I was inspired to post this little story after reading an entry on Mamma Duck's blog!
OK, Caitlin is always hanging around me when I'm getting dressed or going to the toilet etc.
She loved helping me when I had morning sickness by holding my hand and she loves to take the wrapper of my panty liners and pass them to me or just sticking them to my dresser ..... you get the picture?!
I was getting dressed the other morning and I said "Pass me my bra, please love".
She said "Mummy, why don't I have a bra?"
Me "Cause you have a lovely flat chest and don't need a bra"
Caitlin "And you have a bumpy chest and can't wear a vest"
Yes, everything sorted and explained until her teen years!
Or so I thought, until we were in the shops and standing behind a rather large chested lady.
Caitlin "Mummy, that lady needs a bra cause she has a big bumpy chest!"
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Wet Wednesday
Wednesday seem to be the worst day of the week for me. Or should I say for Lauren.
Last Wednesday she cried all afternoon until around 7pm. Until her dad came home from golf !!!! I swear, I had just got her settled and he walked in the door. Of course I then had to leave for a meeting with a photographer and I was so stressed by this time.
Even poor Caitlin asked why she was crying so much! I had to say she had a sore tummy and couldn't tell us so all Lauren knew what to do was cry! Don't think Caitlin bought it!
Then tonight, again with Ivan out at his friends dads surprise birthday party, she kicked off again. In true Lauren style. This time I could feel the trapped wind in her tummy and felt so helpless. I even rang Ivan three times and he offered to come home but I wouldn't let him. I felt such a failure as a mum. Thankfully Caitlin went to bed without any hesitation. I think she wanted away from the noise!
I got Lauren settled at around 9pm and she woke again at 10 pm but I've just put her down again, so fingers crossed x
I think I'm ready for a girls night out next week. Better make it Wednesday!
On a side note, I rang on Monday for the results from my blood test and spoke to the Receptionist. My fulate (sp ?) was normal and my B12 was ok but they wanted me to make an appointment to see the Doctor, so how did Wednesday with Dr. Page sound!
I said I had to have my post natal done and could it be done then but she said no and we re-scheduled for Friday at 11.30 am. I can't believe how hard it is to get someone to look after Caitlin as I don't want to bring her with me.
I'm not unduly worried, more anxious to be given the all clear. I did think it was odd to book me in with the only female Doc in the Practice (b4 I mentioned getting the post natal done) but I've got over that, so Friday it is.
Last Wednesday she cried all afternoon until around 7pm. Until her dad came home from golf !!!! I swear, I had just got her settled and he walked in the door. Of course I then had to leave for a meeting with a photographer and I was so stressed by this time.
Even poor Caitlin asked why she was crying so much! I had to say she had a sore tummy and couldn't tell us so all Lauren knew what to do was cry! Don't think Caitlin bought it!
Then tonight, again with Ivan out at his friends dads surprise birthday party, she kicked off again. In true Lauren style. This time I could feel the trapped wind in her tummy and felt so helpless. I even rang Ivan three times and he offered to come home but I wouldn't let him. I felt such a failure as a mum. Thankfully Caitlin went to bed without any hesitation. I think she wanted away from the noise!
I got Lauren settled at around 9pm and she woke again at 10 pm but I've just put her down again, so fingers crossed x
I think I'm ready for a girls night out next week. Better make it Wednesday!
On a side note, I rang on Monday for the results from my blood test and spoke to the Receptionist. My fulate (sp ?) was normal and my B12 was ok but they wanted me to make an appointment to see the Doctor, so how did Wednesday with Dr. Page sound!
I said I had to have my post natal done and could it be done then but she said no and we re-scheduled for Friday at 11.30 am. I can't believe how hard it is to get someone to look after Caitlin as I don't want to bring her with me.
I'm not unduly worried, more anxious to be given the all clear. I did think it was odd to book me in with the only female Doc in the Practice (b4 I mentioned getting the post natal done) but I've got over that, so Friday it is.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
So far ~ Not So Bad
Monday was good. I had both girls dressed by 09.30, lol. I bought a little time by promising Caitlin that if she was good and let mummy do some housework, I'd paint with her a little later in the day! I got two washes done and hung out on the line, a general house tidy and the weekly shop all put away before we sat down to paint!
(I did cheat a little with the weekly shop ~ I ordered online and got it delivered, all for an extra £5)
I felt like I had turned a corner with Lauren. When she was awake she didn't cry (as much) and she was content to lie in her basket awake for short periods of time!
Ivan was home from work early and took Caitlin out for a while in the afternoon. I took Lauren to Baby Club to get weighed. Guess what? She was 10lb 2oz at birth and 4 weeks later weighs 11lb 4oz. She's doin good, no?
I then popped into the Doctors and got a blood test done. Results in a week. Hopefully everything will have returned to normal and no more B12 shots or iron tablets. When I was there I got the nurse to look at my wound as I have a tiny 1cm bit that hasn't closed over. She dressed it and told me to come back in a few days. I might need to see the Doctor about getting it closed!
Tuesday was also a good day. Both girls were bathed and dressed in the morning and we were out of the house be 11.30 am. I was very pleased at myself. We went to the local park, then for a walk, then lunch at McDs, back to the park and then home for 2pm.
Both girls then napped while I hovered upstairs, sorted out a bag for the Charity Shop and cleaned the bathroom.
I know every day will not be as productive as these but I know now that I can handle the bad with the good.
(I did cheat a little with the weekly shop ~ I ordered online and got it delivered, all for an extra £5)
I felt like I had turned a corner with Lauren. When she was awake she didn't cry (as much) and she was content to lie in her basket awake for short periods of time!
Ivan was home from work early and took Caitlin out for a while in the afternoon. I took Lauren to Baby Club to get weighed. Guess what? She was 10lb 2oz at birth and 4 weeks later weighs 11lb 4oz. She's doin good, no?
I then popped into the Doctors and got a blood test done. Results in a week. Hopefully everything will have returned to normal and no more B12 shots or iron tablets. When I was there I got the nurse to look at my wound as I have a tiny 1cm bit that hasn't closed over. She dressed it and told me to come back in a few days. I might need to see the Doctor about getting it closed!
Tuesday was also a good day. Both girls were bathed and dressed in the morning and we were out of the house be 11.30 am. I was very pleased at myself. We went to the local park, then for a walk, then lunch at McDs, back to the park and then home for 2pm.
Both girls then napped while I hovered upstairs, sorted out a bag for the Charity Shop and cleaned the bathroom.
I know every day will not be as productive as these but I know now that I can handle the bad with the good.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Big Day Tomorrow
Ivan returns to work tomorrow.
It will be a real testing time for both of us. Him, because of the nature of his job and the recent loss of his mother and me, quite trivial in comparison but the thought of being left on my own with the two girls is SCARY !!!!!
It will be a real testing time for both of us. Him, because of the nature of his job and the recent loss of his mother and me, quite trivial in comparison but the thought of being left on my own with the two girls is SCARY !!!!!
Lauren has become a little more demanding. She wants to be held a lot. I've also noticed that she is becoming more alert and stays awake longer between feeds. Problem is, she doesn't know what to do during these bouts of wakefulness and this is when she wants held or else she starts fussing and crying. Usually I can handle it.
Caitlin is still Caitlin. Always wants to play with you. Constantly suggesting we go to the park, or bake, or read, or watch a DVD, or play on the swing. She has no concept of the words "Yes love, in a minute". These 5 words usually bring about a little stamping of the feet from Ms. C!
So between the two of them, I'm a little nervous about the coming week!
Monday, August 01, 2005
Following on from Happy Families & Sweet Sisters
My own two sisters and their daughters (one each) are calling today! I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing.
I know when the three girls get together (Caitlin & her cousins) it can be a bit hectic! I will feel my stress levels rise but I will be able to cope with it ~ I promise. I plan on bringing all Caitlin's toys out to the garden and along with the swing, play house etc. they should be kept busy!
I'm doing lunch for my sisters and with 3 hours to go I've nothing in or have no clue as to what we are having. I think we'll go with a *light lunch* and I'll force Ivan to light the BBQ later in the evening cause it looks like a nice day!
I know when the three girls get together (Caitlin & her cousins) it can be a bit hectic! I will feel my stress levels rise but I will be able to cope with it ~ I promise. I plan on bringing all Caitlin's toys out to the garden and along with the swing, play house etc. they should be kept busy!
I'm doing lunch for my sisters and with 3 hours to go I've nothing in or have no clue as to what we are having. I think we'll go with a *light lunch* and I'll force Ivan to light the BBQ later in the evening cause it looks like a nice day!
Sunday, July 31, 2005
MIA
I took a self-imposed couple of weeks off from my blog, as I'm sure you can guess that things were a little crazy round here.
Things are a little better at home. Ivan has finished clearing his mums house and will hand the keys back tomorrow. He found this task really hard and in turn was not always pleasant to be around. The atmosphere was very strained during the week and I found myself biting back at him when I didn't mean to.
He has also visited the grave a few times, which I think is a good thing. He said he found it peaceful, so I'm glad he has somewhere to go when he is finding it hard.
I had a bit of a dip during the week and was heading for an emotional breakdown but I came through it ok. I'm tired from doing everything about the house and doing things I shouldn't be doing only two weeks post-op. I've got an infection in my uterus and a slight infection in the wound. I'm on antibiotics and the MW will be ringing me again in the morning to see how I am.
As well at the 3 antibiotics per day, I also take 2 pain killers, 2 iron tablets and 1 folic acid tablet. Shake me and I will rattle!
I may have got my last B12 injection last Wednesday. I've to go for a blood sample this Wednesday. If the results come back with my levels all returning to normal, then I can stop the iron & folic acid and no more B12 shots!
Lauren is doing great. She is brilliant at the eating and sleeping thing that babies do a lot of! She had a 4oz bottle at about 2030 hrs last night and didn't wake until 0515 hrs this morning! And again today, she had 5oz at 0830 hrs and slept until 1415 hrs! So I can't really complain.
I take each day as it comes and don't get too stressed about having a routine. She was a little colicky to start with but we have now got stuff that I put into her bottle and it appears to be helping. She is very hard to get wind from! Doesn't take that from her daddy. She is also a very slow feeder. I was use to Caitlin guzzling down her bottles like she was not getting another one but Lauren likes to take her time, maybe have a little *shut eye* after an ounce or two and then finish in her own time!
I think the hardest part so far is planning your day or arranging to go out ~ so now I don't! Plan that is. At first, I didn't go out. Didn't want to, didn't need to. Then I tried to plan what time I was leaving the house etc. and when that time came and went, I felt a failure. I felt stressed. So, now I don't plan. We do get out nearly every day, even if it is just a walk to the shop but we just go out when we are all ready. When ever that may be!
Caitlin is doing good. Sometimes it is hard with her around Lauren but I keep reminding myself that she is learning and doesn't mean to keep waking Lauren up!
Last week I felt like I was always shouting at her to be quiet, then she'd go and put her high heels on and clip clop across the wooden floor to show me just how loud she could be!
This week we were having problems with her running away from me when ever we went out anywhere. I'm seriously thinking about getting the wrist reigns out and attaching her to the pram! That will teach her.
But that said, that's what it is all about. We are now a family of four and I'm learning, Ivan is learning and Caitlin is learning.
Lauren, well she is just lying there and being too cute and too cool!
Things are a little better at home. Ivan has finished clearing his mums house and will hand the keys back tomorrow. He found this task really hard and in turn was not always pleasant to be around. The atmosphere was very strained during the week and I found myself biting back at him when I didn't mean to.
He has also visited the grave a few times, which I think is a good thing. He said he found it peaceful, so I'm glad he has somewhere to go when he is finding it hard.
I had a bit of a dip during the week and was heading for an emotional breakdown but I came through it ok. I'm tired from doing everything about the house and doing things I shouldn't be doing only two weeks post-op. I've got an infection in my uterus and a slight infection in the wound. I'm on antibiotics and the MW will be ringing me again in the morning to see how I am.
As well at the 3 antibiotics per day, I also take 2 pain killers, 2 iron tablets and 1 folic acid tablet. Shake me and I will rattle!
I may have got my last B12 injection last Wednesday. I've to go for a blood sample this Wednesday. If the results come back with my levels all returning to normal, then I can stop the iron & folic acid and no more B12 shots!
Lauren is doing great. She is brilliant at the eating and sleeping thing that babies do a lot of! She had a 4oz bottle at about 2030 hrs last night and didn't wake until 0515 hrs this morning! And again today, she had 5oz at 0830 hrs and slept until 1415 hrs! So I can't really complain.
I take each day as it comes and don't get too stressed about having a routine. She was a little colicky to start with but we have now got stuff that I put into her bottle and it appears to be helping. She is very hard to get wind from! Doesn't take that from her daddy. She is also a very slow feeder. I was use to Caitlin guzzling down her bottles like she was not getting another one but Lauren likes to take her time, maybe have a little *shut eye* after an ounce or two and then finish in her own time!
I think the hardest part so far is planning your day or arranging to go out ~ so now I don't! Plan that is. At first, I didn't go out. Didn't want to, didn't need to. Then I tried to plan what time I was leaving the house etc. and when that time came and went, I felt a failure. I felt stressed. So, now I don't plan. We do get out nearly every day, even if it is just a walk to the shop but we just go out when we are all ready. When ever that may be!
Caitlin is doing good. Sometimes it is hard with her around Lauren but I keep reminding myself that she is learning and doesn't mean to keep waking Lauren up!
Last week I felt like I was always shouting at her to be quiet, then she'd go and put her high heels on and clip clop across the wooden floor to show me just how loud she could be!
This week we were having problems with her running away from me when ever we went out anywhere. I'm seriously thinking about getting the wrist reigns out and attaching her to the pram! That will teach her.
But that said, that's what it is all about. We are now a family of four and I'm learning, Ivan is learning and Caitlin is learning.
Lauren, well she is just lying there and being too cute and too cool!
Sunday, July 17, 2005
I will get time to update the site next week. I'm sure when my head is clear I'll have lots to say and tell you about.
Unfortunately we lost Ivan's mum this week. We came home from hospital on Thursday afternoon and Ivan called to visit her in the evening and found her body. The past few days have been really tough and there is no light yet at the end of the tunnel.
Lauren's homecoming was not as expected and we feel a bit deflated about that but the main thing is getting through the 'now'. We are a strong family and when things settle, we can be thankful for our bundle of joy.
Ivan feels bad about not being here for me and the baby considering I'm still in pain etc. and I in turn feel bad about not being there for him when he needs me most.
Poor Caitlin has been shipped off to my sisters and I'm frightened that she might associate it with the new baby but I understand it is what's best for her at present.
Unfortunately we lost Ivan's mum this week. We came home from hospital on Thursday afternoon and Ivan called to visit her in the evening and found her body. The past few days have been really tough and there is no light yet at the end of the tunnel.
Lauren's homecoming was not as expected and we feel a bit deflated about that but the main thing is getting through the 'now'. We are a strong family and when things settle, we can be thankful for our bundle of joy.
Ivan feels bad about not being here for me and the baby considering I'm still in pain etc. and I in turn feel bad about not being there for him when he needs me most.
Poor Caitlin has been shipped off to my sisters and I'm frightened that she might associate it with the new baby but I understand it is what's best for her at present.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Introducing
Lauren Margaret McKeown
Born :: 11 July 2005 @ 1423 hrs by c-section
Weight :: 10 lb 2 oz
Length :: 57 cm
Head Circ :: 36 cm
Born :: 11 July 2005 @ 1423 hrs by c-section
Weight :: 10 lb 2 oz
Length :: 57 cm
Head Circ :: 36 cm
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
6 Days To Go
*To Do* List ::
GP visit on Monday DONE
GP visit on Wednesday DONE
Hospital visit on Thursday
Check baby monitors are still working DONE
Check sterliser still working / find instructions DONE
Pack baby hospital bag DONE
Get Travel System out and aired DONE
Wipe down / clean Travel System DONE
Shop for easy meals/food for Ivan & Caitlin when I'm in hospital DONE
Cook meals to be frozen (curry, bolognese, sweet & sour, lasagne etc.) DONE
Clean house and change beds
Make sure all washing & ironing up to date
Show Ivan were Caitlin's clothes are kept etc.
Show Ivan how to do Caitlin's hair
Monday, July 04, 2005
38 Weeks
Taken on Saturday evening! Not liking the stretch marks (that weren't there a few weeks back!)
Caitlin & Me
Now I'm in my final week I keep looking at Caitlin and wondering how she is going to handle the next few weeks.
I'm starting to feel very hormonal and just want to keep cuddling her and reassuring her.
I honestly don't think it will be a major issue for her. She is very accepting already and just these past few days she has got over protective of my bump and won't stop touching, kissing or rubbing it. Even in public she wants to lift my top up to say "Hello, baby sister" At my dad's party last weekend another little boy wanted to touch my bump and Caitlin said "No, that's my baby sister".
I really don't want to upset her in any way and I hope she has the confidence to deal with the changes we face as a family.
As a little treat, I've just booked tickets to the preview of the film Madagascar this Saturday morning (it's not out until 15 July and I don't think I'd be able to go then!). We can then go to lunch and have a little Mother / Daughter quality time.
I'm starting to feel very hormonal and just want to keep cuddling her and reassuring her.
I honestly don't think it will be a major issue for her. She is very accepting already and just these past few days she has got over protective of my bump and won't stop touching, kissing or rubbing it. Even in public she wants to lift my top up to say "Hello, baby sister" At my dad's party last weekend another little boy wanted to touch my bump and Caitlin said "No, that's my baby sister".
I really don't want to upset her in any way and I hope she has the confidence to deal with the changes we face as a family.
As a little treat, I've just booked tickets to the preview of the film Madagascar this Saturday morning (it's not out until 15 July and I don't think I'd be able to go then!). We can then go to lunch and have a little Mother / Daughter quality time.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Countdown!
10 (9) Days To Go
I can't believe I've only 10 days until my section. I have a feeling it will be a long week ahead!
I'm still excited and really looking forward to it but I don't think the nerves will kick in until next weekend. The thought of having surgery does scare me. I have a funny feeling I will spend the weekend with my head down the toilet being sick (that's the way my nerves hit!).
I have a busy week ahead of me. I've to go to the GP on Monday & Wednesday for my B12 shots. I've a final antenatal on Thursday. I need to double check my hospital bag and the baby stuff. Make sure the monitors & sterliser still work. Spend a day cooking food that can be frozen to be used when I first come out of hospital. Get a present for Caitlin from her baby sister (I'm searching for a hard bodied doll that she can bath etc. I'm guessing when she sees me toping & tailing every day she will want to pitch in and if she has a doll to use it might make the situation less stressful!)
I can't believe I've only 10 days until my section. I have a feeling it will be a long week ahead!
I'm still excited and really looking forward to it but I don't think the nerves will kick in until next weekend. The thought of having surgery does scare me. I have a funny feeling I will spend the weekend with my head down the toilet being sick (that's the way my nerves hit!).
I have a busy week ahead of me. I've to go to the GP on Monday & Wednesday for my B12 shots. I've a final antenatal on Thursday. I need to double check my hospital bag and the baby stuff. Make sure the monitors & sterliser still work. Spend a day cooking food that can be frozen to be used when I first come out of hospital. Get a present for Caitlin from her baby sister (I'm searching for a hard bodied doll that she can bath etc. I'm guessing when she sees me toping & tailing every day she will want to pitch in and if she has a doll to use it might make the situation less stressful!)
Friday, July 01, 2005
Antenatal Update
I had antenatal yesterday, making 6 hospital trips in 8 days!
Urine was clear and the results from last batch of urine (sent off because of protein) showed nothing to worry about.
BP 122/77
I had a very detailed scan done by the Consultant but she forgot to write the baby's measurement down! It was measuring big again, 41+ wks.
Now for the (not so good) news. They took more bloods to be tested and started me on a course of B12. I had a shot in the bum and then lucky me, I get another one today. Then again on Monday and Wednesday. Then once a week for three weeks, then once every three months for a while!
They are still a little concerned about the low hemoglobin, iron, B12 & folic levels. I've had the iron treatment, started the B12 treatment and start taking folic acid again from today after my B12 shot.
I asked if this was soley down to my poor diet and whilst it doesn't help things, it is just how my body is reacting to this pregnancy. The baby is zapping all my *good* supplies and leaving me with very little reserves.
I've to try and rest to give my body a chance to build the levels back up before the c-section on Monday 11 July.
Urine was clear and the results from last batch of urine (sent off because of protein) showed nothing to worry about.
BP 122/77
I had a very detailed scan done by the Consultant but she forgot to write the baby's measurement down! It was measuring big again, 41+ wks.
Now for the (not so good) news. They took more bloods to be tested and started me on a course of B12. I had a shot in the bum and then lucky me, I get another one today. Then again on Monday and Wednesday. Then once a week for three weeks, then once every three months for a while!
They are still a little concerned about the low hemoglobin, iron, B12 & folic levels. I've had the iron treatment, started the B12 treatment and start taking folic acid again from today after my B12 shot.
I asked if this was soley down to my poor diet and whilst it doesn't help things, it is just how my body is reacting to this pregnancy. The baby is zapping all my *good* supplies and leaving me with very little reserves.
I've to try and rest to give my body a chance to build the levels back up before the c-section on Monday 11 July.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Billy the Kid's 60th Birthday Bash
My dad is 60 years young on Monday and we had a "Hoe Down" Themed BBQ last night for friends and family.
We had a brilliant time. There was plenty of eating, drinking, laughing, singing, dancing and although I managed to stay up until just past midnight, the party didn't end until gone 5 am this morning!
Here are some snaps from the night.
We had a brilliant time. There was plenty of eating, drinking, laughing, singing, dancing and although I managed to stay up until just past midnight, the party didn't end until gone 5 am this morning!
Here are some snaps from the night.
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