From the Wolf's Den

I've moved

2011-04-11T12:01:00.000+10:00

because I am failing atkeeping up with multiple blogs. I'm moving all my blogs to one.

Links to the new one will be up soon :)

The 10 Property Laws of the Toddler

2010-08-12T09:41:00.001+10:00

Thought this was too cute not to share

10 Property Laws of the Toddler

If I like it, it’s mine.
If it’s in my hands, it’s mine.
If I can take it from you, it’s mine.
If I had it a week ago, it’s mine.
If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
If it looks just like mine, it’s mine.
If I think it’s mine, it’s mine.
If it it’s near me, it’s mine.
If it’s a vegetable, it’s yours.

Miss K went & got weighed on Monday and is now nearly 7kg. She’s a growing little sprite. Rolling around everywhere.

We’ve had some more solids – farex (not overly keen on) and Rusks (which she loves). We’ll keep slowly trying her on new foods but it seems sweet potato is a clear favourite at the moment.

Until next time :)

Superhero Mums

2010-08-05T21:52:00.001+10:00

Just had to share this link to a blog post I read today.

enjoy!

Been awhile

2010-07-29T17:34:00.001+10:00

Can you believe I haven’t posted here since April! Wow where does the time go?

I mean the wolflet is now 5 1/2 months and so much has happened. Motherhood sure is a full time job lol

Let’s do a quick recap of the last 3 months

April

had a bath with me & loved it! Now a regular treat.
Weight (7.5 weeks) – 4.66kg (10 lb 4oz)
Length(7.5 weeks) – 56cm (22.04in)
first time at an AFL event (Super Saturday @ Aurora Stadium)
started giggling
first lot of vaccinations

May

Weight (3.5 months) – 6.02kg
Length (3.5 months) – 61cm
Started showering with me of a morning. Loves it. Not worried about the water over her face at all.
went to the airport to say goodbye to grannies & grandpa before they went on a 6 week holiday

June

Weight (4 months) – 6.06kg
Length (4 months – 61cm
sitting up supported. Loves her Bebepod boost seat.
went to her first Hawks game. was super well behaved.
trying to stand and roll
went & stayed with Uncle Andrew. Our first family holiday… well weekend away.
another game of footy
had her first day nap in her cot
started Baby Bliss routine
second lot of vaccinations

July

rolling over
chatting away
had her first taste of solids – mushed pumpkin then some leek & potato soup
fell asleep on her belly – just like her mum did
first cold – doesn’t like having her nose wiped. found some great things to help (reviews coming soon)

Anyways, that’s it for now. I’m creating a page that will contain all the wolflet’s milestones and growth info so I have a record of what she’s up to.

Log Your Memory

2010-04-05T23:57:00.001+10:00

I *heart* the Log Your Memory site & I *heart* the 2010 Memory Logbook (I’ve reviewed this on my scrap blog) so when Kristin released the Baby’s First Year Memory Logbook I knew I had to have it LOL And I am not disappointed either.

It’s divided into six sections (an intro to the book; capturing the arrival of your little one; a week by week section; a month by month section; a section looking at memorable moments in the first year; and a year in photos & first birthday.)
Each section has space to journal your thoughts and memories as well as some 8x8 spaces for pictures or mini layouts.

I'm really looking forward to filling this book in as we go through the rest of Miss K's first year (& catching up on journaling the first 2 months)
So if you're a scrapbooker, heck even if you aren't, I would highly recommend this book to any parent.

Log Your Memory Baby's First Year memory logbook - available as in a download & print yourself format, coil bound, soft cover paperback, hardcover and premium hardcover (all versions except the print yourself are only available at Lulu.com)
It’s 346 pages of baby memory goodness. You can preview pages here and read more about the book at this Log Your Memory blog post.

I’ve printed mine out and am slowly working thru the past 2 months (yup, the wolflet is 2months already!). Will be back later to share a few pages with you all :)

Til next time

My new favourite iPhone apps

2010-04-03T17:31:00.023+11:00

I've got 2 new iPhone apps I have to share with other parents - the apps themselves aren't new, just new to me

The first is a godsend for helping bub get to sleep - MagicSleep (or magic sheep as I like 2 call it lol). MagicSleep is an incredibly effective sleep aid for infants and toddlers (and it works equally well for adults). The MagicSleep system was purposefully created to perfectly recreate the sound experience inside the womb.
Sends the wolflet to sleep within 5 minutes - 10 if she is really unsettled.

The second is Total Baby. Total Baby is the most Complete Baby Logging and Tracking Application available for the iPhone and iPod Touch. You can time nappies, feeds (breastfeeding, bottle feeding & solids), sleep, bathing and other (8 Timers / 9 single events like medicine are built-in or create your own). There is also the aility to add your own diary entries and you can track Milestones, Doctor Visits, Growth, Vaccines, and Allergies.

What parenting/child related iPhone apps do you love/recommend?

Nightwolf

ERGObaby

2010-03-24T22:50:00.001+11:00

OMG I love my ERGObaby carrier & the ERGObaby Infant Insert

5 minutes after I put the wolflet in it, she was sound asleep. Guess it gets the tick of approval from her.

Another Child Health appointment today. 4.36kg & 54.5cm long.

and hubby bought a pair of sunnies yesterday (along with two more mcns, a jacket & a sleeping bag – he loves shopping for Kara)

How cool is that? She loves them too.

Okay better go get some sleep before madam wakes up & wants a bum change or a feed ;)

Baby’s Day Out

2010-03-16T08:38:00.001+11:00

This year 2 and 3 Oct will be Baby's Day Out a celebration of babies and their place in the world, a reminder that babies have the right to be breastfed wherever and whenever they are.

Will share more details when more info is released. If you are on Facebook join the fan group.

Before I was a mum

2010-03-13T17:01:00.001+11:00

(Originally posted on The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms but modified slightly for me)

Before I became a Mum…

I didn’t appreciate what a truly tough gig motherhood is
I could pee, poo and shower in privacy
I shaved my legs at least every other day
I had a sex life (well, I had sex occasionally)
My boobs were fairly perky
My nipples didn’t enter the room seconds before the rest of my body
I had time in the morning to style my hair and apply makeup
I could lie in on a Saturday and Sunday morning (ahhhh bliss)
I could stay up and awake beyond 10pm
If I only got five hours sleep it was because I’d had a really fun night out
I didn’t have to wipe any butts or noses but my own
I didn’t have to wash my hands a hundred times a day. Consequently they weren’t chapped, cracked and looking like the hands of a ninety-year-old woman
On a visit to a friend I’d take a bottle of wine; not three overflowing bags of survival equipment
I didn’t spend half the day bent double picking things off the floor
I didn’t sport a permanent snot/dribble/mashed-biccy stain on my shoulder

But…

I didn’t truly know what it feels like to love and be loved unconditionally. I was unaware of the joy of hearing a child’s innocent, uncontrollable laughter. I didn’t know the intoxication of nuzzling a sweet-scented baby’s head.

I didn’t know what a joy and a blessing having one beautiful child would be.

----

On a side note I’m working on a new venture. One that won’t take up as much of my time but won’t bring in any income – something purely for the love of crafting & chatting to other mums (& other family members) who love crafting (well mainly scrapbooking) too. I’ve got a splash page set up here which has a link to the blog which is where I’ll b posting updates before the opening. So feel free to tell your friends and subscribe to the blog so you know what’s going on. Just bear with mw as I work on the theme – things will look a little messy for a bit ;)

Until next time :)

Testing

2010-03-12T23:42:00.001+11:00

Just testing a new blogging app.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Updating & some milestones

2010-03-10T23:36:00.001+11:00

All is well here. Kara is growing very fast.

Had an appointment with the Child Health nurse today. Kara now weighs 4kg and is 54cm long. The nurse is happy with how Kara is growing :D

Milestones & important dates (up to March 10)

20th Feb – came home
22nd Feb – first Child Health visit. Has gained 120g since leaving hospital.
22nd Feb – first bath at home. Screamed. Not a huge fan of having a bath (or having her nappy off)
22nd Feb – what was left of her cord fell off during a 4.30am feed.
26th Feb – Second Child Health visit. Now weighs 3.56kg
27th Feb – slept through a thunderstorm (which woke everyone else in the house up)
27th Feb – first major outing. Jonathan’s first birthday party. Slept nearly the whole time.
4th Mar – went to town for the first time. Managed to sleep most of the four hours while we went to Bunnings, Crafty Critters & Kmart.
6th Mar – Another major outing. Great Gran’s 90th birthday. Slept through most of the evening, even with being handed around to a few of the rellies for cuddles.
10th Mar – Another Child Health appointment. Now weighs 4kg. Had foot print taken.

Problems with comments

2010-02-23T15:16:00.001+11:00

Hopefully they are fixed now. No idea what was going on.
Fingers crossed they work again :)

Welcoming Kara Rose

2010-02-22T11:15:00.001+11:00

Our little bundle of joy has finally arrived. We came home Saturday and I thought I better sit down and blog about the last few days.

We went back up to the hospital on Tuesday morning and my waters were broken at 8am, I swear that is one of the weirdest feelings – feels like u’ve wet yourself. The first part of the labour wasn’t too bad. About 11.30 the pains started to get fairly bad so I opted for the gas. That is an interesting experience – felt like I was totally off the planet. Wanted to go home at 12. About 2.30 the midwives decided I was struggling a bit with the birth and got a doctor to come check me out. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer doctor, he was lovely. Bub had a fairly large head and I was struggling to push her out so it was decided that some assistance was needed. At 4 the doctor decided to use forceps to assist in the birth – OMG talk about painful.
4:13pm saw Miss Kara Rose make her entrance into the world. I’ve never seen James so emotional, gotta admit I was pretty teary myself. The doc fixed up my tear which took bout 30 minutes, that was pretty painful too.

Kara was 7 pound 14 (3592g) and was 50cm

We had about an hour of tummy time after the midwives checked her out. She got a 9 on the AGPAR scale which is pretty good.

Miss KR shortly after being born. The bruises are from the forceps. Mum & Dad, Janne & Joe and Andrew all came to visit while we were still in the labour ward.

Don’t remember much of the next day as I was still pretty out of it. Had a room to myself though which was nice. Thursday was a quiet day but we had a few visitors. There have been a heap of photos taken so I’ll have lots to scrapbook.
We were really hoping to go home on Friday but during her check up the midwives were a bit concerned about the amount of weight she had lost (over 14% of her birth weight – the usual is 10%) so asked if we would mind staying an extra 24 hours to monitor her weight – meant I had to feed every 3 hours and then 4 hours overnight. Was a bit disappointed to not be going home. I ended up with a roomie on Friday but ended up moving to a private room as we decided it would be better – thought it would b better as bub was fairly restless & the other lady had just given birth that day and was pretty tired.
The private room was really nice and it was lovely to b able to have visitors and not have to worry about disturbing anyone else. Next time I’m in hospital I’m definitely going to shell out for a private room again.

Saturday morning we weighted bub again and she had put on 190g overnight so the midwives & the doc were really happy and after another blood test to check her jaundice levels they were happy to let us go home.
Kara travelled really well in the car and slept all the way home and for another hour and a half after that, so it looks like car trips will be ok :)

Sunday was a quiet day at home just enjoying being a family. Mum & Dad came round for a visit as Dad was having withdrawals from not seeing his grad daughter for a day. Dad took Kara for her first walk around the block and she went to sleep.
Mum & I pottered round the house just putting away some of the stuff we took to hospital (over half of which never got used). Janne popped in quickly for a visit and dropped off some new clothes she had bought Kara as well as some pre-folded cloth nappies and a bouncer, which Kara loves.

Michelle also brought the kids round to visit as they hadn’t met their cousin yet. Have been getting lots of well wishes from friends and family via Facebook too.

Off to our first Child Health appointment today so I guess I should go get miss KR ready.

updating

2010-02-15T13:22:00.001+11:00

Well the appointment went well on Thursday but they decided to book m into b induced today.

Cut a long story short – I got to the hospital at 8am this morning, they did an internal and decided not to induce me as I’m in early labour :D if my waters don’t break by themselves tonight I’ll go back up to the hospital 2morrow @7am to have my waters broken.

In other non baby news – we’re getting our iPhones on Wednesday… yay! the first Mac product I’ve owned for YEARS!! looking forward to playing with it when it arrives.

Okies off for a nap & hope my waters break today. Looking forward to meeting our little bubba!

Time for another update

2010-02-09T16:35:00.001+11:00

Not much is going on here at the moment really. Just waiting for the little one to arrive.

Got a few more things done in the nursery. Just need some drawers & a change table.

Got some of the Deborah Woods prints framed & they are up on the wall now. These are the three we have chosen.

(here’s a shot of all three together)seriously too cute.

Haven’t taken any new shots of the nursery but will get around to doing it when it cools down a bit. It is so hot here atm (well hot for Tassie anyway lol)

Ankle is still swollen – could take up to 6 weeks to come right and of course the heat doesn’t help much.

Have an appointment at the hospital on Thursday. I imagine they may do an internal to see how all is going. Not long to go now – 5 days til our EDD. Have a feeling the wolflet will arrive in the early hours of Sunday morning (allowing mum to watch her team play – even if it is on telly – Saturday night).

39 weeks

2010-02-04T22:11:00.001+11:00

OMG where has the last nine months gone?

Our cot is set up, we have the baby seat (& got it properly fitted in the car) and a stroller, lots of baby clothes & my bags are pretty much packed (just a few more things to add)

Had another appointment today. Endo is very happy with how I’m going so has said they don’t need to see me again til I go into labour.

Docs are happy too & are happy to let me go to term (I was actually given the choice). The doc I saw today said it feels like bub is engaged so now begins the waiting game. Have another appointment next Thursday.

Feel huge. Feel hot. Getting more BHs *sigh*

(hehe how trendy is that – pj bottoms & one of hubby’s tank tops)

On a side note – I twisted my ankle last Friday & it is huge. Is making it very hard to wear shoes.

Not much else to report. Got most of the nursery organised. Will share photos over the weekend.

Gotta share a post or two

2010-01-30T10:35:00.001+11:00

I’ve recently started reading a blog written by one of my best friends in high school & his wife. They have 2 gorgeous kids & I *heart* their blog.

They have had a couple of posts lately that I really want to share cause they are just great!

My Parenting style... why the criticism? (I’ve never met Emma but she sounds awesome)
Cloth nappies - the dad's perspective

anyways, just a quickie from me this morning. Go check out the above posts :)

Appointment & a funny

2010-01-28T20:25:00.001+11:00

Had another appointment today at the hospital. Went well. They aren’t going to induce me (*yay*) and by the looks of it are happy to let me go to term and maybe a week over. CTG went well too apparently I had a few braxton hick contractions during it, never felt them. Bub is moving around a lot today.

Oh yeah, it’s my 32nd birthday today. Got some lovely goodies for myself & bub. Will post more about my birthday over on my personal blog

Saw this posted on the BellyBelly and thought I’d share it

Breastfeeding, Dr Seuss style!
Would you nurse him in a park?
Would you nurse him in the dark?
Would you nurse him with a boppy?
And when your boobs are feeling floppy?
I would nurse her in the park.
I would nurse him in the dark.
I'd nurse with or without a boppy.
Floppy boobs will never stop me.
Can you nurse with your seat belt on?
Can you nurse from dusk til dawn?
Though she may pinch me, bite me, pull,
I will nurse her til she's full.
Can you nurse and make some soup?
Can you nurse and feed the group?
It makes her healthy strong and smart,
Mommy's milk is the best start!
Would you nurse him at the game?
Would you nurse her in the rain?
In front of those who dare complain?
I would nurse him at the game.
I would nurse her in the rain.
As for those who protest lactation,
I have a perfect explanation.
Mommy milk is tailor made
It's perfect food, you need no aid.
Some may scoff and some may wriggle,
Avert their eyes or even giggle.
To those who can be cruel and rude,
Remind them breast's the perfect food.
I would never scoff or giggle,
Roll my eyes or even wiggle!
I would never be so crass or crude,
I KNOW that this milk's the perfect food!
We make the right amount we need,
The perfect temp for every feed.
There's no compare to milk from breast-
The perfect food, above the rest.
Those nursing smiles are oh so sweet,
Mommy milk is such a treat.
Human milk just can't be beat.
I will nurse, in any case,
On the street or in your face.
I will not let my baby cry,
I'll meet her needs, I'll always try.
It's not about what's good for you,
It's best for babies, through and through.
I will nurse her in my home,
I will nurse her when I roam.
Leave me be lads, leave me be ma'am
I will nurse her, MOM I am.

Anyways, enough from me. Hope you’re having a great day!

Well….

2010-01-27T21:55:00.001+11:00

I forgot to do an update last week LOL lots been going on.

This is what the nursery looks like atm…

it is such a mess. I’m hoping it will all be finished over the weekend. *sigh* on the upside, the computers are now all out of there. Hoping to get the rest of it out of there over the next few days.

Last week’s appointment went well. Everyone is happy. Have another appointment tomorrow. Will do an update when I get home. Bub is still moving around lots.

Hoping to get another belly shot soon.

Growth scan & parenting class

2010-01-20T21:22:00.001+11:00

Went and had our growth scan yesterday. All is going well. Bub is measuring about 2-3 days ahead at 37 weeks. Bub is positioned head down with the spine on the left hand side and feet in my ribs on the right. Have a nice bruise on my right hand side.

Popped in to see Andrea and she looked at my blood sugar levels and is very happy with how things are going, so another positive :)

Off to see Dr Dennis tomorrow so will report back tomorrow night.

The Practical Parenting class was interesting. First up we went and watched a newborn being bathed. He was very cute and I think we both learnt a bit. We discussed going out with bub, feeding, sleeping, having pets and introducing pets to bub and a couple of other things. Most of it was stuff we had discussed in other classes.

Not much else to report at the moment. Will hopefully have some more pictures to share this weekend of my purple mini binder & my bub journal. I’ve started a Word doc so I’m doing a bit of journaling in that while I work on the pages.

4 weeks to go

2010-01-15T12:32:00.001+11:00

OMG!!!!!!! 4 weeks!!!!! Had my baby shower yesterday but more about that later.

Had an appointment with the OB & Endo yesterday. Endo is very happy with how things are going so is the OB. My hip pains are just the results of ligaments etc stretching and the cramps are practice contractions. My fundal height is 36cm and the heartbeat is good. Also had a CGT so they are very happy with that and got the expressing kit so I’ll start doing that tonight (well try anyways lol) So all is good in the eyes of the hospital :D

Onto the baby shower……

It was a great afternoon with lots of games and lots of pressies. We received… clothes, nappies, a baby bath, towels, cot sheets, mattress protectors, a crocheted rug, books (which is awesome cause we both love reading & want to read heaps to bub), bibs, toys, a photo frame, a Hawks football (see it has no choice in what AFL team it follows LOL) and much more. Ate way too much, especially the marbled chocolate cheesecake slice *yum*
Got to catch up with my cousin & her new little one who were up from Hobart for the week which was awesome as I haven’t seen her for ages.

Hubby ended up coming out to mum & dad’s and we had pizza for tea. Was nice not to have to cook LOL

Next week I have a couple of appointments – one with the OB (they are weekly from now on I think), a growth scan, and a practical parenting class.

So much is going on around home now too. We’ve emptied the back room and are up to the stage of plastering the joins (hubby & FIL are doing that today). The sanding will prob get done Sunday (giving the plaster a day & a bit to dry) then we’ll paint hopefully Monday and pick up the new flooring on Tuesday to be put in Wednesday. Hopefully Monday or Tuesday morning will see the new door go in as well. Thursday is Dad’s birthday so I doubt we’ll do anything then meaning Friday we’ll move computers.

Saturday & Sunday will most likely be spent plastering up holes in the nursery (where computer cables have been moved from), doing paint touch ups, steam cleaning the floor & setting up the cot & moving the wardrobe in. I’m sooooo looking forward to that bit :D

Anyways enough from me. Off to do update our to do list & then have some lunch.

My wishlist (12th January 2010)

2010-01-12T12:45:00.001+11:00

Just surfing the net and logging my wish list for products for me & bub

First up a list of things I’d like for myself (of course they are baby related)

New Mother’s Journal from Nursing Angels

Straplettes Nursing Reminder Bra Charm

Sleepysoft Maternity and Nursing PJs

For bub

Mothercare Please look after me bath set (does anyone know where I can buy Mothercare in Australia? – it costs way too much to get it sent from the UK)Oricom monitor (we’ll either go the Secure200 or Secure500 – pic is the Secure500)

and we’re torn between

this net

& this net. I think I prefer the first one but I’m not sure about the stand thing. The second one hangs from the roof.

And we’re thinking this could be the way to go for the change table.

Might have to see if Dad can build something similar from wood.

I also found this while surfing the Baby Buds website. How cute is it?

anyways that’s the majority of my wishlist atm.

A car capsule, a dietician & a belly

2010-01-10T23:24:00.001+11:00

We’ll we ordered our cot & mattress on the 6th, so it should get here this week. It’ll stay in it’s box though until we get the nursery empty (& steam clean the floor). Hopefully that will be next weekend. Looking forward to finally getting the room set up.

We picked up our Unity capsule on the 7th. OMG I love it. It’s so light and easy to take out of the cradle. A big hanks to my little bro for buying it for us. Looked into the price of spare bases to for both sets of grandparents (I know Mum & Dad will buy one) - $119.from Babyland in Launnie.

Had the appointment with the Diabetes dietician. She suggested I should try having my meals at more regular times (instead of whenever we eat) to see if it helps make my levels a bit more even. So I’m trying to get up a bit earlier and do my fasting bloods about 8, breakfast about 8.30, morning snack bout 11, lunch around 1, afternoon snack bout 4ish and tea bout 6.30. managing to go ok so far. also means I’m not staying up super late to take my last lot of bloods. Did ok on Friday & yesterday but today we slept in so I didn’t do so well on keeping my times this morning (but caught back up at lunch). Apart from that I need more dairy in my diet (I’ve been drinking less milk lately) so I’ve got to have some small glasses of milk with either my meals or snacks & I’m going to try & have some yoghurt at least once every second day.

Finally… here’s the first belly shot for 2010.

So we’re at 35 weeks now – not long to go now and we’ll b onto baby photos :D

Happy 2010 & updating

2010-01-05T20:15:00.001+11:00

First up just wanted to share this cool quote I found

My opinion is that anybody offended by breastfeeding is staring too hard. ~David Allen

gotta love it!

Wow we’re into 2010 already & we’re just under 6 weeks to go!! OMG where has the time gone?
Still really haven’t got anything bought. My bro is buying us the Unity capsule. We’ll probably get the stroller just after bub is born.
The in-laws are buying us a cot & mattress. I think we’ve finally decided on a cot…

a Grotime Lara 4-in-1 cot.
Mum’s being buying heaps of clothes still. Got some great bargains too. Like a brand new Bub2B (kmart brand) top from a second hand store for $5!! It’s never been worn and still has the labels on it.

I’ve nearly got my labour bag packed – all I need to do is chuck in my purple mini folder, our birth plan, some pkts of barley sugar, some deodorant for both of us and some change. I’ll chuck the camera and mobile in just before we leave.
Suitcase is nearly packed as well, just need to grab 2 pairs of pjs from mum, a notepad so I can write stuff down (won’t take my laptop as there will probably b no net access :( ), my 2010 journal (will put that in just before we leave), and some disposables for bub.

GD is going well. The diabetes nurse is happy with my levels so we haven’t put my insulin up (yay). I should have at least one more scan AND if all things continue to go well they won’t induce me and I can go to term (& possibly slightly over).

Mum’s coming in either tomorrow or Friday to give me a hand with some cleaning up. Nice to have an extra set of hands, especially when hubby doesn’t seem motivated & would rather watch DVDs *sigh*

Have a breast feeding class on Thursday & an appointment with the dietician so will probably post again then.

Another GD update

2009-12-30T20:09:00.001+11:00

Well I’m on insulin now, 3 times a day atm. before meals. The Diabetes nurse & doc were concerned about my levels – when they are high, they are very high *sigh*

so this has caused an argument between me & hubby. He thinks I shouldn’t b on insulin but after discussion with the diabetes nurse I can see why they want me on it & if it works well & good. I said that to hubby & told him what the nurse said but I don’t think he’s convinced *sigh* so I said to him – I’d rather b healthy & have a healthy baby and if it means taking insulin just to be on the safe side (I mean it’s only for another 6 weeks) then so be it!

Onto other news….

We have decided which capsule & stroller we’re gonna get:
the Safe N Sound Unity capsule

and the Steelcraft Profile Stroller – it’s much lighter than the original Eden we looked at (& cheaper too). I feel I could handle this stroller much better – even took it for a test run in the store lolStill looking at cots, I really like the Love N Care 3-in-1 Vogue.

Ok well I guess that’s all atm.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T08:30:00.001+11:00

Hope everyone has a happy & safe Christmas. I’m taking a bit of a blog holiday til the New Year (unless I have something to share).

Hope your day is filled with cheer & lots of love!

The continuing mini binder project

2009-12-20T22:21:00.001+11:00

I’ve got my cover done and a few pages. No dividers done yet but I’ve got no real plans for tomorrow afternoon (yet)

So here’s the cover

Yup it’s plain but it means I can use it again for another project. You can’t see it the photo but I covered the binder in clear contact to, hopefully, make it a bit more durable.

Here’s an example of the calendar and appointment pages (I’ve blurred my appointments)

and my food journal

That’s all I’ve got done atm. More to come later

Embarking on (yet another) new project

2009-12-18T19:24:00.001+11:00

I decided the other day that taking both my purple binder with baby info plus my bub journal plus my Log Your Memories 2010 Memory book (plus god knows what else) was a bit much & I need something smaller I could fit in my bag. Something about A5 size.

Then when I went to register at Diabetes Tas the other day for the NDSS (National Diabetes Services Scheme) the lovely lady there gave me an info binder. Guess what? It’s about A5 size!! So guess who’s going to alter it so I can take it with me in my bag & to hospital and not need to carry around 100 & 1 large binders and other books.

So this is what the binder looks like atm

There are 5 dividers and I’m not really sure what sections I’ll need.
I’ve started creating pages thou so I guess we’ll see what sections come from the pages I create.

I’ve been typing up a food journal so I can keep an eye on what I’m eating, what affects my blood sugars and keep a record of my blood sugar levels. I decided to create some food journal pages to put in my binder so I can record what I eat when I’m out and about – I swear this binder is the perfect size for my bag! Guess that gives me my first section – Food. Means I can also put recipes to try in there as well.

I’ve created some some calendar pages as well, backed with an appointment list so I can keep track of my upcoming appointments (& don’t need to rely on my mobile as an appointment book)

I’ve started on a few checklists as well as important contacts. It’s also got a clear pocket in the back so I’ll put my purple hospital book in there and then I know where it is.

Anyways, I’ll be back in the next few days with the altered cover and dividers as well as a few of the pages I’ve printed out.

GD Update

2009-12-16T11:56:00.001+11:00

Well the clinic went well. There was me, hubby & one other lady. We learnt about the different types of diabetes, had a quick meeting with the nutritionist and then learnt how to monitor our blood sugar.

We have to report our levels once a week so they can keep an eye on how we are going. So far my morning levels have been just over the level they want and my others are pretty good – unless I drink Coke, so no more Coke til after bub is born.

Also need to exercise more. I’m trying to motivate hubby into starting to go walking with me each night. I’ll probably start swimming next week.

Ok better go take my post breakfast bloods and then get myself ready to head into town – gotta call into Diabetes Tas to get some more testing strips & sign up for the NDDS then off to the hospital to report in (since I’m in town anyways)

A new look

2009-12-13T22:23:00.001+11:00

What do you think? I love the templates that Gisele does. You can see her free templates here. Will slowly add my sidebar thingies back over the next day or two.

Now onto the updates.

I have gestational diabetes. Off to the hospital tomorrow for a three hour clinic. According to the letter we’ll learn about GD, risks to the mother & baby, aims of care, healthy eating plan and blood glucose monitoring. So I’ll be keeping an eye on my blood sugars for the last 2 months on my pregnancy. Will be interesting to see if this means more scans. Chatted to one of the other girls in the ante-natal class who has GD and she said this means I don’t see Team any more (until the wolflet is born) but will see the diabetes team now *sigh*. Got an appointment with the endo on Christmas Eve and then another two appointments in early January (one with the diabetes nurse educator and one with the dietician). Will all b interesting.

The wolflet is moving around LOTS. Mainly of a night time now and early in the morning, or if I get up to go to the loo.

Was playing around with the camera the other day and took this pic of one of the wolflet’s bears – thought it looked like the bear (who’s name is PJ) was looking at the star ornament.

Went shopping yesterday with mum. Was nice to have a girl’s day and get some shopping done. Bought some more goodies for the wolflet to wear and some bits & pieces for me while I’m in hospital plus a couple of gorgeous new tops and a couple of new bras (not sharing pics of them lol). So now the lounge has piles of baby clothes all sorted by size. gonna take a bit of getting used to ;)

and finally a new belly pic

Pregnancy Journal

2009-12-01T18:23:00.001+11:00

So I am finally getting around to having pages in my journal finished and ready to photograph and share. I’ve got 6 pages done (well 5 cause I haven’t done the second layout for the first scan). The photos aren’t all that good but will give u an idea of what I’ve done :)

The inside cover

Pages 1 & 2 (We’re expecting. We’ve Got News)

Pages 3 & 4 (So tiny. Scan 1a)

Pages 5 & 6 (Scan 1b. The Ultrasound poem)

Will be back later with some more pictures hopefully.

Hmmm

2009-11-30T18:05:00.001+11:00

Got a phone call this morning from the hospital. seems the sugar levels in my test were a little high so I have to go back and do the 2 hour test *sigh* looks like I might have gestational diabetes. And then I got a letter today suggesting my iron levels are low. Well it’s the first health issues I’ve had this pregnancy so I can’t really complain.

Would explain why I’ve been so tired lately. Have to start taking my preggie vitamins again :)

Packing my hospital bags

2009-11-29T18:15:00.001+11:00

well not really. just planning at the moment. We discussed what to bring with us to hospital on Wednesday night, so I’ve decided to start a list here. It was suggested we take two bags to hospital with us – one to take into the labour ward and one for when we’re in the ward.

In my labour ward bag I’ll pack:

at least one old t-shirt to wear during labour
a bubby bundle (blanket, onesie, singlet, booties, beanie, nappy)
mp3 player (will do a separate post on music)
camera & batteries (must make sure memory card is empty – it’s 4gb so that should b plenty of pics – i haven’t filled it yet)
drink bottle (one for me & one for hubby) and prob juice
packet or two of barley sugar
shorts for hubby (just in case)
packet of pads
some granny pants
thick socks
mobile
massage oil or mango butter and massager
TENS machine
toiletries – deodorant for both of us, lip balm, hair bands
my purple hospital book
our birth plan
change

and then in my suitcase I’ll pack:

some pjs (most likely button up tops & boxers)
slippers
Preg Journal
books
something to wear during the day
more pads & granny pants
breastfeeding bras & breastpads
clothes for bub
something to go home in for both me & bub
toiletries – hairbrush, toothbrush & toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner

Have I forgotten anything? Anything you took you didn’t need?

Freebies for Mums & Mum’s-To-Be

2009-11-29T00:02:00.001+11:00

Here’s some great sites that have freebies and samples for mums & mum’s-to-be

(coming soon)

Baby Resources for Scrapbookers

2009-11-29T00:01:00.001+11:00

Another resource list :)

Ideas

Documenting your pregnancy

Galleries

Titles & Poems

Scrap Jazz

Useful resources for mums & mum’s to be

2009-11-28T23:59:00.001+11:00

I thought I’d write up a post that lists some of the most useful resources I’ve found for mum’s-to-be. I’ll link it over in the sidebar so we can all come back to it later, as no doubt I’ll keep adding to it.

Forums

Bub Hub (Aust)
Belly Belly

Info Sites

Blogs

Nursing Birth – some great info posts & some funny ones too (US)

Books

What to Expect series

Stuff to make

Make Baby Stuff - Baby crafts tutorials, instructions for how to make baby clothes, how to make baby toys and tons of DIY crafty projects for all things baby! Your how-to resource for baby's homemade lifestyle.

A new bubby bump pic

2009-11-22T19:45:00.001+11:00

finally.

slowly getting bigger. we’re 28 weeks now.

and check out this gorgeous nappy bag hand made by one of mum’s friends.

It’s massive and has three pockets on one side. I love it!!

No appointments this week apart from our ante-natal class on Wednesday.

A 3D wolflet

2009-11-19T21:46:00.001+11:00

Went and had the 3D scan yesterday at Launceston Ultrasound for Women. They are awesome! The team there are super friendly and the lady who did our scan was wonderful. She explained lots and pointed out all the different bits. We also got a disc of all the images taken during the scan. so without further ado here’s the wolflet……

(how cool is that! an arm, a leg & some internals lol)

(blood flow thru the placenta)

(another face pic)

Another ante natal class last night. Got to visit the labour ward and see all the bits in the room and checked out the rooms in the maternity ward. It’s nice to see what the rooms are like and gives us a better idea of what to expect.

Another class

2009-11-12T20:23:00.001+11:00

Had another class last night. This time we looked at the stages of labour, the role of the support person & natural pain relief. then we watched a short video about labour.

got to go visit the premmie ward last nite too. OMG they r soo tiny & sooooo cute. I’m really looking forward to our little wolflet arriving now – but I don’t want him/her to turn up til Feb :)

Lots of activity happening atm. can actually see my bump move occasionally, it looks awesome.

me thinks it is time for another bump pic – I feel huge but feel I’m gonna get bigger :D

okies back later with a pic for you all :)

Just a quick update

2009-11-10T17:24:00.001+11:00

Had another team appointment yesterday. All is good. I’m 26 weeks (& 3 days today). We’re now in the third & final trimester (OMG!!!)

Will hopefully be able to start sharing some changes to bub’s room soonish. Will share a pic of what the room looks like now in the next day or two (mainly so you can all see what we have to move out of the room first LOL)

Went & saw my doc today. Just to say g’day and to update him on how it’s all going (even thou he gets the reports from the hospital) and to get a referral to get a 3d scan. so we’re all booked in to have a 3d scan next Wednesday!!!! talk bout quick. thought we’d have to wait for ages to get in.

Off to another ante-natal class 2morrow night so will pop back in with a report either when I get home or on Thursday. Until then *hugs*

Ante-natal classes

2009-11-05T20:19:00.001+11:00

Woohoo. started ante natal classes last night. Looks like we will learn allot.

There are about 7 or 8 couples (including me & hubby) so it’s a nice size group. We get a different midwife each week for the next 6 weeks. Last night we had a quick intro into what the classes are about, discussed the good & not so good things about being being pregnant, warning signs and problems, when to ring the hospital, where to come into the hospital. We were meant to go visit the premmies ward but they had two admittances last night so our tour was postponed.

I hope those who checked in last night are ok & their bubs are healthy.

Next week we learn about what to expect when we go into labour & pain relief.

New bubby bump

2009-10-30T21:42:00.001+11:00

OMG I look huge lol

25 weeks in a couple of days. all is progressing well.

New bub shots

2009-10-23T21:22:00.000+11:00

Had our latest scan yesterday and bub behaved beautifully. The tech got all the shots she needed, even when bub decided to play up when she was taking shots of the heart. The funniest thing happened thou, we were chatting away while she did the scan and she turned and said to me “did you feel that too?”. Yup bub kicked the bit she was scanning and you could see it. so bub’s taking after mum & dad and doesn’t like being photographed.

This was one of the best tech’s we’ve had so far, she was chatty, explaining everything. She was saying the first EDD is what we should go by & only 5% of babies arrive on their EDD. so bub is due approx 12 Feb. I’m 24 weeks today and the scan ave suggests I’m about 5-6 days off that. The tech even explained how they work out the date thingy from each scan.

Had both mum and James’ mum there too which was nice.

Anyways on to the newest pic of our little one.

I’ve got a head cold. was worried it might have hurt bub with all the coughing I’ve been doing but all is well & bub is looking healthy :)

Until next time *waves*

Updating

2009-10-12T17:00:00.001+11:00

Had an appointment with the midwifery team today (well one of them, a lovely lady named Brenda). All is well. EDD has changed to about the 14th Feb now according to my last scan so bubbie may b born on my cousin’s birthday (15th), if not it could b born on Valentine’s Day lol

Have booked into parenting classes, a BF class & a parenting skills class. Have another scan next week. Umm anything else??

found out my what the pain I’ve been getting in my hip is – swimming & water aerobics can help it so looks like I’ll b going back to the pool soon. went and investigated getting a 3D scan, so off to the docs I go to get a referral. hopefully bub plays nice when we decide to go get the scan done

no new cravings really – just chocolate and tomato sandwiches (obviously not together lol)

new belly bump pic :D you can tell I’m preg now lol

that’s all for now. Will update again next week :)

Freebies (pt 2)

2009-10-01T11:14:00.001+10:00

and some more

Jurlique (Shampoo & Body wash, moisturising cream, barrier cream, massage oil)
Avent (breast pad sample, Via cup, dummy)
POD
Mei (baby lotion, diaper cream, liquid baby powder, baby shampoo)
Avado Organics (shower gel, baby moisturiser, baby bath wash, baby nappy lotion)
Bioliving (organic infant follow-on formula, organic millet porridge)
Aromababy
Love Your Skin (no samples currently)
Cherub Rubs (no samples)
Belli
Sanitarium
Cetaphil (cleanser, moisturising lotion, moisturising cream)
Cenovis (pregnancy planner booklet)

Freebies (pt 1)

2009-09-30T18:27:00.001+10:00

Wow I swear companies are super generous!

I’ve been contacting a few companies just to get info about their products so I can make an informed decision about what stuff I use on bub and most of them have sent me sample products!!
Oh yeah – most of the products are organic as I want to go organic for bub

So far I’ve contacted the following and got the following back (I’ve split it into 2 posts cause it’d b a huge post otherwise LOL)

Johnson & Johnson (sorbolene cream, baby basics spoon, baby basics face wipes, wipes, baby wash, top to toe bath, bedtime bath, moisture rich bath)
Pure Spa
Little Innoscents (you pay $6 postage) (hair & body wash liquid and nappy rash cream)
Palmers (samplers of massage cream, nursing cream, bottom butter and massage lotion)
Pigeon
To Life (Rite Aid) (nursing pad sample, hydrogel breast disc)
Snugglers (nappy sample)
Baby Love
Mustela (cleansing gel, cleansing fluid, vitamin barrier cream, nursing comfort balm, post partum body toning gel, body milk, massage oil, face cream)
Sanctum (hydrating gel mask, hand & nail repair, firming eye balm,baby bath wash, baby bottom balm, night conditioning cream, skin whitening lotion, moisture replenish, hy c recovery serum)

Someone is a little camera shy

2009-09-25T20:30:00.001+10:00

Well we had our 20 week scan today (OMG 20 weeks already – can u believe it!) and a certain someone decided they did not want to play nice for the lovely lady doing our scan.

We got some great head shots (& comments about aliens from a certain father-to-be) and some cute hand & feet shots, and then lots of lovely spine shots after someone decided to roll over. Then they wouldn’t roll back so no new bubby pics.

Will have to go back in bout 3 weeks for another scan so hopefully someone will play nice this time :)

In the meantime we think we’ll see if we can get in to see Dr Winspears @ Launceston Ultrasound for Women for a 4d scan. I have heard so many wonderful things about her.

Have been receiving some gorgeous pressies so far.
A few hawks items (clothes and toys for bub), some gorgeous knitted bits from my godparents, a body shop pamper kit from me from my auntie (which smells soooo yummy), a winnie the pooh scrapbook kit from another auntie. Mum’s been buying lots of little bits & pieces too.

Anyways enough ramblings from me. will update again soon :)

New bub belly shot

2009-09-18T20:56:00.001+10:00

taken tonight. I thought I looked bigger than that lol

Still spending time hanging out at Bub Hub – I love it there.
Still got heart burn :( finally sleeping mist of the night but up really early.

Appointments

2009-09-15T14:55:00.001+10:00

Went and had a docs appt yesterday :) Blood pressure is good & bub’s heart rate is good too so all is normal :D Was amazing to hear that tiny little heart beat. Told hubby I want to take a tape recorder next time LOL

Have my next scan in a fortnight and another appointment at the hospital in about a month.

Will get hubby to take another belly shot 2nite. been awhile since I had one done. would b nice to get one of both of us sometime before bub is born.

Appointments

2009-09-08T21:11:00.001+10:00

First a bit of a bubby update – felt bub move for the first time last Wednesday nite. little bugger kept me awake the other night, tossing & turning. hubby still hasn’t felt anything yet :( can’t wait til he can get a chance to feel them too.

Ended up ringing the hospital today to find out what was going on with the docs appt I was meant to have. It was meant to be made last time I was there *sigh* but it is all good – I have an appt Monday.

Still have heartburn but over the morning sickness.

Current cravings – Raspberry split ice creams – they are just as yummy as I remember them; Eskimo pies; orange & mango mineral water; chocolate milk; maccas cheeseburgers and quarter pounders (I’m so not a maccas fan)

Starting to show a bit more now – will get hubby to take another baby bump pic 2morrow to share.

Working on my journal a bit more – will share more pics soon.

Pictures

2009-08-27T14:05:00.001+10:00

Here’s the latest baby bump piccy (from 16 August)

still don’t think I’m showing that much.

Finally got some pics done of a couple of pages I’ve got done in my Pregnancy Journal.

Inside cover (title from pcCrafter hug Ware, Hambly transparency, LaserCuts (I think) owl)

We’re expecting/We’re got news (still to do the journaling on these pages)

If you’re a girl/If you’re a boy (I’ve added a few more names since this was taken lol)

Ohh found an awesome new place to hang out – Bub Hub OMG this site is awesome & soooo friendly. the girls there are lovely.

That’s all for now. still no appointment with hospital *sigh* am I worrying too much that I haven’t had a second appointment yet?

Not much new to report

2009-08-17T14:35:00.001+10:00

No new appointments to share. Not much new at all to share really. Started work on my pregnancy journal, will share when I have a few more pages done (& I’ve taken photos).

Our first bub picture

2009-08-06T16:58:00.001+10:00

Woohoo. Went & had our first scan today. Pleased to report all is well. Bub is floating around happily, is around 5cm, moving it’s little hand and feet about happily and has a heartbeat of 160.

Kinda hits home how real it all is now, seeing the tiny munchkin.

so without further ado here’s bub…..

Okies getting ready to head out. going to a linen party tonight :)

Wow August already

2009-08-02T16:29:00.001+10:00

Well Thursday went well. Chatted, got a bag of goodies (lots of advertising by baby companies and a HEAP of info to read thru plus Mother & Baby mag), had blood taken. the usual.

This Thursday will be my first scan so we can get a more accurate due date but at this stage we’re looking about the 10th Feb 2010 which makes me about 12ish weeks.

Had my first baby bump pic taken on Thursday

that’s my new dress too. I loves it.

What else? Went & did some more shopping for me, two maternity bras, some new undies & some PJs for when bub is born. I seriously love the service you get at Judy’s Body Fashions.

Went out for tea last nite at the Casino for a dinner auction. Had a great time. Was a bit peeved though cause they had all the foods I love (pate, prawns etc) and they are things I should avoid. I did have a tiny (& i mean miniscule) bit of pate & it was gorgeous. So had a feed of bread & salad and roast lamb (yummo) and dessert was one of the yummiest choc mousse and fruit salad.

Auction wise there was a few baby hampers we bid on but they ended up going for heaps. We did end up getting something though – a cute white knitted cardi, mittens & hat set. J’s mum also won a cruise on the Tamar and gave it to us which was nice – so we’ll have a nice day out one day.

Got my hair done the other day (Friday). So it’s a bit shorter than before, a bit darker & has blonde streaks – I love it.

Had some new cravings this week – French Toast, Potato scones (scottish ones – they are nothing like proper scones – I’ll take pics next time I make some & share the recipe with you all), microwave popcorn (with butter) and pancakes with lemon & sugar. No new foods I can’t stomach (yet) & feeling less queasy (yay!). Find that if I graze I don’t feel as yuck. Still not drinking Coke. Have been drinking heaps of water, water cordial and milk. I can’t get enough milk atm.

Well I think that’s all for the time being. Will most likely update again on Thursday night.

Today in my world

2009-07-28T16:32:00.001+10:00

Well I’ve been feeling very tired over the last few weeks. I’m looking forward to this coming Thursday (OMG it’s 2 days away) as it’s the first appointment at the hospital. Kinda mixed emotions – excited as but a bit worried – no idea why.

Have started a list of baby names. Have more girl names atm. I guess I find it easier to pick girl names I like cause I’m a chick lol.

Mum & I spent some time Saturday surfing the maternity stores online and we bout my first piece of maternity wear :-D Exciting huh? I think mum is more excited about this atm than I am – still feels very surreal to me. Anyways on to sharing the purchase………

how gorgeous is this dress? (I ended up getting it the grey as they had sold out of ink – the blue shown here)

Seriously, if you are looking to buy maternity wear online, you have to check out Mama Wear. I ordered this dress on Saturday. They contacted me on Monday to say the blue wasn’t available and would I like either the grey or the black. The dress arrived today (Tuesday)! That’s seriously speedy – gotta love that!

Have been drinking heaps of water too atm – which I suppose is a good thing.

Anyways enough rambling from me ;) Til next time

Welcome & catching up

2009-07-19T18:00:00.001+10:00

Welcome to my little corner of the blogosphere. Join me on my journey as hubby & I add to our wolf's den with a little cub of our own.

Just a quick catch up to today.
13th July - Docs appointment. Had a preg test & it was confirmed I'm pregnant *woohoo* pretty excited. Doc suggested I'm bout 8 weeks.
Have had morning sickness, with somedays it being all day sickness. I've been doing some research on the net & joining a few mum to be sites. Falling in love with maternity clothing (& OMG how expensive is some of it!!) and getting rather clucky.
Told my mum & dad first then the in-laws. most the family knows now I think.

Have my first appointment at the matenity ward on 30th of July. Think it will all really sink in then, especially if I have a scan.

Current cravings are ham salad rolls (which I can't have), milk, tuna, musk sticks, apples & oranges. Can't stand the smell of bacon (raw, cooking or cooked).

Everyone keeps asking me if I want a boy or girl. Honestly I don't care as long as it is healthy.