Our package has arrived!

Introducing.............

Natalie Ada Cowan

Labour started with really irregular contractions at about 1pm on Monday 27th. Contractions were about 2minutes apart at 4.45pm so we arranged to meet the midwife at the hospital at 5.45pm. When we got there, things had slowed a little and upon examination I was deemed only 3cm dilated. That was depressing and I asked about going home, but we decided to hang around for an hour and see what happened. Thankfully, things got going quickly and within the hour I was wanting to push. An hour and a half after arrival, our little Miss arrived. Born at 7.35pm the 27th December 2010.

She weighed in at 3.72kgs, 51cm long and her head measured 35cm. She came out with her hand out beside her head so I tore a tiny bit. Seems she has been practicing sucking her hand for many months.

This is my fab midwife Nicky. (If you're planning a baby and live near the Mater, you must request to be in the Midwifery Group Practice. It is fantastic and gives you the best care you could possibly ask for. I could write a whole post on how incredibly beneficial it is to have your own midwife, but I'll save you the boredom.)

Hanging out in the birth suite waiting to go home. We had to stay to be monitored till 12am. That was so boring and tiring but worth it once I hit the comfort of my own bed. And nothing beats sleeping in till 8.30am on the first morning of life with a newborn!! I wouldn't have been able to do that in the postnatal ward. Thankyou Nanna and Pop for having the boys.

We are all doing great. The boys are in love with their sister. Aren't newborns just so lovely?! It is just beautiful to hold a new precious little soul and to be in care of her.

Just the 4 of us....

Christmas 2010

There were 4 of us.

It was quiet. It was relaxed.

It was lovely.

FREAK OUT!!

So for the last month or so I have totally convinced myself that this baby girl WILL arrive a couple of days early. Or on the due date....... and will definitely be here BEFORE Christmas. There was never any doubt in my mind. I've told everyone the other two were 2 days over and 3 days early. I'll be fine. We'll be holding her in our arms a few days before Christmas.

But as my to-do list is (mostly) done, Christmas presents are all organised and wrapped, the house is clean, and I'm mentally ready to welcome baby into the world, I'm suddenly panicked.

I have a horrible feeling she is just not going to conform. She may well be late. She may even miss Christmas. What the heck will I do with the little Christmas dress that is all ready for her to wear on Christmas Day???

I think all those labour-inducing myths are just that. Babies come when they want to and nothing will hurry them along. However, come 9pm the 23rd of December I may be thinking differently......

So, as Hayden has been yelling at my stomach all week: "Come on Baby. It's time to come out!"

Christmas Traditions #s 2,3,4 & 5

#2 We put up the Christmas tree on Sunday the 21st of November this year! We don't have a set date each year - we just do whatever feels good around the end of November/ early December. (This year was a little early because I had such a long list of other things to do before in preparation for the baby.) Anyway, the tree looks great this year!

#3

And as an addition to putting up the tree, we added another tradition. I've always liked the tradition many families have of Christmas pj's - receiving new pj's each year on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. My mum has always done that and I've had new pj's from her for as long as I can remember. This year I decided to take a new spin on an old tradition. The boys got new pj's on the day we put up the Christmas tree. So they have new trendy pj's to wear for the festive season!! They loved them and were so excited to get an early present and it is nice to have something new to wear in the Christmas lead-up :)

#4

Advent Calendars Galore!! This year we have 3ish. The boys have the chocolate calendar ones and enjoy opening the little doors each day.

We have a countdown.

Then we have a scripture one where we read a scripture each day and there's also a short activity that goes with it - e.g. sing a song or write in your journal how you feel about the Saviour. Then we hang a little decoration on a wooden tree. It's nice to read some christmas-based scriptures each day and remind ourselves of how we should be living more like Jesus.

#5

We just love going to look at the Christmas lights around various Neighbourhoods!! How can you not feel festive and happy walking around the streets amidst myriads of twinkling lights?!?!??!

We went to Brandella and Abbeyfeale Streets in Tingalpa. Hopefully this year we'll make it to the multi-award-winning display over at Kenmore too. Walter and Beverley Wood have won for years.

#6

Take your own FREE photo with Santa!

I cannot believe how much Westfield, Myer and DJ's charge to buy a photo from them. But moreso, I cannot believe how many people pay it.......... it's ridiculous. I'm lucky to have a lovely Santa at our local Woolrworths who encourages families to take your own photo with Santa. Oh, and he was so nice - he even told the kids that if he couldn't bring the big gift they were asking for, that he would bring something else and they would love it. Santa can't bring big gifts always! Oh, thankyou Santa!!!!!!!