The Beginning (Part 1 of Abigail's birth story)

Firstly, I just wanted to say that this is going to be a bit of a story...
I am going to start, and slowly work my way through it.
Please be patient to get the whole story... It is a long one.

So lets re-cap something from about 2 weeks ago... SPANNER IN THE WORKS
After having the high BP issue, things started to calm down. I was 'officailly' on leave and having a great old time planning and preparing the last few things for Abi's room and the baby shower. Getting the deck sorted and the last few bits and pieces done around the house (except the laundry - another story).
A week later (Tuesday the 23rd of August) I had my regular appointment with my GP (Shared care Doctor)
I was feeling good. I popped a few dollars into the parking metre and decided I would get a mani and pedi afterward in preparation for the hospital stay!
In we went. Normal chat. Normal checks... Um, your BP is 163/100 this isn't great... I'm calling the hospital now. You need to have this baby NOW.
Shit! Um. Ok. I called the husband and my mum and let them know what was happening.
I met me husband at home. We drove to RPA.

We arrived at RPA and were sent to the waiting room. They were really really busy and would get to us ASAP. They were every nice about it though.
About an hour later we were taken to the room and we went through tests, monitors and finally they decided to induce me.
I was induced by placing a gel type thing on my cervix.
By the way, in the mean time I had been on the phone to my mum in Melbourne and then on the ipad booking her flight to Sydney! She was jumping on the 6.15pm flight.
I said she should just come in the morning, but she wanted to come there and then. $235 for a one way flight and it was done. Damn you airlines...
We were monitored for a while longer and the midwife asked me how the contractions were... 'what contractions?' I asked? It seemed crazy that I was having these contractions and couldn't even tell!
We were then taken to a ward and told it was quite possible that we probably wouldn't have this baby till Thursday!
Then the cramping started (period pain type cramping). It wasn't all that nice and I was tired so I decided to take a nap. This was around 6.15-6.30pm.
I woke a bit before 7pm and just lay there chatting to my husband...
We were both extremely startled by this loud "popping" noise and I then jumped from the bed and remarked that I thought my waters had broke.
I raced to the toilet and sat (sorry if too much information - be warned - there is more)
I had 'water' leaking and felt the pains getting worse. My husband (from now on you will know him by name - ERIN) went and got the nurse who came back and told me to change and put a pad on and she would come back later. "Bitch" I thought. Have you any idea!
Changed. Pad on. I was in agony. I couldn't stand light and was cowered over on my knees over the bed.
Another massive gush of water and I had Erin go and get the nurse again... (at some point the nurse had done change over and we had a new one!)
On the toilet again and I suddenly had to do a poo... I did. Sorry. But it's part of the story.
The nurse came in and confirmed that yes indeed my waters had broken. Seeing me there in pain, she helped in onto the bed so that she could do an internal examination. Wow! She says! Your 4cm's dilated! We have to get you to labour ward. (It was 7.30pm - 30 minutes since my waters had broken)

Down to labour ward we go. Erin calls mum and leaves her a message saying that she had now better get a cab to the hospital...
Originally, thinking nothing was going to happen, Erin was going to drive to the airport and pick her up!

In the labour ward. And my god it hurts. They offer me the gas. It's horrible. Makes me feel like crap and I think it didn't do a thing. I actually think I threw it away and onto the floor.
I was having stronger and stronger contractions it was not nice. They were about 5 minutes apart. It was about 7.30pm.
I said I wanted something for the pain. I said I wanted an epidural. Erin tried to get me to change my mind and have the morphine first. I think we had a little argument...
They said they would get the drugs ready after for some reason I just agreed to have the morphine?
8pm and mum calls through. She has the message is getting a cab and will see us soon.
In the mean time, I had decided I wanted my mum to be there for the labour. (A decision I will never ever regret and I'm so happy I made and that Erin was happy for to)
More contractions. No drugs? WHERE THE FUCK ARE THEY.
8.30pm - mum arrives. Mum still no drugs? Mum I feel like I need to do a poo. Erin! get the Dr. this isn't right. It's too soon.
Dr comes in. examining my belly, I have a contraction and push her hand away. I'm apologising and in some not so great state.
Internal examination. Oh. Um... Your fully dilated. You can start pushing.
Wheres the drugs? Sorry it's too late. WTF!
Cue midwife. Can they bring in a student midwife? WHO CARES!

Ok. We are pushing. It's a bit before 9pm.
OMGWTF! No way. I can't do this. Make it stop. NO! I can't. OMG.
Mum says to Erin... Do you want a 23rd or 24th baby. 24th would be nice he says... My (his) birthday is the 24th (July) and our wedding anniversary is also the 24th (April)
Like hell! I say... it's the 23rd, it's going to be the 23rd.
(Apparently, other than this I was actually very quiet. Concentrated on my breathing and was a little in a world of my own... Unless you could see the bruises on mum and Erin's hands and arms)

Contraction. Push. Contraction. Push. Contraction. Push. Contraction. Push. Contraction... Welcome to the world baby Abigail Elizabeth!

So. That's 5 contractions. A whole lot of pain and pushing and a 9.14pm time of birth.
Total labour from waters breaking to birth approx 2.5 hours.

So far... That's where I'm at for you all (And especially me)
So much to cover and go through.
Long story so far I know. But so much to tell.

A very personal photo. I may choose to remove this photo at some point.

Only minutes old

Thank you all so very very much for all of your lovely comments and well wishes on Abi's arrival. Every single comment means so much to us. 

PS: She is a wonderful, beautiful baby who is settled and sleeping really well. 

Welcome to the world

Abigail Elizabeth O....
Born Tuesday 23rd of August 2011 at 9.14pm
Weighing 2.8 kgs and 47 cms in length

Story telling to follow...
But what I will say is...
I am totally and utterly in love, and can't even find the words to properly describe it all

xoxo

What's going on?

I've been missing a little over the past few days...
Thursday was a picture perfect day... I went and did a big big grocery shop. Trying to get organised and fill my fridge, pantry and freezer...
I came home a few hours later to...

The start of our deck!

Unfortunately, Friday morning we woke to rain, rain and more rain...

John the deck man turned up, but using power tools in the rain was just not a great idea...

So, we only had about 3/4 of a deck... What John had finished as of Thursday and it was WET...

Oh well. No finished deck for the baby shower on Saturday. Boo. But I was really excited to pick up my mum and sister a little later that morning!!!

Now... Saturday! We woke to sunshine! It was looking to be a beautiful day! And it stayed that way too!

I am a shocker and didn't really take any photos at my baby shower... Sorry...

Mmm! YUM! Mini cupcakes, lollies, slice and more!!!

Lots to drink! Cheese platter and more food to come!

Husband in desperate need of a haircut, popping by just before the guests arrive!

My amazing mummy and sissy!

The menu consisted of:

Home made mini quiches, Home made sausage rolls, 2 types of sandwiches, a cheese platter and sushi (bought)

Plus!!! 2 x slices (home made) and mini cupcakes! YUM!

And most importantly, lots of yummy Chandon champagne, white & red wine (plus mineral waters and beers!)

I had a lovely lovely afternoon and was able to celebrate with my mum and sister (above) plus about 15 of my closest girlfriends.

We have been totally and utterly spoilt yet again and now pretty much have everything we need.

I will do another blog post tomorrow or a little later in the week to show some of the new stuff!!!

Lets just say there was a little blue bag involved, original artwork and much much more...

PS: thanks for the kind comments on the new look of the blog! I'm still a little unsure and feel it could be a touch too "girly pink" but really felt I needed a little re-vamp and a change!

Deck the Yard and Hang the Shutters...

Farr La La La La, La La La La!

(get it?)
It's like Christmas here!
We have Shutters on the windows! And we have the start of a deck in the yard!
I am so very happy! Finally some progress!!!

Firstly, here are the shutters!

The front living area.

Kitchen window and hall to backyard window.

Buggy's room! (And a little sneak peek of her room - not finished yet)

And now for the progress on the deck!

All this happened yesterday.
Deck man back again today! Should weather permitting be finished tomorrow (Friday)
All in time for Saturday and my baby shower! (And for when my mum and sister arrive!)

Hardest Person in the world...

Harsh title...
It refers to gift buying for my dad!
He is seriously the hardest person in the world to buy for...
Some may disagree and say it's me... But really it is him. He wants something he just buys it.
Dad has a birthday coming up! 1st of September... I could very well be giving him his first grand child as a birthday present!

Having a sister an two brothers (bloody useless brothers when it comes to gift buying suggestions), makes it easier that we can all pitch in and get something together.
What makes it harder again is that his birthday is so close to fathers day!

This year it's my fabulous husband that looks like he has come up with the birthday present idea! Bless!

Found HERE

It's a cover of the Wheels magazine from the year and month of his birth.
It's a new thing, just been bought out.
I think it could be a great gift suggestion for any car nut enthusiast.

Just need to speak to sister and brothers about it and get their thoughts...
Problem is, it's a pretty crappy car on the cover (above) but this was the cover from his birth year/month.

What do you think?
Any other suggestions? I'm all ears!

Spanner in the works

So yesterday I had the appointment with the registrar... A registrar is something between a midwife and an obstetrician.
She was really really lovely. There was a student Dr. with her who was really nice and it was great that she had to explain things to the student, so I got a little more information than usual.

All was going well till they checked my blood pressure... 145/100 OUCH! not good... Bloods taken, and I was sent off to the day clinic for a day of observation...
I was devastated. I couldn't stop crying. I have had the best pregnancy. I feel great.

I was hooked up to a fetal monitor. Passed with flying colours. BP checked again... Still high.
I was then sent for a urine test... Fine. A little protein, but fine. BP checked. Getting better.
I was then sent for an ultrasound. This I was excited for! A chance to have a sneak peak at Buggy! She is prefect! current weight around 2.9kg's and all looking really well. BP checked again. Better again!

Results from bloods back. All good. Meet with the obstetrician Woo Hoo! Allowed to go home. At 2pm.

I just need to take it easy and rest up.
I am allowed to do stuff. But just take it easy.

So I went to Bras and Things and picked up 3 maternity/feeding bras for $7 each!!! total RRP for these bras would have been $160 !!!
And they are nice! Have some lace and are really comfortable! I'm happy!
I also had a more than desperately needed haircut!

Feeling a lot better today.
Went to a breast feeding clinic/class at RPA this morning and I'm feeling a lot more confident!

Can't wait to meet our little girl!!!

3+3+3+3

Three weeks (well a little less) till our due date! (2nd Sept)
Three days since I finished work (started my maternity leave)
Three days till we get our new deck and finally our shutter installed!
Three months since we have been in our new house.

Here I am (yesterday) about to head to Bunnings with my husband at 37.2 weeks with 3 weeks till our due date! And then we become a family of 3!

 

I have been off work for 3 days so far (today is number 4) 

I am finding if a little difficult to deal with the fact that I wont be earning money for a little while, and that I will rely on my husband... 

But I suppose it really is 'our' money anyway and will just learn to live with it.

The plan is to speak to the bosses in January and see how things are going. 

I have taken 12 months leave, but with a view to head back early. 

Three more days and finally our shutters are ready! They are coming on Wednesday to install them!
And the deck guy is coming to start the new deck out the back! All ready for summer!!!

And it's been three months since we moved into our new house. We love it so much are we are so very happy here. Things are really starting to come together and once we have those shutters installed, I will start taking a few shots of some of the different rooms in the house to share too!

Happy Monday everyone!
I'm off to the hospital for an appointment with the Registrar... Not sure what this in tales, but I'm off to go see what it's all about and why.
Then it's grocery shopping and maternity bra shopping too... I have been told that 'Bras and Things' are having a sale so fingers crossed I can pick up a few bargains!

Today's accomplishment

Capsule now in car!

Kindly donated for our use from Rene and Philippa!

I told you all a few weeks ago that they were again expecting their second child.... Well I should have updated you... They are expecting their second AND THIRD child!

Twins!

She is only 8 weeks today, there has been some complications and a few small issues, but so far so good and it is seeming like it is all going to go ok...

Time will tell. Please say prayer and keep them in your thoughts.

(Belly photo coming tomorrow. I wasn't going to blog today, but we were so happy with our little achievement!)

Mixed Emotions

Today I had my last day at work.
Today it has been 4 years since I received a terrible phone call at work to say that my dad had been in a motorbike accident and broken his back...

Firstly, last day of work!
Arrived around 8.30ish.
Did not much.
Had morning tea.
Was then presented with the most generous and beautiful gifts!

The main present was a gift voucher for a baby photo shoot with Kath Ellis.

Then there is nappies, wipes, creams, lotions and potions! cups, spoons, bowls etc...

And then two of the sweet young girls I work with gave me the beautiful box with the owl on it filled with muslin wraps, pink and white stripe tights, and a cute little singlet with a hand made bow/flower thingy on it!

I feel overly spoilt. And so very honoured.

I have celebrated some big occasions while working for this company. My 30th, My wedding and now My first child. They are like family and it feels kind of strange sitting here knowing I'm not going back for some time now... 

Oh... And I forgot to put my out of office on my email... 

We then had lunch. A lovely lunch where I over ate but loved every minute of it! 

Then got back, said lots of goodbyes and left the building... That's it. Done. Over and out...

Today, as I said is also the day that 4 years ago my dad had a motorbike accident and broke his back. In two places. Had a long 10-12 hour operation and could have possibly not ever been able to walk again.

He is good. Better than good actually. Still has lots of pain. But it hasn't stopped him at all. Maybe only slowed him down a little.

This photo is from my wedding. That's me in the white dress (obviously) and my sister with dad. We were having a joke how I was short and he couldn't stand up straight!

So that's me and that's my day.

Looking forward to a quiet night in with just me and my husband tonight...

Who knows what tomorrow will bring!

Time to pack a bag?

It seems like everyone is freaking out that I am yet to pack my bag for hospital except me!
I've looked and found lists and narrowed it down to this:


Hospital Bag Check list
- Birth plan - Um, don't have one. Decided to take it one step at a time and see how it goes
- Hospital Notes + Pen and paper - Still need hosiptal papers for appointments, why would I pack them?
- Change for car park and snacks - That's what my husband is for!
- Nightie, dressing gown, socks, slippers - Well I still want to use them now! Although I did buy some nice new PJ's the other day... So ok they are in the bag...
- Glasses - Well I still wear them every day. They are kept in my handbag anyway.
- Magazines & iPod - Magazines will be outdated, so will buy more and ipod in the car connected to the car
- Watch with a second hand - On husbands wrist
- Hair tie, headband - I still use them now! Why would I pack them yet!
- Lip balm - Millions in my handbag
- Snacks for partner - Yeah ok, I will go shopping for him (next week)
- Hot water bottle - Don't own one. Wouldn't the hospital have them?
- Camera - In handbag. And I use it all the time anyway!
- Mobile Phone and charger - Well can't pack that yet!
- Toiletries - Still using them! Can't pack yet!
- Maxi sanitary pads - Yeah ok. Put a pack in the bag... Need to buy more.
- Nursing bras and breast pads - Waiting till on leave to go bra shopping again... Put some breast pads in the bag.
- Day clothes for mum - What if I still want to wear them for the next few weeks!
- Going home outfit for mum and baby - No idea! Still need to decide for Buggy. And as for me... Well I still want to wear my clothes!


So you see! There is no real reason for me to pack my bag just yet!
I have however got my priorities right and put this in the bag:

Ok. So in all seriousness... I will get sorted and pack a bag. 

Next week when I am on leave and am bored to death with nothing to do...

Am I missing anything off the list?

Is there anything on the list I can remove?

36 and over it

36 Weeks! I can't believe we have come this far! So quickly!
But I'm really over it.
I feel good in the mornings. Crappy by the night time.
I think we have had a pretty big growth spurt this week too.

We are having an abundance of movement day and night.

That actually gets quite uncomfortable and a little annoying after a while...

It is starting to get a little uncomfortable to sleep. 

But not too bad and I still wake up and have moved onto my back.

Not a single stretch mark! The Doctor remarked on Thursday! You lucky girl!!!

Thank you to Bio Oil, Palmers stretch mark cream and good genes I will put that down to.

Looking forward to heading out for lunch with the girls to celebrate a friends birthday today. 

Enjoy your weekends everyone!!! The sun is still shining in Sydney! I hope it stays this way...

ABC - 123

Everyone is doing it. So I'm joining in!
Here is the ABC's of me.

Image via www.weheartit.com

Age: 31 - Still have a birthday this year though.
Bed size: Queen. We upgraded about 2.5 months ago and just love it!
Chore you hate: Cleaning the toilet and shower.
Dog: Not of our own. But mum and dad have 3! And we have had others in the past!
Essential Part of your Day: A kiss and cuddle with my husband.
Favourite condiment: Not a condiment fan, S&P, Tomato sauce etc... I will take it or leave it.

Gold or Silver: White gold
Height: 160 cm's (I think?)

Instruments you play: Wish I had learnt to play an instrument when I was younger. Unfortunately I can't play a thing.
Job Title: Sale/Account Executive
Kids: Less than a month to go till we meet our daughter!

Lives: Sydney - Originally from Melbourne
Mum's Name: Christine

Nickname: Sam, Sammie, Brownie (that's from my dad)

Overnight Hospital Stays: Grommets in ears when little, wisdom teeth when big, about to have a baby.
Pet Peeve: Liers
Quote from a movie: "You had me at hello" Jerry McGuire - Reminds me of a guy I work with who I adore!
Right or Left Handed: Leftie
Siblings: A little sister (28) and 2 little brothers (23 & 20) all bigger and taller than me!
Time you wake up: Depends on my day, my appointments and schedule. I do love a sleep in!
Underwear: Bonds girl!
Vegetables you dislike: I will try anything and give anything a go. Not a huge fan of squash or brussle sprouts.
What makes you run late: My husband! He is a shocker! Always fluffing about doing something or getting ready too late.
X-rays you've had done: Dental only (I think) Never broken a bone in my body)
Yummiest food you make: At the moment I think it's cheesecakes.

Zoo Animals: I know they are looked after well. But it's not a patch on their natural environment and where they belong.


Join in if you wish!

The Birthday Boys!

Today it's my brothers birthdays!
Yep! Both of them.
Matt is 23 and Jack is 20.
Born the same day, but 3 years apart.

Love them to pieces.

This is a photo of a photo - so not a brilliant shot

This photo is a favorite of mine.

I am actually guessing that my sister and I made the boys breakfast in bed for their birthday that day!

Cute.

Sleep Sheep By CloudB

A plush toy that produces soothing sounds to help baby sleep

The one and only Sleep Sheep. This lovable plush toy provides comforting “white noise” to soothe your little one to sleep.

Features:

• Easily attaches to baby’s cot
• Four soothing sounds: Mother’s Heartbeat, Spring Showers, Ocean Waves and Whale Songs
• Simple push-button sound selection with volume control
• Two sleep timer options: 23 and 45 minutes
• Battery Operated (includes 2 AA batteries)
• Includes Sleep Sheep story and adoption certificate
• Ideal for ages 0+

I have read about it. And it always gets many rave reviews. So when my nana asked what was something I wanted for my baby shower I suggested the Sleep Sheep.
As she had been up in Sydney visiting her new granddaughter, she had to apologise that she had not had time to get to the shop and gave me money instead.

Finally I went and bought the Sleep Sheep!
I ummed and ahhed over the Sleep Sheep and the Sleep Giraffe...
In the end I went with my gut feeling and picked the Sheep.

I am hoping we will be very happy together...