One of my layouts...

I love this layout of Mitch - very simple, but captures the concentration of learning to ride. The boys' Grandad was the one who finally got them to understand how to ride - even though I had to go inside because I was getting so worried they would fall or be psychologically harmed. Harrison in particular loves to ride and insists on doing so rain, hail or snow if we got to Grandad's place.

Hugs,
Lisa xx

Our not so little boy...

Yesterday we went for a follow up ultrasound to check on my ovarian cyst (which is being removed post c-section) and our precious baby boy. According to the technician the baby weighs approx 3.5 kg. This is on the upper limits of normal for 32 weeks and could be related to my Diabetes. My BP was also up, not surprising I suppose since I heard I am having such a big baby!!! So BP meds and Diabetes meds were adjusted. The good news is that our (not so) little man seems to be doing well.

The facial 3D shot is slightly obscured by his umbi cord and the fact he wouldn't cooperate (why doesn't that surprise me).

Hugs,
Lisa xx

I finally managed to do some scrapbooking!

Yes finally I have managed to get this addled brain working - I must be well and truly feeling better! Last night I made two simple layouts for the boys' albums. The plan was always to get their albums up to date before the baby arrives... but the best laid schemes of mice and men often go askew (as the saying goes). So I am just grateful that I can enjoy this creative outlet again :-)

Each layout has the letter from Santa the boys received on Xmas morning...

31 weeks pregnant - only 6 weeks to go

Well I am now 31 weeks pregnant (and one day) and we have only 6 weeks to go to my c-section! I am still finding it hard to believe that we will have a new baby in our home in a month and a half. Poor Kev is no doubt sick of me saying this and telling him every time the baby kicks. This is all just so new and after the worries of the earlier weeks it is lovely to realise how far we have come.

I saw our OBGYN yesterday and she commented on how well I have coped despite the medical issues (if only she knew) and how she had serious doubts in the early days whether I would make it past 28 weeks. She listened to the baby's heartbeat and did my measurements and was pleased with my progress. I LOVE this OBGYN she NEVER weighs you and is very matter of fact about everything and at the same time reassuring. I suppose another bit of good news is that I haven't gained much weight with this pregnancy (lets face it I had a lot onboard already) and so I am hoping after the baby arrives I may not need to drastically change my diet from my current Diabetic one. The only thing I have been craving is pasta! The serve you can have for a meal on this particular diet is tiny and I have been dreaming of fettucine puttanesca and a glass or two of shiraz!

Apart from that I am slowly recovering from the flu - not unwell, just really tired at times. The boys are also showing signs of fatigue with the extra child care sessions, but at this stage it can't be helped. When Kev goes on paternity leave we are going to reduce their child care hours right down so they get more of their beloved jarmie days. And then Kev's folks will be coming down from QLD for a week - so I am sure this will give the boys the energy boost they need :-)

Thank you to everyone who has been so kind to us - for the meals cooked, the child minding given and most of all for just being there. We truly appreciate it.

Much love,
Lisa

Mitch & Harry are 5 years old!

Today our beautiful boys turn 5 years old!

Hard to believe that this time 5 years ago two tiny struggling babies came into the world. Mitch born first weighing 660g and Harry born 1 minute later weighing 840g. And it was the beginning of a long struggle for survival.

Today two very excited little boys climbed into bed at 7am to tell Mummy & Daddy that they were 5 years old and "big boys".

We love you beautiful boys,
Mummy & Daddy

Swine flu...

Well it is official! After feeling absolutely dreadful with aches, pains, headaches, low grade temps, coughs and runny nose I went to the local ED as I couldn't get in to see my GP. They sent me to the major tertiary hospital because they were concerned about my BP and some swelling in my hands and feet. Ended up spending 3 hours in labour and delivery and just bfore I left they did a nasal swab. Today I booked an emergency appointment to see my GP as I still wasn't feeling any better - and he confirmed that I have Swine Flu. So I have started on Tamiflu.

This has all been extremely stressful (as you can imagine). BUT the benefits of the medications are widely reported to outweigh the risks. One fortunate aspect for me has been that despite my symptoms my temperature has never gone above 38.1 and that my lungs are clear - the two most significant risks for mother and unborn baby being very high temps and secondary bacterial infections. The other is that I am a fair way along with the pregnancy - 30 weeks tomorrow and therefore this should not affect the baby's development in any way.

Spent a fair bit of time on the phone with the hospital registrar today and he was very reassuring. So now it just a matter of getting over this illness.

Here is a link for anyone who is interested on the current CDC guidelines for managing Swine Flu in pregnancy...

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/clinician_pregnant.htm

Hugs,
Lisa

29 weeks today!!!

Today we reached 29 weeks with no sign of Baby Reid arriving soon. He is certainly making his presence felt and loves to perform his gymnastic's routine especially at night. It is such a comforting feeling to know he is moving about - although I imagine as I get closer to 37 weeks it may be more forceful. Today I packed his bag for the hospital - I honestly am not really sure what to pack as the boys came so early and it was at least 3 months before they could fit into any clothes. But I have packed his little clothes and some odds and ends. In the next week or so I will pack mine - must get some nighties which are modest. Kev is still scarred by the vision of a mother (not me) in NICU who was rather large and wore sleeveless nighties and no bras. Let's just say it didn't leave much to the imagination!

Apart from that we are plodding along. The boys and I have another cold - nothing serious, but when you can't take anything stronger than a Panadol and you spend half the night heading to the toilet it can be rather fatiguing. Today I did my chores before midday and ended up falling asleep for several hours. Not really feeling any better now, but if I spend the evening in bed I definitely won't sleep tonight.

Well, here's hoping that the next few weeks pass easily - only 8 more weeks to go :-)

Hugs,
Lisa xx