robbo3

Cooking

2009-06-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

MMMMMMMM......food.

One thing about winter is it always makes me want to bake and eat, lol. Little wonder the weight I so desperately want to shift is hanging around, hehe.

During the last week the kids and I have tried a couple of new, and some old trusty, things in the kitchen...the results have been pretty good if I do say so myself.

We tried making bread for the first time, using a bread mix that I bought on special from coles about 5mths ago. We don't have a stand mixer or a bread maker so it was kneaded by us, left to rise, quickly kneaded again, smeared with some crushed garlic and then chucked in the oven. We had it with dinner last night, spiral pasta with a tomato and basil sauce, yum.

~~~~~

We pulled out the trusty VVB recipe and made some choc chip biscuits.

~~~~~

Late last week we needed dinner and the cupboards were bare, freezer was almost empty,the garden is only producing a few tomatoes, basil, sugar snap peas and lettuce and none of our usual meals were appealing.

So after riffling through the garden, freezer and cupboard I came up with:

500g pork mince
3 or 4 green shallots
a garlic clove
a bunch of shredded cabbage
2 or 3 grated carrots
Lettuce leaves

I browned the pork mince, added the garlic and shallots, cooked a bit longer, added the carrot and cabbage and cooked till they were softening.

Served in lettuce cups or leaves.....we are growing a more flat leafed lettuce so we wrapped ours around to eat.

Yum. The kids really enjoy it and I really liked that there was no added sauces or salts.

~~~~~

I was mucking about on Wednesday....

2 cups of flour with 30g of butter mixed through with fingers, 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of water......mixed.....rolled and twisted.

I chucked them in oven and hoped for the best.

Tasted like scones, hot from the oven with butter.

~~~~~

Picklets never last long in this house.

I use a recipe from a family circle baby food book, they puff up nicely and are super yummy.

XOXO Hayley.

TMI Warning: Period

2009-06-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

This time (June) 2 years ago I had my last period, 2 weeks later Ari was conceived....and the rest, as they say, is history.

Two years is a long time to go without, I am very grateful that Ari and I have a fabulous breastfeeding relationship that has helped keep my hormone levels up and my period away.

I woke up this morning and quickly realised that my dream run was over *sigh*.......not to sure how I feel about being "fertile" again, especially considering we do not, under any circumstances, plan to get pregnant again. Plus add to that I feel drained and my back is aching and I have 4 kids to look after....*big sigh*..

The one positive to come out of the return is that I got to use my Lunette Menstral Cup for the first time, and it went really well. I found it much easier to use then I imagined and although I felt a little uncoordinated I know that will get better with practice. I didn't even have to trim anything.

So anyway, now you probably know more about me than you wanted.

XOXO hayley

Fabric Buckets

2009-06-07T04:06:00.000-07:00

I made these this week, actually last weekend...super easy to make.

I have put the larger one to use storing some fabric but the smaller one (which is made according to the pattern) is so small I am not sure what I will use it for.

Tutorial is here.

http://vlijtig.blogspot.com/2008/11/here-it-is.html

Sling Meet

2009-05-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

I am a member of a Google group of Baby wearing parents, Baby Carriers Downunder.

Amongst the group they have meet ups (sling meets) in a few different places around Australia and NZ . The baby wearing capital of Australia seems to be Brisbane and while I was there on holidays I was really happy to be able to attend one of the meets.

I was a bit nervous to be meeting relative strangers, I mean we had chatted online but not in depth and I am quiet....quiet, lol. I feel so awkward in social situations and struggle to talk to people and always worry I have said the wrong thing, argh!!!

Despite my nervousness I had a lovely time meeting some of the parents (who were lovely) and the carriers....oh my!....of course I came home with one, lol.

Paulus helped me figure out my straight strapped Pod...

The Dream Carrier - I tried it, I loved it, Paulus told me he was thinking of selling it...so I bought it...

..and my new wrap, a Cairo Hopp...a very thick wrap, great for winter.

I am really enjoying carrying Ari (and sometimes Nate), can hardly believe my baby is 14mths old already though! He is getting heavier so some of the old carriers are moving on and these new ones are supporting his weight a lot better.

Wooly Goodness

2009-05-15T04:45:00.000-07:00

We have been so lucky to of received some fabulous woolies over the last few months.

Nate and Ari got some longies and matching beanies from the beautiful Mel for their (1st and 3rd) birthdays. Nate is refusing to wear anything knitted at the moment but I am really lucky that Ari has no such problems, lol.

So here is Ari modeling both sets.....they have been worn a lot over the last few weeks - we love them Mel!!

And then....some amazing knits from Tracy of Desert Rose Designs. These were knitted for me using some lovely BFL yarn I had bought but was unable (due to lack of knitting talent) to transform.

Tracy had no such troubles in coming up with a spectacular outfit, she is a super talented crafty mumma (of 6) who sews, knits, crochets, quilts and I am sure could pretty much do anything crafty!.

Isn't it just gorgeous!!! I love it and it is beyond what I could of envisioned.

The weather is really cooling down here now - we have actually had the heater on a few times in the mornings. These woolies (along with the set from Shannon) will be getting a work out this winter.

A holiday to QLD

2009-05-15T03:45:00.000-07:00

My mum invited us to her house, in southern QLD, for the Easter holidays. I had reservations but put them aside and told myself that the kids would have a great time and it was just for 2 weeks. Well the kids did have a great time and although I struggled it was all worth it to have the kids enjoy themselves immensely.

I think the highlight of the trip for the kids was visiting Dreamworld.....twice!

Liam especially loved all the rides, he even convinced me to go on the Tower Of Terror with him....eeek!! He went on the Cyclone Roller Coaster with Steve....if you look at the pic really closely I have drawn a small arrow and his name on the pic.....you can't actually see his face as he is just to little, lol.

Nate loved the train, the animals, the cars, the white water rapids and wiggles world. He got really upset that he wasn't old enough to go on the big rides, lol. Ari was not so trilled about the park but was happy in the DC (Dream Carrier) that I got from Paulus from BCD (Baby Carriers Downunder).

Bethany liked the Blues Clues ride, the tea cups and the Merry-Go-Round......basically she liked the ones that were quiet and sedate, lol.

When we went with Steve (Mums Husband) he shouted the 3 big kids a helicopter ride!

I enjoyed myself too......as I said I went on the Tower Of Terror with Liam and also the motorbikes and log ride.

I took a few photos of the animals there.....

and my little girl - who turns 5 in a 4 mths!!!! She said she didn't want her picture taken, but I saw her peaking out from under her hat........

So much to blog about......

2009-05-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

Its been 2 months since I posted, OMG I am slack!!

My babies, Nate and Ari turned 3 and 1 in March....they had a party which was a heap of fun, they got so many great pressies, including lovely longies and beanies from Mel.

Ari started walking a week or 2 before his birthday and is just so grown up now. He is still breastfed on demand and co-sleeps, he is also still worn each day in our baby carriers.....I am kinda sad that he is getting older but also happy that he is learning so much and starting to give me a bit more space during the day while he plays.

I am struggling emotionally.....I think that it has been hard for me since Ari was about 5months old but I kinda expected it to go away.....it hasn't, and I have realised I need to make an effort to change things to make myself happy.

Liam started back at soccer which mean training one day a week and soccer Saturday mornings. And the 3 big kids go to swimming lessons so we go there twice a week.

We (kids and I) had a road trip to QLD which involved 2 days at dreamworld. It was a good trip and I have heaps of photos that I will have to upload (darn dial up it takes forever).

I got some delicious knitted items from Tracy (Desert Rose Designs)...they are just fabulous.

This weekend was mothers day - which was OK but not to different from most other days.....I did sit down and sew on Saturday afternoon though, as part of the Nappycino sew-a-long. I sewed the Heather Bailey Pin Cushion...quick and pretty easy. I should at least show one pic to make this post more interesting.

Thanks for reading....try to be back soon with more pics and in depth stories.

the most SPECIAL knitted set - hoot hoot

2009-03-04T02:50:00.000-08:00

Now you may of read the title and thought I was exaggerating, but now you've seen the photos......

.....Isn't this set just fabulous?.

I must apologise to the lovely lady who made this , Shannon, I have had it for a few weeks and thought that I had blogged about it but I obviously hadn't, so shame on me!!!!.

I can hardly put into words how happy I am with this set.

It is knitted so perfectly, is so soft and squishy, the colours are perfect and I can feel the care that went into making it.....cabled pockets, button details, the OWL!!!

This will be Ari's 1st birthday present.

EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS to the beautiful Shannon not only for making Ari and I this beautiful set but for lifting me up and bring me joy.

XOXOXOXO

Portabellopixie Dress "Claire"

2009-02-22T02:12:00.000-08:00

I made this dress today from the Portabellopixie pattern "Claire".

The pattern goes from 6m to 8 years and the pattern piece took up most of my lounge room floor, lol, I made size 5 for Beth...next time I will make size 6.

I love the old school style and the overall girlyness of the dress - to me it looks like a little girls party dress...not like some of the ones you see in shops that seem to be something an older girl/woman would wear, iykwim.

Beth put it on and we went outside to take the photos.....and she follows her brothers and climbs a tree......in a party dress, lol.

How Our Garden Grows - February 2009

2009-02-22T01:36:00.000-08:00

Or maybe that should be, how our tomatoes grow, lol. Our tomato plants in the garden are going great, (except for the ants that keep eating them)! Scott commented this afternoon that we should of made a bigger garden!! He doesn't know what he's gotten himself into, lol.

The basil is also growing profusely, its great on pizza and pasta and our little capsicum plant has flowered once leaving us a tiny little capsicum and another flower is ready to open.

I really enjoy spending time outside pottering about and I do agree with Scott, we definatley need a bigger garden.

Vegie Garden - All Mulched

2009-01-18T23:13:00.000-08:00

Looking pretty good if I do say so myself, lol....now I just have to keep it all alive.

We have eaten 3 cherry tomatoes so far and there are a few more ripening up now. And we used some of the basil in home made pizzas, yummo.

I am (DH is) going to screw the trellis to the fence (with a block behind it so there is a gap) behind the tomatoes so I can tie them off or poke them through if I need to.

Its great fun and I am attempting to grow some shallots and carrots in the little seedling trays to put in the dirt patches you can see.

Wish me luck, lol :)

Ari has his first train ride

2009-01-18T23:03:00.000-08:00

I took Ari down to Sydney last week which involved his first train ride :) He was a dream, happy and excited and we had a lovely day meeting some members of Baby Carriers Downunder.

Total travel time for the day was about 5 hours so we were knackered when we got home...left at 7:30am and got home at 6:30pm.

I wouldn't do it with all the kids but it was a nice day for just the 2 of us.

How Our Garden Grows

2009-01-10T02:50:00.000-08:00

Well I have managed to keep things alive so far, although my large tomato plant in the pot is getting a little dead in places, lol. I have since read that tomatoes grow better in the ground.

I decided to dedicate a part of the back yard to the growth of food and that involved removing turf, which I had trouble doing so DH helped, and also framing up some hardwood from our old garage to act as the garden sides.

So here is a picture of what the back corner looked like before....sorry I didn't actually think to take a before shot so this is as good as it gets, lol...

This is what it looked like with the frame empty....please excuse the dodgy night shot...

Today I got a delivery of some organic soil mix......I shoveled it into buckets and filled the frame. My arms are so sore from it but it was nice to get out and do some physical work....I still have a little more to shovel tomorrow that will go on the other cleared area right in the corner. I want to plant some dwarf lavender and some chamomile.

In the veggie garden I planted some tomatoes and basil from my Nana and also a tomato plant I had here in a pot (from my sister), it looks like its a Roma Tomato plant....

I used 2 bessa blocks from the old deck as stepping stones so I can get to the back plants without stepping on things.

The marigolds are in metal pots we used at our wedding 5 years ago...I knew they would come in handy, lol. The flowers are so pretty.

I have plans to sew some seeds....dutch carrots and shallots....in the next few days, I will put some in pots and then transplant if they germinate. I also have to buy some sugarcane mulch.

Here are a couple more photos of the plants...

And Ari...hmm whats this mum??.....(Lemon Basil).....I don't think he liked it, lol.

Chicks

2008-12-20T02:30:00.000-08:00

My sister has chickens and the other day she came over with 4 little chicks that she had been given as replacements (or really as a sorry gift) because she was sold the wrong breed last time.

Nate is quiet a curious little man and he was quiet happy to hold a chick. He has seen and patted Amber's cooks at her place and is always so excited when he sees Amber and talks about her chickens :).

At 2y9m he was not quiet able to hold the wings down (or grasp why he needed too) so Amber helped him....was so lovely and you can almost feel him learning and growing as he does these things.

It is so hard to believe that he will be 3 in March (and Ari will be 1!!).

School Presentation Night

2008-12-16T17:45:00.000-08:00

Liam got a 2 awards at his school presentation night last night......he didn't want to go up on stage so missed out on getting his special library award but I convinced him to go up for his Merit Certificate.

~~~~~

Certificate of Merit

Liam Robbo

for

Outstanding effort and application in all areas

~~~~~

So proud...his first year of school has been great for him and along with completing the Premiers reading challenge, he was a member of the Student Representative Council and has done really well with his studies.

We just need to work on his attitude at home and his shyness.....why are all my kids (except Nate) so shy *shrugs*.

I am looking forward to having him home for the holidays :)

Breastfeeding - 9mths

2008-12-16T17:33:00.000-08:00

Very proud to say I have been demand feeding Ari for 9 months...which makes my total breastfeeding time to date 4 years and 3 mths.

It is hard at the moment as he just feeds all the time at night, wants boob in his mouth or no sleep. I want to change things but he just cries if I don't feed him and I really hate to hear him cry. I have started to try and feed him more often during the day in a hope that he will get his fill....he doesn't really like food so maybe once he starts to eat he will cut back on boob at night.

Despite all this I am so happy to be feeding - so sad for all the people out there that don't breastfeed their babies (or only do so for a short time). It is the best cuddle time ever, and so empowering to know that I am growing my baby and giving him the BEST start ever.

XOXO

Gardening - We Can Do It!!

2008-12-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

Well...I hope we can....

We have started with Parsley

Lemon Basil

and Tomatoes

Ari has already tried to rip out the basil and Nate keeps digging them "a bit"...sigh....hopefully we manage to at least keep one or two alive. Our plan is to start small and slowly grow as we become more adept.

The Places They Sleep

2008-12-16T17:02:00.000-08:00

Nate was awfully quiet the other evening - and after a big few days I was wondering if he had taken himself to bed.....it was about 5pm and I think it had been about 20 minutes since he had come out of the toy room to ask for something.....he and Bethany were watching Barbie...

Hehehehe....not laughing at the mess they had made *cranky face*, but oh so cute, he had made a little space on the floor and used a Carebear as a pillow.

How can you hold a grudge when they are just so cute.

XOXO

Jet's Ring Sling

2008-12-16T16:44:00.000-08:00

Mel's (RockMel - NC) little man Jet turned 2 and on the weekend we went to his birthday party...I still remember when I first met them and he was a tiny tiny baby...awwwww.

So anyway - I made him a ring sling for carrying his teddy etc around in, with a new baby brother or sister on the way he might want to be just like mum.

So here is a photo of the sling, and my only willing model, Ari.

I really hope he likes it Mel.

XOXO

My Nose

2008-12-05T03:09:00.000-08:00

I have a big nose - its just a fact, and although I am not happy about it, I have accepted that it's just the way it is, so why not embrace it and get what I have always wanted to get...............my nose pierced!!!

I really like it - its a bit sore today (was done Thursday morning) but hopefully it heals well and quickly. It has a tiny crystal stud thing in it at the moment but I had it put low enough that I can put a sleeper if I want to.

It hurt, but not that much....or was it that it didn't hurt for very long....it made my eyes water anyway, but compared to the fresh (yep still fresh after 8mths) memory of pushing Ari's 9lb out my VJJ it was nothing, hehe.

Igglepiggle

2008-12-05T02:40:00.000-08:00

He's not perfect but he looks like him right??

Hopefully Nate thinks so as this is one of his Christmas presents, lol, it is a pillow Igglepiggle..perfect for snuggling. It cost me all of $4 to make and about 2 hours, I used less then a metre of fleece and recycled pillow stuffing from some unused pillows (that were sitting in the cupboard for the last 6mths) plus some scraps from my "keep it cause I might need it" bag, lol.

Nate is also getting 2 "In The Night Garden" T-Shirts and books. The T-shirts come with a small red blanket each but I am also thinking of getting a square of red polar fleece and blanket stitching around it so he can take Igglepiggle pillow and blanket when we go somewhere to stay.

Anyway - I am happy I am done and can now move on to my next project :)

Very Versatile Biscuits

2008-11-25T18:42:00.000-08:00

Yum.

Simple to make and yum to eat.

5 cups SR Flour.
1 cup Sugar
1 tin Condensed Milk
500g Butter

Ari James - 8 mths old!!

2008-11-25T17:45:00.000-08:00

Current Stats:

Age: 8mths
Weight: 9.2kgs (bare)....about 9.5kg dressed
Length: 72cms

He has 6 teeth, is still breastfed on demand, eats minimal amounts of solids (he tastes but doesn't swallow much) - no purees in this house just family solids.

And his new trick.....

He is like his brother and likes In the night garden :).

Do you like his nappy? I made it last night from the Very Baby fitted pattern, it's a medium AI2 (a shell with a trifold layed inside). I think I did the leg elastic too tight as it on the last snap and quiet firm on the thighs but fine on the waist (2nd snaps). I will make a medium long next..

And another pic - to show a baby can still cradle carry in the crosses of a Front Cross Carry at 8mths old :) He slept soundly for about an hour.....oh and thats Orion, a Bali Breeze wrap.

XOXO Hayley.

Shift of Focus - Jaded on cloth - New addiction

2008-11-16T16:45:00.000-08:00

I guess those of you who read regularly might of noticed a shift of focus on my blog - away from nappies and more towards carriers and random things.

Jaded on Cloth

I have been a bit jaded about cloth lately - I lost about half (maybe more) of my Bubblebubs AND most of my IB Delish inserts AND a WW night nappy AND inserts AND maybe a couple of other fitteds during, what I have put down to, a toxic wee teething saga.

It makes me super sad and a bit angry (not at the nappy makers but at myself and the circumstance) - the thing is cotton is fine its only the bamboo that has disintegrated. My Bubblebubs for instance have flannel and velor inners and they are fine but all the bamboo inside is falling apart and if you hold it up to the sun you can see big holes, iykwim.

It is most probably due to me leaving the nappies for up to 3 days (ie, washing on the third evening) between washes sometimes - I have done this before without drama but I guess combined with teething (on an exclusively breastfed bub!!!!) things just went to the shit:(.

Don't know what I will do if we need to go up to larges - I cant sell these nappies anymore....*sigh*...and we are not buying anymore nappies, I have heaps pf PUL here so Id best get sewing I guess.

New Addiction

Well that pretty obvious isn't it?.......Baby carriers, I am having fun sewing things and buying things, lol, that help me day to day to get on with life (with 4 kids including a non sleeping bub).

I have loaned out carriers, and am trying to spread the baby wearing love...to get people to step away from the pram culture that seems to be taking over and stopping people from picking up their babies.

I hate to see a baby left in a pram self feeding a bottle when they should be held and snuggled while they have a breastfed (or bottle if thats necessary).......so sick of hearing people say babies will get spoiled, put them down, doesn't hurt them to cry, they are manipulating you......so sad to think people believe a young baby whose life depends on physical contact and comfort is being manipulating when they want to fill that need.

Anyway - I shouldn't rant *blush* but better here then to some people irl *wink*

XOXOXOXO

DIY Carrier - Podegai - Black Drill

2008-11-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

I made this a week or 2 ago now - a simple black drill podegai using this tutorial...

Wrap Pod

I haven't really used it that much yet but when I have it has been comfortable. I think a different material (with some diagonal give) would be more comfortable on the shoulders.

and an action pic....the wrap straps could of been more spread out under his bum but it was fine like that.

DIY Carrier - Pink Dragonflys

2008-11-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks to NC and BCD members making pretty carriers lately, I was inspired to have another go at making a Mei Tai. - I used the following tutorial....

DIY Conversion Hood to Headrest Mei Tai

I started making it Sunday afternoon, cut out most of the pieces etc, then when the kids went to sleep I got in and finished it.....at about 12:30 this (Monday) morning *Yawn*

I used it this morning for the school drop off and it was comfy :) I made is the right size for Ari to have arms in or out comfortably. The hood is a bit tall for my liking but I will have to have a play with it and see how it goes. Ari has been refusing to go to sleep lately and even baby wearing isn't making a huge difference, he has to have boob.

I think this is going to go live with a friend of mine - it needs a bath now Ari upchucked all over the strap *bleh*.....I really do love the colours...and am tempted to keep it. *blush*

Anyway - some more pics...

Anna Storchenwiege (storch) Wrap

2008-10-31T02:43:00.000-07:00

Ari enjoying a long sleep in a back wrap cross carry in the gorgeous Anna.

Isn't she just the loveliest colours?

Makes me wish it was winter again so could wear her all the time. I will be taking every opportunity to wear her before the weather gets too warm.

I will hopefully have a summer gauze wrap soon ;)

Random Pics

2008-10-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

My little Tiger....

My smiley boy...

*luv*

Ergo

2008-10-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

Hello my name is Hayley and I have a carrier addiction ;) I know some of you out there understand.

I bought an Ergo, Camel on Camel, I made some sucker pads to stop Ari wreaking the straps with his eternal sucking.

Heres Ari having a ride with Dad - he is a bit unsure and always has his head hanging back to look around, I think he prefers to be higher to see over my shoulder.

And a very dodgy photo (lens was dirty) of Nate and I..Nate is why I bought the ergo and I really like the up/down ease of it. I just don't like my hang over mumma belly *cry*.

World Teachers Day - Friday 31st October

2008-10-29T21:54:00.000-07:00

Friday October 31st is World Teachers Day........YAY for fabulous teachers. Teaching involves lots of hard work and not enough pay.

My sister has just finished her degree and is now teaching high school students, MIL is an early childhood teacher and also a qualified primary teacher, Scott's aunt is a primary teacher and his uncle has just retired from high school arts teaching...they work (have worked) very hard and it is sad that teachers are so under valued in our society. So thank you from me to all the wonderful teachers.

Liam has a lovely teacher for his first year at school, Ms Cannan, and tomorrow Liam is taking some cakes to celebrate!

It gave me a chance to try out my $10 cupcake stand from coles, lol.

Little Comet Tails Cresent Moon Yoga Pant - With Crescent

2008-10-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

I made some Florties, Flpries and Flongies (pmsl) last night.Using this pattern with crescent.

I used the size Medium for Ari and it is a little big but will surely fit him for a long time. I couldnt convince Nate to try them on but they would fit him I reckon (he no longer wears nappies though).

Side view

Front

Back..

Made with MM Fleece, 300wt (navy) for the body and 200wt (baby blue or green) for the waists.

Heres Ari modeling the Flongies with the help of big brother Liam.

I will make him another pair of short florties for summer, maybe in the 200wt for daytime.

Boho Mama Bag

2008-10-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

Tutorial Is Here

Using an old sheet (for fear of stuffing up my other fabric) and 2 SS rings bought from the local BCF (Boating, Camping and Fishing) store I made this bag tonight.

The tute is detailed and it was quiet easy to follow. I did do mine a little differently in that I did not overlock and fold the entire opening but rather sewed the lining and outer right sides together and then turned them (out the strap hole) and top stitched...continuing along the strap. I hope that makes sense, lol. I found that really easy to do.

The tail is long enough that I will be adding a pocket to it, I have just run out of time tonight. Will probably use snaps to close as I don't do zippers yet ;).

I bought 40mm rings - too small! I got it to work but if making it again I would want at least 60mm.

Thanks Mel for the great tute.

PS. there is no measurement for the strap width - made them 12.5cm on the fold.

Onbag

2008-10-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

I tried to sew an Onbag earlier this week (will come back with the link) - it is not exactly true to the pattern but it seems to work OK.

My sewing machine has a rolled hem foot but I cant for the life of me use it properly. So things were stitched and turned instead - the final piecing together has seams on the inside which aren't pretty but should hold it all together, lol. The corners are shocking.

I am honestly not sure I love it. I tried it with a Mei Tai and just felt as though I had heaps on straps all over me. Maybe with a wrap it wouldn't seem so much.

It is nice and big. In the photo collage I have a shot with it half full - 3 AIO nappies, 2 terry flats, 2 changes of clothes and a water bottle with plenty of room to spare.

It was fairly cheap to make - I used 3 metres of cotton drill that was maybe $10-12 on special and a dress that was damaged (and that made me look twice my size) as the accent. It took a while to sew, if I could figure out the rolled hem it would of been easier. I also could of done with 3.5 metres of material to save me adding bits on the ends of the straps (very messily, I have to unpick and redo I think). I also will be adding some snap closures to the pockets when I get around to it.

Thanks for reading.

Possum Pouches - Knitted and KK AIO

2008-10-10T04:03:00.000-07:00

I can hardly resist a chance to buy a nappy or knits from PP. I love our KK fitteds for night time and our PP knits get a good workout , so cute and a great price. So far our PP stash includes 3 longies, 3 shorties and a soaker.

When I saw a pair of shorties and a KK on special for $25 a pop I rushed in to snaffle them but sadly they were already sold.

Luckily for me Robyn offered me another pair of shorties and an AIO. So wonderful!!!

So here is my littlest man in his new shorties and Windpro KK AIO.

Thank you Robyn! Hopefully in the next week (or maybe the one after) you will receive a little parcel in the mail from me (with help from Sarah from Sunshine and Lollipops) - as a thank you.

XOXO Hayley.

Gastro and Mastitis

2008-10-10T03:45:00.000-07:00

Does the title just say it all??

Liam came down with gastro, Nate came down with gastro, I came down with mastitis......what does this all mean??? no sleep for me!!!

On the up side I have manged to get through the mastitis so far without antibiotics, I feel tired an sore but not as bad as I did.

The kids seem to be getting better and...touch wood...Beth hasn't had it yet.

I should really be in bed right now but I just wanted to blog a few things I have had sitting here as drafts this week.

Torso Carry - Selendang

2008-10-05T20:12:00.000-07:00

My in laws just returned from Bali - I sent MIL the request for 2 sarongs or selendangs for baby wearing.

She returned with 2 cotton and one silk(??) I gave the cottons a whirl as simple knotted hip carriers (slings) and they were great but what I really wanted to try was a torso carry. So here we are.

And heres the result of 5 minutes of carrying...

I didn't quiet get it right, it started slipping in that 5 minutes but I will keep trying. I really want to make a podegai to try as well as torso carries are super as they take the weight off your shoulders and leave your arms free.

Little Comet Tails Crescent Moon Yoga Pants Pattern.

2008-10-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

I bought this from the NC trading room.

I had a play and made Beth a pair of pajama pants using the extra large size (with no crescent) which fit her perfectly.

So easy to sew - and so quick!!

I used a very light weight cotton and a baby stretch terry, both of which were given to me so the pants cost me nothing but the pattern ($10) and my time, cant complain about that. This pattern is going to get a work out making Ari some fleece shorts and pull up covers for summer so will be well worth my money.

My Nan and Pops Garden

2008-10-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

I recently took the kids and DH to visit my grandparents. Pop started his next round of chemo so wasn't feeling the best but we got to spend a little time with him and introduced him to our youngest, Ari.

Sad as it is to see him so sick and nan obviously so worried, I always get pleasure from their garden....probably sounds weird but it is just so them.

It was a quick visit that also involved a visit to my sisters new place in Abermaine (near Kurri Kurri and Cessnock). It is what you could politly call a shack, what my mum calls a dump and what the bank lenders called derelict. I took no photos of it as I just didn't think too but gosh there is a lot of work to do. I hope they can get it done and get moved into their own place.

Bethanys 4th Birthday

2008-10-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

I have been a little slack in posting lately but here is a pic of my beautiful daughter on her 4th birthday.

And another of her dolls house made with love by her dad....it is quiet big with open sides to allow all the kids to play without having to crowd in front.

Ari is 6 months young

2008-09-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it?....6 months have flown by already! It makes me happy and sad.....such a bitter sweet thing to see your last baby grow up. Adding to that Bethany turns 4 tomorrow!!.

Ari has the biggest smile....and you cant help but smile back at him. I still remember so clearly the first smile he gave me at a week old.....opening my eyes, saying good morning and this little face staring at me from our bed lighting up with happiness with his smile.

He rolls all the time now and likes to sit up between our legs to look at the world. He shuffles backwards and around in circles and sometimes he manages to shuffle forwards a little. He is still exclusively breastfed although I guess the time has come for us to think about solids.

His favorite noise at the moment is "Bababababababa" said at full volume, lol. I have a feeling my house will never be quiet again.

I made Ari a little celebratory outfit yesterday, he is wearing it in the above photo. A maiden mills fleece pull up cover and a matching black tie bib :).

He started cutting his first 2 teeth on the weekend which is making him a little cranky (adding to the chest infection that has come back).....thank goodness for baby carriers. Not only does it keep him happier but I get cuddles at the same time.

Now he rarely sleeps and he is a total mummy's boy......but he is my boy and just perfect in his own way.

So happy half birthday to my little man....looking forward to whatever may come next..

Spring is here and Fathers Day 2008

2008-09-09T03:08:00.000-07:00

Its spring, the sun is shining, birds are singing and all that ;)

Fathers Day has come and gone yet again. We went out to lunch with DHs family to the local golf club, we sat and ate a nice meal overlooking the lovely Shelly Beach. It was a nice day.

Heres a shot of dad and kids....

And here is a photo I took today....my littlest blue eyed boy and I....

and ......I airbrushed my dark circles and bags from my eyes *runs and hides*. LOL.

My Mission/Plan/Hopes

I am on a mission to loose some weight, 10kgs actually, so I have started walking a bit more and trying to stop eating chocolate. I don't want t o compromise breastfeeding so will be doing it slowly.

Pretty soon I will be going off line for a couple of weeks to get some stuff done around the place. It really is a mess and just so disorganized....not sure how I will cope, lol.

We will hopefully be moving in a few months, not permanently but just for a few months while we do some work on our place. I am not sure exactly as things are so up and down here. But if I can clean out the house then it will be easier when the time comes to move.

Anyway...gotta run

XOXOXOXOX Hayley.

Bonny Hills

2008-08-31T22:40:00.000-07:00

We've been home for a couple of weeks now but I just wanted to show some pics of our weekend away, better late then never, lol.

Bonny Hills is a lovely little place near Laurieton, and Port Macquarie.

We traveled by car which took a bit over 4 hours. Ari (now 5mths) is NOT a good traveler, generally it takes about 3.5hours with the kids but poor little Ari just wanted cuddles and obviously I cant hold him in the car so it was very stressful for us both. We even got desperate and bought a dummy from a servo on the way home, and all I can say is my boy has a great gag reflex *ewww*.

We stayed at a caravan park down on the beach, sharing a cabin with DHs parents which was a lot better then it sounds, lol.

The kids had a ball and spent most of their time with their dad while I stayed in doors with Ari who was sick with his chesty cough at the time. I got to knit in this time which is how my head band got done :). We did rug up a few times and we all went down the the beach to watch the surfing comp and for the kids to have a play.

It was good to get away from this house and all the real life stuff for a little while, iykwim. I really did have fun being alone (well with just a sleeping baby) and not having to worry about the washing up, mountains of laundry etc etc.....its just when you come home its doubly bad, lol. I have been making an effort to do more housework and there is some progress.....some ;)

Now I will leave you with my favorite picture from our weekend....XOXO Hayley

Quick Catch Up

2008-08-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

Time Flies

Can you believe that its almost the end of August already? I feel like I have blinked and its gone.
I am not online as much lately...the house is slowly getting clean but I am not answering emails etc as quickly as I should be so sorry if I have been slack in replying.

Ari

Ari is 5 months old already, he is rolling over heaps now and starting to crawl (shimmy) backwards and occasionally forwards.

He has been on antibiotics for the last 10 days.....I feel like a bad mum, I figured he just had a bad cold but after a while (about 3-4 weeks) of this chesty cough I figured I should take him to get checked out. I am reluctant to use antibiotics on the kids unless absolutely necessary but he wasn't sleeping during the day and was not himself. After a few days of antibiotics he was a different baby and is now much improved. He is going to get his 4mths needles on Tuesday, which he will not like.

He is so precious, as are all my kids....I just want to cuddle them and make their lives happy and fulfilled.

Nappycino

I am involved in the Nappycino Up-cycle swap but have no idea what I am doing now that I know my first idea is not going to be any good. I hope I can pull something my swapee will like together.

Life For Me

Things here are up and down, iykwim, just when I think its getting better, BLAH BLAH BLAH!

Trying to live life....I really need to find direction for me.

XOXOX Hayley

"We become happier, much happier, when we realize that life is an opportunity rather than an obligation."

Ravelry - Knitting - Stitch Markers

2008-08-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

So I joined Ravelry.....not really sure about finding my way around as yet but my name is same as (robbo3) so look me up if you want ;).

I just looked up the projects for the Calorimetry I knitted on the weekend and saw some fabulous colours which has inspired me to get knitting ready for birthdays/Christmas/etc. I am heading towards minimizing spending money on "stuff" and instead using my hands, and where possible recycled goods, to create items for myself/kids/family.

Oh and I have a question about stitch markers.....how do you use them, do they slip on the needle or around the stitch on the yarn? I was putting them (paper clips as I don't have any stitch markers) on the stitch but when it says "knit 5, place marker" do you place the marker on the last knitted stitch or on the next knitted stitch or in between the knitted stitches?

*Blush* I am such a novice.

Calorimetry

2008-08-17T16:13:00.001-07:00

I recently saw this pattern for a Calorimetry on Tracy's Blog and just had to knit one.

I am not a great knitter and really don't have the best grasp of all the details but I managed it OK. I believe the pattern is for 10 ply yarn and 5mm needles but I used an 8ply aussie wool from lincraft and 4.5mm neddles as thats what I had and it seems to of worked out (as I said, I am a novice). It is a couple of short rows short as I counted wrong for the 15 rpts and so the 17 rpts are less also.

The pattern is here.

I haven't attached the button yet so its just tied on in the photo.

August 2008 - an Update

2008-08-11T23:12:00.001-07:00

Its Cold

So winters almost over right? Well its been freezing so I hope so. I should add that my freezing is that it gets down to7*C in the night, lol, having lived in the snow I know its not "that" cold....but its cold enough for me.

I hate have the air con on but in a fibro house with wooden floors what else can I do?. Horrid side effect of all this (OK so I have been a little slack with the house work) is my windows........ there was mould on them from the condensation *insert horrified face here* so I madly went around cleaning them on the weekend.

Liam Turns 6

My big boy turned 6 on the 31st of July - he really is growing up so much and thriving at school. He got twister and $20 which were a hit and his dad brought home an AFL ball as he says he wants to play that next year rather then soccer.

Ari's Octopus

Ari is growing so fast and is almost 5mths old. I made him a toy last week, a knitted octopus which he loves chewing on. It is from an old pattern book I have here, only theirs was bigger. I couldnt be stuffed knitting anymore so just made the sphere smaller, that and I didn't use the same yarn and it was double knit (what ever that means *blush*). I used the soaker frogged wool and an unused pillows stuffing.......I keep meaning to buy a little bell to put inside so it jingles for him.

I think that smaller spheres in back and white with knitted/plaited dangles would make a lovely mobile for a baby, much better then the commercial ones. So if anyone has the time/inclination I think thats a great sellable product......its probably already out there but what isn't these days.

Life for Me

Well its pretty shit atm. Marital stuff but I don't really want to discuss it considering I cant even discuss it with the man himself. I just am not happy.

My Pop, who has battling Leukemia for 11 years, is really unwell....his kidneys have started to fail. I don't get to visit them very often as the kids are always carrying some bug and we don't want to get him sick. Hopefully we will get to see him soon :) and maybe even swing a visit with the Itti Bitti household.

OK gotta run - dinner to cook, kids to bathe..

XOXOXOX Hayley.

Kozy Mei Tai

2008-08-01T03:48:00.000-07:00

I got this Mei Tai 2nd hand from another member of Baby Carriers Downunder yahoo group (and also the baby wearer).

Now you know as soon as it arrived I had to try it :). Nate was first to ask for "up back", then Beth wanted a go in "the pink one", lol, and then I insisted Ari have a go.

Almost as soon as I walked outside to hang the washing Ari snuggled in and fell asleep so I think he likes it. And as for me, I find it easy to use, a good size for us and best of all very comfortable to wear. The shoulder padding is nice and the canvas is soft yet supportive.

Ari was quiet comfortable with his legs in "froggy style" but also (as per photo) very comfortable with his legs out. We have no need to shorten the body of the carrier atm and it still has the body length to offer head support when he is froggied (???).

Sleeping babies always pull at my heart strings but a sleeping baby snuggled warmly against my back....*sigh*......so beautiful.

Beths Bob

2008-07-27T20:19:00.001-07:00

Beth has been asking for a hair cut - she has gone from a girl who refused a cut to one begging for one, lol. Her hair had gotten quiet long and it was getting so knotty all the time and she hated having it brushed.

So......I cut it! She asked for hair like Nate's......yep he has a shaved head, lol, but we compromised on a bob.

What do you think? Beth loves it thank goodness *phew*.

Catch Up

2008-07-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

I have been doing a few little projects lately.

I made a little bag for a 2 year olds birthday and forgot to take a photo *doh*.

It was reversible, black one side and red the other (cotton drill) and it had pockets in a black cotton with red strawberries. I loved it, not sure if the little pink and purple Dora fan liked it much though *ooops*. I also made a matching scrunchie.

I am going to make another for Beth I think. It was the same type of bag as I made for myself but smaller, lol.

I also knitted a basket weave headband. I found the pattern on Sues blog, the direct link is here. I don't think its as big (wide) as it was supposed to be but it looks OK and does a job.

Please excuse my ugly mug

I am now knitting another from some hand dyed wool that I frogged from a soaker I knitted ages ago (when I first learned to knit).....it had really dodgy increasing/decreasing, lol, so I had never really used it.

What else???? I have lots of things on my need "to do" and want "to do" lists.

I am currently cleaning out my baby stuff to pass on to a friend...*sob*...bye bye to little, squishy, sweet smelling, snuggly, suckling newborns....thankfully Ari is only 4mths or I might break down at the thought.

I really think its time to move on. I love my kiddies and 5 (6. 7. 8...) would be lovely (I imagine) but a bit to much for me to cope with....that and DH would leave me, lol.

I have moved to thoughts now of what I will do when my kids get older and what I want to do now. Its hard to think of time when they will be grown up.

Thankfully I have many more years (at least 3-4) of staying at home full time and then at least 2 more where I would not want to work more then 2-3 days a week.

So what to do....

Nanna Knits for Ari

2008-07-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

I love this outfit my nanna knitted for Ari, it is so soft and squishy I can't help but cuddle him in it.

I have no idea what kind of wool it is, she got it from a garage sale, lol, I will have to ask her. Her arthritis is bothering her so she is struggling to knit as much now but I am so thankful for this.

Here is my 4mth old baby (can you believe he is four months already!), the pants stretch up almost to his nipples, lol, and keep him fabulously warm.

Mucking around with layout......again

2008-07-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Glutton for punishment, I have been at it again.....new background, slightly wider area for text, new header. I am not 100% happy with the header yet so will be changing that as soon as I get the chance.

So, what do you think???

Mei Tai - tried, tested now time to design V2.0

2008-07-16T04:12:00.001-07:00

Heres some on going action shots of my new favorite baby carrier...my home made mei tai.

I find it conveinient, comfortable and it looks fabulous ;). As you can see from the pictures Ari loves it...sleeps well in it although he likes being on my tummy when really unsettled.

Now for the improvements......

As you can see from the first pic, his head is unsupported so when sleeping it rolls about a bit - I can ease it back into position but when walking around etc it naturally flops, lol. I do have something here to sew on as a hood (and I will do so) but next time I plan on making the body taller with a flip up/fold down head support.

I think the body width is fine for us till Ari is about 18-24mths.

I will also make the straps longer - these are a little short so will maybe add another 20-30cms.

I am also thinking on angled waist straps - I am a little confused as to HOW angled they would need to be???

I have bought some more Drill from spotlight (25% off :)) and have some other fabrics here to use as a panel. I am not sure if I will do another 3 layer one or rather just 2 with the cross over for support.

Cloth in the Sunday Telegraph 13/7/08

2008-07-13T03:49:00.000-07:00

*does a little dance*

"Cloth nappies are making a comeback thanks to environmentally aware, health-conscious and environmentally savvy parents....."

Ari rolled from back to tummy...twice!!!!

2008-07-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

My baby is growing up so fast, last night while enjoying floor time without a nappy he rolled to his side multiple times and then...rolled onto his tummy......twice!!! He is 17 weeks (almost 4mths) and I can't believe how fast it is all happening.

.......He is full of smiles...

.........Loves Tummy time....

......and we are enjoying our baby wearing time together....

He tries my patience some days with not sleeping ;) but in all honestly he is pretty lovely to be around. He has a chesty cough and runny nose atm but isn't too demanding with it.

I really am a lucky mum.

My Kids - Smile

2008-07-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

After my regular 2 minute splash and dash this morning........ok, ok maybe it was a little longer, but it is freezing here today and I needed to wash my hair, lol....I returned to my bedroom to find Beth cuddling a bleary eyed Ari. It seems he "waked up mum and wanted cuddles" ;).

And of course when the kids saw the camera they all wanted a pic:)

Awwwwwww ;)

Home Made Bag to match Mei Tai

2008-07-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

I followed a tute on Make Baby Stuff for this one. Its a great site recently found when looking at Tracy's wonderfully crafty blog.

I altered the strap width/length and choose to have all open pockets but the size of the body is the same. I also made things hard for myself by having a layer of polar fleece in the body and strap. I used the left over cotton drill and some more quilters cotton from the Surf and Sand collection.

I think I will add a snap or 2 just to keep the top closed a bit more. and if I make another (for a friend) I will maybe try a tab across the top with a snap iykwim, or maybe a satchel type flap......maybe, lol.

Home Made Mei Tai

2008-07-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

I sewed this last night/this morning - overall I am pretty happy with my first effort. I made it using cotton drill for the inner and straps and quilting cotton for the panels (Marcus Brothers Surf and Sand). I padded the waist strap with a piece of polar fleece. The aesthetics are not perfect but it is structurally sound :) which is most important.

I didn't follow any particular pattern although I have looked at many online....just kinda did what I thought I wanted, lol. I think I will try turning and top stitching next time as this time the panels were ironed and then sewn together iykwim so they are a little askew ;). I just couldnt get my brain to figure it all out.

Dimensions are -

Panel width - 4ocms
Panel Height - 51cms
Panel Height from waist strap - 40cms
Waist Strap Width- 11cms
Waist Strap Length either side - 59cms
Shoulder Strap Width- 14cms
Shoulder Strap Length - 155cms
(all straps could of been a little longer maybe??)

It has 3 body panels - the inner is drill that has the shoulder straps sewn in an X the whole way through....

Here are some shots of it in action - my first goes at using a MT...

First off - Ari (3.5mths - 65cms - 7ish kgs)

Then Nate (2), Beth (almost 4) and Liam (almost 6)..

I have made a hood but am unsure how I should join it - snaps?, sewn?....and then how to attach to straps...

Mucking Around With Layout Etc

2008-06-23T04:47:00.000-07:00

You may (or may not, lol) of noticed over the last few days I have been mucking around with my blog layout, it is sending me a bit crazy as I know what I want but am unsure how to do it, lol.

My "Blogs I Read" keep disappearing...no idea why so I have taken that down for now.

So seems I can't figure out the layout stuff I have made myself a new header.

Yawn!!! Of to bed now :)

A Gift for a new Bubba - Poochies

2008-06-19T20:07:00.001-07:00

I made these 2 small Poochies for a new little bubba girl. Now I know she has received them I thought I would post pics :)

It is nice to use "girly" fabrics. The outer is a cord, the liner is suedecloth and the boosters (sewn in and lay in) are bamboo.

My sewing was a bit dodgy (yet again, lol) but hopefully they do the job.

Strawberries

2008-06-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

Oh the time came yesterday for the eating of the strawberries.....after over a month of anticipation they arrived....

What is she talking about you may ask?? Well.........I won a prize in the mothers day competition at Nurture Nappies and the prize was a box of chocolate coated strawberries :). There were "issues" with getting the delivery to me from Coffs (we shall call the issue FASTWAY :() but thankfully it was eventually sorted and yesterday afternoon they arrived, fresh and yummy.

With much delight we consumed the whole box!

Thank you to Jayne for sorting it all out.

Possum Pouches - Ocean Creatures Action Pics

2008-06-18T23:58:00.000-07:00

Perfect!!!

Rump-a-rooz OSFM

2008-06-18T22:35:00.001-07:00

I bought this nappy from Nurture Nappies with a gift voucher given to me by Mel after Ari was born.

After a little mix up the nappy arrived last week and today I finally got around to using it. I honestly don't think I have ever waited that long to use a new nappy before but things have been hectic here with the kids and with all the rain it is taking me a while to get washing done.

the inner gusset

The tabs are super stretchy!, the Velcro isn't super grippy so I do wonder how time will treat it but it obviously works fine now. I really like the design concept, time and more uses will tell how it works/holds up. Ari is 3mths and a little over 7kgs and we are using the middle rise.

Possum Pouches - Ocean Creatures KKnitted and Fitted Pack

2008-06-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

The new Gossamer Dreams collaboration store opened last night...

"5 like minded WAHMs who joined together to bring you a fabulous once a month stocking. On the 15th of each month, Bits for Bots, Cherub's Kiss^TM, Cute Tooshies, Pookey Pockets and Possum Pouches gives you 24 hours to buy nappies, accessories, clothing & toys, inspired by a particular theme."
Quoted from Gossamer Dreams Store

I, of course, could not resist the Ocean Creatures KKnitted and Fitted Pack from Possum Pouches. The large nappy will probably swim on Nate (skinny no bum that he is) but I am hopeful, lol.

$55 for the longies, nappy, and wet bag. Postage Included.

Fitted KK:
Outer.....blue shark patterned cotton

Inner...... Dusky Blue Bamboo Velour

Concealed full layers.......bamboo mid wt fleece and double napped flannel

Soaker........2 layers BKT and one layer mid wt bamboo

Booster.......depending on how the booster is folded, in total this fitted nappy has 8 to 10 layers of bamboo and 4 of BKT
microfleece layer next to skin

Longies:

Australian wool, hand knitted, with moss stitch cuffs and drawstring waist; knitted with side seams for better stability, in colours of aquas,jades,blues and greens. Lanolised

Rise 49cm

Inner Leg 27cm

Drawstring wetbag:
Blue single layer PUL with panel of matching fabric

Hit Counter and Blogs I Read

2008-06-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

I have added a hit counter to my blog so I can see how many people actually read my ramblings, lol. I imagine that I will make up most of the count lol.

I also added a list of blogs I like to read..not finished with that yet so will be adding some more when I get the chance.

XOXOXOX

Isoki Bag

2008-06-09T02:58:00.000-07:00

My birthday pressie is here (birthday was 28th May.... OMG, I am 28), I picked it up on Friday and am in love :)

It is an Isoki reversible hobo bag in retro paisley.

I you are interested Queenbee has them and if you enter the MY CHILD code at checkout you get 20% off (until early August 08)....I was going to get mine from there but figured I may as well buy local if I could.

I think I am more in love with it as an overnight bag for me in the future, lol, but it works fine as a nappy bag too.

Photoshop - Scrapbooking

2008-06-09T02:41:00.001-07:00

I have been playing around with photoshop a bit. Scrapbooking is something that I would love to do but I am not sure when I would do it, lol. So I have been fiddling with photoshop in a scrapbooking way, iykwim.

These are A4 size pictures that I could get printed but I am not sure how much that would cost and then where I would put them. So I am considering creating a DVD type slide show instead.

Anyway here are my first couple of tries..

....Aris page...

....and Beths....

Back Carry - Getting there...

2008-06-05T04:14:00.000-07:00

Each time I try to Tibetan back carry it gets a little easier. By positioning Ari higher, spreading the fabric under my arms and across my shoulders a bit wider...I am much more comfortable.

I do get sicked on a fair bit as Ari is a chucker but other then that it is a great position for getting things done and he falls alseep each time :)

Possum Pouches Longies

2008-06-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

So happy these have arrived just in time for our wet and windy start to winter.

Matching longies and beanies for my nappy wearing boys

Aris are in "Shipwreck" which has gorgeous pale blue, blue and brown......I got them a little long so I can fold them for now

Nates are in "Stormy Skies" which has dark blue, purple and grey.....

A Present for Ari - Thanks Mel

2008-06-03T04:06:00.000-07:00

Mel gave Ari this handmade gift today :) So cute and thoughtful.

Nate held baby teddy on the way home in the car, he gave him a breastfeed and, oops, he did a "sicky" while getting burped, lol. Even the big kids wanted a cuddle with him when they got home.

Thanks Mel, your knitting is great!

I have also used the other pressie you gave us, on a Rump-a-rooz OSFM nappy from Nurture Nappies. We have had a slight hiccup as the wrong nappy was sent to us (was on my doorstep when I got home) but hopefully that will be fixed up really soon and it will be on the boys butts for a test drive.

Look forward to catching up again soon XOXOX

Ari is 10.5 weeks old already!!!

2008-05-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? I know I can't!

He smiles heaps, loves the sling/wrap/pouch, loves his big brothers and sister who entertain him with their craziness......and drum roll please.......he sleeps at least 6 hours a night but lately has been sleeping 9pm to 6am......9 hours........in his own bed !!!!!!!!

I took him to the drop in clinic today and he is 6.7kgs bare, 62cms long and has a 41.5cm head circumference. So growing nicely or amongst "average" for a breastfed bub :) and has gained 550g in the last 2 weeks. YAY for breast milk, hopefully he keeps gaining weight well.

Bubblebubs - Bakers Dozen

2008-05-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

I was a bit naughty and bought up big in the

sale.

I really wanted a nappy that was dad friendly and would fit both my boys (or Ari in a little while). So I bought a bakers dozen of Mediums (to fit approx 5.5-12kgs). 13 AIO nappies with velcro closure and no bits to find in the wash, they are bamboo so no smells and great absorbency (slow dry time though). All we need to do is add a liner and were good to go :). I tried one on Nate (he picked the dot minky crabs) and it fits so well, Ari is sleeping so I will try one on him later.

They cost me $285.09 including courier postage. Which works out at $21.93 each!!. I got 7 dot minky, 4 smooth minky and 2 microbubbles. The combined full price if bought individually would of been around $400 so I am very happy.

Heres a picture of the fluff :)

Another Hair Cut!!!!!

2008-05-19T05:07:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmm.....hair cuts don't happen often in this house and it was so hard for me to get Nate's hair cut a few weeks ago.

Well today he took to his own hair with scissors and now he is bald, lol.......it was the only way to fix it *shrugs*...*cry*...he still looks gorgeous too me :)

Expo Fluff

2008-05-19T02:58:00.000-07:00

I went to the PBC expo yesterday and it was great!!!!!! I left home at 9am...got to the expo at 10:30am and somehow managed to still be there at 4:30pm....I eventually arrived home at 6:30pm.

I got to see/meet some great NCers and its actually pretty embarrassing how much fun I had talking cloth.

My list of goodies included some non fluff items:

Two ABC DVDs for the kids "Hairy Maclary" and "Are we there yet?: a journey around Australia" for $10 EACH
A 3/4 sleeve Peppermint breastfeeding shirt for me which I tried out today and really liked .

Now for the fluff.....

From Baby Blossom a Blueberries OSFM Minky Pocket w/insert for $32
From Nurture Nappies 2 bumgenius OSFM pockets for helping out
From Cleverpants a Size 2 bamboozle and Size 2 cover for $25
From Itti Bitti I picked up a few things from Sue, some inserts and a sewn in, and bought some mini bamboo boosters
Oh and a pair of Huggalugs for $10

And of course to tempt you after you leave, you get expo offers from some places....

Itti Bitti is offering 15% off for 2 weeks plus free post for orders over $50!!!!
and Huggalugs 20% off!!!

........I am trying to ignore these due to my splurge in the Bubblebubs sale on the weekend.

PBC EXPO

2008-05-11T23:01:00.000-07:00

I am planning on heading to the Pregnancy, Babies and Children's Expo on Sunday. I have a free pass, not that I can find it, lol, and will hopefully get the chance to help out at a stall and catch up with some clothie mums...Nurture Nappies will be there and so will Itti Bitti!!!

It will just be Ari and I which should be nice...hopefully he will be happy in his wrap like he is at home and I can talk cloth to some potential cloth parents.

Hope to see some people there :)

Auriels - Size 1

2008-05-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

I bought two Size 1 Auriels this week - I really wanted to try them out, MM fleece for breatheability and good water resistance, side snap for good fit. They arrived today and they are tiny!! I have the feeling that Size 2s would of been a better buy in terms of longevity but they didn't have any left so size 1 it was. They are super trim through the crotch (maybe slimmer then an itti!!!) and I am not sure if boosting will be an option ???

They are made for birth to 9kgs. I have put them in the wash so we will see once they are dry.

Poochies Nappy - Size Medium

2008-05-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

Scott is away (and has taken my new camera so please excuse cruddy photos) so I have had a few hours of sewing this evening which has been nice...that said it is 11:45pm, I haven't cleaned up yet, I am super tired *yawn* and Ari will be waking up soon for a feed....so maybe not so nice when I have to get up a few times between now and when the kids get up at 7am ;)

Anyways what I supposed to be writing about is this nappy I made. Size medium from the Poochies pattern.

It has 9 layers of bamboo and one of cotton. With winter coming I didn't want to do a sewn in booster as drying times are a bit too long for my liking so I have done minimal body layers and a fold out snap in.

Outer: Paws Cotton
Hidden: Bamboo layer
Inner: Blue microfleece
Snap in: 2 layer trifold with 2 layer microfleece topped booster attached.
Hidden snaps! I am finding this important as Ari seems a bit sensitive.

Edited to add....

The pattern says Mediums fit from 6.8-11.3kgs....Ari is 6.15kgs and Nate is 12.5kgs. It fits both boys and not on the tightest/loosest snaps either. Pics of my boys and comparing the small and medium poochies.

Help Please - Tibetan Back Carry and others

2008-05-10T05:46:00.000-07:00

I would love some help if anyone out there that can give me some ideas/opinions/assistance on back carries?

Carmen (Kermi) gave me some links to you tube which were great (am on slow dial up so it takes a while, lol) , I made myself a 5 metre x 70 cm wrap from slightly stretchy (one way- up/down) material and have been trying it out. I understand that wovens are best for back carries as they offer more support but as I don't have $90+ to spend (or DH wouldn't let me, lol) I thought I would try this.

I tried the Tibetan back carry today and found that Ari was comfy but I was not....around my underarms it just didn't feel right. So here are some pics so you can see what I did and maybe someone can shine the light on the problem.

I had the twist the parts coming over my shoulder to keep the top rail tight against his neck, so maybe that was the problem.

Oh and he is 8 weeks old, 60cms and 6.15kgs.

Blue Eyed Boy

2008-05-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

Ari's Feet My Wedding Rings

2008-05-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

Sunshine, Smiles and Flowers

2008-04-26T05:12:00.000-07:00

I woke up squinting this morning to SUNSHINE....hallelujah!!!....The kids actually got to run around outside and use up some of their seemingly endless energy.

There were tears and tantrums amongst the smiles and laughter but hey, we weren't in the house so it wasn't nearly half as bad...:).....I tried out the new camera and everyone is going to get so sick off all the pictures I will posting, lol.

While we were out the back I was drawn to this little flower poking over the neighbors fence.....perfect time to try out the Super Macro function on the camera, lol.

A Hair Cut for the Kids

2008-04-23T21:37:00.001-07:00

Liam has been wanting a hair cut and rather then have DH just shave it off to one length I thought I would take them all to the hair dressers...crazy me...

So heres Liam....he was a champ, sat still, chatted nicely

Nate has only had one hair cut when he was maybe 12mths, I loved his long hair but I think it was time to cut some off and let him be a boy (rather then being called "she" all the time)...he was a challenge but we got there...

Beth cried, tried to run away, she refused to have a hair cut....UNTIL...she saw her brothers get a treat after theirs LOL. So she stood (would not sit) and held my hand and we got about 5cms taken off....no before pic but it looks much neater now.

New Camera

2008-04-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

I went to K-mart yesterday and they had 40% of digital cameras and I ended up getting a new camera...nothing super flash but better then my old one thats for sure. It ended up costing $180 so I am stoked.

It has 10x optical zoom and a macro function which means I can take close up pictures without them being blurry, it is also 8MP. It should be really good for photoshopping as the lines are so much clearer. So here are a few pics :)

Sleep According To Ari

2008-04-21T03:26:00.000-07:00

You may of noticed from the photos you have seen of Ari on this blog that he has certain sleep requirements....

Generally right beside mum and her boobs is the best place, be it sling, wrap or pouch.....this is how he sleeps best some days and it works OK most of the time.......but sometimes I like to put him down for a break (how mean, lol)

Now the only position for sleep in that situation is apparently on his tummy. His cradle works sometimes but the best place of all seems to be mum and dads bed :).....

He spends all night there so why not ;)

Nanna Knits almost 1 year later....

2008-04-21T03:11:00.001-07:00

My nanna knitted this for Nate in May 2007, he was 14mths old, about8kgs and it fit him like tights and a short vest....a bit small but so cute and special :)

Now Ari is wearing it at 5 weeks and 5-6kgs. The leg cuffs are folded twice but it is a nice loose fit and oh so cute and warm.......an extra pic of his smiles and strong neck...

Ari's Birth Story

2008-04-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

Saturday 15^th March 2008

The in-laws took the kids to a family party in Sydney just in case I went into labour while they were gone for the night, I didn’t really want to go on the day before my EDD, so for the first time in a long time Scott and I had peace and quiet with nothing to do.....fabulous.

We decided in the evening to take the dogs for a walk down the beach so I walked the dogs down while Scott had a swim. It was lovely, water was cool and refreshing and the feeling of the water splashing around my legs was relaxing.

Went to bed a bit late, about 11pm. I felt really good, if a little impatient to get this baby out.

Sunday 16^th March 2008 .... my EDD

5:30am – I woke up needing to go to the bathroom, I had a good nights sleep so was feeling good. Went to the toilet, got back onto bed, started dozing and felt my tummy pop...I thought it was maybe my waters but there was no more fluid after that so in hindsight it may have been bubs doing a big movement and some cervical mucus.

Cleaned toilet, packed bags, folded clothes and many random things, just in case this was IT.

10am – I was having very mild contractions, I figured it was either more braxton hicks or the start of pre-labour. Told Scott we might have this baby tonight or tomorrow.

12mid – I went to bed to get some rest before the kids came home, fell asleep and then was woken shortly after by the kids arriving home. The in-laws brought lunch so I had some lunch and sat around chatting for the next 2 hours.

2pm – I was starting to think that this could be it....I was having contractions that hurt but were not overly painful or regular. In-laws left and the kids went out the back yard to play.

2:30pm –I decided to hop in the bath to see if it stoped the contractions as they were becoming regular and were starting to hurt more now....mostly in my back. The bath didn’t stop the contractions so I started thinking this really is it....

3pm – got kicked out of the bath by Liam who needed to get in as his neck was sore, apparently he slept funny, could of laughed but once out of the bath the contractions ramped up.... YEP THIS IS IT!! I moved to lying on the bed as all of a sudden getting dressed seemed like hard work.

3:20pm - Woke Scott, who had somehow fallen asleep on the lounge, with my moaning, sent him running for a bucket as I had the urge to throw up. He checked on the kids who were still outside playing and Liam in the bath and told them to get ready as they were going to Nan and Pops...then rang them to come.

3:45pm – Father in law arrived to get kids. I think I scared him with my moaning; kids were watching me, now dressed, as I walked around the house moaning and trying to figure out how all of a sudden I was in full blown labour. Nate and Beth kissed me bye, Liam just said bye and off they went.

4pm – Get in car and head for the hospital.....OUCH.....car ride was horrid. I moaned and gripped the seat asking Scott if he could hurry up PLEASE....kept getting small urges to push which freaked me out no end.

4:20pm – Arrived as hospital and tried to work out how I was going to get from the car to the delivery suite. Walked very quickly....all the while in my head staying OH MY GOD, OMG, OMG, OMG.......was concentrating on not moaning like a banshee while in public.... OH MY GOD, OMG, OMG, OMG....

Scott said I will get a wheelchair.....ok.......wheelchair is padlocked......I’ll get the key......STUFF THE WHEELCHAIR I’M NOT WAITING......run for lift......scared people hold door open and tell us which number to press and leave us alone in lift......doors close and contraction hits OH MY GOD, OMG, OMG, OMG........doors open and I burst out doors......get to delivery suite and another contraction hits......MOANING so load now, stuff being polite in “public”.....

Hear a voice and open my eyes to see midwife Caroyln......thankyou god.....did you call ahead?....oops no.....wheelchair comes and pushed me quickly to delivery room...no sorry not that one, I had my other sons in that room, bad memories....am taken down the hall to another room....jump out of chair and lean on bed as another contraction hits.....

Carry on leaning on the bed.....having urge to push but nothing is happening and I feel as though something isn’t right.....pain is still in my back as bub is posterior......I get the gas....its not working...they turn it up....ahhh that’s better.....

Midwife examines me after a few contractions and finds me 9.5cms dilated with just a small cervical lip but bub is nowhere to be seen, he is floating high and my waters are bulging through the cervix.....cannula is put in to give antibiotics for Group B Strep...

All fours position is assumed to try and turn bub around......I carry on.....tell Scott he is having the snip....ask them to pull the bloody baby out......demand all types of drugs.....

The urge to push still there and eventually my waters break with a HUGE noise and gush everywhere, baby stays happy despite being so high which indicated the cord has not prolapsed (thank goodness)......

I say that I must lie down and Carolyn convinces me to try another position first so I turn around and squat on the bed........after a few contractions I could feel Ari’s head moving down the birth canal..... Scott is gloved up and ready to assist...........

I close my eyes....

I feel the burning and the midwifes fingers trying to ease the head and help me stretch.....OH MY GOD it hurt.....I ROAR as his head comes out.......and then go quiet.......I hear Scott comment on how warm his head is as he supports it (with the midwifes hands over his), I would of laughed but well you know, lol....eyes still closed I am quiet, so quiet, scared as I know the shoulders are next........Carolyn is talking to Scott, I hear her say “its amazing isn’t it”...deep breath....more ROARING as I feel his shoulders stretch me open, the midwife is telling Scott to hook his finger under bubs armpit......one last roar and he is out...thank Christ...

I opened my eyes...........

My “little man” laying between my legs........perfect.......

I did it!!

I cut the cord myself.....

His first breastfeed was wonderful, I literally riped my top off and he almost crawled up my chest in his eagerness.......

9lb (4040g)......52.5cms long......36cm head

5:37pm – Ari James came into this world, with a little gas and a lot of roaring...I had some grazing but never felt it.....

The placenta didn’t want to come away.....an hour later, after a catheter, drip and lots of pushing it came.....I made Scott take a photo of the offending placenta but wont put that here as some people might find it a bit full on. Scott does , lol.....

My thoughts on my 4th and final birth..........

AMAZING!

We had an amazing midwife who made our experience even more beautiful with her words and encouragement. That Scott was encouraged to help me bring Ari into this world and that we were helped rather then directed was empowering and so special.

Itti Bitti D'lish

2008-04-20T03:21:00.000-07:00

I never got around to posting photos of the six lovely IB D'lish nappies I bought for Nate, and of course the lovely gift from Sue of a small one for Ari.

So heres my littlest man laying in a pile of fluff :)

....and my gorgeous little man doing his "show us your nappy" pose...

The Aqua one Nate is wearing was another gift from Sue....a sewn in IB!!. I love that the nappy is all together...no finding little bits and pieces. I am not to big on microfibre generally but so far so good with this one...no compression leaks or smells and it dries pretty quickly still. That and it looks fabulous!!!

Baby Wearing - Newborn

2008-04-16T03:38:00.000-07:00

Pouch

1...Cradle Carry

2...T2T smiles

3...T2T sound asleep

Ring Sling

1...Cradle Carry

2...T2T sound asleep

Wrap

1...Sound Asleep

2...All wrapped up - feet in

I do feet out now that he is getting bigger/older but when he was 1-2weeks I preferred him to be all tucked in :)

Kids

2008-04-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

The title is said with a sigh, a wink and a half smile, lol.

I love them to death and don't anyone dare harm a hair on their heads....but.....sometimes I could throttle them ;) so today I took a photo of them being beautiful and sweet to remind myself that they are beautiful and special and best of all MINE

Personality Test

2008-04-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

You Are An INTP

The Thinker

You are analytical and logical - and on a quest to learn everything you can.

Smart and complex, you always love a new intellectual challenge.

Your biggest pet peeve is people who slow you down with trivial chit chat.

A quiet maverick, you tend to ignore rules and authority whenever you feel like it.

In love, you are an easy person to fall for. But not an easy person to stay in love with.

Although you are quite flexible, you often come off as aloof or argumentative.

At work, you are both a logical and creative thinker. You are great at solving problems.

You would make an excellent mathematician, programmer, or professor.

How you see yourself: Creative, fair, and tough-minded

When other people don't get you, they see you as: arrogant, cold, and robotic

What's Your Personality Type?

Some Photos ......

2008-04-06T02:38:00.000-07:00

Nappies On A Newborn

2008-03-31T17:17:00.000-07:00

OK so I thought I would finally get around to posting opinions (and some photos) of different nappies on my 'little' boy Ari :)....please excuse the newborn crying photos but well he didn't like posing so much at first, lol....if his stump is still on in the photo he is less then a week old...

To give an idea of his size (bare weights given)....

Ari was born weighing 4080g and 52.5cms long
At 5 days he weighed 4130g
At 16 days he weighed 4640g and is 56.5cms long

For the first 3 weeks we have used fitteds, prefolds and covers. His poos are forceful but not to big as yet, we have had no poo escapes at all. His wees are HUGE and we have had a couple of wee leaks either through wicking through FOE or just super saturated nappies, sometimes after 20 minutes.

Fitteds and Prefolds

Infant Prefolds - the prefolds have been at the bottom of the pile....the pad fold didn't really work for us so I have been snappying them....they seem a bit narrow though around his waist now iykwim, but he does have a fairly chunky tummy...I have been folding the front down....absorbency is OK but only good for an hour or so...

Small Poochies Fitteds Made by me - great fit, nice high rise and good bum coverage..I use these at night and I can boost heaps with no dramas with fit....seems Ari has a 4-5 hour sleep at night (sometimes) I need that nappy to be super absorbent...

NB Whizz Kidz Flannelette Fitted (below left)- fabulous fit from birth....I boost with hemp or bamboo miniboosters plus a suedecloth topped hemp booster...so easy to use...

Size 1 Cotton Tots Bots (below right) - Snappy closed with the front folded down these have been great...

Small Honeyboy! Fitteds made by me (below left) - I made these with suedecloth inners so I fold down the front aplix and fasten the TT to that..they are a great fit and still have over an inch in the rise when I unfold them...really good bum coverage....

Terry Flats (below right)..not using them much but good for back up and spew rags..and the cute fluffy white factor :)

Baby Beehind Hemp and Bamboo One Size Fitteds.... I will be using these more and more I think as I am finding, now that Ari is a couple of weeks old, the he out wees his NB fitteds.

Bumgenius X-Small Fitted (left)....This nappy is low rise which has been great for keeping the belly button clean and dry....It is quiet wide through the crotch for an X-small.

Newborn Poochies Fitted Home Made (right)....these are tiny...at 3 weeks I can no longer do up the thigh snap (but that could be my elastic sewing)...lovely and small on a newborn and I never needed the snap down front....

Covers

Bummies Whisper Pants....NB...these are quick and easy to pull up and down, not the cutest cover but effective and quick to wash/dry...

Diapers By Deb Small Cover....Cotton PUL outer, suedecloth inner....cute, good coverage...affordable...We have 2 of these and like them for showing off, we do get some wicking if he wets a lot (which he does a lot)...

My Big 2 Year Old

2008-03-26T16:19:00.001-07:00

I never got around to posting pics of Nate for his birthday...so here is my big 2 year old....he melts my heart everyday with his smiles and I am amazed by how many new things he is learning ....

MIL took him during the day for 3 days when I came home from hospital and I missed him so much as I am used to spending all my time with him, he had fun though and as I couldnt lift him for a couple of days after delivery as my tummy and back were so weak it made sense for him to spend time with someone else who could.

I am happy to have him back this week and am enjoying the time with him now that he is a loving big brother.

1.5 Weeks Old

2008-03-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

I feel like time is flying...like Ari has been with us forever.

Breastfeeding is going well in terms of attachment etc. My boobs are settled already, no engorgement or anything now which seems quick too me. I will get him weighed soon to make sure he is gaining but he is wetting and pooping and is pretty settled generally....a bit fussy on the boob though when they are soft.... like maybe he wants more. So I feed when ever he wants and let him have his fill..I am eating well and drinking plenty of water so lets hope its just new mum paranoia, lol.

We are co-sleeping at night as without it we were getting no sleep. So now at night he has one sleep of 3-4 hours which is nice and then generally another of 2-3 hours. Sometimes he just wakes up, poops, and then goes back to sleep not wanting a feed.

Anyway....I am very in love, a bit tired and very busy...DH has not had any days off work but he has been really helpful with cooking, hanging washing out and playing with the kids, he too is starting to feel tired though.

Many thanks for everyones kind words and thoughts XXXOOOXXX

Baby Beehinds - 1 week

2008-03-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

So here is my little man ;) in a Baby Beehinds One-size hemp nappy (older style - about 1 year old) - small snap in only.

His weight at 5 days was 4130g so I figure he is only a little bit more in this picture at 7 days old. The snaps are crossed over as small as they can go and the cover pictured is a small BBH PUL cover which is also done up as small as it will go.

This was just curiosity on my part as I have mainly been using NB and Small fitteds with success.

Oh bugger bubs is awake....I have pictures of him less than a week old in Tots, NB fitteds and small fitteds which I will post when I get the chance.

Ari James is here!!!!

2008-03-19T17:38:00.000-07:00

pictured here at 2.5 days old wearing a fitted nappy and Diapers by Deb Small cover

"Ari James"

9lb/4080g
52.5cms long

36cm head

The birth was full on but I am so proud to of brought my 4th baby into this world with lots of roaring, (his name does mean lion, lol), and only about 40 minutes of gas to get me there. I had an amazing midwife that I can not thank enough for making it all such a positive experience. She encouraged my DH to use his hands to help bring Ari gently in to the world and I have never seen DH more proud or happy about the birth experience as a whole.

I will write a comprehensive birth story soon but it was only about 3 hours of labour...plus another hour for the placenta which was hard work..physically I feel pretty good, my milk is in and WOW are my b00bies sore and full but Ari is feeding like a champion.

Nappies are going well...as I expected a smaller baby I have a fair few 2nd hand NB fitteds here and they fit well but I imagine they wont fit for too long at the rate he is feeding. So happy I have the onesize and smalls here ready to go.

At almost 4 days (in terms of 24 hour cycles) old the wees and poos are getting bigger and I have begun boosting things to make them last a sleep.

I am taking pictures when I use different nappies (and I have the chance to) and when I get the opportunity I will put them up to show the fit of different nappies on a NB bub.

For now it is rest time..I have just Ari today while the others are with MIL and L is at school so I should take advantage of it..

XOXOXO Hayley.

40 Weeks!!!

2008-03-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

WOW so here we are....40 weeks today.....and guess what, finally there has been some movement at the station.

I woke up this morning to do a wee (slept through from 11pm-5:30am ) and when I got back into bed I felt my tummy POP and then had a trickle of fluid (clear, not urine smelling) that wet my undies and the towel I quickly shoved between my legs....have had no more since but I am having period pains and have lost a bit of clear mucus with small amount of blood in it ........who would think I would be excited about that ....

....I don't want to go to the hospital considering I have had no more fluid leakage and the contractions are irregular and mildish so I will wait out today to see if things progress....I am fairly sure that things will happen on their own in time anyway and the antibiotics can wait till I am in labour or if I have more leaking fluid (his head is really low so not sure that will happen)....I have promised DH we will go to the hospital to get checked out if I have more leaking but for now I am in denial (playing dumb).....

So now I am trying to clean the house up a bit and get organised...even if I don't go int o full blown labour at least the house will be clean.......I was cleaning the toilet at 6:30am, lol, and am trying to pack away the mountain of clean washing I have sitting around.

Hopefully things happen for me...not sure how I will cope if I wake up tomorrow still pregnant....

OXOXOX Hayley

MIdwife Appt. and a Browse through an Organic Shop

2008-03-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

Midwife Appt. went well...we established that yes I am still pregnant ;)

GBS came back positive again so antibiotics for me....if it had come back clear this time they would of treated me as clear despite history, iykwim. So I am a bit disappointed but hey I know I have choices.

Estimated Gestation: 39+4

Fundal Height: 40
BP: 100/50
Bubs Heart Rate: 130bpm
Bubs position: Head down and back to my back (posterior). They don't record engagement on my record but she wrote 3/5th on hers, doesn't really matter as he moves up and down anyway.

I visited the Organic Store in Erina and bought:

Flushable Eenee Nappy Liners (50pk)
1 Eenee Snib (3-6kgs) the new side tie on type
20 Pk of small weenees inserts

I am going to pack them, along with my 2 other snibs for the hospital...thinking about logistics I decided they would be a good choice, especially if I have to stay longer then expected and it means all my nappies will be ready when I get home.

They stocked a range of Natures Child products too....bit exxy though for cotton when we use hemp/bamboo but lovely to see some cloth products around. They also stocked eco friendly disposables although I didn't really look too much at those.

Nate's birthday went really well...my baby is 2, hard to believe. He loves his trike :). I will post photos when I get the chance to up load them.

For now here is my belly from Tuesday..

39 weeks

2008-03-08T19:12:00.000-08:00

Can't half tell I am counting down hey, lol. I have decided (like I have a choice) that bubs must make his appearance before easter weekend as mum is booked on a flight and will only be here for 2 days and it would be nice if she could meet him.

DH and I have kinda agreed on a name...not 100% yet as we will wait and see what he looks like....It starts with "A" and is 3 letters long, you will find out soon enough if I won.

Heres what I look like now...excuse the b00bies but I really love how ripe my body is atm...saggy b00bs and all, lol.

We went to a wedding last night (over your way Mel in Avoca Surf Club) ..nice to have some kid free time but gosh I am buggered, I actually didn't get out of bed till 9am. I also dont think I have had my belly touched my so many people in all my pregnancy history, pmsl, I think everyone was amazed to see an almost popping belly, especially DHs mates who were amazed by his movement.

Today we have done nothing...went and picked up the kids and now N is having a sleep and the other 2 are playing "school". DH is asleep on the lounge next to me.

For the week ahead I don't have a lot planned.........School for L of course and preschool for B.......and big drum roll............N is turning 2 on Wednesday!!!!. We don't have any plans due to the baby being due but will probably have family over for dinner and blow up some balloons.

Hello to Tracy, Sue and Mel who have been checking in :). Thanks for your comments, maybe its my crazy hormones bit it means a lot to know someones reading...Oh and big thanks for the offer Sue, you are such a gem, seriously! I will throw an email your way soon.

Haaaaaaapy Biiiiirtttttttttttthdayyyyyyyy toooo youuuuuu Mel!!!!

Another MIdwife Visit 38+4

2008-03-06T01:28:00.000-08:00

I went to the midwife again today (2 weeks since my last appointment) and all seems well.

Estimated Gestation: 38+4
Fundal Height: 39
BP: 120/70
Bubs Heart Rate: 150bpm
Bubs position: LOW, Head down and back to my left.

The hospital has changed (just last month) it's Group B Strep policy so I did the swab and if it come back all clear then I will be very happy....if it comes back positive then I guess I will still have to think about antibiotics etc....there general policy is much more relaxed now which is good.

My belly is huge....so tight and heavy...not long now....

Sigh...so tired.....and general update...

2008-03-04T01:31:00.000-08:00

Why am I tired? well I guess because I am pregnant....38weeks 2 days today.....I am basing my dates on the latest EDD given to me, the earliest being the 13th the latest being the 16th...that way bubs is more likely to come before EDD right?. I am generally feeling tired and lethargic..although I did manage to mop the floors yesterday.

I am suffering from a few pregnancy side effects that are making feel less then comfortable....I shouldn't complain I know but I need to have a little whinge now and then. I just keep telling myself "I will never feel this again" which makes me appreciate it more.

It's N's birthday on the 12th - next Wednesday - we bought him a trike and I am planning on making a cake and inviting close family around for dinner if all is going well.

L is really enjoying school....there was an information session with the teachers this afternoon...only 2 parents (including me) showed up from his class.... It was nice to have a chat and get more of an idea of what he will be learning and what the routine is for him. I am sad that I can't offer to help out in class but with a 2 year old and a new bub everyday its just not going to be possible as we would be a little distracting.

B is loving preschool and asks to go on extra days...I really don't think she needs to go that much just yet considering she still has 2 years till she starts school. She involves herself in L's homework reading etc which is a great thing and I am trying to do more to keep her mind occupied during the day.

I am currently tossing up what nappies to buy N. He doesn't have enough due to fit (11kgs and skinny) and wetting (weeing through fitted right on to the floor) issues and I need to get him probably 6 more.

On my list to look at are:

Haute one size - I worry about fit/droop etc as Nate is a skinny boy, pros are that both Nate and bub could wear them, and they come in nice colours. Oh and I don't use microfibre on him as it smells too much so I would have to make bamboo inserts.

IB Delish - Mediums are our only option though as the larges (regular PUL) get wing droop and leg gape but the mediums are getting on the low side in terms of rise so maybe not the best choice.

Ummmm....what else?? Any suggestions anyone, my brain is fried?? I prefer bamboo (hemp/microfiber smell too much), PUL outer for pocket/AIO, TT is great for ease of use but snaps are fine also...........I can't think of anything else so surprise me, lol.

OK - as previously mentioned I am tired so must head off to bed....