr!!! :0 To top it off, she assumed I was either feeding him too often or some other explanation. When I said he feed 4 hourly, and only one side at each feed, her jaw hit the floor. She told me I should be proud that I was producing such rich milk. Dan now calls me "Daisy"...as in Daisy the dairy cow. Nice.

Many wonderful friends have helped us welcome Alex by stopping by with beautiful presents and well wishes. A HUGE thank you to everyone!!!!

The five of us (BOY! That is so weird to say!) have gone away for the weekend. It is Alex's first overnight trip. It will also be our first Mother's Day together. Sunday will have a completely different vibe than Mother's Day last year. Last year, Dan whisked me away to Tasmania, and I spent Mother's Day far away from my children, but also far away from the pain and hurt of losing Gabe. I didn't want to celebrate. This year, I think Sunday will be different. Alexander has restored my faith and my confidence as a mother. I feel, once again, that I deserve to be celebrated. I am looking forward to a triple cuddle Sunday morning (no doubt SUPER early as there is only a thin wall separating us all.)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOMS/MUMS OUT THERE!!!! xoxoxoxo

Introducing ALEXANDER ROBERT SMITH!!!!

2009-04-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

He's HERE!!!!!! :) :) :)

On Saturday, April 18th, at 12:20pm, Danny and I welcomed our newest addition to our family, Alexander Robert Smith.

He may have been late, but he was speedy...here's his story...

Saturday morning was a lazy one. The boys were watching a movie in the lounge and Dan was watching a movie in bed. I was trying in vain, to catch some more Zs. Dan and I had gone on a date Friday night and had a lovely meal and a relaxing time, just the two of us. Throughout the night, I suffered from irregular contractions, but was not holding my breath or getting excited yet. Who knew how long this kid would hold out for? At around 9:30am, during a contraction, I felt a huge "snap" in my belly. I said to Dan "I think my waters just broke!" But upon sitting up, felt nothing and had no loss. Hmmmm??? I thought...maybe not. Dan, the panic person he is, called the labour ward to ask/tell them what we thought was happening. I talked to the nice midwife about what I was feeling, she confirmed that things might be starting. She then asked "What were your other labours like?" When I replied "19 and 21 hours" she laughed and said that I probably didn't have to rush in. I said we lived 5 minutes down the highway. "Well," she replied "That means your husband can probably make the drive in 3 if he had to." I laughed, but rolled my eyes, thinking, 'I've never delivered on the same day I start labour.' We were probably in for a long day. As soon as I hung up, I had another contraction, this one hurting more and left me with wet pants. It WAS my water breaking! Before I could change my pants, another contraction hit. But it had only been 3 minutes. Dan and I looked at each other...could this REALLY be it? Three minutes later ANOTHER, and this time it hurt! Dan quickly called the hospital back to confirm that this WAS it and that we were coming in straight away. Another quick phone call went out to Dan's mother, Jill, to come and collect the boys. While I stumbled around, trying to pack from my last-minute list, doubling over in pain every 3 minutes, Dan frantically showered, got the boys ready and through everything in the car. Speed limits were broken as we flew down towards the hospital.

By the time we arrived and got settled in at the hospital, in was 10am. We had a good chat with our lovely midwife, discussing birthing plans and pain relief needs. Upon examination, I was 6cm, over halfway there. The next two hours passed in an eye blink. I was checked out, hooked up, and jabbed. The baby was monitored and my vitals taken. Everything was looking good and we were making good progress. As I puffed on the gas for pain relief, I heard a midwife enter and ask Dan if we knew what we were having. "He'll be the 3rd boy born this morning" I heard through the haze. WHAT!?!?! This morning??? Don't you mean tomorrow morning?? I don't labour that well and that quick! But before I knew it, I was pushing (and screaming) and just as I had wished and prayed for, my newly born child was laid on my chest. As I cuddled this warm, gooey, crying bundle, I looked at Dan as if to ask if it was real. Was I REALLY getting my fairtale happy ending? Quick, someone pinch me.

Time seemed to stand still...we had reached the end of a very stressful and long pregnancy. The midwife "borrowed" the baby, long enough to give him the once over and state that he was perfect. Dan held our precious new baby as I was cleaned up. After a wonderful shower, I met our new son properly. As I talked to him, he opened his big blue eyes and stared at me. We were all at peace.

The big boys came to visit and fell in love with their new baby brother. At one point, Ashton asked if we were going to be taking Baby Alex home. When I explained that he was ours to keep forever, Ash turned to him and declared that he was his big brother and he loved him, and that he was coming to our house.

Max, took his big brother role very seriously, even warning off the midwife from hurting him. As she tied the cloth diaper cover on, Max barked "That's my new baby brother, don't tie it too hard or hurt him!" Every time Max cuddles or speaks of Alex, it warms my heart knowing that he'll keep these memories. (I was the same age when my sister was born, and I remember everything.) I love knowing that Max will remember these special times.

I finish this blog entry one-handed. Danny has just brought our miracle bundle of joy in to me. As I hold him typing, he is watching me. I feel great relief and peace, knowing our little family is now complete. All the past sins absolved and our future seems to be growing brighter by the day. And it hasn't even been a full week yet! Alexander's safe arrival has helped heal old wounds.

He is our sunshine after the rain.

Ripped off by the Easter Bunny

2009-04-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

Well folks, I type this blog entry, on my official due date...STILL PREGGERS!!!!

I like chocolate as much as the next gal. Even more so when you don't have to worry about how many calories you're inhaling, as you sit on the couch watching The Biggest Loser while shoving eggs in your mouth. HOWEVER...this Easter I was really hoping the Easter Bunny would skip the usual chocolate eggs in return for a new baby.

NO...SUCH...LUCK...Damn.

People have already started asking if I'm still pregnant or if I've had the baby yet. Look peeps, having this baby is NOT something we would keep secret. I mean, we couldn't keep it secret anywho. (Hello??? Would me not looking pregnant anymore and carrying a new baby be a good give-away???) And we are so excited, we will be shouting Baby Alex's arrival from the roof tops. No one needs to panic that we've had the baby and not shared. Besides, as any mother who has not delivered by her due date will tell you, asking does not help.

We now look forward to Thursday, when we see the OB and decide what to do. Hopefully, by this weekend, I will be a whole lot lighter and a WHOLE lot happier.

WATCH THIS SPACE..................

It's the "Final countdown!"

2009-04-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

I had this song in my head while typing this week's title...but then I had a thought, "Is it an Aussie song, that Americans won't know?" or "Is it an American song?" and even thought... "Is it really even a song at all?!?!"

I know it's only a case of baby brain and I'm hoping to be cured by this time next week. Yes folks, we are on the COUNTDOWN TO BABY!!!!!! My due date is next Tuesday, April 14th. The OB is seeing me on the 16th (if I haven't gone yet) to decided which road to take. So technically, I have no more than one week left. Amen. And I couldn't be happier...or more impatient. I've never really experienced this before (hard to believe, I know. It's baby #4!) But with Max, I had health problems towards the end of my pregnancy that not only led to me being induced a week early, but sort of took my mind off of "due date watching." And with Ash, we moved into our newly built house 3 days before I went into labour with him (on his actually due date.) So once again, I was too distracted to watch the calendar. THIS TIME it's all I can do. The boys are on school holidays for Easter and we are nearly housebound, as my hip hurts too much to do anything. Plus, I'm exhausted. The problem is, of course, that my children are about as active as you get. I.E. they are bored out of their minds!!! Ontop of bored children and an impatient mum-to-be, we are in the middle of building our extention. Great timing, I know. We are having a rumpus room built off the back of the house. It'll be like a kid's play room/spare room/office/junk room. And although I've added it to my list of complaints, it's not really that big of a deal. All the work is being done out back and you can't really hear the one man working.

Once this pregnancy is over, I will be writing a book on what NOT to say to pregnant women as they near the end of their pregnancy. I tell ya, if one more person comments on the fact that I am still pregnant...I might let my hormones take over and unleash some hell. Don't people know that regardless of what they relly think, they are supposed to lie and tell the heavily pregnant woman she looks wonderful?!?!? I might have to make up a t-shirt, saying "Touch it and die." :)

By the way, I have no photo to add. I look the same. If anything, I think I've gotten a little smaller as the baby has settled down. Hopefully, the next photo I add will be of my new little man, in my arms....and hopefully, it'll be SOON!!!!!!

Week 37: the three week wait

2009-03-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hi y'all.

Yes, it's been AGES since I've updated my blog and I have a very good reason...I've had the baby. No!!! Just kidding. My computer got sick with a virus and of course it took two attempts and TWO weeks for the computer geeks to fix it. *Sigh* Now, thank goodness, I am back in the land of 21st century living. Amen.

Not much has been going on here. I guess we're in the "wait and see and wait" mode. Yesterday I officially hit full term, a huge relief! That means, technically, the baby can come anytime he wants, and be safe and healthy. We are, by no means ready for a new baby. We have not done much in the way of preparing and I don't know why. I'm not sure if it's practical thinking..."Will it really happen this time?" or laziness. I think I'm leaning more towards laziness. We HAVE, though, set up the bassinet and I've washed the baby clothing, so that if we're caught off guard, we'll have some sort of set up to bring this baby home to. There will be no nursery, but hopefully the extention will start next week, so fingers crossed that all happens smoothly.

Now onto baby news...my OB is very happy with where I'm (we're) at. He said everything looks great and both baby and I are doing well. I was starting to panic about having a LARGE baby, mainly because everybody (and their mother) feels the need to comment on the size of my bump. Now, I've never been a skinny girl, but I am ALL baby. The doc confirmed the baby was average size, but hit me with idea that my stomach muscles are wrecked. Hence the reason my gut sticks out. Great.

Also thought I'd add this photo in. Not too thrilled with showing off my uncovered bump! If you look at the center of my bump, you'd expect to find my belly button. Yet, it's like 3 inches lower then it should be. Guess someone put it in the wrong spot. Silly doctors!

Reading back I don't think I actually ever stated what sex the baby was. Not sure why. Anywho, we are expecting another wonderful boy, to be named Alexander Something Smith. (We decided on the 1st name so quickly, we've forgotten to talk about a middle name. Oops.) Suggestions will be appreciated.

I'll be posting every week from now on as the OB isn't sure I'll make it to 40 weeks. God bless him...

Week 33: The magnificent SEVEN

2009-02-23T19:46:00.000-08:00

Seven weeks remaining, that is. Yes, today I hit 33 weeks and as I do each week, I sighed a bit of relief that we have made it this far. Now, I know I said I was going to do fortnightly updates but last week (when I should have posted) was a bit crazy. We had Gabe's one year anniversary. It was a lot to deal with and although each time I sat at the computer I had every intention of blogging...it just didn't happen. So here I am.

To all those who sent their love and support last Monday, I hope you know how much that meant to Dan and I. It was comforting to realize that not everyone has forgotten Gabe and that the support we need is STILL out there for when we need it. It was a difficult day to get through, tears came and went. The boys picked out flowers and balloons for the cemetary. We released balloons into the sky, each with a special message written for Gabe (an idea Max had last year) just as we did at his funeral. I think it was a lot less traumatic then we expected it to be. I think Baby Louey has a lot to do with that. It's comforting to know that life does indeed go on, and that we will be happy again.

All is well in the land of bump. Baby Louey is growing great, right on schedule. Aside from the "normal" pregnancy aches and pain, momma is doing well too. I am off to see a physio this week as my midwife has told me I have "pelvic instability." In other words, when I walk, stand, or even move my left leg, great pain follows. It's apparently common, but the only way to solve or "cure" it, is to not be pregnant anymore. I'm working on that...

We have tried (in vain it seems) to start and get ready for this baby's arrival. But aside from being huge and tired, I always seem to hit a snag (and I'm not talking sausages.) We are not any closer to getting the addition built, which is holding up the great "shifting of the bedrooms." The builder says three weeks, which is okay, since we've got 7 left. And as for building while pregnant...we moved into this house 3 days before I had Ashton, so a little reno doesn't scare me! Yesterday, when we lost power for a few hours, I thought it was good time to go through all the baby clothes and sort out the 'keepers.' I knew we had already bought a few new things and wanted to see what had/needed. Well, we need NOTHING!!! and have too much of everything. I've already told a good friend of mine, who's expecting a boy a few weeks after me, that she can have whatever she wants. It's good to share.

The dropping of the bump

2009-02-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

Here's the bump from last week (week 30) If you compare it to the photo under (from week 28) you can see how the shape of my bump has changed. That's because my darling baby has flipped around, sitting head down. I can certainly feel the difference (read: foot under my rib, not nice.)

Week 30: As the world turns...

2009-02-05T15:07:00.001-08:00

So does my baby!!!!! That's right folks, Baby Louey has come to his senses and flipped around, upside down. The way he SHOULD be. Can I get an "amen?" He has saved his poor mother lots of worrying and heartache.

I have been freaking out about the possibility of him not turning, and therefore, me having to have a c-section. I have been kneeling on all 4s, floating in the pool, trying every exercise I could to help. In case you don't know my "birth history" (and why would you?) over the past three births, I have tried everything. I have gone into the "Baskin Robins" of birthing options and tested each flavor and topping. So I think that I am more than able to make a rational, informed decision of what I want and what I don't. I want (read: NEED) a quick recovery, as I already will have a 5 and 7 year old waiting for me at home. They won't understand "sorry boys, mommy had her insides removed then shoved back in, she's too sore to set up the Wii." Plus, to be honest, I want my fairytale ending. I think I deserve it. I started with the crappiest birth story with Max, and I've gradually gotten better with each birth. Now, all that said, I of course will do whatever it takes to bring Baby Louey safe into this world, regardless of how they may slice and dice me.

A trip to the midwife clinic this week started off as scary (I had to go by myself) but turned out to be a good trip. I not only learned that Louey had turned but also that I do not have gestational diabetes (didn't think I did though.) My blood pressure has gone from "low" to "normal" however, my iron is really low. The midwife even thought that that could have contributed to my fainting episode the other week.

In case you didn't hear me complaining last week, we had some of the HOTTEST weather here. We had a week of 40*+ weather. For you people who don't work in celcius, the weather peaked at about 113*F. Hot. Very hot. Freakin hot. If I heard one more non-pregnant person complain to me that they were uncomfortable, I was going to scream. Day after day of extreme heat with no relief. It was really hard to cope. I think I could have stood naked, wet, in front of an A/C and STILL not felt any cooler. It was that hot. This week has been much better but they are saying Saturday will be over 40* again. God help us. I knew there was a reason I enjoyed Max being a winter baby. Damn!

We all figure that the next ten weeks will fly by. Christmas/summer holidays are over and we are all back to work, school, sports and activities. Baby Louey is actually due during the Easter break in April, so we figure we'll be there before we know it. Both my big boys started back at school and kinder this week. Max returned to school a big grade 1 kid and has enjoyed his first week. Ashton started kinder and is loving it. I start back to teaching next week which means I've had two kid-free days this week!! And I loved every minute of it. I will have a totally kid-free Tuesday for at least this first term of school. I think I'll call it "kara day."

ANOTHER 28 weeks and a trip to hospital

2009-01-21T16:52:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not writing a blog about the sequel to some zombie movie.

Today's blog should have been 29 weeks, but after seeing th OB this morning, we've decided to take the countdown back a week. Here's why: April 16th was, in fact, my original due date (based on when I got pregnant.) We got the April 9th date during our 12 week scan, when the sonographer dude measured Louey as being 13 weeks. Of course, no pregnant woman in history would knock back losing a week of her total pregnancy. So I GLADLY thanked him and bumped my due date up a week. But in effect, Louey has always measured with the original dates. Today, the OB said Louey was 28 weeks, and his head and leg measurements were right on target. So I've decided that it would be better to go back to the original dates (of April 16th.) Keeping the earlier date means I would probably "go late" and no one wants that. "Haven't you delievered yet?" and "You still pregnant?!" will not be spoken come April. Also, Ashton came right on the OB's due date, but 3 days after mine.

Sunday night, I learned the hard way that pregnancy and the hot summer sun are not a good combo. Sunday was another hot, beautiful day, so we decided to take Bob's boat out for the day. We spent hours out, played on the beach, cruised the lakes, and the boys fished. Fast forward to bed time and I hit the hay early, complaining of a headache. Around 1:30am, I woke up with the worst pain in my stomach (not bump related) and had to wake Dan to get me some water and indigestion tablets. Neither helped. As the pain got worse, Dan got out of bed, telling me to get dressed, he was going to take me to the hospital. I thought I'd head to the kitchen for a drink when I felt sick and thought I might throw up. Instead, I crashed into the wall, falling over. I heard Dan yell "Did you just fall over?" And I remember answering "yes." But that was it. Next thing I know, Dan's shaking me awake, lying on the floor. I thought I was in bed!! I could hear him calling 000 (our 911) and telling them his pregnant wife had collapsed. Scary stuff. I got dragged off to the hospital and checked out. Baby Louey was checked too and both of us turned out to be okay. For me, it was more terrifying, returning to the maternity ward, since I haven't been back there since Gabe died. But we all survived the visit.

Doctor's diagnosis was: severe dehydration. And today, the OB told me I normally have really low blood pressure and he's not surprised I fainted. I've been formally warned to be careful during these hot days.

In other baby news...it seems Baby Louey does NOT understand the laws of gravity and is sitting upright. I.E.- he should be upside down, head down. But no....not my child. All the movement and kicks I thought I felt, are actually his arms. And while I thought I was poking him in the bum...turns out to be is head. Good going mum! He's got 8 weeks to turn around or he'll be in BIG TROUBLE!!!!!!!!

Photo collage

2009-01-16T23:17:00.001-08:00

Being Saturday today, I spent some time playing on the computer with photos. I figured out (finally!) how to make a collage, which I've been trying to do for ages. So once I finished (and because it took FOREVER) I thought I'd add it to the blog.

The photo dates (from left side) are 18 wks, 20 wks, 26 wks and 28 wks. And even though it may look like it, I have not grown taller over the past two months. I'm just edited to look that way. Also, I WAS pregnant for weeks 24 and 26, but they occured over the Christmas holidays and I guess baby brain got the better of me and I forgot to get my fortnightly bump shot.

Week 28...hide-n-seek bump

2009-01-15T01:35:00.000-08:00

G'day all...and welcome to week 28. Countdown- 12 weeks!! Hard to believe. But all is well. Momma and baby are thriving. Not much new to report on. It's been very hot here lately, which makes getting comfortable hard. But we're lucky in that Bob and Jill (Dan's parents) have a pool. Nothing beats floating your enlarged waist in the water. I even had the thought of uncovering the bump and letting baby Louey get some vitamin D. Only...I hadn't put suncreen on my stomach and ended up with a pink baby bump. Ouch! First and last time that thing ever sees the light of day.

Since in the last post I mentioned how I was carrying all in front (a la basketball-under-the-shirt style) I thought I'd show you all. (excuse the pictures...they were taken by a 6 year old)

Where's the bump????

Oh...there it is!!

You are now about to enter...THE 3RD TRIMESTER

2009-01-07T23:34:00.000-08:00

Yes folks, we've made it to the end. Or at least the 2/3rds mark. As cool as it was to be "half-way" it is even cooler to be in the 3rd trimester and "viable."

Baby Louey is growing and grooving and there is never a doubt in my mind that he is healthy and on the right path. The midwife saw me quickly, 2 days before Christmas, for a reassurance check on the baby. We also just attended our monthly midwife clinic appointment where all went well. She's very happy with my size and the baby's heartbeat is good and strong. (Although, he apparently didn't want to be disturbed, as he kept kicking the probe on my tummy and we couldn't get a good reading.) Was quite funny actually. The next pre-natal step is the dreaded glucose test, and all you mums out there will sympathize. Gross, huh?

This is a weird combination pregnancy...part Max and part Ash. With Max, I carried very high and totally in front. Once again, you can't really tell I'm knocked up from the back (or even from the front, depending on what I'm wearing!) And baby Louey is SUPER active, just like his big brother Ash was. There were days when I swore Ashton was going to burst his way through my abdomen, and I've already experienced a few "Alien- the movie" episodes this time through.

We survived the "silly season," although, of course, Christmas was a little hard. It was weird to think that next Christmas, we should have a little baby crawling around. (It was also weird to stomach the fact that there should have already been a baby crawling around.) But we made it through. Danny and his parents got me a lovely Pandora bracelet, with an initial and birthstone charm for all three of my boys, plus April's birthstone for when Louey arrives. (Only hope he doesn't come too early!!) I also realized that I have been pregnant at Christmas/NYE, four of the past eight years. Which is two-fold. #1 means I can't drink and am Dan's personal driver. And #2 that I can eat whatever and however much I want, without feeling guilty or getting fat (getting bigger anyways...mine as well enjoy myself!)

Post New Years, Dan and I were off to a wedding. Which meant finding something to wear and something that FIT!!! Not an easy task. But we did a little shopping and I found a beautiful dress (that I will never wear again...good buy) and I think Dan and I scrubbed up okay. Of course, once again, the pregnant lady had to sit out the drinking (and the wedding was at a FLIPPIN' WINERY!!!!!!) but at least I didn't feel like a pig sampling every finger-food that came past our table. In fact, those who were hungry came and sat with me, knowing the wait-staff would serve the pregnant lady first. Amen baby.

Someone told me the other day that Safeway (local supermarket) has got their hot cross buns out for sale. "I can't believe the stores are getting ready for Easter already!" people are saying. But we're totally okay with that. With Louey due at Easter, it'll be comforting and exciting to see Easter stuff start to fill the shops. A countdown to the white bunny is, in effect, a countdown to our new baby! I say, BRING IT ON!

Perfect Baby Louey

2008-12-17T18:00:00.001-08:00

FINALLY!!!! After FIVE scans...a decent photo of our beautiful baby!!!

Twas the week before Christmas...

2008-12-17T17:24:00.000-08:00

The baby journal book, for week 24, says that "your baby's sense of hearing is developing and he can respond to music and your voice." This I can attest to, 100%!! Baby Louey has been moving and grooving so much lately, that if it weren't for modern ultrasound technology, I'd swear there was either three babies in my bump, or some kind of reincarnation of a Hindu god, with three sets of arms. This baby is making sure I know that s/he's in there and doing well. I have also learned that my unborn child in NOT a Handel fan. At rehearsals for the Messiah (I'm singing in) I have often had to stop singing for fear of ending up with bruised insides! (At first I thought he liked me singing....but now I'm thinking the kicks are trying to get me to be quiet!)

We have made it to week 24 and one would think that we have never been this pregnant before! Every day feels like a new milestone. Dan loves feeling the baby move and even Max has caught a kick or two (Ashton doesn't have the patience to wait with his hand on my bump.) We have named the baby (easy thing to do once you know the gender) and Louey seems to respond to him name already. Very, very cool. As much as I liked having my first two babies "surprise me" with what they were hiding between their legs, I LOVE knowing who this baby is. Now. Both Grandma and Nan have started shopping and even daddy Dan has bought a few things.

A check up with midwife clinic last week reassured us that everything was progressing in the right order. We already knew the midwife, which made it easier on Dan and I (as we didn't have to re-tell our "story.")

With Christmas less than a week away, we have decided to keep it small and reserved this year. It'll be a hard day to get through, with everyone missing Gabe. Plus we know that NEXT year, Christmas will be huge!!! Baby Louey will be 8 months old and cousin Tilly (who will be 1) will be home with her family. Good times to look forward to in 2009.

With only 16 weeks left to go, I pretty sure those too will fly by. Between Christmas, New Years, a friend's wedding, Bob's 60Th, Gabe's birthday, Ash's 5Th birthday, there's never more than a 3 week break in between events. Baby Louey will be here before we know.

From our growing family to yours, have a very Merry and safe Christmas.

xoxoxo

Bump- size: 22 weeks

2008-12-04T00:40:00.000-08:00

Passing "that" gestational week

2008-12-03T23:45:00.000-08:00

Well, we did it folks! Louey and I have made it to week 22 and Dan and I couldn't be more happy and relieved. I think somewhere in the back of our minds we weren't sure we'd actually make it this far. It was our first real goal with this pregnancy. That, and making it to our anatomy scan!!

Yes, we had our scan last week...AND YES, we found out the sex of the baby. (Sadly though, I won't be publishing it here on the Louey blog, cause there are readers who don't want to know. I'm not mean enough to break it to them that it won't be a secret for that much longer!) That all said, we are NOT keeping the sex a secret (I hate when people do that) and if you want to know, email or ask! We are very excited and the boys are happy...that's all I'll say for now;)

The scan itself, did prove though, to be yet another road bump in our tedious journey. The sonographer was worried when he couldn't find part of Louey's heart (an outflow section) and after 30 minutes of both him and the doctor searching, Dan and I had officially gone back into doubtful panic mode. Of course, we were told "not to worry" but that's easier said than done. We tried to not let it ruin our Thanksgiving, focusing on the fact that otherwise Louey looked healthy and is VERY active.

And speaking of uterine activity....Daddy Dan felt his first real kicks the other night. The poor guy has been chomping at the bit, waiting to feel the baby move. I think he needed it to make the whole thing feel real. If that makes any sense. And plus, he never felt Gabe move, so I think he missed out then too. But as if Louey knew daddy's hand was there, 2 huge reassuring kicks were sent out. And EVERYONE felt them!

Our monthly appointment with the OB today reassured us that everything was on track and the Louey was thriving. Momma's healthy and so is baby. The OB even said that he's been over the ultrasound tape and he could see everything that needed to be seen. In other words, Baby Louey's heart is perfect. Apparently the doctor who reviews and signs off on the scans is always scared of being sued and therefore, won't report on anything he can't see well. Maybe we should sue him anyways, for STRESSING ME OUT!!

Half-Way

2008-11-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

Half-way there and "growing" good.

Yesterday, we passed the 20 week mark, meaning we are officially on the count-down to Baby Louey's arrival and the end of this incredible marathon.

The two photos on the left mark my bump at 18 wks (left) and 20 wks (right, with glasses.) As you can see, I did grow a bit over the past two weeks. And we are very excited about that growth. Most "normal" pregnant women freak out as they get bigger, but Dan and I are embracing all changes. At least we're movin in the right direction. (I can always worry about body-image issues next April!)

Mum-to-be is starting to feel more like a person, and less like an incubator. Morning/afternoon/night sickness has scaled down to just morning sickness and is nothing a good brekkie (or a good chuck:) can't help. My energy has boosted and my mood is better.

Louey is VERY active and I love feeling him practice his gymnastics routine. Look out the 2030 Olympics! This afternoon, we are off to a doctors appointment to have my prenatal obs checked. I.e. blood pressure, fetal heart rate, etc. Appointments always frighten me a little, but the positive outcomes alway warm my heart and give me hope.

We have plenty to keep us busy over the next 2 weeks. At least until we pass "that" period. We've invisioned this time to be quite difficult, but we are pulling together and trying hard to remain as positive as possible. Hopefully the next few weeks fly by as fast as the past 20 have.

Next Friday, while we prepare for our Annual Thanksgiving Down Under (our 8th!) we have anatomy scan (18-22 week ultrasound.) We are SUPER excited, and still reserved a bit. This is the milestone that we never got to with Gabe. Hopefully, everything will go well and if Louey cooperates (and that's a HUGE "if" based on past scans) we might even get a glimpse of what's there or what's missing. Stay tuned for results...

Week 18

2008-11-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that we've made it to week 18. And while we very happy that we've made it this far, I doubt we're comfortable enough to announce our success on a rented billboard.

Like first time parents, jumping into the unknown...think "baby steps." One milestone at a time.

The four (and a half) of us went away to the beach during the Melbourne Cup long weekend. For you Yanks reading...the Melbourne Cup is the horse race that "stops the nation." With school and work cancelled, and every shop in town closed, we decided to head up the east coast to spend some time relaxing in the sun. It was a well deserved break and one that did us all well. We returned refreshed and ready to take on the next few weeks.

This week we met with our OB and talked about my progress and how well everything was going. We had a quick peak at Baby Louey, who once again, thought the ultrasound was an audition for Cirque de Sole. He (it) seems to be growing well and putting on the weight that he should be. He's also very active, which, while I'm enjoying it now, I might feel differently once he get bigger and stronger. Daddy Dan is very eager to feel Louey move (as he never got to feel Gabe) but will have to wait a few more weeks.

As you can see in the photos, I am showing (much sooner than I did with any of the boys) but I'm not really that fussed and actually like "looking" pregnant. BUT I do not need any comments regarding my size...as one woman found out the hard way when she told me I "was huge." My reply..."Bite me."

PLEASE NOTE: I use the word "he" but we do not yet know the sex of Baby Louey. We are due to have our anatomy scan in about 3 weeks (end of Novemeber) and will hopefully find out if we're expecting a Lou or Louisa. Of course, at this point, we can only hope and pray for a healthy baby, that's a given. But if we find out, we will share.

Peace, love and belly rugs until next time.

xoxo

Bumps, bumps, Show us your bump!

2008-11-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

Bumps, bumps, everywhere. When I asked Dan to take a photo of my bump (as a record) Ashton decided that he too, should show us his "baby bump." And then, innocently, suggested Daddy show us his. (What a good sport.) So these are our baby bumps, at 18 weeks.

The story behind "Baby Louey"

2008-10-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

It just dawned on me that I ought to explain where Baby Louey got his/her name.

PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE NOT NAMING THE BABY LOUEY, LUIS, LOUISE, ETC.

We were just calling the baby "the baby"...like any expecting family does. Only, Ash would sometimes get confused and tripped up, and called the new baby "Baby Gabriel." Don't want or need that.

So we said to the boys, "Maybe we should give the new baby a name that we can use until we find out if it's a brother or sister (and name it for real.)" They both liked that idea and Ashton cheerfully exclaimed "How about Baby Louey!?" Don't know how he came up with that one, but as funny as it sounds...it has stuck.

And everyone is getting so used to talking about "Baby Louey" that Dan and I are starting to get worried that it'll be hard to refer to him/her by anything different. YIKES!

Virgin Blog

2008-10-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

Hello all reading this.

After viewing similar blogs that friends have set up for their soon-to-be babies, I thought I would try one for ours.

Yes, you read that right... Dan and I are having another baby!!!

Baby #4 is due the day before Good Friday (April 9th.) What else could the Easter Bunny bring, besides chocolate (and maybe Peeps...if Grandma remembers) that would make it the best Easter ever???? A new baby!!!

We are all very excited (and of course, very scared) but mama and bubs are doing well and we all have our fingers, toes and eyes crossed.

2008-10-28T16:20:00.000-07:00