tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29508997433113287732024-02-19T13:01:19.995+11:00The journey from premature to.... well, quite matureA journal of a premature baby's first year written retrospectivley.Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-74382711747077521142010-11-04T21:27:00.000+11:002010-11-04T21:27:13.558+11:00I am too young to cry<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Thursday 11 October 2001 </b><br />
This morning after my refusal to have a good morning nap we went to mother’s group at the hospital. Mummy spoke to the midwife and some of the other mum’s about my refusal to sleep and her inability to hear me cry. The midwife that runs the group told mummy that I am to young to cry to sleep and that she should wait a while before she does controlled crying with me. I am happy with that assessment and anyway I like sleeping in their bed.<br />
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In the afternoon we did a bit of shopping and then my cousins came over to play.<br />
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I am eating like a star at the moment and gulping my solids down! Soon I am going to weigh as much as the other babies of my age.</span></span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-16059419085918250172010-11-03T19:46:00.001+11:002010-11-03T19:46:07.077+11:00The barium swallow proves I have a well developed temper<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Wednesday 10 October 2001 </b><br />
Today was a <b>very</b> awful day and I would never have got through it without my daddy. I had to have my barium meal and it was as bad as expected.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">First of all I had to fast for four hours so I was a bit peckish and irritable for not getting my own way, something I am not at all used to. When we got to the radiology department at the Children’s Hospital mum thought that she would be brave enough to stay with me but as it turned out dad is the only brave one in our family. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It was horrific. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They tried to feed me the barium in a bottle – who were they kidding – I screamed and screamed, then they tried to syringe it into my mouth but it was way too much and I was way too angry so eventually they had to put it in a tube in my nose – which really did nothing to appease my mood. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thank G-d my daddy was with me through the whole ordeal and he held me tight and made the best of a terrible situation, unlike mummy who ran away and sat outside trying to pretend the whole thing was not happening. I then had to have x-rays every half an hour to an hour later for the next five hours.<br />
<br />
All in all it was a most terrible experience. The radiologist did however say that everything looked normal and I guess that is what it was all about so my tummy looks normal physically and we certainly know my spirit works well. (The radiologist commented to dad on my temper.)<br />
<br />
The rest of my day was good though and I quickly forgave the parents for putting me through the barium meal.<br />
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I slept rather well after such a chaotic day, albeit in the parents bed, and mummy and daddy looked very relieved.</span></span></div>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-57584162481886219692010-11-02T20:19:00.000+11:002010-11-02T20:19:22.582+11:00Giving up faith<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday 9 October 2001 </b><br />
<br />
Today we went to playgroup at the Newborn Care Centre and just as mummy was explaining to Sue, the physio that I am not rolling over because I keep getting one arm stuck, I rolled right over and made mummy look like a bit of a neurotic. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mum was so exasperated over my non sleeping and my new screaming regime that she asked them for advice. It really looks like I am going to be getting some sleeping lessons when my stomach is sorted out.<br />
<br />
Today we also had to go to Dr C. Mum had to take a deep breath before we went in because she is so furious with him for not sorting out my tummy earlier. The appointment was not very comfortable, mummy was obviously very cross with the doctor and she could not really say anything because he had not heard from the gastroenterologist and so mummy could not say anything that might make her look stupid later. Basically I think though that we have to get a new doctor, mummy, daddy and I have lost a bit of faith in Dr C after 6 months of sleepless nights.<br />
</span></span></div>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-43173610173384479562010-10-10T21:35:00.002+11:002010-10-10T21:35:47.893+11:00No update<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Monday 8 October 2001<br />
<br />
I was in a shocking mood all day. I went shopping with mummy and I refused to sleep and I am too angry to write in my diary. I am not coping with the tiny amount of sleep I am getting at the moment.</span></span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-51730336413584428462010-09-21T19:27:00.001+10:002010-09-21T19:27:15.084+10:00Father's group because we are all about equality<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Sunday 7 October 2010</b><br />
<br />
Today we had mother’s group for father’s as well. It was pretty groovy for dad to get to know all the other baby’s. It was quite a lot of fun and dad was so happy that although I am the smallest I do not look that small anymore next to the others. We posed for photographs and we played around and then we had to go because we were going out for lunch.<br />
<br />
Today my uncle arrived from South Africa and we were all very excited. I thought that I wouldn't get to meet him today because we waited around at my aunt for ages and he did not come but then after my bath, just as I was getting ready for bed he arrived. I got to stay up late and chat with them. He says that I look very different from the last time that he saw me – he also looks quite different to me.<br />
<br />
I had three proper meals today, banana and apple cereal for breakfast, pumpkin for lunch, and banana and pear for dinner. Mum and dad are ecstatic.<br />
<br />
I had another shocking night. Mum and dad have now had to put up sides on their bed so that I can sleep in it without fear of falling out.</span></span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-49328592209660436772010-09-14T20:13:00.000+10:002010-09-14T20:13:02.907+10:00They leave me to cry alone. FOR THREE WHOLE MINUTES<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Saturday 6 October 2001 </b><br />
<br />
I am in a bit of a narky mood today – mum is wishing for teeth so that she can explain away my behaviour.<br />
<br />
We had a lot of chores to do, we went shopping and we went to find me a highchair but the thing that I liked best was going to the park where we all ate fruit salad under the trees – going to the park with mum and dad on the weekend is one of my favourite things. I will add that I also loved sitting in the high chairs in the shop – I just know that a bit of practice sitting in the high chair and I will be sitting on my own in no time.<br />
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Tonight I really did not want to go to sleep and mummy and daddy got so exasperated that they let me cry all on my own. It was traumatic for every single one of us. I cried on my own for three minutes and then mom started to cry and it took 25 minutes to console me. I have also learned that I can really scream now and that way I can get my parents to do anything that I want. I scream so that I sound like I am in pain. It really scares them a bit but at least then I get to sleep in their arms or their bed and not my cot all on my own</span></span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-8216780304218550592010-08-22T20:03:00.000+10:002010-08-22T20:03:41.111+10:00Attempting to roll<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Friday 5 October 2001 </b><br />
This morning we had a tea party at home. Mummy's friend who is a doctor and her son came because mummy thought that we should meet them, the mum is a radiologist and the son has had a berium so they are “experts” in the field - oh and also because they are very nice. We also had some other people and it was fun. I was glad to meet a boy who had had so many major tummy issues and was now over them and big and healthy. <br />
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We went to visit granny later and we also did some more shopping because today is my Pop’s birthday and he is coming for dinner. <br />
<br />
I am now straining my neck all the time to see what is going on behind me as well as in front of me and that is doing wonders for my attempts at rolling – however my one arm still keeps getting stuck under me and so my rolling is still a bit stinted. <br />
</span></span> </span></span></div>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-1600917579612781442010-08-10T20:08:00.000+10:002010-08-10T20:08:17.292+10:00I shopped in a trolley<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Thursday 4 October 2001 </b><br />
<br />
Today I went shopping with mummy to the supermarket and it was wonderful because I got to sit on the baby seat in the front of the trolley and I was eye level with mum and I could see all the groceries and all the people and I loved it. It is amazing the number of people that come up to me to comment on what a happy, beautiful baby I am. Mummy and daddy realise that they are blessed.<br />
<br />
Now my parents are really worried about me at night AGAIN , daddy insists that I am in pain and that is why I am waking up but mummy thinks that I am just becoming a naughty little boy. It is hard for them to tell, I have also developed this wonderful new shriek which can scare the living daylights out of them and so that really keeps them on their toes. Mum has vowed that once all my stomach problems are sorted out she is going to teach me to sleep even if it means a lot of crying on my behalf. I 'd like to see that (actually I wouldn't but it is a turn of phrase I hear a lot)</span></span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-85704841533617534392010-08-01T20:26:00.001+10:002010-08-01T20:26:21.235+10:00I can drink from a cup<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday 3 October 2001 </b>Two big new firsts for me today. I managed to sit all on my own in the park for about 5 whole seconds (or maybe 3) !!! It was great fun and I plan to do a lot more of it in the future. I also drank out of my new spouted cup and I loved it – not sure whether it was the juice in it or the actual cup. I made mummy so happy that I could actually drink something other than breast milk – I think she is feeling very relieved that maybe I will not breastfeed forever.<br />
<br />
We went to the park with where I practised my sitting. Then we met Jody and Joshua for lunch and I slept all through that. Mummy’s friends all think that mummy talks nonsense because whenever we see them I am sleeping like an angel.<br />
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I came home and drank from my cup and I think that the apple juice may have caused me some discomfort because I did not want to sleep at night at all or maybe that is because I never want to sleep at night.</span></span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-88065917707481217432010-07-28T22:11:00.000+10:002010-07-28T22:11:13.897+10:00You should hear me scream<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday 2 October 2001</b></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a real bad night again last night and so today the parents are frantic again about teaching me to sleep. All the books say that they should leave me to cry a bit but they also say that you should wait till I am a little older. I don’t see why they have a problem with getting up every two hours and feeding me.<br />
<br />
Mummy made a big step forward today. She left me at her sister's house and went to have her hair cut. I liked being at my aunt because she is lots of fun and so are my cousins and they never let me cry. Mummy on the other hand had a terrible time being away from me and she was very teary without me. Everybody said that it was a very big step for her and we are all proud of her but I don’t think she wants to do it again in a big hurry.<br />
<br />
By the way while I was having a fit in my cot this morning refusing to stop screaming and go to sleep, I managed to do a full roll! So it seems that I may never learn to sleep but at least I will meet all my other developmental milestones.<br />
<br />
Mummy and daddy have also decided to stop feeding me every time I wake up. If I wake up under three hours they don’t feed me – they just rock me. You should hear me scream!! </span></span></div>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-4650390851234662372010-07-24T21:40:00.000+10:002010-07-24T21:40:16.954+10:00I have been doing a lot of hair growing lately<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Monday 1 October 2001 </b><br />
This morning was a public holiday and this time dad was exhausted after my terrible night so mum took me for a walk while dad had a sleep. I had a great walk but I never slept.<br />
<br />
We had lunch arrangements in the park with Romy and her parents and a whole lot of other babies and their mums. I slept through the entire thing but I was soon to learn that mum picked up some tricks during the course of lunch, when I had my bath tonight she gave me a cup with water so that I could practise learning to drink from a cup. The cup had a spout on it and besides the fact that I kept pouring cold water onto my chest I quite enjoyed the water in a cup experience.<br />
<br />
Tonight when my daddy made me dinner he gave me mango and apple thinking that it was pear and banana. Well, he managed to fox the both of us because I ate it and I normally would not do such a thing – mind you it is not bad at all. I think I may have some of that again.<br />
<br />
Just a quick note to report that I have been doing a lot of hair growing recently, it is coming along well. I also managed to sit for about 2 seconds unaided today – that is the new milestone I am pushing for – that and the full roll which I am still soooo close to.</span></span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-22272132529752796652010-07-21T21:53:00.000+10:002010-07-21T21:53:14.461+10:00The trees are mobiles for adults - we should spend more time under them<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Sunday 30 September 2001</b><br />
This morning we went out for breakfast with Jake and his parents but I fell asleep during the breakfast and for the whole walk that we had afterwards.<br />
<br />
Mum and dad thought that it was such a nice day and it was a pity to spend it indoors so we went to lie on the blanket in Centennial Park. Mom and dad had a sandwich and I had a banana, it was delicious. I love to lie under the trees and watch the patterns that the trees make – it is like a giant mobile that even my parents can enjoy.<br />
<br />
Pops came to watch my nightly bath/massage ritual as apparently it is the most wonderful thing to witness. I really love the water and I love bath time. It is the time that I am always happy no matter what!.<br />
<br />
Another abysmal night’s sleep tonight and mummy got almost angry with me. She is very short fused on so little sleep.</span></span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-2294408106453847632010-07-14T21:46:00.000+10:002010-07-14T21:46:45.455+10:00Dad and son bonding time<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Saturday 29 September 2001 </b></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b>Today was a great day, I was in a really good mood today and I think it was all because I started the day with a little daddy son bonding time. This morning after I woke up early as usual dad packed me up in the pram and took me for a walk so that mum could sleep. The whole day flowed so well from there – everyone was in a good mood.<br />
<br />
We went and did a bit of shopping and then we went to my aunt and uncle. Oh I do love my aunt and uncle - they are after all the parents to my cousins.<br />
<br />
Tonight after my bath dad played peek-a-boo with me and I became quite hysterical. My laughing made dad hysterical and we all nearly ended up on the ceiling we laughed so much. My parents are so thrilled with me – they say I may be very small but I am without doubt the happiest baby they have ever seen. They need to remember this in the night when I wake up every hour and a half.</span></span></div>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-34075184174710403202010-07-08T19:24:00.005+10:002010-07-08T19:51:17.785+10:00A visit to the gastroenterologist<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Friday 28 September 2001 </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Today was another big day for me. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I went to see the paediatric gastroenterologist today about my terrible bowel motions and my lack of ability to gain weight. I waited an hour and a half to see him and I must say that I was not at all impressed by him even if mummy thought he was quite nice. I screamed when I looked at him and my mouth turned downwards into its most miserable position. He told mum that he would examine me on mom’s lap so that I would not be so angry but I knew what he was up to. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He prodded and poked about and he told mum that my tummy was very distended for somebody of my age. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">He said that the loops of my bowel were distended and he could feel a lot of gas, he could also hear lots of noises. Dr D said that he did not think that I was lactose intolerant and nor did he think that I have a cows milk protein allergy (so mum can go back on to dairy) but he thought that the suspected NEC infection that I had when I was only 26 days old could have caused some damage to my bowels or that my bowels may not have completely recovered. He wants me to have a berium meal done and a couple of stool samples so that he can check it all out for sure. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mum and dad are quite worried and anxious – they also want to kill Dr C. I have been “walking around” with this stomach ailment for over 5 months and he has kept insisting that there is nothing wrong. I should have had this sorted out months ago. Dr D says that he is sure that I am uncomfortable at times and I have been trying to tell that to everyone for ages – why do you think I can’t sleep at night? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
Mum was in such a state all day about everything, about the berium, the possible results and her anger with Dr C. I am also dreading the berium but at least we will be able to get to the bottom of this problem and I can get better and grow big and fat at last. </span></span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-31647810607637806682010-07-05T20:49:00.000+10:002010-07-05T20:49:15.470+10:00Over the novelty of the parent's bed<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Thursday 27 September 2001 </b><br />
It was Yom Kippur today so we really did not do anything too fun or exciting. Dad did try to give me some avocado today but I rejected that rather firmly – I will be happy to stay on pears and bananas for the rest of my babyhood. Dad says that I am just like mum – all she ever wants to eat is sweet and sour vegetables, the same thing every day and if she can do it so can I.<br />
<br />
For breaking of the fast we went to my granny. I had my bath and everything there and went to sleep in my pram. I was really rather good considering the fact that I was in a strange environment. I woke up to eat at about 8:30 and although I may have forgotten where I was while I was sleeping I soon realised I was not at home. And there ended my sleep. Mum and dad took me home soon after that but when we got home I convinced them not to put me to sleep, I was in such a good mood. The ever hopeful parents tried to feed me a late night solids meal in the hope that I would sleep better when I did sleep. I ate it to make them happy and then I lay in their bed with them and watched TV till I fell asleep like a real big person. The rest of the night however was not so wonderful and again I refused to sleep for any real stretch of time – sleeping in their bed makes no difference at all any more – I am over the novelty.</span></span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-72004967622835779112010-06-30T21:15:00.000+10:002010-06-30T21:15:49.354+10:00Another day, another attempt at bottle feeding<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday 26 September 2001 </b>Nothing very exciting happened today. I continued to be very cute and mum tried to give me the bottle again but I am still not taking it.<br />
<br />
Dad came home from work very early tonight and we ate dinner very early so that they could fast tomorrow – it is Yom Kippur but mum is not really fasting because she wants me to be able to breast feed and be assured that the milk is plentiful. It was fun for dad to be home so early and I got to bath a bit later and everything but I still slept atrociously.</span></span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-28154224423320192672010-06-29T21:17:00.000+10:002010-06-29T21:17:44.754+10:00I fail bottle drinking 101<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Tuesday 25 September 2001 </b><br />
Well this morning was a flurry of activity trying to get everything ready for my big day of bottle learning skills. We had to take bottles, formula, cups, spouts, teats, changes of clothes and most of all a lot of resolve -me, to take the bottle and mum not to lose her temper with the people of they showed me a way to take the bottle that she did not like.<br />
<br />
We were real nervous, well mostly mummy was nervous but there was nothing to be scared of. Donna was the mothercraft nurse that looked after me and she was really nice and so gentle and caring, she also did not want me to cry. Instead of eating as I arrived, which I really like to do, they made me have a sleep in their cot. Mum was so impressed with the way that I went to sleep in their cot that she is determined that I will sleep in my cot like that tonight. All they did was wrap me in a sheet and rocked the cot like a pram on its wheels. I soon got bored of the white wall in front of me and slept. When I woke up I was quite hungry as I had not eaten since 8am. Donna tried to give me a bottle. I refused it – mind you I played with it in my mouth but I was not keen to suck on it. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I will give Donna her dues – she persevered for 45 minutes and I got so tired that after that she put me back to sleep. I still had not taken anything from the bottle and so I still had not eaten since 8am. After I woke from that sleep Donna tried with that damn bottle again but this time I was not so nice and cute about it – I cried and told her that I would rather breastfeed. She tried for half an hour but I stuck to my guns and refused to drink from that bottle. Ten minutes of play on the floor with mummy and then finally they let me breastfeed. Phew what a relief – by this time it was 2:30pm. I had been a long time without food and I was hungry.<br />
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Donna had been defeated in her quest to give me a bottle but she was positive about mummy continuing to try at home. She said that I am a strong willed little boy and very determined – mum says stubborn but Donna sees it as a virtue – I like Donna. </span></span></div>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-17285847737643422882010-06-22T20:52:00.000+10:002010-06-22T20:52:31.387+10:00Militant about lact-ease. Not as easy as it sounds<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Monday 24 September 2001 </b>When I don’t sleep at night I cannot be expected to feel good during the day although we all know how hard I try. Today I have a real full blown cold. My nose is runny and red and my eyes are watering. Mummy took me back to Dr T and he confirmed that I have a cold but there is very little that we can do about it.<br />
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Today mum spoke to some lady on the phone who said her baby had a lactose intolerance and they “cured” it by using a lactase enzyme before each feed. Mummy is reinspired to try using the lact-easy with me so this afternoon we went off in pursuit of lact-ease once again and now she is becoming militant about my using it.<br />
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I am finally taking my solids like I am meant to and mum is loving feeding me. I am still trying very hard to roll over, most especially when I am meant to be sleeping at night. Tonight I could not get comfortable while I was trying to sleep. I think that I may want to go back to my own bed soon as it is very uncomfortable in mum and dad’s bed. It is too small for the three of us, either one of them leaves or I do!<br />
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Mummy was feeling sick with anticipation and dread the whole night because tomorrow we are going to Karitane to learn how to take a bottle. YUGHHHH!!</span></span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-42100310379317660592010-06-20T12:06:00.000+10:002010-06-20T12:06:22.560+10:00They shlep me out when I am sick<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Sunday 23 September 2001</b></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was feeling a tad better until the parents shlepped me out again. How am I meant to shake this cold?<br />
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We had coffee with my grandfather and then went out to my aunt for lunch. I slept outside in my pram and I made everyone believe that I was over my cold but then when I woke up I just clung to mummy. How else am I meant to get across to them that I just want to be at home?<br />
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Once at home I brightened considerably and I amused mum and dad for ages and then to really top the day off I ate my entire dinner of p[ears and apples. My eating makes dad deliriously happy.<br />
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Granny came over to watch me bath and then I went to bed but I hardly slept at all. It was a really really bad night.</span></span></div>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-81205772917484718222010-06-13T22:36:00.000+10:002010-06-13T22:36:01.208+10:00Hard to smile with a cold<h2><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Saturday 22 September 2001</span></span></span></h2><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I have officially given mummy my cold and she is not happy. She sounds weird and she doesn’t stop sniffing and sneezing. Maybe now she will have some idea of how lousy I have been feeling. Dad is also a bit under the weather although personally I think mum’s cold is a bit worse.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mum is such a trooper and I think she expects me to be one too so we packed our tissues and we went to meet friends at Bronte. The weather is very hot and it was rather pleasant by the water in the cool sea breeze. I had a long sleep in my pram and when I woke up I was in such a foul mood that we kind of left almost straight away.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I cannot sleep with a blocked nose and I am really trying so hard to keep my smiles up amidst this cold but it is getting hard.</span></span></span></div>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-79677752201289346102010-06-09T21:02:00.000+10:002010-06-09T21:02:48.095+10:00I am an outdoorsy kind of baby<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Friday 21 September 2001 </b>Still trying to roll over and still feeling pretty much under the weather. I did go to the park though today and I watched the ducks and the trees. I am quite an outdoorsy type of baby. I really like to watch the trees move in the wind although I am rather particular about my exact positioning in the sun.<br />
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I slept in mum and dad’s bed again but I think that the novelty is wearing a bit thin. I did not sleep so very brilliantly – we are all still unsure whether it is just the way that I sleep or if it is my cold</span></span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-79105251423139146332010-06-06T21:10:00.001+10:002010-06-06T21:10:17.879+10:00Only a 165gram weight gain<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday 20 September 2001 </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was much more of the same. I am still not feeling completely myself but I am making a valiant attempt at being supremely brave.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had an appointment with the dietician again today and it was not great. I have only put on 165grams in the last two weeks and 1cm in length. Kylie and Shelia, the lactation consultant, both said that it is pretty good considering that I have been sick because I can be expected to lose a bit of weight when I am not well. Much of the talk at the appointment focused on the upcoming appointment with the gastroenterologist and I thought we wasted a lot of time trying to second guess what he would have to say next Friday. Mummy is still petrified that she is going to have to force me to take a bottle. It is not that she does not want to stop breastfeeding it is just that she cannot take the trauma of me screaming as I refuse the bottle.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only good news that I have to report is that I am really trying hard to roll over and it seems like it will not be long before I am able to roll around on my own. Mum and dad get quite frustrated watching me because I am so almost there but I just find that last bit a little difficult.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I slept in mum and dad’s bed again and although it was not as good as the first night I am still enjoying it. Even if I do not sleep for longer at least I never have to cry in the night to get their attention. If I need mum or dad they are right there so I don’t have to wake up and cry.</span>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-59835899713348323802010-05-31T20:31:00.001+10:002010-05-31T20:31:21.512+10:00I love my mother's bed. That is all<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Wednesday 19 September 2001 </b><br />
After another shocking night’s sleep I was actually not expecting to feel much better today and so I was not at all surprised that I felt whingey and uncomfortable at day. Mum had so many visitors drop in and I was just so tired. I had a nap in the morning and when I woke up everyone said how good I was but mum and I knew that I was not myself.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was just a bit fussy so eventually she hauled me off to our GP for another opinion and just to make sure that everything was allright. Dr T examined me and said that I definitely had a low grade infection or virus of some type and that my throat was very red. He told mom to give me Panadol for the pain and to keep an eye on me and if I had not settled by tomorrow to take me back. He also asked us for a urine sample. Do these doctors not realise how difficult it is to get a urine sample from me?<br />
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My poor parents are rather distressed about my illness so they are being extra especially kind to me. When I came home from the doctor I fell asleep in mum’s arms and she let me just lie there. Usually when I fall asleep around 5 mum makes me stay up till after my dinner and bath so that I can go to bed at 6pm but tonight I just lay with mum on the couch till about 6pm. After I bathed and had my massage and was looking much better, not so pale and not so clammy I went to sleep. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mum was convinced that I would have a nice long sleep but lo and behold an hour and a half later I was up (this hour and a half thing is a pattern that I am quite fond of). Daddy told mum that he is sure that I want to drink all night because it makes my throat feel better, mum wanted me to sleep in her bed so that she did not have to get up all night so the upshot of all of this was that I got to sleep in my parents bed all night and I loved it.<br />
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It was the best sleep that I have ever had and mum was horizontal for the longest time since I have been born because she did not keep having to get up all night. A win-win situation all round although mummy is petrified that she is making a rod for her own back. I drank whenever I wanted, I lay in bed feeling very comfortable and secure that my parents were right there and all in all it was great, I did drink so much that I wet my clothes and my wrap and at 2am mummy had to change me but I was so relaxed and happy in their bed that afterwards I just put myself straight back to sleep. I hope that they are not just letting me sleep there because I am not feeling well.</span></span><br />
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</div>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-45546621897598809722010-05-23T21:04:00.000+10:002010-05-23T21:04:38.324+10:00Doctor C still thinks breast is NOT best for me<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday 18 September 2001 </b><br />
Well my temperature is right down but I am still not feeling my best so mum dragged me off to Dr C this morning. He looked in my throat and ears and listened to my chest. He said that my throat was a little red but nothing major. He said that I should continue to take the Panadol if I have any temperature and if anything changes for the worse mum should take me straight to Accident and Emergency at the Children’s Hospital. He and mum had a big chat about my growth and Dr C put mummy in a very bad mood. I think she was feeling guilty about the fact that she has not forced that bottle on me because Dr C has said that I am small because I am not getting enough nutrition. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He also mentioned, when he made me cry by looking in my throat and ears, that I had blocked tear ducts and quite frankly I think mom has had enough of hearing “bad” things about me. Anyway we have chosen to ignore the blocked tear duct scenario for now. Dr C said that we should do a urine sample (well actually that I should do a urine sample) and just check that there is no urinary tract infection. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mother is beside herself with exhaustion and worry and so is my father. I am continuing to refuse to sleep.<br />
</span></span></div></div>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950899743311328773.post-66965869995210793102010-05-19T21:27:00.000+10:002010-05-19T21:27:13.949+10:00I get a fever<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Monday 17 September 2001</b></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
Well all my bad behaviour over the last few days finally came to light today. All day long I tried to be as patient as possible with mummy as she prepared dinner for first night Rosh Hashanah. I was tired and ratty but I did not want to sleep at all. Eventually she took me for a walk but I just lay in the pram. Mum commented on the fact that I looked very pale and my eyes were quite red around the rims.<br />
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When mummy put me to bed in the evening I was very reluctant to sleep. I did not cry but I could not get comfortable and I could not fall asleep. Mum thought that I was acting up because she may have been a little stressed that there were 11 people coming for dinner. After lots and lots of cuddles I eventually fell asleep for a short while. When I woke, before the guests had even started dinner, mummy thought that I felt very warm, she changed my pyjamas for summer ones and called my uncle upstairs for his expert medical opinion. He concurred that I was warm but suggested we wait an hour before giving me any Panadol. I wanted that Panadol badly so in the hour that they were waiting I brewed up quite a temperature so that when I woke again and they took my temperature it was 38.3. I certainly got my Panadol then. Mum and dad were quit anxious but my uncle just said to give me Panadol 4 hourly and if that does not bring my temperature down I should go straight to the Children’s Hospital. My temperature went down but I did not feel well. I was just very listless, not angry, not grumpy just a bit mellow and happy to lie in mum’s arms but not sleep.</span></span></div>Sharpest Pencilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703706723793728866noreply@blogger.com0