Get Well Katie

So good to see this one eating again, after a tummy bug that has lasted nearly 5 days. 

Thankfully it was a kind of sick that makes a little one lethargic, so there was much more sleeping than screaming which is always nice. 

Here's to some sunny days to catch up on washing and a super strength immunity shield to protect the rest of us from catching the awful thing!

Camilla + Katie to be dedicated

We are dedicating Camilla and Katie to God this Sunday, also Katie's first birthday.

It's something we have wanted to do for quite some time. We are excited to stand with our family and Church family and pray together for them, and us as parents.

You are invited!

Katie Updatie - Month 11

Happy 11 months my little ray of sunshine! 

As per the photos and red cheek, you've been growing two more top teeth this month, but doing it with class. Nanny seemed a little disappointed now you no longer look like a pirate! Hehe. 

You've been free standing confidently this month, and continue to walk around furniture. 

This little red ball, and a little red cup, you love them far too much! If they are in sight, they are YOURS. No ifs or buts.

You've definitely got guts Katie, you make yourself heard and known, Camilla doesn't get away with much around you.

This month you've been doings "arms up!" and blowing kisses at bed time. It's super sweet, and I am loving watching you grow. 

Milla always suggests things we can teach you "should we teach katie to say Milla?" "Should we teach katie to do her wee's on the toilet?"

I wonder as I type this, if you're reading this at my age now (25), what would you want to know about your 11th month? Maybe you're having your own kids and want to know what life was like for you? 

Well, it's any thing but perfect, but there are spots of complete bliss and utter chaos. For the most part, you are the happiest baby I have ever know (except for this morning, but we will forget about that), you seem to love being in this world. You take joy from the smallest things, and are the cruisiest little person to have as part of our family. You always want to be with your big sis, right now she's a little to "independant", and likes her space. But you two have moments of love and sharing. When she gets frustrated you seem to take your cue and will find me. You love to play with magnets on the fridge while I cook dinner and if food is in sight or nearly ready you'll start rocking back and forward and shrieking. You LOVE food. You stuff it in as fast as you can and are still wanting more. We call you the hungry caterpillar. Katie, you are an incredible 11 month old. 

I just asked Milla (almost 3):: "Whats your favourite thing about Katie?"

Milla: "Her hair"

Me: "What do you like about her hair?"

Milla: "I like rubbing it"

Sister love <3 p="">

Katie Updatie Month 10

Happy 10 months little babe!! Out longer than in! I hope you've been enjoying your life Earth-side so far!

This month we had to say Good Bye to Amy and Raj, I hope its not too long until you see them both again. But you know, life carries on, and a week later you were walking behind your trolley and clapping your hands. "If only they saw this" I said, but life doesn't stop, you don't either!

So we've pulled the trolley out and the little sturdy baby pram and you are loving being vertical! Slow and steady wins the race Katie, figure it out first okay? No need to rush things.

Clapping came at some point, it feels like you've been doing it forever but it's only been a short few weeks! Any time we say "paki paki", "clap" or laugh, or sing... or do anything remotely exciting you clap and look around for approval and praise! (but with a new phase an old one must go, you've stopped waving! We miss it so, but we know it will return again soon)

You've started talking more this month. We're pretty sure you say "mumumummm" for Mum and "Dadaddadad" when Dads around. It's become not quite coincidence that we're almost 99% sure you're saying our names. 

You also masted how to pick up your sippy cup to your mouth and drink. Clever cookie!

Oh! And you got two top teeth! Except you grew one front one and one side one (which is a tiny bit different), so you're a little lopsided right now! It makes for a hilarious grin because you try and match your teeth up, it's gorgeously hilarious! So now you have a total of FOUR teeth! Yahoo Katie! (and all the dribble to boot!)

Only two months until your birthday! We will start planning the celebrations soon! x

Love you Little One xxx

Happy Easter Katie! 

Katie Updatie Month 9

Sorry Katie, life was crazy when you turned 9 Months old and I don't have proper photos from our monthly photoshoot. You can blame your Aunty Amy for that one. Her and Raj came over from London to get married! We got to spend a whole two weeks doing life with them! It was amazing and you two got on so well. It was true love from the first moments of meeting!

ABOVE:In this photo above you and Milla are watching Mum and Dad run in the City to Surf, the whole family came out to the street corner to watch us run past!

BELOW: Nana and Aunty Amy at Halswell Quarry. 

When you turned nine months we were busy making trips to Akaroa to set up for The Wedding, visiting Westport, having family come stay with us. We had dinners and breakfasts out, late nights and no routine. You were a complete star. You went with the flow and kept on smiling! 

After two weeks you began to protest all the holding, Nana realised she hadn't seen you crawl properly because you were always being held by someone! You just wanted down and some freedom back! They soon realised you were quite good at crawling and pulling yourself to stand, haha.

This month your newest cousin was born, we were so excited to meet Delilah!! You even got to attend her baby shower a few weeks earlier and then we got to see her again when we went to Westport. She is so little and so so sweet, with a whole head of dark hair, she's gorgeous! 

It's going to be so cool when you're all a little older, all you girl cousins are going to have a ball!! 4 of you cousin girls 3 years and under! Yikes!  I can already see the bond that Milla has with Shire of the same age, it'll so sweet when you can have the same with Delilah.

Stay cool and cruisie little babe xxx

Katie Updatie - Month 8

Crawling didn't last long as the "new thing", you were quick to progress onto pulling to stand shortly after that. You're a fast mover, just like your big sis. You've got lots of guts too. I don't think much will stop you in life Katie. There's something about your spirit that just wants to give things a go.

You learnt to wave this month. A super cute, rotating queen like wave. It's adorable and melts my heart every time. You learnt it in your high chair, and then figured out thats what we do at bedtime too. And now, because its so adorable, you just do it when you're sitting in your capsule to get anyones attention. 

Here's a little weird story, theres been two instances when you've repeated words back to us that have sounded just like what we said. The first was when you were just a newborn, maybe only two weeks old. We were skyping Amy and Raj in London and as we said his name, you squeaked "raj" back. WHAT. We couldn't believe our ears. 

Just this month, I was standing over your Daddy holding you and we were saying goodnight to him, he was blowing kisses to you saying "kisses" and then YOU said KISSES. No. joke. seriously. you did!!! You left us speechless!

You are sharing a room with Milla, you have every night since you upgraded from the basinet in our bedroom. Usually Milla will sneak out in the morning and find something to entertain herself with while you sleep on for another half hr or so. 

One particular morning this month I woke up to the sound of hilarious laughter, you were both cracking up, soo loudly. I smiled to myself and let you both continue on with whatever was so funny. Only to get up 5 minutes later and to find that Camilla had pulled every single item of hers and your clothing out of your drawers and thrown it on the floor. You both thought it was the funniest thing everrr! (I had a little chuckle too, after the clean up!)

As in the picture above, you've lost the dark hair you were born with and its regrowing in quite fast. Some times it looks blonde, sometimes dark, and some times ginger. You've got lots of long wiry bits on top, just like me. Ask Nana Ngaire to show you some photos one day and have a good laugh at me when I was a little girl!

Every Wednesday morning I go to a womens connect group at Church. They run a creche for all the Mamas to pop their kids in, run by the lovely Vynnie. I've just started leaving you in there by yourself this month. Usually you hang out with me in the group of ladies, but not any more! You seem to love it in there with all the other kids and toys and you don't look back for me for one second!

You like to eat most of your foods by yourself, so most of what you get is in finger food form. You are still breastfeeding but you much prefer solids and aren't particularly attached to me for my milk! Your favourite solids are pineapple, beetroot, plums and eggs.

Carry on Katie, as you were.

Big loves, from Mama xx

(You can view other Katie Updaties by clicking here)
Katie's dolly is from Creative Mama's felt shop, Mrs Aldridge

Katie Updatie - Month 7

We're in our new home now Katie. It was so sad for me to leave our little apartment. The one that you and Milla were born in. That address was printed on your birth certificates, we'll never forget it. 

However, we're glad to have more space at our new place, and now you're moving we can't stop you! The extra space is much much better. It will be so good when you can freely explore outside with your own two feet. We have a park right behind our new house, we've been to it quite a few times with Milla for an afternoon picnic and you're begging to go play with her.

But. We are only renting at this stage. So at some point in your next few years we'll move again and create new memories together at that place too :)

You've perfected your crawl, you're so fast now, you love to crawl right down the hallway and see me in the kitchen at the very end. I can hear you huffing all the way along until you appear at the doorway.

This month we took you to our friends wedding. Celeste and Joel got married in a forest and had their wedding reception in the middle of a paddock under a marquee. You were the only kid allowed there (Milla had her first overnight stay with Nanny), so you got passed around a lot, much to your delight. We fed you dinner, then took you for a little walk down a few rural gravel roads and soon you were fast asleep in the pram. We woke you when it was time to go after Mama had a big dance and Dad had DJ'd the party, around midnight. Yup, you're the best baby ever. I marvelled.

You grew two teeth this month. Your two little bottom ones. One appeared, and then the next one a few weeks later. You weren't particularly fussy and we didn't notice you teething, but those teeth were definitely there!

Your favourite foods to munch on right now are steamed carrots, spaghetti and banana.

Now that we're in our new house we have a bath for the first time!! You. LOVE. the bath. You get to share bath time with Milla and you splash and squeal to your hearts content. When you're in the bath you prefer to hold on to a little orange tea cup dish, and any of the pink stars that float about.

We go to church every single week, and I only ever need to leave the service and go into creche when you get too excited (thats right, its not because you're grumpy, only ever because all of the smiling faces, the music and the lights gets you going with joy!). But that's okay, you've met the sweetest little friend Eda in Creche who has started coming to our church and you've quickly become Best Baby Buddies. 

Baby, you're the best. I love you. 

Love, Mama (and Papa and Milla) xxx x

(You can view other Katie Updaties by clicking here)

Katie Updatie - Month 6

Only a month late with this one! And with the busyness of Christmas and holidaying I didn't get to take your traditional photos like we usually do. Instead, these photos are from over the Christmas period just after you hit the 6 month milestone.

We went to visit Nana and Grandad on the Westcoast, and Nanny and Poppa joined us for Christmas too! 

You were an absolute pleasure to take away on holiday. You slept when you were supposed to, ate when you needed to and went were ever we wanted to go! 

We started you on "solids" when you were in your 5th month. Just a few random rice cereals here and there and then some baby food from a jar. My goodness, you love your food! You also love to hold the spoon and pull it up to your mouth, and will grab it off who ever is trying to feed you. I'll be trying to get you on finger foods and fresher solids as soon as I can get organised!

This month was all about you learning to crawl. Camilla is constantly shouted "Go Katie Go!" at you. You get up on you hands and knees and rock so hard! You're so close to diving forward and face planting! You're an enthusiastic learner! 

You'll squeal with delight at anything that moves. I can sometimes sit through a whole church service with you, and when it can't its not because you're grumpy or need to be fed, it's because you're so excited you're squealing the house down! 

And when you get excited you put your hands up around your head like you're showing off your baby muscles, hold your breathe and squeeeeeze! It's hilarious. You're so buff!

Still breastfeeding and still having 3 naps a day, along with sleeping through the night from 6pm to 6am. Yup, best babe ever. 

You're still losing that dark hair but its starting to grow back in other spots.

Katie, you are a complete delight, absolutely precious and delicious in every way. I love you so much, so completely. We loving having you as part of our family, it wouldn't be the same with out you!

Love, Mama xx

Katie Updatie Month 4

I'm a little bit late with this 4 month milestone, but these photos were taken on the day of. 

4 short months, only a whisper in the grand scheme of a life time, but it already feels like you have made your mark. I can't imagine life without you, Katie. You are so precious, so lovely, and have stolen my heart. I love you so much.

This month you've been chatting more, infact some times we can't shut you up! You blab on and on, and love to be spoken to. You have real conversations with us, we love our chats! 

Your favourite position is standing face to face on someones lap. You value eye contact and will respond with smiles, giggles and joyful squeels to anyone who will give you some time in their day. Anyone, really. You are a people person! It's a delight.

You're sleeping in your cot now and sharing a room with your big sister Camilla. It's going well so far, and you don't seem to wake each other up. You're sleeping through the night which I am so thankful for! It means your Dad and I can go out at night and know that you will stay in bed. Long may that last! You wake around 4am for another feed and then go back to sleep till Milla inevitably wakes you up. 

Your hair is a beautiful rusty red or dark brown. It has different sections of each. We're not sure which way it will swing, but I think you'll end up just like your Daddy. Whatever it is, it's completely beautiful. And your eyes, woweee, a beautiful brilliant blue, just like your Sisters.

And a teeny tiny dimple impressed into your cheek, melt my heart why don'tcha Katie.

Milla loves to hold you, you try and kiss her / suck her face and she giggles and giggles! She also pats your head and says "hi precious""Hi Tatie", or when your crying she'll rock your bouncer and say "go to sleep tatie" haha! She's learning to be gentle and is a great Big Sister in the making!

Well, we made it out of winter together, high fives for that! I'm looking forward to a fun summer with you, filled with sun hats, sun screen, parks and adventures with our family.

Love you Baby Moo2.

 READ MORE:
Other Katie Updaties
Milla at 4 months
Katies Birth Story

[Romper sent from Aunty Amy in London]

Sister Files: Sharing Bedrooms

The girls have been sharing a bedroom for the last few weeks now, if you had asked me a few days ago how it was going I would have said perfectly. Everyone told me they would share fine, that they wouldn't wake up to each other, and everyone was right. They do share and they don't wake. 

Even though we have a room for Katie to potentially use we decided to keep it as a spare room / sewing area / office / Sisterhood storage area. Also there's a big possibility we'll need to down size to two bedrooms next year so we wanted to get the sharing a bedroom thing in from the start.

Milla loves to have her sister in her bedroom, she whispers whenever she goes in there, and I'll often find a blanket on Katie that wasn't there in the first place.

Katie has transitioned from the basinet in our bedroom into her cot just fine. Infact, I don't think she even noticed a change. I'm still figuring out how to tuck her in, I'm unsure if I should be wrapping her, sleeping bagging her or just letting it all flow. Whatever I do, she gets off to sleep just fine, usually with a thumb in her mouth (adorable). 

These last few days Milla has suddenly struggled to keep her hands to herself. It caused problems last night where every 10 minutes we heard a shriek from Katie, only to rush in and find Milla with her fingers in her eyes, nose, mouth, hitting her, pulling etc each time. Oh my heart, it broke for little Katie. I felt so bad for her, and sad for Milla. Katie ended up in her basinet last night to give Milla some space.

Unfortunately this trend has continued today, so i'll be spending today cuddling my biggest, letting her pour the washing powder in the machine (such a treat!) and giving her lots of attention. I'll also be praying for lots and lots of patience. 

The trouble with sharing rooms is there's only one place to send them, and if they can't be together then... whats the back up plan?! 

I do love this arrangement though, and for the most part I'm glad they have each other. It'll be nice when they're a little older and can have a chat before they go to bed! Cute!

Whats the sleeping arrangements like in your house? Any tried and true recipes for success? I'd love to hear them! Leave a comment and let me know :) 

READ MORE:
Sister Files

Katie Updatie - Month 3

Gone are the little newborn baby days, you're a big girl now (but not really), filling out well with perfect rolls on your legs, kissable cheeks and a big puku! 

Katie, you are such a delight! The sweetest baby I have ever met. You smile so often, and talk so much. You just love to have eye contact with people. When you don't, you'll sit quietly and wait, or you'll make a lot of demands to get our attention and when you have it you light up the room with your grin.

This last month you've rolled over once from your tummy to your back and have started to push through a bottom tooth. I can feel it there waiting to come through, its causing lots of dribble but not much else.

You are still sleeping in your basinet in our room but we're making plans to try and see how sharing a room with your sister will go. You sleep quite well through the night, so I am hopeful! 

Camilla loves to talk to you, she gets right in your face and grins and does a "goooaaaheeheeeheeaaaa" noise. I guess she's copying what I do to you! She also says "Hiii Kaaaatie. Boats. Yup. NO. gooooaaahehe Tatie". To that you light up, its adorable watching the two of you build a relationship that will last the rest of your lives. By the way, we've been watching the Americas Cup for the last week every morning, hence the "boats". Everything is about boats around here! 

Your Daddy loves to come home from work, he picks you up or sits next to your bouncer straight away and talks to you about your day.

He loves you, we love you... You are so loved and are a huge joy in our lives.

Thank you baby girl. Be strong! 

READ MORE:
Dear Baby, Month 1
Dear Baby, Month 2

Katie Update - Month 2

I'm sorry Katie, I'm posting this half a month late (you're now 10 weeks old) and I didn't even manage to get photos of you on your quilt with the teddy bear I wanted to use to document your growth. I suppose that's a picture of our lives right now. Things are very busy! Instead, this photo was snapped when you were 7.5 weeks old, so it'll do. Plus its a super cute one of you.

You are my smiley baby! Completely different (already) in personality to your Sister. You smile and coo at anyone, you've giggled, and you seem to love hearing voices and being in a busy room. You'll go to anyone and be happy, its so lovely! My smiley, happy baby! 

You've still got a little dark hair left, some of it has fallen out or lightened. You have about 8mm of orangey coloured hair at the nape of your neck. It goes in a perfectly straight line around the back of your head! Quite impressive!

Your eyes are huge and blue and so captivating!

Katie, I really think you're a blessing to this world. I don't know how, what or why, but I know that God has the biggest plans for your life. You are a part of His plan, and I know if you follow those he'll take you to incredible places and use you in incredible ways. You'll bless people in ways you won't even be able to grasp. So while you grow my prayer for you is that you would dream dreams and see visions in the hopes it they would expand your mind, grow your faith, and help you to know that God is so good. 

We love you xxx

READ MORE:
Katie - 1 month old

Katie's Birth Story

(I'm sharing Katie's birth story as a way to encourage you in your own. For women everywhere, power and strength is possible, and courage can be found. Be blessed and thank you for reading and supporting us in this journey!)

My second time giving birth was the same, and yet completely different to the first.

Camillas birth was mostly everything I knew that I wanted. I can see now in hindsight that it was fast progressing and I went into shock, I was shouty and panicy, but at the time I wasn't aware that happened, I only had happy memories. I kept saying to my midwife "If I could just have a repeat of Camilla's birth then that would be perfect".

I didn't see how I could possibly have it any better!

Being my second I felt much more clued on to the options that were available to me (not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well) and the things that I wanted and how I wanted them done. I felt I could prepare much better this time around as I knew what I was heading into. Believe me, I did a lot of research heading into my first home birth, but this time I was more aware as to how my particular body and mind coped, and what I would like to do differently to support that.

Physically we planned the same birth - to be at home and in water.

But to be different, in a nutshell: I wanted to feel much more in control of the labour - I wanted to be able to listen to my body instead of a text book and a clock, I wanted a whole range of natural tools to manage the pain if I needed to, and I wanted to feel strong and powerful rather than filled with fear. We also planned to be much more organised and set up for the birth at the beginning of labour, rather than waiting for it to progress (my last labour was 6 hours but the last stage happened very quickly and we didn't get the water birth we hoped for, and we expected this one to be even faster.)

I had been feeling uncomfortable on Snow Day (Friday) while I was 39 weeks pregnant. I didn't think anything of it though. The last few weeks of pregnancy leave you with lots of niggles, aches and pains. We had a great day at home that Friday, snow was on the ground and Milla and I built huts and read books all afternoon. I had received a handmade hot-water bottle cover gifted from my friend Deb that morning from the courier and Nanny Moo2 had braved the snow to gift us a new fan heater and PJs. (These 3 things actually completed our "to get" list for the birth, it was perfect timing).

Graeme went out on Friday night to play poker at a friends house. I spent the evening cleaning and organising. I just knew the baby was coming. I set up the lounge as our birthing area with as many things off our check list as I could. I also text my two support friends, Dawn and Amanda, to warn them that I may be going into labour at some point in the night.

Katies bunting was hung as a last minute touch and I went to bed excited. In bed I downloaded a contraction timing app and phoned Graeme and warned him that he should probably come home at a respectable hour and to be prepared that I might go into labour during the night.

Graeme arrived home around midnight and watched TV programs and basketball on his laptop in bed (much to my annoyance and constant nagging "you should get some sleep, we might have the baby today"). He finally closed his laptop at 1.30am, seconds before I had my first contraction. He was already asleep so I tried to time them as quietly as I could. At 2am, half an hour after the first I couldn't possibly stay in bed any longer, they began and continued to be 5 minutes apart and were getting stronger and stronger.

I woke up Graeme and told him this was it, we needed to get organised. He asked to pray for us, and we told God how excited we were to meet out little girl and asked him to look after all of us. Then we both jumped out of bed and got into action.

I stopped timing the contractions after that first half an hour. I really wanted to be able to connect with my body and have it tell me what was happening and to go with it rather than being told what should be happening.

Our beloved midwife and support girls were called along with Nanny to pick up Milla. One by one they arrived. Our midwife, Janine, arrived straight away. I was given an IV in my hand which was another pre-planned tool we had. I wasn't so good at the last stage of labour last time and lost a lot of blood, this was a "just incase" (it wasn't used in the end, I aced that last stage!)

The heaters were on, the pool was filled up, the lights off and the fairy lights on. It truly felt perfect; like a dim hot nest for me to be in. I so enjoy labouring in my own space. I really cant use words to do the scene justice. It was completely perfect. I felt so comfortable.

I laboured completely differently this time around. I really tried to feel in touch and in control of the contractions and my body and to go with them rather than against them. Instead of talking and yelling my head off (like last time) my labouring was much more gutteral this time, I "ooo'ed" and "mmmmm'ed"and "hummmm'ed" and pushed myself into our couch and pillows. Graeme applied hard pressure to my lower back, another thing that was different (last time I didn't want anyone to touch me). We had practiced acupressure but in the moment I preferred the rounded feeling of his lower palms, I felt like I was able to communicate that really clearly and knew what I wanted, and Graeme was really responsive to my needs and was able to fulfill them.

I talked and made bad jokes in between contractions (apparently I'm the chattiest in labour person my midwife has come across - yuss!). I felt like I was having fun, it was a real joy to have everyone there. It felt exciting and I had a little buzz within me.

I looked around and appreciated that every single person in the room was there because they loved us. I thanked them over and over again. Knowing why they were there made everything all the more special and I felt so supported and loved in those moments. They were very defining in how relaxed and peaceful I felt. And I really did feel peaceful. Everything just felt so... right.

It was time for me to get into the pool which felt like instant relief. The weightlessness, the warmth; My body felt wrapped up and supported and it was the best relief. I'm so glad we made the effort to prepare for a water birth again!

Once in the pool it took a while for my next contraction to come, Graeme sat beside the pool and whispered his story about getting Milla out of bed and Nanny taking her away. His eyes welled up as he told me how she responded to hearing that we were having the baby, just like how she does with her baby books. I could see the love in his teary eyes. He loves that girl with everything he has and I felt so much gratitude then in knowing I was about to give him another little girl, knowing he would love her completely too. He's a good husband and Daddy, we are so blessed.

The contractions resumed and I was in the pool for about 25 minutes when I started to lose the grip on my control, I started to say "I couldn't do it" - the mantra of Transition. Dawn was sitting right in front of me and I saw her face light up as she recognised that saying from her own three labours, her face shone with joy and I remembered that the baby must be close.

Moments later I announced that I needed to push, which I spent 6 minutes doing. I could feel every movement and every millimeter that she decended. That sensation was so real, I could feel her moving out. I didn't get that with Camilla, it was all hasty at the end and I had to push her out in one go. But with Katie I could take our time. She slowly (actually, rather quickly) decended, and I waited for her to turn, then finally her head.

Throughout the labour and pushing I spoke to Katie and my different body parts out loud. I was so aware that Katie was doing a lot of hard work too, having to squeeze through all those bones, I wanted to make the journey for her as painless as possible. I commanded everything else to open up for her and to do as they were supposed to do. I really did feel so strong and powerful. I believed everything I was saying and I really do think that my body listened to my commands.

Katie was born at 4.10am on Saturday morning.

My midwife caught her and brought her up and around to me. I wept dry tears of happiness. She was quiet and warm and placed in my arms. She was breathing so quietly almost as if she was sleeping. We cuddled in the water with Graeme's arms around us while I blew on her face and we spoke to her, our Daughter. Finally she gave a tiny little cry, my heart sighed of relief. I kept saying thank you over and over again, and an indescribable, involuntary tongue slipped passed my lips, what I can only guess as being a thanksgiving prayer.

We sat for a very long moment and soaked her in. She was so tiny and so beautiful, absolutely perfect.

I moved from the pool to my birth mat set up with blankets and pillows for a comfortable last stage, along with the biggest umbilical chord my two midwives have laid their eyes on. I needed a few stitches, which was nothing compared to last time (and have already healed now, unlike needing further surgery months later last time).

Katie began to latch, cups of tea and toast were made for everyone involved and I was the happiest woman alive.

My support girls left after a long while tidying up and took my washing with them. Then we were tucked up in bed with Katie snoozing naked on Graeme's chest our midwife did a final check and left at 8am. We slept till 11am together in our own bed.

Our friends had changed our sheets and rehung Katies Bunting above our bed. One of my favourite parts of having a home birth is slipping into a clean bed with a naked baby and a handsome husband, skin to skin for hours, it's a breeding ground for Oxytocin.

From my first contraction the labour took just over 2 and a half hours and I spent 6 minutes pushing. It was much quicker than my last 6 hour labour but it felt like the perfect amount of time. Nothing about it felt rushed or out of control, everything was organised and peaceful and felt completely normal.

I love Katie's birth. Every part of it happened with peace, strength and power just like I had hoped and prepared for. I felt completely supported through every moment and if I knew that I was doing it all again tonight I would go into it confidently, just as I did that Saturday morning. It was an empowering experience and one that I feel blessed for having. My lasting memories of it will be of joy with an excited buzz and a peaceful calmness.

I am so glad I spent all those months preparing myself mentally, spiritually and physically. I was in a different mental place this time around and I believe my labour experience and Katie's birth reflected that.

I am so thankful for those who were there: 
Graeme - My man who knows how to read a check list and how to read my mind.

Dawn - For those strong hands and your joy at me saying "I couldn't do it"

Amanda - All those hot jugs you boiled! I so appreciate your braveness at supporting me in a home birth.

Janine - My incredible midwife who believes in bodies and birth, you empower woman!

Jo - My back up midwife, thank you for coming all the way from Diamond Habour in the middle of the night!! (And on a day you were competing in a big ocean swim comp! Incredible!)

Nanny and Poppa - For taking Milla at 3am and her being cool about it really helped me. It was so nice to know she would be having a great time with you!

And God - thank you for being with us.


READ MORE:
Camilla's Home Birth (my first daughter)
Everything I've written about Home Births
Katie's Monthly updates
Katie's First Day Of Life
Breastfeeding Katie

Sister Files

Millas current Big Sister status:

• Loves rearranging Katies blanket so she's completely tucked in, with a big push on her belly just to be sure
• If no blanket is in sight Milla will share her precious yellow fluffy blanket with Katie, she'll spend whole minutes arranging it on her, only to rip it off quickly and yell NO
• Being the first to hear Katie cry she'll say "Katie milk, Katie wake"
• She's suddenly realised her toys and dolls need a Mama too. They get tucked in and get bibs and nappies on as well.
• Being protective, if someone gets too close to Katie and they haven't been pre-approved visitors she'll try and pull Katie away from them.
• Kisses. Lots and lots of spontaneous kisses.
• Milla loves to hold Katie in her arms in a big cuddle position. When ever Katie squirms she giggles with delight
• Katies sneezes get an immediate "Bless you Katie" response... Which actually sounds more like "BledoTatie"
• Loves to put hats on Katie. If there's a hat nearby and Katie doesn't have it on her head there'll be trouble!
• Rocking the bouncer, rocking the capsule, rocking anything.
• Walking down the hallways towards our bedroom and saying "shhhhhhhhh"
• Laying down next to Katie when she's getting changed.

Katie's current favourite things about being a Little Sister:

• Being rocked. There's always someone to rock her.
• Being squished beneath a blanket that has been lovingly laid out.
• Having her hand held (and squeezed).
• A protective Big Sis.
• Being safe and clipped into the bouncer every single time.
• Having toys and books placed around her by Milla.

I'm loving watching this relationship grow! They complete each other.

What's been your favourite part about watching your kids together? Anything I should watch out for (lovely or otherwise? I've been warned about eye poking...!) Leave a comment and let me know!

Katie Updatie - Month 1

It's now 4 weeks since that Friday night that I spent tidying, vacuuming, hanging bunting and washing out the toilet bowl. Even though I wasn't in labour yet I knew that you were on your way and would be born some time in the night.

I was so excited to meet you.

Now that you've been earth side for four weeks I find it hard to imagine a time without you. You were always supposed to be part of our family, it's just feels so right. I thank God for that and for you. He really did know you and knit you together with a plan and a purpose. I can't wait to see it unfold. I hope as parents we can do everything possible to guide and encourage you towards those plans. 

So. Your first month? I'll try to be practical, knowing that you may well be reading this in the future...

You are a delight!

You sleep well, occasionally drifting off on your own accord. You snooze next to our bed in the bassinet that your Uncle Muz and Aunty Bec lent us. You've had a blocked nose these last few weeks (blame your sister and dad!) so you make lots of hilarious and troubling sounds during the night.

You were jaundice for about a week and then it passed and along came hormone spots which you still have (they'll go soon, promise.)

You breastfeed well. Initially we had a tiny dilemma trying to get you latched to a particular side but one trip to the osteopath sorted that out! (I'm a believer in them now). You're gaining weight like a champion and I keep telling myself all those chocolate biscuits that I'm eating are doing you good! 

You've already had an overnight stay in Hanmer with the Moo2 whanau and been visited by Aunty Izy and Hollie and Perry from Australia! (Their love for you is bigger than oceans!). Nana Ngaire has been to look after us for a week and Granddad Jimmy calls almost everyday to check in on his girls. 

Your big Sister completely loves you! It's like she's been wanting you as her sister her whole life. She gets so concerned when she finds one of your hats and you don't have it on! It has to go on your head straight away or there will be tears!! She does up your buckle on the bouncer and perfectly lays out your blanket across your legs. She gives you kisses on the top of your head and when she holds you she shrieks with laughter whenever you squirm! Your relationship together is adorable and I know it's only going to grow as you learn more about each other! I'm so thrilled you have each other.

You and Milla look almost identical as babies. I cannot believe the similarities!! The jaw, chin, nose, forehead, hair line are all the same! In the last week you've started to open up your big wide blue eyes, they are beautiful and so pure! You were born with black hair but its turning light brown with a copper tone, exactly what Millas did too until hers all fell out and regrew blonde. I'm expecting that to happen to you too. Although I have to keep reminding myself you are different.

When your dad gets home from work he loves to hold you, you'll often fall asleep on his chest which is where you'll stay for the next few hours! He loves cuddle time and likes to make up nicknames for you. He says he feels blessed because he gets to have a baby all over again, he knows how important you are and doesn't take that lightly.

(sorry about the red between your eyes in these photos... that was my attempt at grooming you... although it looks like a birth mark its not)

You're actually a really easy baby, Katie. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to handle having a new born and a toddler but really I've been surprised with how easy its been. You just fit in with everything we do. You're a great sleeper and feeder and all things considered we have it pretty good! Sure, there's been sleepless nights, but they are followed by a day of rest and recovery. Nothing we can't handle!

I feel blessed to have you as a daughter Katie. Thank you for coming into our lives and changing it all over again. Life will never be the same and we wouldn't want it any different!

Be strong baby girl, grow grow grow (but not tooo quickly!!!), we love you.

Love Mum and Dad
xxx


READ MORE:
Millas 1 Month Update

First Outing

This week I quickly went through my blog archives to find out what life was like with a newborn Milla. I was disappointed with my lack of blogging about life. I still blogged lots but about other things. What was I thinking?! Oh yeah, I didn't want to overload my friends and family with boring newborn tales. Well stuff them! This stuff needs to be remembered (especially when I'm battling with baby brain!).

Yesterday, Thursday, I got up in the morning, got two girls dressed and fed (Katie's is just under 4 weeks old) and we were out of the door in the pram and Moby wrap by 9am. WHAT. I know (wheres my medal??). There was a break in the freezing weather, the sky was clear and a balmy 11degrees and we took our chances.

Our first outing together (alone) went surprisingly well. We don't have a car because MrMoo needs to take it to work in the morning, so our only option is to walk somewhere. We're yet to buy a double pram. So.. Moby it is! I love baby snuggles in the Moby! (and our family seriously needs to sort out its transport woes. I'm going a little stir crazy stuck at home!)

On the walk to the mall a young boy yelled at me "Why do you have your kid down your top!?" (hilarious)

We met Dawn and Amanda* at our local mall and had fluffies and lattes together while all our girls played together on the indoor playground. (Katie snoozed the whole time on my chest) It was SO good to have some conversation and enjoy a real coffee! Like, really really good! It also felt good to make the walk there and use my legs and breathe in the crisp air!

We're starting to get out of that newborn recovery mode and starting to get back into real life. It feels so good (and I'm desperately ready for winter to be over with so we can get out and enjoy!)

Loving my girl friends and their equally beautiful daughters!

*Dawn and Amanda were at my birth too, more on that later...

Her First Day

Just like last time, the first day of Katies life was spent in a hot dim room skin to skin with her parents. 

I couldn't imagine it any other way. We feel so blessed. 

Handmade Baby Gifts

Having my second daughter I really didn't expect any gifts. However, Katie and myself have been ridiculously blessed by so many people. Starting from the surprise baby shower, 2 weeks worth of delicious fresh meals and baking from our Church, and a whole lot of beautifully wrapped practical and lovely gifts! 

Most of all its so touching to me as a mother to know that people still love and want to make a big deal about my second. That really does mean a lot. 

I wanted to show off a few of the handmade gifts here to recognise the bloggers who gave them in secret. Each were such a surprise, from a colourful nappy and wipes carrier, handmade shoes, blankets and quilts and clothing. 

We received so much more than this from so many generous family and friends. Thank you to everyone for your love!!

 (Thank you cards have been written and are slowly making their way to you.)

Those featured here:

Holly, Treena, Miriam, Juliet, Cat