Our Newest Addition

Well its been a little while since my last post so I thought I better not delay any longer and give you all a quick update. If you've liked my Facebook Page you're probably already up to date with my regular happenings.

I actually started writing this post a few days ago and was going to give a slightly more detailed post on the pregnancy and birth of our newest addition. However, I've since felt that its okay to not disclose 'everything'. To be honest, giving birth is something I know to be very traumatic and, that doesn't mean I've had terrible birthing experiences, its actually quite the opposite. I consider both of my babies births to have been very smooth but, there's something about the experience that makes me want to shudder at the very thought. And just thinking about it makes me almost cry to remember the pain and hardship that natural childbirth is. Both my pregnancies had its challenges and hurdles to overcome but, I am thankful that nothing is too big for my God. He has shone His grace and mercies through the skills of my obstrician and midwives.

So now I will introduce to you... Samson Brian! 

Born via natural birth with no drugs on Tuesday 30th April 2013 at 12:20pm. Weighing 3.08kg and 48cm long. He is our little olive skinned baby with almost black hair and dark brown eyes. He is perfect in every way, not that I would expect any less from a creator who sends us everything good and perfect! And not always what we might consider perfect but what he gives us to show us what it is to be perfect in the eyes of God. I say this because I'm aware that there are parents out their who's babes may have been born with a condition that challenges them and, may think that its well and good for me to say how perfect my healthy child is and that I don't know what it is to see them suffer. I don't know. But I know that whatever challenges are put in my/our path, are there to strengthen my character and trust in God.

Our little family is most grateful to God for blessing us with another son and brother for Rupert. 

40 weeks

1 day old

Samson's 1st bath

Was It Everything I expected it to be?

Recently some girlfriends and I went and saw the new Aussie movie Goddess. It was a lovely somewhat light hearted movie which had its pros and cons. It was about a mother of twins who had put her career on hold to be the primary carer of her toddlers until they were school age and, the movie tells of her struggles of being home and of missing her love of singing and performing, her career that is.

It got me thinking about how I felt about being a stay at home mother after 14 months of not being at work and of continuously changing nappies, wiping drooling mouths, soothing teary eyes and rarely sleeping in past 7am?! Was motherhood all it was cracked up to be? Did I get any nasty reality checks that made me think "why am I here"? And did I miss having a job to go to outside of the home?

As I sat in the cinema asking myself if motherhood was all I expected it to be, I instantly came up with the answer "yes"! Although I've had/have many challenges and frustrations along the way (and more to come I'm sure) that, sometimes I even think it would be easier to work an 8 hour shift in the office, I still would not trade 'my stay at home mum' status for a million bucks. I don't miss work and I don't crave a career other then my calling to be a full time home maker. My family, my kitchen and my home are my career and I want to be constantly striving to be better at what I do.

As I continue to ponder my thoughts on having become a new mum just over 12 months ago I can't help but think that my 'empowering' experience as a first time mum would not have been so wonderful without the support of my husband, the backbone of our family. Although Matty in the kitchen cooking may cause a near domestic and for me to suffer a stress attack (hehe) he nevertheless is extremely helpful around the home. On days when he isn't working till past 7 he is otherwise home in time to give Rupert his dinner and shower (something I'm finding rather difficult to do at nearly 9 months pregnant). I am very thankful for the wonderful  husband and father he is.

What was becoming a first time mum like for you? Was is what you expected (whether you resumed work or stayed at home)? Are you a mum who likes her outside job or are you a mum who prefers to be at home? If there's one thing I've learnt its that we are all different and what works for one family may not for another.

Well I must sign off here as I have much to do!
Last night I was awake 3 times with a series of contractions or braxton hicks which started to worry me a little because, with Rupert I never got braxton hicks until days leading up to his birth! I have much more nesting to do before baby can come!
I haven't yet cleaned out the fridge or finished cleaning out a couple of draws, the floors haven't even been cleaned once this week ( I often do it twice a week), my legs needed shaving and my hair is unwashed! ... I'm just not ready yet!

Still Alive and Kicking!

Hi there readers, 

It has been quite some time since my last post but, life just seemed to progress quicker then I could document it! So I am here to update you all. 

Over the past few months I have been feeling very tired and unwell but its a good kind of sick... it's a precious new baby on the way! Whilst my Julie and Julia Challenge has been put on the back burner I have been baking a new bun in the oven, who will be gracing us with his or her presence in April 2013. Although it is very exciting news it has also been a little hard with the morning (more like all day) sickness. I don't recall feeling so sick for so long with Rupert as I am already 16 weeks and still feeling very sick. Then again my [early] pregnancy with Rupert was very different to this little one. We've had our first scan and all is doing very well. 

Rupert is also doing just fabulously at nearly 9 months old! He's a tiny little guy but sleeps beautifully, has tooth #7 on its way through, standing unassisted and even walking by himself with the assistance of his wooden wagon. He can say dad, dadda and a lot of other jibba jabba. I don't think the word mummy is going to happen anytime soon but I'm okay with that because I know that once he starts, he will surely wear it out! 

I was really hoping to breastfeed Rupert until he was 12 months old but as my pregnancy progresses I have decided now is the right time to start weaning. It may also give my body just a tad bit more energy. Oh and I will be glad to NOT being bitten by a mouth of little teeth anymore hehe. 

Rupert refused the formula in a bottle so I tried it in the sippy cup and although it took a bit of time and fussing he did eventually finish most of the milk. If you have any weaning tips I would LOVE your advice. 

Matty is doing well and working hard to bring home the bacon as usual. Nothing new here really. 

In late October we traveled to Sydney for the weekend of my mum's wedding and also her 60th birthday. It was lovely to see all the family again and to catch up with some dear friends. We will be back in Sydney over Christmas before flying home via Adelaide for the New Year. It too will be a great trip for hanging with family, chatting with friends, a visit to the zoo and other random holiday activities.

Anyway time to tend to other things. I hope to post again soon

xxx