This was both mine and Ryan's 2nd Christmas in Oz. However, it was our 1st Christmas with little Nicholas. Being only a month and half old, Nicholas is too young to distinguish the difference between Christmas Day and any other day. But, to Ryan and I this Christmas was special.
We didn't buy heaps of presents this year. In fact, we didn't have any presents under the tree. Instead, we bought a family present. When Nicholas was 2 weeks old, we had professional pictures taken by Wild Spirit Photography. We fell in love with the pictures and decided that we would buy them and call that our Christmas present this year. I've already warned Ryan that next year, when we're back in CA, I might go a little crazy at Christmas since it's my favorite holiday and since Nicholas will be older and might enjoy unwrapping a few gifts. But, this year, I was happy to have the photos.
The 10 photos we purchased for Christmas
Nicholas and I started Christmas day by watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer while daddy had a bit of sleep in. Nicholas seemed to be really paying attention and enjoying the movie. But, when the Abominable Snowman appeared he wanted out of his bouncy chair and to be held by mom. Funny how even at such a young age, he can get scared.
Later, after Ryan woke up, we watched old home movies from Christmas 1981 and had a bit of a laugh. After that, Ryan and Nicholas took a 2 hour nap in the bedroom and I had some alone time and was able to rest up a bit before we made our first family Christmas dinner. Ryan BBQed a whole chicken, and I made garlic mashed potatoes, stuffing and a green bean casserole. Nicholas went to bed early, and Ryan and I were able to enjoy dinner with a glass of home-brewed Belgian Triple. It was a perfect end to our first family Christmas.
A few days before Christmas, Marg and Howard invited the three of us over for a nice Chrissy dinner of slow cooked lamb, roasted potatoes, fresh green beans and the most delicious hot, lemon pudding. We dressed Nicholas up in his Christmas outfit and elf hat, and Marg took some family photos of us.
Our First Family Christmas Photo
Mama and her Santa Baby
Marg and Me...and Howard being a goofball
All in all, in was a fantastic 1st Christmas. It was a little bittersweet knowing that it'll be our last one in Australia, while at the same time, we were excited knowing that next year we'll be surrounded by family, many of whom will be meeting Nicholas for the first time. So, as we think about taking down all the Christmas lights and decorations, we smile knowing that the next time they're put up, we'll be back home in California celebrating with family.
Nicholas and I successfully got through week one alone while Ryan was in Asia for work. When week two rolled around, we were well on our way to having established some sort of routine and the days were passing more quickly. I had plans for most of the days and getting out of the house helped to keep me busy so that I didn't miss Ryan as much.On Monday, we were supposed to go with our neighbor, Louisa, and her 7 month old daughter, Sienna, to DFO (Direct Factory Outlets). However, after getting Nicholas and I both ready and out the door on time (not an easy task), I soon discovered that our car battery had died. Louisa and Sienna went ahead without us. But, made sure to stop by our apartment after for a play date and coffee. Ryan and I Skyped soon after and decided that I didn't need the car that week, and we would wait until he got home to deal with the battery. It was sort a new thing to know that I'd be taking public transport all week. Not so difficult to do in Brisbane, where there is a great river ferry system and three stops within blocks of our house.On Tuesday, Nicholas and I took the ferry across the river to downtown Brisbane. We had an appointment with the American Embassy to get his Consular Record of Birth Abroad, Passport and Social Security Card. But, first we had to get his passport picture taken at a photo place downtown. Marg told us that she'd meet us just in case I could use a hand. I'm so glad she did. Nicholas had fallen asleep on the ferry ride and was taking a great nap in his pram. But since he had to have his eyes open for his passport photo, we had to wake him up. He is not a happy baby when he's woken up early from his naps. So, for the next hour I was left to deal with a very cranky baby while we waited for his passport pictures to be developed. After that, we met Marg at our Embassy appointment where things went much more smoothly. We waited a short time and our appointment lasted under 10 minutes. His passport should be here any day and then he'll "officially" be an American Citizen and be able to fly home to the US.On Wednesday, Nicholas and I took the ferry up the river one stop to my 6 week OB appointment. Again, he slept GREAT on the ferry and during the walk from the ferry. But, once we got to Arrivals and stopped moving, he, of course, woke up just in time for Dr. Higgins to call us into the room. I then did the difficult task of feeding him while being examined myself. However, something makes me think that Dr. Higgins has seen this many times before. He even burped Nicholas for me at one point, and Nicholas thanked him by doing a loud pooh while the doctor was holding him. Talk about embarrassing! LOL. After that, we decided to skip the ferry and instead walked home through the Kangaroo Point Parklands along the river. It was a great day for a walk.On Thursday, we had our mums/bubs meet up group at the Powerhouse Cafe. We took the ferry down river a few stops and then walked from there. It seems like all the other babies are so quiet and always sleep through the whole meet up. Maybe their mums time their feedings a little better. Nicholas, however, is always hungry right when we get there even if I've fed him just before leaving the house. Then, he wants nothing to do with the pram afterwards and instead wants to be held the entire time. Don't get me wrong, I love holding my baby. But, it makes it difficult to drink a hot coffee or eat anything when you have a very alert and active baby in your arms. That's alright. It's not the coffee we go to the meet ups for anyways. It's the interaction with other mums of babies Nicholas' age and being able to compare notes with them. It was another fun morning with the mums/bubs group.On Friday, Marg was going to come over and we were all going to go for a walk around Kangaroo Point. But, she asked for a rain check since she had a lot going on that day, and Howard had just flown in after a 3 week work trip to the US. So, instead, Nicholas and I stayed around the house and had a rest day. Well, Nicholas had a rest day while Mommy cleaned so that Daddy would come home to a clean house. I guess after almost a week straight of plans every day it was nice to have a semi-lazy day at home.On Saturday, Nicholas and I woke up smiling because Ryan would be home that afternoon, and our two weeks alone would soon be over. When I first learned that I would be alone with our newborn baby for 2 weeks, I panicked slightly. I was so unsure of myself. But, in retrospect, it turned out to be a very positive experience. It forced me to stop being so nervous with Nicholas, and I found out he's not going to break as easily as I thought he would. Being alone with him also helped me to discover more about him. I was immersed in the maternal role and I learned quickly how to determine when he was hungry, tired, bored, awake, social etc... and I adjusted myself accordingly so that we had a good time together. It also gave us time to start establishing some routines. Routines that we are keeping even now that daddy is home. Don't get me wrong... I don't like when Ryan travels for work. I miss him, and it's hard work taking care of a baby by yourself for days on end. But, if/when he does have to go away again, I know that Nicholas and I can handle it. We'll miss Ryan. But, we'll get through it just fine!!
When we got notice that Ryan would need to travel to Asia, to say that I was disappointed would be putting it mild. I was not happy AT ALL. But, I can't really complain too much. Ryan didn't travel for four weeks before Nicholas was born just in case he arrived early, and Ryan took 3 weeks of Paternity Leave after Nicholas was born. Also, I guess one of us has to work to keep us living in this beautiful place. So, even though I didn't like it one bit... I had to let him go. Nicholas and I were going to be just fine.
I made sure to make lots of plans to get us out of the house so that we didn't miss Nicholas' daddy so much.
On Monday, we met our neighbor, Louisa, and her 7 month old daughter, Sienna, downstairs and then walked a block to the Dockside Cafe for a coffee. We live in Tower 1, and they live in tower 2. But, our balconies face each other. We've yelled across and said hello before. However, this was our first meet up. It was fantastic. In fact, we're doing it again tomorrow. Except this time, we decided to go to the outlet stores and go shopping before our coffee.
On Wednesday, we had a follow up doctor appointment for Nicholas. That was pretty uneventful, except leaving the appointment is where I learned that it's NO FUN putting a baby in a car seat when it's pouring down rain and you're not in a covered parking space. Oh my gosh!! I was soaking wet by the time I got myself buckled in. You can't really avoid the rain during the wet season in tropical Queensland. However, in the future I think I'll avoid places that don't have covered parking. That was ridiculous!!
On Thursday, we went to our first Mums and Bubs group. Ryan and I had taken Nicholas to a Chemist (=Pharmacy) in New Farm a couple of times to have a midwife weigh him and do a quick exam. That same midwife called us a week later and let us know that a new group had formed with moms of babies around Nicholas' age. Generally, I'm not one to join a group like this. But, being over here 7,000 miles away from all of our family and friends convinced me that maybe in this case it will be a positive thing. We had a great time. Or maybe I should say, "all the moms had a great time" since all the babies slept right through our coffee date. All the babies are between 3 weeks and 7 weeks so it's no wonder they were a little sleepy. We're meeting up with the group again this week.
On Friday, we met Marg at the Indooroopilly Mall. There was a bit of a mix up about where we were meeting. I thought we were meeting at the mall, and Marg thought we were meeting at my house. It was pretty comical. Once we figured out that I was at the mall while Marg was outside of my house, we decided that I would go wait by Santa while Marg drove to the Mall to meet up with us. It was the first time Nicholas saw Santa. He was seriously uninterested. It might have been due to the fact that I was feeding him at the time. It was pretty funny to watch the reception that Santa got as he came out to start his picture taking shift. Some of the kids reacted as if they were seeing a ROCK STAR. While others threw themselves on the ground and started throwing a holy hissy fit! Maybe they don't want gifts from Santa for Christmas. Who knows! It was funny to watch, and it made me wonder how Nicholas will react when we try to put him on Santa's lap for the first time.
Today is our apartment complex's first annual Christmas Party. Everyone is meeting down by the pool and media room. I really wish Ryan was here to go to it with me. But, since that isn't possible, Nicholas is going to have to be my date. I think he'll make a pretty good date. Ryan has lived here for 3 years, and I have lived here for 2. I think because it's a secure building ~ meaning no one can get into the building OR up to our floor without us buzzing them up ~ we haven't really met anyone that lives here besides two men who live on our floor, Louisa in tower 2 and our on-site Property Managers Roger and Cheryl. So, it will be nice to meet some neighbors. Although, I'm looking outside and it looks like rain is coming. I sure hope there's enough room for everyone under cover and out of the rain.
We have 6 more days without Ryan, and Nicholas and I have something planned for each of the 5 days leading up to Ryan's return (I'll write more in a future blog) It hasn't been easy having Daddy away this soon after Nicholas was born. But, having some outings has made the days go by a little faster.
The books, apps and midwives at the prenatal classes all told us to write out a birth plan. However, family and friends cautioned us about how labor is unpredictable and how a birth plan can't always be followed. We decided to outline our plan anyways and hope for the best. No where in the birth plan did we write that at midnight we'd like to have an emergency C-Section (called a "Caesar" in Oz). But, on November 2nd, 2011, that's exactly what happened. Our little October baby ended up being born via C-section a week late.
On November 2nd, 2011, we arrived at The Mater Mother's Hospital at 7:30 pm for our scheduled induction.
Speaking of things NOT going according to plan. Even our induction didn't happen like we planned. The plan was to have prostaglandin gel inserted on the night of November 2nd. The gel would start to ripen my cervix overnight, and I would hopefully start labor contractions by morning and have you on November 3rd. That was the plan.
Before inserting the gel, they monitored your heart rate for an hour. I guess they needed to establish a baseline. Your heart rate was good at around 130-140 beats per minute. Just what we wanted to see. After an hour, the midwife inserted the gel and we needed to continue to be monitored for another hour before being sent up to the 10th floor to sleep for the night.
Sucking on some nitrous to ease the pain and nerves
Everything was going "according to plan" for about 30 minutes or so. Your heart rate was good and mum and dad were happy. Then, I had to pee. They left the heart monitor hooked to me. But, unhooked it from the machine so that I could use the toilet. When they hooked us back up to the machine, they noticed that your heart rate was lower than they'd like to see. It was hovering around 106 . Then, it dropped to 88. The midwife monitored us for a minute and watched as your heart rate climbed again. Phew!! Before she left the room, she told us to use the call button if we saw the monitor hovering in the 80s again. A few minutes after she left, your heart rate dropped to the 80s and then I saw 56. To say I panicked would be an understatement. I was so incredibly scared. I told your dad to get the midwife QUICK!
She came back into the room and pushed the "panic" button behind my bed. I call it the "panic" button. But, they would call it the "team" button. As she pushed it, she said, "there are going to be a lot of people in here in a minute". My first thought, "OH SHIT!" I knew this was NOT the plan. After the team monitored us for a minute or two and saw that your heart rate was fluctuating with contractions, they called Dr. Vincent Loh, our OB from Arrivals, who was on call that night. He was there in minutes and let us know that my contractions had started and that with each contraction your heart rate would drop. After the contraction was over, your heart rate would return to normal. He thought it in your best interest not to go through hours and hours of contractions since they were causing you stress. Instead, he thought it best to preform a C-Section right then. What?? This was DEFINITELY NOT according to plan. I hadn't even read the sections in the books about C-sections because I was sure it wasn't going to happen to me.
Your Daddy was rushed off to put on surgery scrubs as I was wheeled into Theater (the surgery room). I remember taking a deep breath as they wheeled me through the double doors into the bright room, and I remember thinking, "Here we go...There's no turning back now!" I also remember thinking that there were so many people in the room. There must have been 10 people waiting for us in Theater. I remember my body shaking uncontrollably and crying like crazy. I had never had any kind of surgery before. That fact plus the fear that something terrible might happen to you before they could get you out, was more than I could handle.
Once Daddy returned wearing scrubs, the anesthesiologist gave me the epidural and they got started. I had been so afraid of the epi for 9+ months, and in the end, it wasn't bad at all. Your daddy held my hand and sat near my head while Dr. Loh and Dr. Seto (your Pediatrician) preformed the C-section. Three minutes later, at 11:52pm (Australia time) on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011, they asked us if we wanted to meet our son. As they lifted you over the curtain, I said, "Oh my gosh! He's so big".
I remember thinking that you looked HUGE! I don't know if I could have pushed you out. I know they say you find the strength and that your body knows what to do. But, you were one big baby. I guess you didn't listen to me throughout the pregnancy when I told you that you weren't allowed to get any bigger than 7 lbs. You were born weighing 8 lbs 5 oz.
Once we got a quick look at you, you were taken to the other side of the room to have your Apgar scores taken, to be weighed, cleaned and to let Daddy trim your cord while I was sewn up.
I could hear you crying, and I can't tell you how happy that made me. I always thought that I would cry when you were born. Instead, I had a perma smile that made my cheeks hurt. I was so damn happy to hear you cry. Your Apgar scores at one and five minutes were both 9. You lost a point for having pale arms and purple fingernails, which I guess is pretty normal.
A few minutes later, you were bundled in a hospital blanket and brought over to me. Your face was so squished up and had signs of water retention. Something else which I guess is normal. Daddy has our first meeting on video, and someday we'll show you.
o
Soon after, Daddy and you went to wait for me in the recovery room for a few minutes. They had to get me off the surgery table and onto a regular bed before I could leave the Theater. When I got into the recovery room, your daddy was holding you and had the biggest smile. He was one happy man to finally be holding his son.
We stayed in the recovery room until my temperature was normal and the feeling in my lower half started to come back. During this time, I nursed you for the first time and we talked to Dr. Loh about the procedure.
The next four days were a whirlwind. We stayed in the hospital for four nights, one night less than we thought we would. We met many wonderful midwives who gave us heaps of advice and tools for our tool box. Our favorite midwife was Charlotte. She was a riot. She not only educated us, but also made us laugh. She is the person who gave you your first bath.
Your Daddy was wonderful during those four days and nights, as well. I was recovering from the C-Section and couldn't even get out of bed the first day. He took such good care of both of us. He changed all of your nappies (diapers) and stayed awake with you so that I could sleep in between feedings. When one of us needed him, he was there. He's always been that way, so I shouldn't have expected any less from him. You are a lucky boy to have such a fantastic Dad.
On Sunday November 6th, 2011 we excitedly loaded you into your carrier (car seat) and took you to your new home on Kangaroo Point, where we will raise you for the first year of your life. ❤ Welcome Home Sweet Baby Nicholas
Edited by Ryan - And after the excitement of the homecoming had worn off, you and Mum took your first naps.
Dear Baby,
It's hard to believe that you're due to arrive in 10 days... But, you could make your big debut any time now. These last days have been filled with many different emotions. We are so excited for you to be born so that we can meet you and give you snuggles. I think my favorite feeling is when you get the hiccups. It feels like a little rhythmic heart beat in my belly. They aren't painful, and I know your lungs are getting a healthy workout. Ironically, you just started hiccuping as I wrote that last sentence. Too funny!!
280 Days is a long time to be pregnant, and I am especially looking forward to you being born. I've enjoyed carrying you, and I've loved my pregnant body. However, these last weeks have been quite uncomfortable, and there have been a lot of days when I've really wished for you to be born. I'm usually content until mid to late afternoon. The midwife told us that this is normal. My body gets tired by then and that's when the discomfort generally starts. The discomfort comes in the form of Braxton Hicks contractions and cramping, both of which are normal and considered good preparation for actual labor. During the more painful moments, I've been practicing relaxing and deep breathing. I also imagine your cute little face, and all of that combined seems to help. I've also been having not only lower back pain, but also pubic bone pain, which is, again, normal since you have dropped and your head is putting pressure on the bone.
We've only taken photos, but it would be fun to take a video so that you can see how I move these days. Between the Braxton Hicks, cramping, back and pubic bone pain, I now move very, very slowly. It's more of a waddle where I sway from side to side. Even when I try to move faster...there is NO moving fast! Your daddy has been so supportive, and I love that he helps me off the couch, in and out of the bath, in and out of the bed and pretty much any other time I need help ~ which these days is pretty often.
We haven't done a whole lot in the last month. We've stuck pretty close to home. While your daddy works from home, our days are filled with cooking, baking, cleaning, reading, gardening, watching movies, IMing family/friends and the occasional swim. Swimming is THE BEST! I would live in the pool if I could. The buoyancy of the water helps relieve all of the discomfort and heaviness I'm feeling. The hardest part is getting out of the pool. I feel three times heavier than before I get in, and it's a bit difficult to make myself get out.
Relaxing Poolside 38 weeks
All in all, this has been an incredible journey over the past 9 months. We have loved seeing you in the ultrasound pictures, and I've loved feeling you growing inside of me, even when you've been a bit rough and have hurt me. It just means that you're a strong baby and that you're developing like you should. Your daddy and I are very much looking forward to your arrival. Our hospital bags are packed and we're ready to go. Now, it's up to you to decide when you want to arrive. But, for the record, you should know, I'll be happy with sooner rather than later.
I love you already,
Mommy
I can hardly believe that it's almost time for bub to make his debut. We only have 40 more days 'til our due date, and I'm REALLY hoping he doesn't plan on being fashionably late. Mum is getting quite uncomfortable these days. They say that feeling your baby move is the "BEST feeling in the World". Don't misunderstand me. I love being pregnant and am happily anticipating this little guy's arrival. But, I would be lying if I said, "I love feeling him move".
Pregnancy is different for everyone. For me, it's been quite painful the last few weeks. Our Baby likes to do what the books call "pedaling". Pedaling is basically what it sounds like. His arms and legs are pedaling inside me as if he's riding a bike. His feet, hands, knees and elbows punch on the insides of my belly and then strongly scrape across me. This can go on for hours, and it's caused me to feel quite bruised inside. But, that doesn't stop our little guy from scraping my bruised areas daily/hourly. In addition to scraping my belly, since he's dropped and is in the head down position, his feet have found my ribs. UGH! He doesn't know what he's doing. He's just trying to make some room for himself and get comfortable in the small space my vertically challenged body has given him. I understand this. However, this mom has been brought to tears from the pain his movements have caused. It seems the only time I am truly comfortable is while in the bath. Baby seems to relax and settle down, and my belly softens as it becomes weightless. I love it! For about a month, I've been taking a warm bath nightly, and there have been days when I've contemplated taking multiple baths. You know it's been a rough evening when Ryan disappears into the bathroom, runs the bath water, pours the lavender bath in, and orders me in . It doesn't take long before I am saying, "I feel SO much better".
Like I said, I know bub doesn't know he's hurting me, and I know that he's only trying to get comfortable as his space gets more and more cramped. When I get scraped and rib punched, I do my best to remember that. It's not always easy. But, I try. In the end, what else can I do? We have 40 more days til D (Due) Day, and for this Mum it can't come quick enough.
The 10 photos we purchased for Christmas
Mama and her Santa Baby
Marg and Me...and Howard being a goofball
