Merry Christmas

Sorry, I am a few days late but its been so busy with Christmas and all the family here! Murray had a super day with his cousin Adam and got spoilt by everyone!

Its been so nice having my mom staying with us and Nikki, Matt and Adam staying just down the road from us. We have been to the beach a few times, been on some walks, played in the park and Adam and Murray are becoming best friends fast! Adam is very sweet with Muz Bun as we call him. They have even bathed together a few times!

Murray is officially now sitting which is so exciting. After about 3 or 4 minutes he eventually does fall over, but he is sitting which is so exciting!

We are off to our friends Jill and Pat's wedding on Saturday (New Years Eve) and leaving Murray for the first night! Good luck to Nix and mom who will be baby sitting! I hope all goes well... as for us... we can't wait for the wedding!

Till next time... Happy Holidays!

Cute at 5 Months!

So another month has gone by, I can't believe my tiny baby is 5 months old today! He is so cute these days and doing new things every day. He now sucks his toes, as you can see in the picture on this post. He reaches for things all the time. So far, Shelley's dog Coco, his friend Aidan, my keys, tea cups, cell phones, basically anything I hold he wants in his month. So sweet!

He now weighs just over 7kgs and is still only on my breastmilk. I have something called "nipple vasospasm" which is extremely painful nipples. Its caused by a restriction in the blood flow, so I went to the doctor yesterday and she is looking into what she can get me. Ouch! Really worried because want to carry on breastfeeding for at least 6 months.

On some other news! Murray has dropped one of his night feeds, so he now only feeds once a night at around midnight. He actually did 2 nights in a row recently where he slept through from 6.30pm till 6am so there is some light at the end of the tunnel! He now sleeps either 2 or 3 times during the day and the rest of the time he is happily awake! Chats lots, loves his play gym, chair and any colourful things to look at!

I am going to see the sister next week to chat about starting Murray on solids! He is due to start at the end of this month which is quite exciting. I can't wait to see his little face when we give him his first bite of "human food" which Shane calls it!

My mom sent some Christmas things down for Murray in the post and we thought we would take some pics with him to get us into the Christmas spirit! See pics below.

Nix and Matt arrive tomorrow for a wedding! Going to be so nice to see them! Then they come back in about 10 days time, along with my mom for our much anticipated Christmas holiday!

Trip to Tzaneen & Giraffe

I went on a last minute trip to Tzaneen on the the 14th of November. Matt came to Cape Town for the weekend and was also going to Tzaneen on the Monday morning to join Nikki and Adam so I flew with him. I just didn't want to fly on my own with Murray for the first time and Matt was great to have with me. The flight went so well and Murray even slept in my arms! Then my mom was there to fetch us and drove straight to Tzaneen. It was so great to see the rest of the family. Lolly, Nix, and dad. Also Adam and Murray met for the first time and it was so sweet. Adam was so sweet all holiday and kept us entertained with his funny little chirps.

We went to Giraffe farm and I was a little worried about how the heat would affect Murray, but he was fine. I loved having him in just a little vest or a "romper" as Nix calls them (short sleeve and leg baby grow). Murray swam for the first time and even went on few mini game drives.

It was just myself, Murray, Nix, Matt, Adam, dad, Moya, grandpa Len and 1 night Lolly came as a surprise too! Was nice quite, quality family time. Just wish mom and Shane could have been there too.

Murray got into such a nice little routine on the farm. Nix helped me put him to sleep often and really helped a lot with him, in fact everybody did! He even had a few nights of only waking up once for a feed at about 3.

When we got back to Cape Town he was a bit out of sorts on the first night back, but then the next night he did something that every parent waits for... he slept through the WHOLE night. 12 straight hours of sleep. Shane and I still woke in the middle of the night just out of habit really, but it was great to get some almost solid sleep! Long may it last, but not holding my breath, I think its a slow process!

4 months old today!

Okay, so things have been a bit hectic in the Newton household since Murray was born and I really want to try carry on with this blog. So I am going to try write once a week on the updates on little Mr Cute.

I can't believe Murray is 4 months old today. It feels like he was born yesterday. We have learnt alot in the last four months, and have come far since the early days! Murray is now smiling and laughing all the time, especially at his dad, who is apparently the funniest man on earth. He is almost sitting (supported by pillows) and now holds on to his feet which have become his new best toys.

Murray still doesn't "sleep through" - but we seem to manage his night wakings/feeding times ok. He usually feeds at about 6pm, around bath time, then at about 11/12pm again then at about 4/5am again, then goes back to sleep till about 7am. Up for about and hour and then back down from anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours (which has been the last few days)!

I am also still breastfeeding exclusively which is a massive achievement for me considering it has not been easy to get to this point. He only feeds off one side, so am a bit lopsided, but I don't mind. Bfeeding is much easier and more convenient than bottle feeding so long may it last. Not really sure how long I will breastfeed for, but we will see. I really will encourage all new mothers to breastfeed and to tell them that it is HARD in the beginning, but is worth sticking to it! No washing bottles, no buying of formula, not sterilising etc! Not to mention the special connection you have with your baby whilst breastfeeding.

Happy 4 months Murray Muz, we love you lots you cutie pie!

8th July 2011 - Murray Jack Newton was born

So much has happened since Murray was born and I have not had time to update the blog so I will just start from the beginning!

On the Friday the 1st of July I went for a check up and told my doctor that I was really really itchy all over my body (mainly my hands and feet). She didn't seem too worried. She was going on leave the next day until the 19th of July (not great considering my due date was on the 23rd). But her partner gynie was apparently very nice and I was due to see her in about 2 weeks for a follow up appointment. I continued to itch like mad and could not sleep and read up on the internet that it could be a serious liver condition if you itched during pregnancy. So I decided to go and have some live blood tests done. The lab said they would send the results to the stand in gynie Laura. I went for the blood tests on Wednesday the 6th of July and Laura phoned me on the Thursday afternoon to say the test results have come back and I defiantly have a liver problem and we must come and see her asap. We rushed over to the gynie rooms (opposite Kingsbury hospital) and she did a scan and the baby was fine but she did say she recommends that he needs to be taken out asap. I was, to say the least devastated! I did not want a ceaser and she did not recommend an induction because the head hadn't dropped down and he was facing the wrong was so it would be a long and difficult labour and I was mentally not up it.

So with less than 24 hours notice we were going in to theater the next day at 1pm. My mom was already on her way from Tzaneen. It was my sister's engagement party on the Saturday night in Tzaneen and my poor mom had to miss that. I was so so grateful to her for rushing up to be with me and I know myself and Shane really appreciated it and she was so wonderful and supportive and what would we do without our moms! Shane' mom and dad were also on their way from the Karoo and it was so nice to have all the love and support around us that we needed!

So little Murray Jack Newton was born via c-section at 13h35 on Friday the 8th of July 2011. Shane said "its a boy" and the rest of the day is a bit of a blur. They pump your body full of pain killers so they make you feel a bit out of it. Murray lay on my chest for hours! It was so sweet. He was very sleepy (which is normal) and we just lay there getting to know each other.

The next 3/4 days were "hairy" to say the least. He did not latch in the first day so I struggled to get him to eat! From feeding with a little spoon to using a cup to eventually getting some advise from a lactation consultiant on the Monday I eventually got him feeding and was ready to go home. He lost too much weight in hospital so we had to stay an extra night which I was very grateful for. So on Tuesday the 12 of July we came home. I struggled a bit more with feeding him but every day got better and better. I had to take him to a clinic on the Thursday to weigh him to make sure he was getting enough and he had put on so much weight! I was so happy.

So now its almost 4 weeks down the line. I can't believe it. We had my mom staying with us for nearly 2 weeks, then my sister Nikki came from Durban for a few nights and now we have my other sister Lolly staying with us till Saturday.

I am defiantly feeling more and more confident about the feeding and I know that he is getting enough food because he is putting on weight nicely. Its just a confidence thing I think. We are due to go to our first big social occasion on Saturday if all goes well before we need to leave! Holding thumbs for that!

Other than that he is super cute and I can't believe how our lives have changed in such a short space of time. Murray and I are very lucky to have such a wonderful dad and husband. He has been so amazing and so supportive and I would not be able to do this without him! Love you monkey ;)

So, yes I was devastated that I could not have the natural birth that I wanted, but grateful that our little bundle is well and happy and feeding and putting on weight. I was/am bleak that my gynie did not pick up my condition and that I had to basically self diagnose my condition, but these things happen. I was grateful for the other gynie that was on duty, Laura and was really happy with her.

Not sure how often I will be updating this blog for the time being, but will try very hard!

Need to sleep now!

Till next time... lots of love Clauds, Shane and baby Murray x x x

Cool pic of baby room

Anton has this clever 'app' on his iphone that takes these cool panoramic pics. See this picture of the baby room. All ready for your arrival monkey j! You can click on the pic to make it bigger!

37 week check up!

My first day off was treated by a trip to the doc to check out the latest progress on Monkey J. Baby is weighing in at a nice 3.1kg and we are running out of space fast! 3 weeks to go (about) and all looks good for natural which I am very happy about. Doctor says the baby shouldn't come early and not too late either. The right amount of waters are being reduced and 1 or 2 other healthy signs are all there. The baby hasn't dropped yet, but there is still time.

I am almost finished packing my bag for the hospital. Have picked out the baby's 'coming home' outfit. A very cute baby grow and little hat that Kyle gave me (thank you Kylie! So cute).

Have got lists coming out my ears of little things that I still need to do, organise, get etc, but it keeps me busy which is GOOD!

Can def get used to be at home for the next couple of weeks. Going to take major advantage!

Till next time x x x

Last day of work!

So, this day has arrived! I can't believe it. I am not sure yet how I feel. Excited obviously to have some relaxing weeks ahead, but also feeling a bit anxious about what the near future holds! Its so unknown, just don't know how to prepare myself better than I already have!

I am glad its winter in a way so I have a 'license' to wrap up warm in bed or on the couch and drink lots of tea! For those of you who are free or flexi during the day, please come and visit! Need lots of distractions!

Going for a check up tomorrow, so will post a new update tomorrow!

Till then!

Family, my birthday & baby shower!!

WOW is all I can say about this past weekend. We were SO SO SO spoilt by family and friends. Mom, Nix, Matt & Adam arrived on the evening of Wednesday the 15th in the pouring raining. We had a divine dinner and then woke up on my birthday with family around which was amazing! I got a Kindle for my birthday from everyone which is super exciting!!!! I still need to sit down and learn how to use the Kindle, but super excited to get going on that! We went for lunch to Cafe Roux with some friends and family which was lovely too. Then just had dinner at home that evening! Nick and Lol arrived in the afternoon, and Amy Lou came for dinner too. Super special to have so much family around on my birthday.

On Friday we went for the scan and then went and had a divine dinner in town on Friday night with some of Lolly's friends. Was nice to get out and try a new restaurant!

Then on Saturday it was my baby shower. I have never felt so spoilt in my life! It was at Caro & Anton's new lovely house. Thank you Caro for hosting! It was a perfect venue! Thank you to Jules Bass, my sisters and especially to my mom for the most wonderful baby shower ever. I was seriously spoilt and about 90% ready for this baby to arrive now! Thank you also to each and every one of my friends for all the wonderful gifts, advise, support and love that we have got over the last 8 months or so. We really are very lucky to have such alot of love in our lives. Monkey Junior has no idea how lucky he/she is already!

All I need to do is pack my hospital bag, wash some baby clothes and bedding and then ready! I hope to put my feet up in the last few weeks leading up to the birth and RELAX! Watch lots of DVDs, have a few nice dinners out, walk on the beach and just do some normal things!

Thank you again to everyone!!!

35 week scan

I went for a check up with our OB on Friday the 17th of June! Mom, Lol and Nix came with which was divine! It was such a good scan and could see little monkey's face so nicely. Poor Shane didn't come and it was such a good one. The baby is still facing down which is great. The Dr said there is very little chance of it turning now so this is good news! All seems good with size of head, body, tummy etc and weight now is about 2.7kg which is great! We are going for another check up next week Thursday.

I feel like my tummy is VERY big. Running out of space in my tummy day by day. Still such cute little movements going on which is so sweet and special. Back is taking a bit of strain, but I think this is to be expected. Sleeping is okay, not amazing but not terrible. Got 8 days left of work which is just super exciting and then have a few weeks to get all the final things sorted for the arrival of monkey junior. We are still not 100% sure of names, but getting there! It is not easy!

34 weeks - photoshoot!

32 week scan!

I will be 32 weeks on Saturday! Can't believe it. 8 weeks to go! 5 weeks left of work!

We went to see the doc today for a check up. We chatted quite a bit about labour, including my fears, wants etc. For now, all looks good for natural which is great! Baba's head is facing down and has been since 19 weeks, so this is a good sign and weighing in at a healthy 2.1kgs! The doc predicts a 3.4kg baby at full term. The scan was so cute. We saw the baby's face for the first time in so long (all the other times either the feet and/or hands have been in the way). We saw very chubby little cheeks and such cute fat lips! The pic actually looks funny, because the umbilical cord looks like a mini arm, but its not!

Other than that, still LOTS of movement and little stabs in my tummy with hands, knees, feet and who knows what else. I have put on a total of 5.5kgs so far and holding thumbs it won't go over the 10kg mark! I will feel very lucky if I don't! I sleep with lots of pillows these days. One for each side of me so when I turn over in the night my tummy has some support! Poor Shane is almost out of pillows! He has had some sympathy this week due to him having 7 stitches on his left pinky finger from a falling bed last week during a move! Poor monkey senior!

3 weeks today till my mom and my sisters arrive for a long weekend visit! I can not explain in words how excited I am!!!! ;) My next check up falls over that time, so they will come too for a sneak preview of the little monkey!

Till next time!

Home photo shoot @ 29 weeks

Shane and I decided to try a mini photo shoot at home! Was fun and we think we got some great pics! Oh and we start our antenatal classes on Tuesday! Excited! We also finally got our feeding chair and blinds which are stunning! Will upload pics soon!

29 week scan

We went for our 29 week scan yesterday. Monkey junior is growing rapidly and weighs a healthy 1.371 kgs. Couldn't really see the baby's face very well, the picture above is the best angle we got. Lots of feet and hands in the way of the face. But those cheeks are looking nice and chubby and just so cute.

Our gynea is very happy with the progress and growth of the baby. Head is facing down, which is good. I have to go for an injection to "mop up" any antibodies that might get into my blood (which is negative) and might affect the baby if the baby's blood is positive. I will have that injection again at 36 weeks and then after the birth.

Went to Aquabellies tonight even though it was freezing today! The water was nice and warm, about 29C. So nice to exercise in water as I don't feel it in my back which I do when I go walking. Really enjoying the water aerobics classes!

Other than that, growing by the day. Tummy feels very tight! Putting on all the winter layers is proving to be quite a challenge and I often have to ask Shane to help me tie my shoe laces etc ;) he is very willing.

28 weeks - 12 weeks to go!

I can't believe how the time is flying. We are getting sorted for the baby room. Spent lots of time over the past long Easter weekend doing stuff. Got a heater for the cold nights, blinds are getting made as we speak, feeding chair arriving on Monday and the cot looking more and more like a little person is going to be in there. Also, today something very special arrived in the post from Granny Blight. See pics above. A very stunning blanket that is so warm and some very cute knitted things. So so cute and exciting! Thank you mom.

Tummy seems like its growing every day. Lots and lots of kicks and movement all the time. I can't really tie my shoe laces very well and putting on my boots is near impossible. But very excited that is seems monkey junior is growing big which is good!

Going for a scan next week and will have my blood checked again for any antibodies (because I am rhesus negative) and Shane is positive and it could be a risk if the baby is positive too!

25 week scan

We went for another check up today. Baby now weighs a healthy 929 grams! Nearly at the 1kg mark! The baby's hands and feet were in front of its face so we couldn't see much so we didn't get a scan pic. But the doctor said she is very happy with the baby's growth and everything seems 100% and normal.

Things are starting to feel very real now. I feel like there is so much to do before this little person arrives in our life! I know I still have time, but me being me, I need to get things sorted! Just with the baby room really. We also need to go for a hospital tour so I can see what I am in for. We also start our ante natal classes on the 10th of May which I am looking forward to! Its once a week for 6 weeks.

Till next time!

Tummy @ 24 weeks

Lady muck ;)

Ok, so here are some tummy pics taken on the 2nd of April at Thomas Bass' 1st birthday where Shane took some pics for Jules and Bass.

I am awake early, not sure if its my body practicing for when the baby is here or if its just the hideous paint smell that has taken over our house. We are busy painting a wall in our kitchen and Shane had to paint a primer on it yesterday and it still smells so bad!

Yay for Friday! Going to the Rigby's on Saturday and the Mallies on Sunday for a braai. Trying to get as much in as we can before our lives 'apparently' will come to a grinding halt after the baby arrives!

Baby Furniture!

YAY! So our first lot of baby furniture has arrived! Cot and matching compactum! Shane went to fetch it yesterday. We are both very happy with them! See sneak preview above. We have bought some fabric to have a feeding chair made, so now that will be the next thing. Then blinds and a few other bits and bobs.

Its a very big wake up call to see this furniture in the room. I felt quite emotional seeing it, but in a good way! So excited for baby to arrive in July!

Shane about to assemble the cot!

Getting fat! Happy to have the furniture arrive!

Cot and compactum!

22 week fetal assesment scan

We went for the 22 week fetal assessment scan today! Its quite an important scan, assessing all the little details of the baby. Heart, brain, feet, blood etc, to check if all is normal and everything is a 100% perfect! Weighing in at a healthy 569g and is about 26cm in length.

It was so nice to see the baby in such details again. The lady who does the scan really took her time with all the details. The baby was curled up and was sucking its toe! So sweet. Also waved at us. We don't go for another scan like this again, so next time we see such detail is when the baby is here - in approximately 17 and a half weeks time!

Also forgot to mention that I started a pregnancy exercise class last week called Aquabellies. Lovely class with other preggie girls.

See some pics and the video! Click on the pics to make them bigger and perhaps play the video once before viewing it so it doesn't skip!

Little foot!

Side profile

Perfect face!

21 weeks - Baby room

Baby seems to be moving alot more this week. Definite kicks and movement going on! I can't tell if I put my hand on my tummy if I can feel it from inside and out... so Shane is still struggling to feel anything! Tummy also on the increase in size although have been lucky enough to have only put on 1kg so far!

22 week fetal assessment scan on Tuesday! Watch this space for more updates!

We have also taken the first step to making a baby room! Ordered a cot and compactum this past weekend and it will take 4-5 weeks to arrive. Most excited! Here is a pic of what the baby room looks like now. Excuse the boxes, but that was us unpacking from the move! But its lovely and spacious and across the passage from us. Need to replace those 'lovely' blinds too!