We loaned Biggy our digital camera to take on a trip to Sydney for a couple of weeks and ever since, every moment with my family has seemed like a perfect photo op’ that can never be recaptured.
Yesterday I would have taken photos of Izzy – all smart in his school uniform, proudly holding his baby brother at his new desk in his new classroom. Then after his school day was over I would have loved to capture him waving at me through the window as I waited to collect him.
I would have taken a photo of my Mum on parade with her new class of grade threes. Greg too, first thing in the morning - so sexy in his work clothes, driving me crazy watching him tucking in his work shirt and rolling up his sleeves!
I would have taken photos of Bubby on the potty slouching there over his fat tummy like a tired little old man. And photos of him cooling off in the kitchen sink, in the laundry tubs, under the hose and in the rain. Photos of him all dreamy-eyed, relaxing on the bed after a big feed. And how he can sit up so strong now with only the occasional stack.
On Sunday I would have captured memories of Greg and Bubby having yet another very successful swimming lesson in my sisters’ pool.
Pictures of Izzy and his cousins wrestling on the tramp’ and Greg hurling them about in the pool.
My brother-in-law giving us rock quizzes on his electric guitar. With my hillbilly Dad backing him up on the spoons while his girlfriend smiled encouragement.
The oldies digging into the beautiful lunch we prepared and sampling Greg’s ‘moonshine’.My niece as she impatiently awaited her first day of highschool.
I definitely would have photographed my uncle showing the kids how he takes out the bridge that keeps his false front tooth in place, if he’d of let me! And his lovely lady’s mortified facial expression as my Auntie explained how she had her dog debarked!
I would have captured the contrast of my skinny brown sister in her tiny bikini next to my tall, white, flubbery brother, and me somewhere in the middle.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Papa Love
Greg starts work again on Monday. I feel sad for him having to be away from Anakin all day long but maybe in a year or two he can have his turn at home and I’ll go back and earn the dosh. I don’t know if I remember how to look after Bubby and run the house alone, it’s been such a long luxurious time with him at home sharing the responsibilities equally. Greg totally shines in his role as a Dad. He is very pro-active and hands on. (He’s never really taken on the father-figure role for Izzy – more of a chastising, competitive older brother! )
Greg has taught him how to hold his breath in the pool. I refused to dunk him saying “No, it can be your face that he sees when he comes up petrified choking-up pool water.” But sure enough Anakin knows exactly what to do when his Daddy looks at him and goes “Huh” (the sound of sucking in a big breath). And he screws up his eyes and goes straight under – doesn’t phase him one bit! We’re so proud!
And his Dad is the one that takes him to the potty in the middle of the night when he gets all wriggly. Turns out the poo-in-the-potty incident wasn’t a coincidence at all. He’s been doing heaps on the potty – 6 months old! Proud proud proud proud proud. That’s what we are!
And Anakin adores his Big Dadda. He gives his dad the biggest cheesy grins. Instead of going to sleep on the Boobie the other day, Anakin launched himself at his Pappa, insisting on falling off to sleep licking the chest hairs and getting a pat on the back instead! He’s gone to sleep with his Dad before but really out of necessity. This was his choice! It was a bit of a one off but it was adorable and I was so happy for Greg. It takes a lot of love to compete with Titty!
They are asleep together in the aircon’ right now. I slipped out extremely early for my second walk around the block with another Mum from up on the hill. We spend our whole walk gasbagging away – analyzing health issues, discussing relationships and our children. She spends a lot of time trying to talk me into another baby asap! (Greg says “that my woman!!” ) And that I need to start scrapbooking asap! Mmmm… maybe the second one. I need to give the first more thought…
Greg has taught him how to hold his breath in the pool. I refused to dunk him saying “No, it can be your face that he sees when he comes up petrified choking-up pool water.” But sure enough Anakin knows exactly what to do when his Daddy looks at him and goes “Huh” (the sound of sucking in a big breath). And he screws up his eyes and goes straight under – doesn’t phase him one bit! We’re so proud!
And his Dad is the one that takes him to the potty in the middle of the night when he gets all wriggly. Turns out the poo-in-the-potty incident wasn’t a coincidence at all. He’s been doing heaps on the potty – 6 months old! Proud proud proud proud proud. That’s what we are!
And Anakin adores his Big Dadda. He gives his dad the biggest cheesy grins. Instead of going to sleep on the Boobie the other day, Anakin launched himself at his Pappa, insisting on falling off to sleep licking the chest hairs and getting a pat on the back instead! He’s gone to sleep with his Dad before but really out of necessity. This was his choice! It was a bit of a one off but it was adorable and I was so happy for Greg. It takes a lot of love to compete with Titty!
They are asleep together in the aircon’ right now. I slipped out extremely early for my second walk around the block with another Mum from up on the hill. We spend our whole walk gasbagging away – analyzing health issues, discussing relationships and our children. She spends a lot of time trying to talk me into another baby asap! (Greg says “that my woman!!” ) And that I need to start scrapbooking asap! Mmmm… maybe the second one. I need to give the first more thought…
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Poor Tum!
I fed our little Bubba some sugar banana on Tuesday and it gave him the worst bellyache ever! I’ve never seen him in pain before, it was so bad!! The noises he was making were the same ones I was when I gave birth to him! Breathing in and out was hurting his belly bad so he was only taking tiny shallow breaths and the lack of oxygen plus all the straining was nearly making him pass out. I tried to massage his tight little tum and pushed his legs up and down but nothing would release a farty or a burp. I tried feeding him to regulate his breathing but it was too hard for him. Greg thought something was stuck down Bubby’s throat and came at us armed with a straw!! His intention was to stick it down there and suck whatever was in there out - clown! (The thought of him and his straw was totally distracting me during Yoga meditation yesterday. I feel like the only idiot in the world who giggles during the most humourless moments – no self control.)
Anakin struggled on for about 15 minutes or so while we wondered if a doctor or the Ambo’s could help him and suddenly he rolled over on the bed and went to sleep. It was as if his body allowed him to escape the pain while it sorted itself out. He was whimpering and shallow breathing for ages in his sleep and then finally his breathing relaxed and he began sucking in his sleep as usual. Thank God!!
Man he is such a happy, smiley little boy it was devastating to see him like that. I can’t imagine how the Mummas with colicky babies who suffer through similar pain all the time must cope. How sad! I’d definitely have an exhausted adrenal gland! And grey hair.
Anakin struggled on for about 15 minutes or so while we wondered if a doctor or the Ambo’s could help him and suddenly he rolled over on the bed and went to sleep. It was as if his body allowed him to escape the pain while it sorted itself out. He was whimpering and shallow breathing for ages in his sleep and then finally his breathing relaxed and he began sucking in his sleep as usual. Thank God!!
Man he is such a happy, smiley little boy it was devastating to see him like that. I can’t imagine how the Mummas with colicky babies who suffer through similar pain all the time must cope. How sad! I’d definitely have an exhausted adrenal gland! And grey hair.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Vile Scorpian Wench Unmasked
I live with three others, whom I refer to as Babe, Bud and Bub. And it’s very disconcerting when I get their pet names mixed up. Accidentally addressing my 10 year old with “Babe” is terrible. Ugh! And I never have been one to call my partner Bub! Blah! I’ve grown up with a sister and a brother who are both Nick and to some of my relies I’m Nad, so we have all learnt to answer to a confused stammering of “Nick-Nad-Naddy-I-mean-NICK!” I’m starting to know how they feel!!
Co-sleeping with a teething Baby who refuses to disengage from the nipple while the tennis is on telly is a powerful antisleeping agent. I’ll sacrifice any amount of sleep to watch a good game. But when Martina Hingis is playing I turn into a Vile Scorpian Woman. She is my favourite sports personality to bag-out on. And I do it so uncharacteristically maliciously! This is me when watching Martina:“Yeah it’s a good thing you’ve got that visor on today – cover up your big shiny forehead! Sorry about those unfortunate lookin’ boobs o’ yours, they’re the saddest looking set I’ve ever seen!! Close ya mouth up!!! Ya slack-jawed yokel. What! Yer teeth so big you can’t even close up yer mouth?” How horrible!!Yes I do talk to the television and yes, I can be a vile b**ch. The bad thing about it is that I have so many people tell me I look just like Martina Hingis. Hideous!
Getting Bubby to sleep is a very tricky business as I’m not like some of you tricky Mums and have always lay down next to mine and ‘boobed’ them to sleep. Once I think they are sufficiently asleep this process begins:First I pick up each limb that is resting on mine and gently ease it down onto the bed. Then I suck my guts in so that our sweaty skin peels apart. Then I have to wriggle back assuming this completely unnatural position so that no part of me is touching him, accept for my nipple which is still stretched out and locked into place (for sure they’ll start looking like Martina’s soon!). That’s when I have to unlock the suction, pulling down on the bottom lip. Only then I gently ease myself off the bed trying desperately not to make anything creak or squeak and if all this has been successful and it is timed favourably with Bubby’s bowel motions and lack of burps he might have a really good sleep. External factors permitting...otherwise....PING!
Co-sleeping with a teething Baby who refuses to disengage from the nipple while the tennis is on telly is a powerful antisleeping agent. I’ll sacrifice any amount of sleep to watch a good game. But when Martina Hingis is playing I turn into a Vile Scorpian Woman. She is my favourite sports personality to bag-out on. And I do it so uncharacteristically maliciously! This is me when watching Martina:“Yeah it’s a good thing you’ve got that visor on today – cover up your big shiny forehead! Sorry about those unfortunate lookin’ boobs o’ yours, they’re the saddest looking set I’ve ever seen!! Close ya mouth up!!! Ya slack-jawed yokel. What! Yer teeth so big you can’t even close up yer mouth?” How horrible!!Yes I do talk to the television and yes, I can be a vile b**ch. The bad thing about it is that I have so many people tell me I look just like Martina Hingis. Hideous!
Getting Bubby to sleep is a very tricky business as I’m not like some of you tricky Mums and have always lay down next to mine and ‘boobed’ them to sleep. Once I think they are sufficiently asleep this process begins:First I pick up each limb that is resting on mine and gently ease it down onto the bed. Then I suck my guts in so that our sweaty skin peels apart. Then I have to wriggle back assuming this completely unnatural position so that no part of me is touching him, accept for my nipple which is still stretched out and locked into place (for sure they’ll start looking like Martina’s soon!). That’s when I have to unlock the suction, pulling down on the bottom lip. Only then I gently ease myself off the bed trying desperately not to make anything creak or squeak and if all this has been successful and it is timed favourably with Bubby’s bowel motions and lack of burps he might have a really good sleep. External factors permitting...otherwise....PING!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Things To Make and Do
Back-to-School shopping is one of my favourite things. I’m a stationary fanatic and I know I’m not alone. Brand new colouring pencils…unopened packets of little softy rubbers…pacer pencils…leads…cray-pas…I love it all. I’m forever on the search for The Best Biro In The World. It has been awesome working as a teacher because then I had the excuse to buy mini staplers, stamps, sharpeners...all year ‘round - “It’s for my Treasure Box!” I even love the names of all that stuff!
Needless to say I have had all the contents of Issy’s Grade 6 booklist bought ages ago and now I’m delving into the next riveting task of laminating! He’s getting too old for puppies or pirates this year so we are going plain gold – reminds me of the inside wrappers of Willy Wonka chocolate bars. For me, scrimping on cheapy-brands is the worst kind of sacrilege and I nearly die when I visit Iz in his classroom and realize his “tidy” tray is anything BUT! Lord forgive he sharpens his pencils into his pencilcase!
I’m the chick who’s standing there for ages comparing Artwrite and Tudor – Whose is the finer grained paper and the cleanest white? Whose blue lines are the sharpest? I even ask other peoples opinions just incase my eyes aren’t as keen as they use to be!!
Isaiah has everything in the way of craft and he doesn’t even really like it! I think I’m overcompensating for the little girl that was me - fawning over the “Things To Make and Do” book without any of the stuff to make and do anything!
Needless to say I have had all the contents of Issy’s Grade 6 booklist bought ages ago and now I’m delving into the next riveting task of laminating! He’s getting too old for puppies or pirates this year so we are going plain gold – reminds me of the inside wrappers of Willy Wonka chocolate bars. For me, scrimping on cheapy-brands is the worst kind of sacrilege and I nearly die when I visit Iz in his classroom and realize his “tidy” tray is anything BUT! Lord forgive he sharpens his pencils into his pencilcase!
I’m the chick who’s standing there for ages comparing Artwrite and Tudor – Whose is the finer grained paper and the cleanest white? Whose blue lines are the sharpest? I even ask other peoples opinions just incase my eyes aren’t as keen as they use to be!!
Isaiah has everything in the way of craft and he doesn’t even really like it! I think I’m overcompensating for the little girl that was me - fawning over the “Things To Make and Do” book without any of the stuff to make and do anything!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Slap Happy Currybum
I’ve been having some pretty x-rated dreams lately – I must have disturbed my kundalini at Yoga or something! But hey I don’t mind dreaming about Jared Leto or the lead singer of The Killers or Mark Rufullo, just not my friends’ husbands or Madonna!
I need to get a grip on my subconscious! No more curries for Mummy! Poor Anakin has had big runny ones the poor baby and smelly curry-farts.Breast feeding Anakin can be a perculiar mix of joyfulness and agony. He has this habit of swinging around his free arm in a huge open-handed haymaker, slapping it down hard and then curling under his fingers and raking his fingernails right down my chest. Ouch! Lately he’s been pulling off the nipple to examine it closely, then he glinches onto it hard with them same sharp little talons. ouch OUCH! Cheeky Monkey! Needs a good spanking!
Issy’s coming home today!! YAY! He’s been gone WAY too long.
I need to get a grip on my subconscious! No more curries for Mummy! Poor Anakin has had big runny ones the poor baby and smelly curry-farts.Breast feeding Anakin can be a perculiar mix of joyfulness and agony. He has this habit of swinging around his free arm in a huge open-handed haymaker, slapping it down hard and then curling under his fingers and raking his fingernails right down my chest. Ouch! Lately he’s been pulling off the nipple to examine it closely, then he glinches onto it hard with them same sharp little talons. ouch OUCH! Cheeky Monkey! Needs a good spanking!
Issy’s coming home today!! YAY! He’s been gone WAY too long.
Crazy Bird!
Well, let me say Yoga was an experience yesterday. The lesson, requiring me to contort myself into knots and twists and curls was the tamest part of the whole expedition. Actually getting to the Yoga Sanctuary and back again involved a cross country drive, a 15 minute trek up a mountainside and the artful dodging of cassowaries! No joking! I was worried about running into one while I was all alone, struggling up the rainforest track because I’d just passed one on the drive, and, sure enough, on the way back down, I bloody did! All I could envisage was this footage I’ve seen from “When Wild Animals Attack”, of this crazy cassowary launching itself off the ground and booting with both its’ legs out stiff. I was so anxious to get going, it seemed like I’d been out for ages and I was worried about Anakin being stuck at home without his Yummy Tittie. (He had a bottle of green coconut milk for backup.) And I had to stand there like a statue…for ages…’til this crazy bird decided to disappear back into the bush. Lucky I’d just done some relaxation meditation otherwise I might have risked intestinal gauging by shoving it aside to get home to my boys! Nevertheless Bubby was sound asleep when I finally got home and Greg was experimenting in the kitchen.
It is Greg’s resolution to cook more dinners – so far he’s made fish cooked in lemon juice swimming in coconut cream with veggies and last night it was chicken and mango curry. He is starting to get very creative considering his standard contribution to family meals is usually toasted sangas or handing ‘round a bag of cheesy poofs. I’ve bought him “Jamies Dinners” to try to encourage him along but he usually just goes it solo.He’s gone fishing with my brother this morning – which is always a bit worrying and sometimes ends with me ringing the coastguard and organizing rescue missions. He’s a worry…
I’ve just finished my first period since October 05! I was hoping it would hold off a few months longer, but lets face it, I reckon my body mass index could cater for a COUPLE of breastfeeding babies, a pregnancy AND a period. If that was possible.
It is Greg’s resolution to cook more dinners – so far he’s made fish cooked in lemon juice swimming in coconut cream with veggies and last night it was chicken and mango curry. He is starting to get very creative considering his standard contribution to family meals is usually toasted sangas or handing ‘round a bag of cheesy poofs. I’ve bought him “Jamies Dinners” to try to encourage him along but he usually just goes it solo.He’s gone fishing with my brother this morning – which is always a bit worrying and sometimes ends with me ringing the coastguard and organizing rescue missions. He’s a worry…
I’ve just finished my first period since October 05! I was hoping it would hold off a few months longer, but lets face it, I reckon my body mass index could cater for a COUPLE of breastfeeding babies, a pregnancy AND a period. If that was possible.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Giving Thanks
Wow I’ve really got the most beautiful view out my bedroom window – it’s one of the things I like to send out a silent ‘thanks’ for. I lie on my bed, gaze out the window and this is what I see: A big passionfruit vine that runs all up and over our little patio – it’s flowering at the moment and there’s some finches nesting in it. I see our orchard with a fruiting carambola tree, a mulberry bush and all sorts of weird and wonderful natives – grumicharmas, joboticavas, cherry guavas, sally wattles… And the spot where we buried Bubby’s placenta. I think I’ll grow a Herbert river cherry there. How beautiful!
You know I grew up in a long line of strict atheists – Mum wouldn’t give her permission for us to attend R.E at school – not even when all R.E was, was a big bossumed baby – powdered, peachy soft Aboriginal woman belting out a heap of psalm songs on the school’s piano. There was no way I was joining Rainbow Club! I don’t know too much about the whole Christianity thing, besides the book of Revelation freaks me out, the book of Psalms makes me cry and one of my ex boyfriends thought he was Jesus. Psyche! But I do know I’ve got A LOT to be grateful for and the great view I have out my window is just one of a trillion! (The fact that there’s a swarm of March flies out there I’ll just set aside and be thankful that I have screens!)
Anakin did his first poo in the potty yesterday morning. What a smartie! He does plenty of wees in the toilet and on the grass but this was kind of a combination of elimination-communication and good timing. What a trickie fella!I started the day with a double helping of banana and blueberry French toast and I’m going to end it with a Yoga lesson. In between I’m having a good giggle with my Bubba and counting all his kisses, yes, way past a trillion today….he’s getting Izzy’s share while he’s away..
You know I grew up in a long line of strict atheists – Mum wouldn’t give her permission for us to attend R.E at school – not even when all R.E was, was a big bossumed baby – powdered, peachy soft Aboriginal woman belting out a heap of psalm songs on the school’s piano. There was no way I was joining Rainbow Club! I don’t know too much about the whole Christianity thing, besides the book of Revelation freaks me out, the book of Psalms makes me cry and one of my ex boyfriends thought he was Jesus. Psyche! But I do know I’ve got A LOT to be grateful for and the great view I have out my window is just one of a trillion! (The fact that there’s a swarm of March flies out there I’ll just set aside and be thankful that I have screens!)
Anakin did his first poo in the potty yesterday morning. What a smartie! He does plenty of wees in the toilet and on the grass but this was kind of a combination of elimination-communication and good timing. What a trickie fella!I started the day with a double helping of banana and blueberry French toast and I’m going to end it with a Yoga lesson. In between I’m having a good giggle with my Bubba and counting all his kisses, yes, way past a trillion today….he’s getting Izzy’s share while he’s away..
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
My Garnished Little Fatman
Anakin had a visit from his Grandma tonight – she covered him in a trillion kisses and told him he was yummy just like a cream bun. I hope he likes kisses because he’s not exactly in a position to refuse. Considering the beamingly pleased look he gets on his face I’m pretty sure he does.
Sometimes he gets in a real kissy mood – he grabs two big wads of hair on either side of my face and pulls me in for a big slobbery one. He even has a good feel around with his tongue. Kissing him is sometimes like having a big drink of spit! So I have to be careful what angle he’s on.
I’ve noticed that Anakin is entertained, not so much with toys, as real bits of nature. He can be fascinated with a dried up leaf for ages. Yesterday it was a climbing-spinach stalk, today, it has been a big sprig of parsley. And then he was trying to garnish himself with a fistful of fresh basil! After bedtime we have to pick up all the little bits of wilted greenery left over from the days play.
The most reoccurring comment I get about my baby is “Gee, he’s in good nick!” And he is! And it’s no accident either! I eat the biggest healthiest breakfasts to make sure his tucker is packed full of goodness. Lately I’ve been eating a huge bowl of diced up cherries, blueberries, mango, gold kiwi fruit, grapes and fresh dates all mixed up with yogurt and chopped brazilian nuts. YUM! Other days I have a gigantic smoothie made on pineapple, banana, mango, orange, grapes and carombola! Divine! I’m packed full of superfoods and free radical scavenging antioxidants! And so is he! Mind you I’m not disciplined enough to be a real strict health fanatic or anything, I just enjoy good food. And lots of it! And so does he. He’s a solid 8 and a half kilo’s. I call him my Fatty-fat-fat. But he’s really a ball of muscle.
Sometimes he gets in a real kissy mood – he grabs two big wads of hair on either side of my face and pulls me in for a big slobbery one. He even has a good feel around with his tongue. Kissing him is sometimes like having a big drink of spit! So I have to be careful what angle he’s on.
I’ve noticed that Anakin is entertained, not so much with toys, as real bits of nature. He can be fascinated with a dried up leaf for ages. Yesterday it was a climbing-spinach stalk, today, it has been a big sprig of parsley. And then he was trying to garnish himself with a fistful of fresh basil! After bedtime we have to pick up all the little bits of wilted greenery left over from the days play.
The most reoccurring comment I get about my baby is “Gee, he’s in good nick!” And he is! And it’s no accident either! I eat the biggest healthiest breakfasts to make sure his tucker is packed full of goodness. Lately I’ve been eating a huge bowl of diced up cherries, blueberries, mango, gold kiwi fruit, grapes and fresh dates all mixed up with yogurt and chopped brazilian nuts. YUM! Other days I have a gigantic smoothie made on pineapple, banana, mango, orange, grapes and carombola! Divine! I’m packed full of superfoods and free radical scavenging antioxidants! And so is he! Mind you I’m not disciplined enough to be a real strict health fanatic or anything, I just enjoy good food. And lots of it! And so does he. He’s a solid 8 and a half kilo’s. I call him my Fatty-fat-fat. But he’s really a ball of muscle.
Monday, January 1, 2007
Us
A trillion kisses are how many my baby gets everyday...Anakin joined his Big Brus Isaiah (10) on July the 19th, 10 days after my 32nd birthday and made my life that much sweeter. He is my little Yummy Scrummy, my happy little Sweetpea, my beautiful Darlin’-boy.
The Birth of Anakin Christian
I met his daddy at a halloween Heaven and Hell party over 6 years ago. He introduced himself as Saint Greg the patriot saint of Guidance, I was “Heaven on Earth”. He was a big honey and I was an ‘angel fallen from heaven’, we were both ripe for a relationship and the rest is history…
Meanwhile, these days, with raising a family, jobs, keeping house and a huge yard to maintain, I have to make my new year’s resolution “to remember to pash my man at least once a day” because sometimes we just miss each other and drift by. It’s important to keep one another close – especially when I can be bratty and go whole days when all I’ve said to him is ‘you’re gamon’ and ‘shut-up’!
These school holidays have been a little bit sad for me as Issy has chosen to spend most of them with his dad - “Biggy”. I get really lonely for him as he is our resident comic and can get me in hysterics more than anyone else I know.
I’ve previously told Greg if he wants more babies he’ll have to grow himself a set of ovaries, a uterus and a vagina for Christmas because Anakin would be my last – but since Issy has been a little deserter and flown the coup of late, I feel like having a bunch more!! Surround myself with beautiful bubbas – they grow up so fast and then leave. WAAA!! I should keep in mind that quote by Kahlil Gibran – you know the one about children not really being yours but being sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself – that they are like arrows that shoot forth from your stable bow… something like that. But it sounds pretty bloody sad to me! It just means that they’re going to grow up and leave you – and that sux.
The Birth of Anakin Christian
I met his daddy at a halloween Heaven and Hell party over 6 years ago. He introduced himself as Saint Greg the patriot saint of Guidance, I was “Heaven on Earth”. He was a big honey and I was an ‘angel fallen from heaven’, we were both ripe for a relationship and the rest is history…
Meanwhile, these days, with raising a family, jobs, keeping house and a huge yard to maintain, I have to make my new year’s resolution “to remember to pash my man at least once a day” because sometimes we just miss each other and drift by. It’s important to keep one another close – especially when I can be bratty and go whole days when all I’ve said to him is ‘you’re gamon’ and ‘shut-up’!
These school holidays have been a little bit sad for me as Issy has chosen to spend most of them with his dad - “Biggy”. I get really lonely for him as he is our resident comic and can get me in hysterics more than anyone else I know.
I’ve previously told Greg if he wants more babies he’ll have to grow himself a set of ovaries, a uterus and a vagina for Christmas because Anakin would be my last – but since Issy has been a little deserter and flown the coup of late, I feel like having a bunch more!! Surround myself with beautiful bubbas – they grow up so fast and then leave. WAAA!! I should keep in mind that quote by Kahlil Gibran – you know the one about children not really being yours but being sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself – that they are like arrows that shoot forth from your stable bow… something like that. But it sounds pretty bloody sad to me! It just means that they’re going to grow up and leave you – and that sux.
Anakin's Birth
My partner and I had not been actively TTC when I fell pregnant last year though given a few hours to get use to the idea we knew it was a wonderful thing. My son (9) had been wanting a sibling (a brother in particular) for ages so it was lovely news for him as well. This pregnancy wasn’t as trouble free as DS’s when I was 10 years younger that’s for sure - my back and pelvis were tremendously sore at times and at 13 weeks I was in the emergency ward for 2 nights with heavy bleeding. That was so upsetting. But we soldiered on and for the most part I enjoyed the pregnancy immensely and couldn’t wait for our beautiful little “Mugwai“. (Well I know he’s beautiful now - his 18 week ultrasound gave the indication he’d come out looking like a fat Montgomery Burns - not a prospect we delighted in!)
Bubby was due on the 11th of July however that date came and went. When I was scheduled in for a 41 week checkup I scoffed at the administrator (Sorry!) as if that was one appointment I was never going to keep. Well I did! I was given a stretch and sweep, and, as I was 2-3 centimetres dilated and favourable, booked in for an induction on Friday the 21st. Wow, those last couple of weeks dragged on forever. I was so full-up and internally crowded!
Even so, me n my man were still managing to dance the “cha cha” (as the lovely DIJ ladies put it) and after a particularly well choreographed slow dance, midnight Wednesday morning, we heard two strange cracking sounds, (like glo-sticks being snapped) and my waters started to flow! Eeeek!
I was planning on hanging around for a cuppa as it was only a 10 minute drive to the hospital from where we were staying, but I began getting lower back pain immediately and thought it was best to get going. It was an exciting trip for DP and a nerve-wrecking one for me. I was scared - my partner is a 2 meter tall giant, I am a midget in comparison and I had to squeeze our big healthy boy out my poor schmoo and survive. Yow! Just as ladies have said before me - I was very keen for this labour to be past tense! As it was, I didn’t have to wait too long.
A very efficient midwife, B, allocated us a birth suite and after a quick once around to locate all the important facilities for Greg - coffee room, chip machine etc we settled in.
By settling in I mean Gregory nervously chowing down every snack in sight and me suffering through rapidly intensifying contractions. My birth plan had specified minimal intervention and the desire for a drug free labour, so we were left to ourselves for much of the first few hours. During which I spent my time either hunched over a dinner trolley or on the toilet in an attempt to relieve some pressure! Eventually, the volume of my desperate noises was enough to penetrate those soundproof walls and raise the alarm. My midwife returned to find me 8cms dilated and despairing “I don’t wanna do this anymore!!” When she threatened to leave again I begged her not to go anywhere - she was the one person who was going to tell me it was time for the pushing stage, when perhaps I could perceive a tangible end to the agony that was threatening to consume me, rather than just fantasising about one. She was my lifeline, I wasn’t about to let her leave!! Maybe I was in transition?? Yah think??
I felt like I was about to seriously lose it. I didn’t know where I wanted to be. I felt like I couldn’t have both feet on the ground at once - I kept disappearing into the bathroom to hang off the metal rails. Greg read the situation well, seeing I was trying to vanish myself away, he stayed in the background and let me come to him when I need to. He helped me into a hot shower where I stayed for a short while, and from there onto the beanbag where I laboured on all fours, until I felt I was sure my back was going to break and I would poo myself simultaneously.
After an internal B indicated that this was it, I could begin to push. Nature decided to give me a little break between what had been four hours of furiously relentless contractions at this stage and I sprawled out on my back. I didn’t think it was possible but second stage of labour proved to be even more intense than the first. (But thankfully not as long!) Unlike my firstborn - whose whole body kind of slipped out after his head was birthed - this little man needed to be strained out every inch of the way! I did my utmost, with a wet washer over my face and my eyes clenched the whole time. (I wasn’t joking when I said I was trying to disappear myself!) Greg’s voice was full of emotion, telling me I was doing a great job and the baby was nearly here. I believed him, I didn’t need to look. At some stage B had been joined by more help and with my final push I was told that baby had his umbilical chord compressed against his shoulder during the birth and that he needed oxygen quickly. I was told he would be fine and would be brought straight back for a cuddle. I snuck a brief squint from beneath the washer at his limp body between my legs and urged Greg to go with him. In the short while it took for Greg to get back with our Bubby my body had fast gone into shock. I was shuddering uncontrollably all over. A yummy cuddle with my baby should have warmed me up but instead when my little purple man was given to me, he started shivering too. Lying on a beanbag on the floor in a pool of blood with a cold sweat never really had any appeal to lose - Bubby really needed to go under the heater and I desperately needed a hot shower and fresh jarmies on, so, instead of waiting for the third stage of labour to proceed naturally, I requested a shot of oxytocin. With one final slow push the placenta was out and labour complete. What relief!! With our beautiful big baby boy and my very proud and relieved man to distract me, I was locally anaesthetised and stitched. (Thank you B! You must have been trained in reconstructive surgery somewhere along the line because I swear it looks better than ever! Either that or it‘s retracted in on itself in fear that it will be used for the same purpose again!) Finally I was able to clean myself up and cuddle up in bed with our boy Anakin Christian - Son to two very proud and devoted parents and little brother to an adoring and patient big brother. Born on the 19th of July 2006 at 5 past 5 on a Wednesday morning. He was measured at 8lb 12oz and 53 and a half centimetres long, with a head circumference of 35 and a half. What a beauty he continues to be!
Bubby was due on the 11th of July however that date came and went. When I was scheduled in for a 41 week checkup I scoffed at the administrator (Sorry!) as if that was one appointment I was never going to keep. Well I did! I was given a stretch and sweep, and, as I was 2-3 centimetres dilated and favourable, booked in for an induction on Friday the 21st. Wow, those last couple of weeks dragged on forever. I was so full-up and internally crowded!
Even so, me n my man were still managing to dance the “cha cha” (as the lovely DIJ ladies put it) and after a particularly well choreographed slow dance, midnight Wednesday morning, we heard two strange cracking sounds, (like glo-sticks being snapped) and my waters started to flow! Eeeek!
I was planning on hanging around for a cuppa as it was only a 10 minute drive to the hospital from where we were staying, but I began getting lower back pain immediately and thought it was best to get going. It was an exciting trip for DP and a nerve-wrecking one for me. I was scared - my partner is a 2 meter tall giant, I am a midget in comparison and I had to squeeze our big healthy boy out my poor schmoo and survive. Yow! Just as ladies have said before me - I was very keen for this labour to be past tense! As it was, I didn’t have to wait too long.
A very efficient midwife, B, allocated us a birth suite and after a quick once around to locate all the important facilities for Greg - coffee room, chip machine etc we settled in.
By settling in I mean Gregory nervously chowing down every snack in sight and me suffering through rapidly intensifying contractions. My birth plan had specified minimal intervention and the desire for a drug free labour, so we were left to ourselves for much of the first few hours. During which I spent my time either hunched over a dinner trolley or on the toilet in an attempt to relieve some pressure! Eventually, the volume of my desperate noises was enough to penetrate those soundproof walls and raise the alarm. My midwife returned to find me 8cms dilated and despairing “I don’t wanna do this anymore!!” When she threatened to leave again I begged her not to go anywhere - she was the one person who was going to tell me it was time for the pushing stage, when perhaps I could perceive a tangible end to the agony that was threatening to consume me, rather than just fantasising about one. She was my lifeline, I wasn’t about to let her leave!! Maybe I was in transition?? Yah think??
I felt like I was about to seriously lose it. I didn’t know where I wanted to be. I felt like I couldn’t have both feet on the ground at once - I kept disappearing into the bathroom to hang off the metal rails. Greg read the situation well, seeing I was trying to vanish myself away, he stayed in the background and let me come to him when I need to. He helped me into a hot shower where I stayed for a short while, and from there onto the beanbag where I laboured on all fours, until I felt I was sure my back was going to break and I would poo myself simultaneously.
After an internal B indicated that this was it, I could begin to push. Nature decided to give me a little break between what had been four hours of furiously relentless contractions at this stage and I sprawled out on my back. I didn’t think it was possible but second stage of labour proved to be even more intense than the first. (But thankfully not as long!) Unlike my firstborn - whose whole body kind of slipped out after his head was birthed - this little man needed to be strained out every inch of the way! I did my utmost, with a wet washer over my face and my eyes clenched the whole time. (I wasn’t joking when I said I was trying to disappear myself!) Greg’s voice was full of emotion, telling me I was doing a great job and the baby was nearly here. I believed him, I didn’t need to look. At some stage B had been joined by more help and with my final push I was told that baby had his umbilical chord compressed against his shoulder during the birth and that he needed oxygen quickly. I was told he would be fine and would be brought straight back for a cuddle. I snuck a brief squint from beneath the washer at his limp body between my legs and urged Greg to go with him. In the short while it took for Greg to get back with our Bubby my body had fast gone into shock. I was shuddering uncontrollably all over. A yummy cuddle with my baby should have warmed me up but instead when my little purple man was given to me, he started shivering too. Lying on a beanbag on the floor in a pool of blood with a cold sweat never really had any appeal to lose - Bubby really needed to go under the heater and I desperately needed a hot shower and fresh jarmies on, so, instead of waiting for the third stage of labour to proceed naturally, I requested a shot of oxytocin. With one final slow push the placenta was out and labour complete. What relief!! With our beautiful big baby boy and my very proud and relieved man to distract me, I was locally anaesthetised and stitched. (Thank you B! You must have been trained in reconstructive surgery somewhere along the line because I swear it looks better than ever! Either that or it‘s retracted in on itself in fear that it will be used for the same purpose again!) Finally I was able to clean myself up and cuddle up in bed with our boy Anakin Christian - Son to two very proud and devoted parents and little brother to an adoring and patient big brother. Born on the 19th of July 2006 at 5 past 5 on a Wednesday morning. He was measured at 8lb 12oz and 53 and a half centimetres long, with a head circumference of 35 and a half. What a beauty he continues to be!
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