Baby no.5

Moving to India

2009-05-18T16:17:00.002+12:00

Our latest news is that we are going to be heading to India to live. I have started a new blog about how we have come to go. Its been over the last 14 years that we have thought about moving there and it is finally going to happen, probably next year. I have just started the blog and am back dating at this stage so I have a record of what has lead us there. Anyone interested can go to Yatra to India. This means Journey to India. I will be adding more over the next while.

No.6 on the way

2008-03-31T16:40:00.003+13:00

It's been a very long time since I visited my own site and I noticed that there are still a few people visiting despite the fact that I have not added any info for almost 2 years. Levi is now 2.5years and is a huge bundle of joy and energy. He sure has learn't that a no.5 he needs to project his voice. He has it down to a fine art.

Anyway, I am now expecting no.6 baby and am 22 weeks pregnant. All has been going very well. You can check out my blog of this pregnancy by going to Mumofsix blog.

I have added a section called the things no one tells you. It's not scary stuff just things that surprised me with pregnancy and birth. Check it out.

smiley Luffy

2006-04-25T19:53:00.000+12:00

smiley Luffy
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

It has been months since writing this blog and thought it was time to do a wee update.

Levi is now 8 months old. He is just the most loveable, social and smiley baby ever created. He honestly cannot help but smile. All my babes have been smiley but he totally tops the charts. Even if he hurts himself he will stop to smile at you before carrying on crying. He doesn't even cry much. This kid has just entered this world and fitted in. I love him sooooo much. The other kids love him too.

Caleb thinks Levi is great, infact it is a little worrying to see the two of them laughing together. It looks like the start of mischeif already. The good thing is that Levi is taking his time with crawling and I am not in a hurry for him to up and go. He is very close so I think he will be away soon. All his little friends of the same age are on the move and it is the beginning of the discipline stage when they are moving. Gone are the days of knowing where they are when you put them down. It's the beginning of the "no" era. The tumble down the stairs stage and black eyes on the edge of the tables that make it look like you are abusing your child. So all in all I am quite happy for him to sit and smile.

The girls are great with him. They love to give him a bottle that he started taking about a month ago. He self weened. They are also great at taking him to play for a while. It is so much easier with more children. People often look at me with jaw dropped when they find I have 5 kids but it is honestly easy now than it ever was. I love my kids to bits.

Levi has become known as Luffy as Caleb could not say his name properly when he was first born, it seems to have stuck.

Dino our Chinese boarder is also great with him. He has learn't to change a nappy and is enjoying seeing all the developmental stages.

David has continued his current job and has also stated writing for a web site call applematters.com He does a weekly artical. It's amazing how quickly a week goes by and you realise that you need to have another artical written.

Levi just makes me smile to think about him. I really hope that his personality remains jovial and fun.

Maybe I should start posting here again to keep a record of our family even though it's not about baby no.5 anymore.

4 weeks old

2005-09-05T20:10:00.000+12:00

4 weeks old
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

It's been soooo long since I last blogged. Its not that I have not had time but I just didn't feel like sitting down and writing.

Levi is now 4 weeks old, where has the time gone? I remember with my first baby everything went in slow motion and I thought I would never sleep again.This time it is just flying by. I wont complain though if I get a few more straight hours of sleep. Levi is doing well at night and waking twice for a feed and going straight down again. He was a bit unsettled last night and also Caleb was unwell so between the two of them and having to tell our dog to be quiet I did not feel like I had been to bed. I am hoping for a better sleep tonight!!! I can't complain though as all has gone very well so far.

Levi has been packing on the pounds and is becoming far more alert. We are getting the odd smile from him now. His whole face lights up when he grins.
He is still feeding every 3 hrs or there abouts.

I think I will post this now as I am feeling the effects of lack of sleep in my ability to think and write coherently.

See you after a descent sleep.

Family Shot

2005-08-08T13:25:00.000+12:00

Family Shot #3
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

Here's the whole gosh darn family.

Daya has a migraine today so has been vomiting and very unhappy. I think too much excitment and not much sleep on the night Levi was born proved too much for her.

Levi is doing well. He is feeding about every 3hrs and sleeps in between. My milk has not come in yet but he seems happy with the colostrum.

2 weeks early

2005-08-07T09:56:00.000+12:00

2 weeks early
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

As you can see, our little man arrived into this world this morning 7/08/05 at 1am after a 2 hour active labor.

Here's how things went:

We had a great week leading up to this birth and I thought every day would be a perfect day to go into labor.

On the 7th August the day started out just like any other Saturday. We had our usual bacon and eggs for breakfast. I then took the kids up to the supermarket to get a few things. David wanted to spray the weeds so I got him some weed killer.

We then had a bit of a lazy day. I made some musli bars and just pottered around tidying up the odd thing around the house.

We then went to Youth band practice. Daya is in the band and David is helping out. I went along for something to do. I had no contractions at this stage.

We got home about 5:30pm and I started to warm up some dinner I had prepared the day before in the crock pot. While I was doing this I kept getting cramp in my hip, not contractions just severe pinching. We all sat down to dinner and to be honest the food was yuck and I just did not feel very hungry. I had some icecream though and enjoyed that.
I started to notice some mild tightenings begin they were very regular but not intense. It did make me wonder if these would progress into labor.

After getting the kids into bed at 7:30pm the contractions were coming about every 3-4 mins but were not very painful so I dismissed it as braxton hicks contractions. I had had a night with these a few night previous.

David and I sat down to watch a movie. It was at this point I told him that things may be happening but I was not sure yet. I mentioned that we may need to move a heater up to our room just in case. I was still in denial that this may turn into true labour, but decided to get a little prepared in case.

At about 10pm I decided I should go to bed and get some sleep as the contractions were regular but not intense. I could still speak fine through them. I lay in bed for a while but did notice they were more painful when I lay down. At 10:30 David ran me a bath. If it was a false labor things should slow down in the bath but if it was the real thing it should get things going. It was lovely getting in the bath but it did not slow anything down. The contractions started coming every 2 mins but I could still cope fine and talk through them. We decided to call the midwife and let her know that things may be happening. She said to phone back in 15 mins and give her an update after I had been in the bath for a bit longer. As I could speak to her through contractions she wanted to be sure things were progressing before she made a trip out. Once I got off the phone things began heating up. We ended up ringing her back 5 mins later to say that contractions were 1 min apart and I now had to breath through them. She decided she had better come on over. This call was made at 11pm. By the time she arrived I needed no convincing that we would see our baby that night. My midwife Debbie was wonderful. She started to set her stuff up. My Mum arrived not long after and Daya had woken up and was with me in the bathroom. I had two red candles burning and they were the only light we had, it was just perfect.

I continued to labor in the bath on hands and knees until my legs and arms felt too shaky to hold me up. I then turned over to a semi reclined position and lent back on the back of the bath. My Mum put some towels behind so I could lean my head back.

I began to feel pushy. My midwife checked me and said I was almost fully dilated and she rang another midwife to come for the birth. I then had an overwhelming urge to push so told David to get the other girls up. They all arrived up in time to see Levi born into my own hands at 1pm. I pulled him up and onto my tummy straight away and he let out an almighty cry. It was the most wonderful thing to have almost the whole family there. We left Caleb sleeping but he loved seeing baby this morning when he awoke.

The other midwife turned up shortly after and commented on how we needed some photos of Levi and myself in the bath with the candles flickering behind.

I'm glad it is over now but it could not have been better. He is nursing well and sleeping in between. He is now 11 hrs old. I feel great!!!

He weighed 7lbs 7oz so would have been a big baby if he had gone full term.

We love him to bits and are so grateful to God for such a lovely birth and healthy baby.

Is it an early sign????

2005-08-05T10:08:00.000+12:00

Last night I awoke at about 1:30am after dreaming that was in labor. I woke to the biggest contraction I have had so far in this pregnancy. It was the type that was uncomfortable but not enough to make me think baby was coming but my back was sore and I had that feeling in my gut like just before you get you period. It was enough to get me wondering if things were beginning.I then continued to have these every 5 minutes for the next hour or so but they did not increase in strength or get closer together. I contemplated getting up and putting the chicken in the crock pot ready for dinner the next day but decided that I should really get the rest and try to go back to sleep and ignor these contractions. I am glad I did as I eventually dozed off again and nothing came of it.

This morning I feel a few niggles but nothing like last night. I think I would be dreaming to expect baby to come early as none of the others have come this early before. I'll just wait and see what the day holds.

Midwife appointment

2005-08-04T16:32:00.000+12:00

I saw my midwife today. All is looking good. Baby is still in a great position and has remained engaged at station 2+. I have also put on a whopping 2kg since my appointment 2 weeks ago!!!! I could tell that bubs had grown quite a bit and she said "it feels like a decent sized baby". I look forward to seeing the final weight at birth. No midwife has ever been accurate so far.
My next appointment is in one weeks time and she will come to my house to meet David and also make sure she knows where to come when the event finally takes place.

I have begun doing large size meals each day in the crock pot so that I can put some aside for us at a later date or give a meal to others that may need one. I took one to a friend that had her baby a week ago and gave another to a friend who has just had a sterilization reversal. I have another friend due to have her baby any minute now so I have a meal frozen for her. I guess I will eventually put some aside for us.

David and I had the most fantastic meal out the other night. I fully recommend The Beach house restaurant to any Kiwis looking for really great cuisine. I had an eye fillet steak wrapped in bacon and a very fine puff pastry. I was almost put off from the sound of the pastry but it was so delicate and the meat just melted in your mouth. David had venison that was also divine.
We also managed to discuss some business stuff between courses so that was good.

I have got over feeling impatient for the arrival of our little one. I have had the most enjoyable couple of days. It's almost like spring has arrived early. The days are clear, crisp and sunny and very out of season for us. It should be mid winter here in N.Z. Caleb is a bit out of sorts at the moment and has been quite grumpy but other than that I am enjoying my kids and the last few days until I am busy with a new born.

Nearly 38 weeks Pregnant

2005-08-02T15:32:00.000+12:00

Nearly 38 weeks Pregnant
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

The journey is almost over and I would be quite happy if it happened any time now. It can't happen tonight though as David and I are going out for a flash dinner At a restaurant called The Beach House. We are going to have our first business AGM and decided to have dinner on the business, Yay!!! It may be a while until we can go out on our own so we are looking forward to a quiet and yummy meal together (and to discuss business stuff of course.)

I have completed the last GST and Paye return before baby arrives so it feels good to have those out of the way for a few weeks. I think that all our business stuff is up to date and in order.

Bubs is still very low, many people are commenting that I may go early. I almost expected it after Thursday last week when the Mums at my coffee group were sure I would have baby that day. I almost felt ripped off that it didn't happen but I am over that now. I had had a run of contractions in the early hours of the morning. They were 4 mins apart but not strong enough to make me think that I was going into labor.

I see my midwife on Thursday and I guess we will be discussing the final things I need to prepare before this baby arrives. There is a good New Zealand site to visit if you are looking for a home birth midwife in N.Z. It also has some links to other homebirth information. Take a look: homebirth.org.nz

I am trying to keep busy so my mind is not totally consumed with when this baby might arrive. Its amazing how most of my thoughts are about meeting this baby. David thinks I must be the most knowledgeable person on pregnancy due to all the reading I do. I love reading other peoples blogs and information related to pregnancy and labor.

I am still very comfortable at almost 38 weeks. I have the typical discomforts such as peeing all the time and its a little more difficult to walk as fast as I would like. I also find a little sleep in the afternoon is helpful. This does not always happen when you have four other children but I try. I also find my hips take a bit of adjustment time when I change from sitting to walking and I have a great waddle going on, there is no way I can stop this.

All in all, I am very happy with family life and this pregnancy but in regards to the up coming birth - BRING IT ON!!!!!

37 weeks pregnant

2005-07-27T12:17:00.000+12:00

37 weeks pregnant
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

I am now 37 weeks if I go by the scan date and 36+3days by EDD. Its only 4 days differance but it's amazing how being 4 days closer just feels better mentally. Although if you end up going over then it feels alot longer if you are anticipating an earlier arrival.

I have been having a pick up in pace of braxton hicks now. They are a bit more intense and feel like they are stretching the cervix. Last night they were happening every 15-20 mins. I wasn't thinking that labor would begin but I hope they are doing a bit of prep work. I usually have runs of contractions as I get closer to my date and I am sure that is why my labors end up being quite quick and easy ( if you can use the word easy and labor in the same sentence).

We still have not finalised a name for this baby. I have a name that I really like but David doesn't seem to want to even discuss names yet.(frustrating) He is not opposed to the name I like but won't give a yes either. I have decided to let him bring up the topic of names so that I don't become a nag about it but I really would like to throw same names around together.

I cleaned out our van yesterday. A job that has been way overdue. It can almost become a second wardrobe and rubbish dump if left too long. With 4 kids all taking off a pair of shoes and a jumper you very quickly have 8 shoes floating around and hidden under the jumpers.
I try to get the kids to bring things in as they get out of the van but sometimes we all get a little lazy and hence the clean out must be done. It feels good now that it is completed.

I feel ready for this baby to come now.
I have bought some PVC table clothes that I can put over our carpet for the birth. (who knows when the waters might break) and I also got a fleese lined plastic cloth for putting over our bed.
I plan to have a set of sheets made up under the plastic and then a set over the top. We can then strip off the dirty sheets after baby is born and all going to plan, I will be able to climb into nice clean sheets straight away. I may not give birth on the bed but thought I would be prepared for all senarios.
I have also bought some incontinance sheets that can be place where ever I may want them, they can then be easily disposed of.

I had such a nice bath the other night. I lit some candles and had some soft music playing. It would have been perfect to have baby that night and I would love to labor in the bath with that atmosphere. If I am comfy enough I may even have baby in the bath. It was so peaceful and relaxing ( mind you, I did not have contractions so my idea of relaxing may not be the same when I am in labour.) I want to have no set agender but to just go with the flow on the day/night.

I think that today I will put together a little pack of towels, baby clothes, nappies and a receiving blanket so they are on hand as soon as bubs is born.

I am getting excited about the arrival of our next baby and am trying really hard not to get impatient. My friend had her baby a few days ago and it has brought back the reality that I really am going to have another baby and that I now feel ready.

36 weeks

2005-07-22T14:38:00.000+12:00

36 weeks
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

I am really into the cleaning thing now. I am having to pace myself and limit how much I do a day or I am going to tucker myself out. Today I spent an hour on my hand and knees scrubbing the tiles of our bathroom. I would normally just mop the tiles but felt the need to give a good old scrub and bleach. They look the best they ever had so it was worth it. It's also good to be on all four for getting baby into a good position for birth, although It seems that bubs is already in optimal position. The babies room is ready now apart from a very large printer that we need to sell, I am sure that bubs won't mind if it's still in there if it hasn't gone before the birth.
I have cleaned out all drawers and cupboards in the kitchen apart from a couple of high ones. It feels so good to be getting things in order. I still want to wipe down the outside of the cupboards.

David didn't like seeing me standing on a chair on my tippy toes trying to clean the fly spots off the light fittings so he has kindly wiped them down for me. Thanks Hon.

I saw a stand in midwife last Tuesday as my midwife is on holiday for 2 weeks. I am pleased she has gone away now and will be refreshed when she returns for the arrival of our little one.
All looked good at the check up. I have a slight trace of protein in my urine but nothing to be concerned about. My blood pressure has remained stable at 108/58 I always tend to be on the low side.

Baby's heart beat sounded great and is in LOA position (perfect). Bubs is also very low and has descended to +2 station. I could be in for a short and early labor but it might also mean nothing at all. These babies come when they are ready. I found this neat site called belly mapping. It shows how you can work out your babies position.

I have not had as many braxton hicks contractions as I remember having last time, infact I had already had a show at 36 weeks with my last baby. I do get a lot of tightenings but they are not at all uncomfortable like they were last time. Maybe because this baby is in a good position they are not painful. My last baby was still breech at this time.

All in all I am really happy with this pregnancy and am enjoying it so much.

35 week belly

2005-07-14T13:09:00.000+12:00

35 week belly
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

I just remembered that I had not added my latest belly shot. It's still hard to believe there is actually a baby in there.

I have just been to"mothers group" and had a nice time chatting with friends while the kids played. It's great because my good friend comes as well and she homeschools her kids. Our kids ages are very close and they are all best of friends. The only down side can be that they are always wanting to be at each others places and sometimes its nice just to be your own family.

Week 35

2005-07-14T07:28:00.000+12:00

I really can't believe that I only have about five weeks to go!!! My back is still good and I am managing fine. I do notice that turning over in bed and walking quickly are a little more of an effort but nothing I can't cope with. I also have that definite feeling of baby in the pelvis. I could swear that babies seek out your bladder and then purposefully give the odd prod just to see your reaction. I am convinced they find it amusing to see Mum jump and then have to explain why to others around.
Gas pain can also be a bit of a problem throughout pregnancy and unfortunately the pain you feel has to be released by very unlady like ways. Its not the sort of thing I usually want to discuss but it is one of those pregnancy joys that has to be addressed. It is one of the only pregnancy discomforts that can also affect those around (David would vouch for this).

I have started taking my raspberry leaf tea now. I usually drink the tea but this time I have been given capsules. I have been doing some reading on the use of evening primrose oil during pregnancy and have decided not to use it now as studies have shown that it does not ripen the cervix and may cause other problems. I have decided that although I took it last time I will give it a miss. I'll just stck to the raspberry leaf tea.

David is on holiday for 2 weeks now with the odd bit of work during this time. It has meant we can get a few things done around the place since I also don't have to teach the kids in the mornings. In fact, I am sitting in bed typing away on our lap top while David is still dozing. The kids have all had breakfast and are now playing outside at 7:45am. It is supposed to be winter but it really has not been that cold.

I have now managed to cross off a few things on my to-do list. David hung curtains in the babies room, they are just plain blue as I don't go all out to make a baby room look like a baby room. They are babies for such a short time so why not get curtains that can be used for any age.

A friend at church made a beautiful quilt for the cot. I made up the bed yesterday and it looks great. I also bought a new baby bag ( back pack) with a voucher I had been given at my baby shower. My old bag had seen better days.

We began washing the windows inside and out and I will do more today.

David also installed a hook into the ceiling of our bedroom so we can hang our baby hammock. The idea is that when baby is first born and at night time for a few weeks, baby can sleep in it. It saves a cold trip downstairs to bubs room at night. We'll see how it works out. David has hung it over our bed on my side so that I can just sit up and grab bubs without having to get up. It sounds great in theory but if this baby is too noisy we have the option of back to the cot with the baby monitor turned down low.

I am feeling a lot more prepared now for the arrival of this little one. I have a few more cleaning jobs to do and I also need to get a few things ready for the actual birth at home. If you want any information on finding a home birth mid wife in New Zealand then check out homebirth.org.

Don't get impatient

2005-07-11T15:13:00.000+12:00

I had vowed that I would not get impatient to have this baby early and so far I have done well. Alarm bells went off today though as I was doing a quiet surf with my feet up. I was looking up natural ways of induction!!! Last pregnancy I took Evening primrose oil for the last 4 weeks and red raspberry leaf tea to ripen the cervix, I call this preparation rather that induction and will probably do the same this time. It is always tempting when you have one or two weeks to go to try things like castor oil, it may not work though and just give you a very upset tummy. I did try 2 teaspoons in lemon juice with my last pregnancy and took it a week early. Contractions started about 3 hrs after having it and I had a 2 hr easy labour. It is tempting to try it again but what would happen if this time it didn't work and all I did was end up with terrible stomach cramps and on the loo for hours. I remember almost feeling a bit naughty trying it last time and not wanting anyone to know but in the end it worked and we had a lovely little boy with no side effects of castor oil. Come to think of it. I don't even know if I told David I had taken it. I must find out and will definitely tell him this time if I try it again. I am not thinking of trying it yet with 5.5 weeks still to go but little thoughts have started to enter my mind. Another part of me just wants everything to be spontaneous and happen when it happens but I also know how as you approach birth you become almost obsessed with going into labour. I will try to remain patient as I am not uncomfortable and just enjoy my remaining weeks of pregnancy.

Here is one site I went to about natural induction for anyone who is interested.

Comparative bellies at baby shower

2005-07-09T18:21:00.000+12:00

Baby shower shot
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

I have just returned from my baby shower that a friend put on for me. It is not something that is done so much in New Zealand but was really lovely. I felt a bit awkward receiving gifts, especially as it is my 5th baby. As I look at these tiny little new born clothes and socks It excites me to think that our babe will soon be in them. Socks seemed to be a very popular gift and actually something that I needed. Its nice to have fresh socks and bibs. I also received a few pampering things for myself, scented candles and lotions, foot revitalizer and a massager, bath gels and other nice little things to make you feel good. Maybe I will save the candle for during the birth. A friend also made a lovely cuddly rug, its extra special as she made it.

The photo on the right is of myself at 34 weeks and a friend of mine at 23 weeks. She was not very impressed during a game that we played. A toilet roll was handed out and everyone had to tear off enough to fit perfectly around my belly. Alison thought she had it sussed as she use her own belly and then added on a few strips as I was 11 weeks more pregnant that her. It turned out that her belly was bigger than mine so she struck out on that one. She is just a bit bigger to start off with. If you are interested in looking at other pregnant bellies then take a look here at the belly gallery

Iron

2005-07-07T14:16:00.000+12:00

A lot of people have been commenting on how much energy I have. I don't say this to boast but I feel the best I ever have with only six weeks left. If it wasn't for my expanding belly I would sometimes forget that I am pregnant. I am making sure I put my feet up most afternoon and I do tend to be in bed by 9pm if I can but I did that with all my other pregnancies and never felt this good. I am sure it is due to taking extra iron from the beginning of pregnancy. I usually end up on Ferro Grad. Which plays havoc with the digestive system so this time I took Thompsons organic iron tabs with Vit C and B. I am convinced that not having to play catch up on iron levels has made all the difference. I think in an earlier blog I may have said that it was healtheries but it is definitely Thompsons. I would recommend anyone who gets low iron during pregnancy to give this a try. It did not upset the tummy and I feel great!!!

34 weeks pregnant

2005-07-06T11:29:00.000+12:00

34 week pregnant belly
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

It feels so close to having this baby but at the same time it feels far away. (what sort of statement is that?)
Bubs is still moving a lot and tends to have very jerky movements compared to the others, they tended to roll and stretch. It is not always comfortable when the little feet begin to kick but I would rather have a little discomfort than have hardly any movements and be wondering if baby is O.K.
I am still feeling good and my back came right pretty quickly.
I wrote out a list of jobs I want to do before baby arrives. We have school holidays next week for 2 weeks so it will be a good time to get those extra jobs done.
I have already cleaned the oven and painted the fire place. Yesterday I re-wallpapered Caleb's room where he had peeled a strip off. Its not a perfect job but better than looking at gib board.
I have the urge to pull out appliances such as the stove and fridge and give a good clean. I guess I am having early nesting syndrome so I will do a few things each day and hopefully by the time bubs comes I will feel clean and prepared.

David was great yesterday and hung out some washing for me while I was resting. Its lovely when you are expecting to do a little job and then find it done for you. He really is a great husband and I wouldn't trade him for anything.

Someone tried to break into our home a few weekends ago while we were home. David chased him down the road with a gardening fork while I called the police. They managed to get him and he is awaiting sentencing. I must add here that I am not that impressed with N.Z sentencing and would love to see convictions and penalties increased. There is a group called sensible sentencing which is lobbying for tougher sentences. I just think life should mean life.

The children are all well but I realise I need to be a bit more consistent with Caleb's discipline. It is too easy when you are pregnant to let them get away with things but you pay for it in the end. I am trying to make sure I follow up on instructions given and not to tolerate any grizzling. It could end up being hard work with a new baby if I don't remain consistent.

32 week pregnant belly, almost 33.

2005-06-27T12:48:00.000+12:00

32 week pregnant belly, almost 33.
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

We have had a wonderful time in Christchurch for the wedding. Brian and Vicky look really happy and all went very well. The weather was really cold but the days had clear crisp blue skies. As long as you had a good jacket and a hat it was perfect weather.

It was great to catch up with our friends and we enjoyed a really nice breakfast together on Saturday. I had French bread with bacon and fried banana with a generous drizzling of maple syrup. It was sooooo good.

I had hoped it would snow while we were there, I have been in the snow but never in falling snow. (It does not snow in Auckland where I live.) apparently it snowed a couple of hours after our departure (go figure!!!)

There was a rugby match between the All Blacks and the Lions while we were there. Talk about rugby fever in Canterbury. There were balloons and people dressed in their colours everywhere. I have never seen Auckland get quite so pepped up, no wonder Canterbury have such an awesome side of rugby. There were heaps of Lions fans but with all their travel and cheering, it did not pay off, Go the All Blacks, YAY!!!!
We happened to be returning home and were in the air during the game, I am not a huge rugby fan. I like it but am not the type to rearrange my life around a game. I must say though, after being in Christchurch and all the hype, I actually was keen to see the game.

Talking about flying, it was the first time I have flown at 8 months pregnant and it is a strange sensation to take off and land with a passenger in your belly. Bubs became quite riggly and it definitely caused contractions to happen. I was all to aware that baby was well down in the pelvis. I also found that sitting in restricted space without being able to change position did get my back a bit and even now it is still sore. It may be a combination of flying, sleeping in a different bed and getting in and out of a low car. I am used to my van and now appreciate it much more than I did. Maybe a long soak in a hottish bath will help tonight and even a wishful thinking back rub. My back has been so good up until now so hopefully I can get back to normal again. It's my only winge so I guess I am not doing too badly for this stage of pregnancy.

32 weeks

2005-06-23T14:41:00.000+12:00

Kiora, ( that is Maori for hello)

I have just returned from my midwife appointment and all is looking good. As I had thought, this baby is well down in the pelvis which is why I do not feel too short of breath and pretty comfortable. As I said in a previous blog, I am getting the odd groin twinge and I cannot walk at full stride but am not feeling REALLY pregnant, I don't think I have too much of a waddle going on.
My Iron levels are the best they have been during any of my pregnancies.
There was a student midwife at this appointment and as my midwife was running late she came and chatted in the waiting room. I had considered what I would do if asked if a student could be at the birth and had thought, no, as I was looking forward to a quiet home birth but after meeting this student I would consider her being there. I would need to see what David thought as well. She was a mature student and had 3 children herself. She had fun feeling my belly for babies position and had real trouble locating where baby was lying ( I'm glad I'm not the only one) She was not expecting the baby to be so low in the pelvis already. My midwife suggested that maybe baby was low and then she managed to feel what she was after. My midwife had no problem finding baby and said it was in LOA, perfect!!!!! Now to get it to stay like that until the birth. My fundal height was a little small measuring between 29-30cm but due to babies decent it was fine. There was a slight trace of protein in my urine but nothing to be alarmed about. I am very happy with how things are progressing.

David and I leave for the wedding tonight, in about five hours. I still have not packed or even decided what I will wear. I should be doing that rather than blogging but I thought I should put my feet up for a while before getting stuck in. I still want to vacuum my bedroom for my folks to be in but everything else is ready and clean and the dinner has been slowly cooking all day in the crock pot. I love walking back into the house to the smell of chicken and herbs and Veges cooking in their own juices. Yum!!!

Caleb woke up this morning with a bit of a temperature this morning but seems O.K at the moment. I hope he does not come down with anything while my parents are looking after him.

Quick update

2005-06-20T21:03:00.000+12:00

Nothing too much to comment on but decided that I should do something productive tonight rather than going to sleep at 8pm. I have been ready to call it a night earlier and earlier at the moment. If I have something to keep me occupied or have people over then I can stay up for longer but as soon as I wind down for the day I could just crawl into bed and shut down for the night. Its winter here in New Zealand and the sun goes down about 5:30. My body definitely determines bed time by the sun.

I have finally sorted all my accounts to go to our accountant. It is tax time and the first time we have done this with our own company. I really don't know what I am doing so am just winging it at this stage.

I recently put Ned stat on my blog page to see if anyone ever read my blog. I didn't mind if no one did as I really began doing this for my own record. I have been amazed to see that people are actually viewing from the USA. I don't have hundreds of viewings but its fun to see which countries people are viewing from.

Bubs has made a descent today, I can tell as I get the odd groin twinges from time to time. Its kind of like small electric shocks that ping quickly and give you a wee jump. You feel like everyone must know what happened and that all eyes are upon you but more often than not no one is aware of your intimate moment with your little one unless you can't hold back a wee yelp.

David and I head to Christchurch on Thursday night, I look forward to a few days away. It's a quick flight, just one and a quarter hours. We can fly any domestic flight in New Zealand until your due date as long as there are no complications. The flights are so short that I guess they think the plane will land before any baby is born. I'll try not to give them any surprises.

No problem Mum, I'll get it.

2005-06-20T20:56:00.000+12:00

Caleb our fouth
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

I just had to add a little note about my wee lad Caleb. I wanted to record it more for remembrance sake than anything else.

I had called all the kids to the table ready for dinner but before I dished up my eldest daughter called out to me as she was vomiting with a migraine. ( she has had these since she was tiny but they are not so frequent now, I may blog about that at a later stage.)
After coming back down to the kitchen I found Danielle and Samara patiently waiting at the table but Caleb had obviously decided to take matters into his own hands. He had pulled a chair over to the kitchen bench (a task in itself) he had found a serving spoon and was dishing up the rice into three bowls. He had such a proud look as I entered the kitchen as if to say " Look at me Mum, I'm helping you out." I called David as it had to be seen to appreciate the moment.
He really is a thinker this boy of ours.

Ultra sound quiz

2005-06-20T20:47:00.000+12:00

JODIE_22
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

I realize that I never actually said what the sex of this baby is on my blog. I said I succumbed to the temptation of finding out and had a shot taken of bubs gentiles but then never said any more. Have your guess, I think it is kind of obvious but I'm not going to say for sure until after bubs is born.

31 weeks

2005-06-16T13:33:00.000+12:00

31 weeks
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

Down to the single digit countdown now, Yay!!
I still have not got into the babies room to sort it out but I'm sure I'll get around to it before too long.
I keep telling myself that maybe I should start to slow down a bit and not have everyone else's children over to look after but I don't have the heart to say no and really I am managing fine. I am still able to sing on the worship team at church and don't really want to stop at this stage. It is something that I love to do and also something that David and I do together. The kids are great and enjoy coming down to the church for practices. It also exposes them to music and they get to catch up with friends.

Bubs is still very active but not uncomfortably so. I get a lot of movements on the top right hand side and also in various places on the left. Don't ask me what position the baby is in based on these movements as I have never been good at identifying body position and limbs. I don't know how the midwives can tell. You would think that after having 4 babies already I would have some idea but sadly no.

I am still enjoying being pregnant and feely very fit and well.

Caleb is full of energy but the girls help a lot with getting drinks for him. It really is easier the more kids you have.

My last paragragh reminded me of being told not to use the word kids when referring to your children as they are not baby goats but I think it is a cute name for children and use it anyway.

I bought some chocolate bars today from a friend at our Mums group. She was selling it for her son who was fund raising for his soccer team (I had to help him out.) I gave one bar for the kids to share out and have just scoffed a whole bar down while I have been writing this, what a glutton. It was pretty yummy though I must admit and there is still one more bar left for a later stage.

I have my midwife appointment next week and will be every 2 weeks from then. I can't believe how quickly time is passing by. I usually find this end part of pregnancy is slow but I think bubs will be here before I know it.

I think I have said all I need to for now so will sign off. Bye.

30 weeks

2005-06-09T15:18:00.000+12:00

30 weeks
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

The count down is now on. With only 10 weeks to go I feel like I want to get a bit organized. I guess the first thing will be to get bubs room sorted properly.

Looking at the photo I don't look as big as I feel although I must admit I definitely felt bigger with Caleb at this stage. It will be interesting to see what weight this baby ends up at. I have had a big variation with baby weights 1) 7.10lbs 2)9lbs 3)6.15lbs 4)8.7lbs. My third pregnancy had some problems with a placental abruption in early pregnancy, I think that is why she was so small in comparison to the rest. My husband David was a 10lb baby so I have been waiting for a whoppa, I don't think this one is shaping up to be that at this stage but with 10 weeks to pile on the pounds, anything could happen.

I have really enjoyed reading the pregnancy.about.com calendar. The early stages were great to look at with the kids as there is a scan to see for each week and a bit about what is happening to bubs and to Mum. Here is a link to 30 weeks at pregnancy.about.com.

We have a new tenant moving into our flat next week. It has been a time of pulling in the purse strings lately as we no longer have a boarder and the flat was empty. It was a good time of fully relying on God. Its amazing what wonders you can come up with in the kitchen when you think there is no food. God really is a great provider. It is too easy to fall into the trap of self reliance so it has been good for us to re-evaluate who is our true provider.

Gardening with grandpa

2005-06-04T19:01:00.000+12:00

Gardening with grandpa
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

I am getting a bit carried away here but I have just worked out (shown by David) how to put a photo from flickr.com directly to my blog. It is so easy. From now on I will be able to put my belly shots on full view without needing to link to them. How cool is that!!!! You probably all knew about this but at least I am now up with the play.

This photo was taken when my Dad came to help the girls get our winter garden ready. They took photos of each stage and then made a book of it in iphoto books. I love the way Macintosh/Apple make it so easy for kids to get a great looking finished article. It really looks top notch.

28 weeks almost 29

2005-06-04T18:46:00.000+12:00

28 weeks almost 29
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

Well, I am rapidly approaching the end of the 20's and will soon be heading into the 30's. By this I mean that I will be on the final stretch of this pregnancy and will soon hit the single digit count down. This pregnancy has gone very quickly and I am usually feeling fully prepared and eagerly awaiting the arrival of yet another Czepanski. I feel a bit different this time as I am not nearly as organized. I did have the babies room ready but as it used to be our office, things seem to have found their way back there as we don't know where to put them. The baby would be a computer wizz if left to play with all that is in its room.
I am beginning to clean out areas that have been needing a good clean such as the dead flies behind our very heavy couch and just generally getting various rooms into an orderly state. I want to feel that the house is clean and tidy for when this baby comes. I would love to get some more painting of walls done but I'm not sure that is going to happen. Maybe when nesting hits and everything else is done I may find the uncontrollable urge to paint walls.

I saw my midwife last Thursday and bubs is head down, Yay!!! Everything is looking good. My belly measurements are the right size. I had another blood test to check my iron levels but I think they should be fine. I have been taking the Healtheries organic iron with Vitamin C and B. It has been great as it does not upset the digestive system like ferrograd does. I have decided after talking to Debbie (my midwife) that I will not hire a pool for the birth. It takes hours to fill them and my last two labors have been 2 hours. It would be a shame to pay all the money and even get to use it. I will just make do with my trusty old bath tub. At least I'll have enough hot water to fill it.

On a completely different note, my busy weekend went well. I ended up doing all the suppers for the concert as well but I really enjoyed doing it. I think that once the pressure of feeling like I had to do it was gone, it seemed to work out fine. David was not too impressed that after being so upset about it all last week that I suddenly ended up doing everything anyway. ( I don't know who would have if I hadn't) It all worked out in the end. Davids brother Brian and his fiance went to Davids sisters for the afternoon and dinner so I didn't feel like I was abandoning them.

How frustrating is this: I have just tried to publish my blog that is way longer than what you have just read but it did not publish it all. I then thought how clever I was because I had done as David had said and copied it. I went to paste it but it only pasted part of it. Oh well here I go again.......

Danielle was baptized on Sunday, it was lovely. ( I had said alot more about this but can't be bothered writing it again now.) Two things were said 1) she had an anointing of singing and 2) she had the heart of Ester.

Caleb redecorated his room by tearing off a strip of wall paper. I was not seen keen on his new found interior decorating fasination.

Danielles baptism

2005-06-04T12:43:00.000+12:00

000_0001
Originally uploaded by jodicze.

Danielle wanted to be baptised last Sunday and we decided to let her as she wanted to be obedient to God. Its very exciting as parents to see your kids wanting to follow Christ.

27 weeks

2005-05-23T21:14:00.000+12:00

I am so sure I did a 26 week blog with a photo of my ever increasing belly but It seems to have been lost in cyber space (or maybe I just dreamt it.)
Things have been all go lately with people staying to friends over for dinner, not to mention the everyday kids stuff. It has been great though. I love having people in our home.
I did have my first hormonal pregnancy cry on Sunday though. It seems that I have one episode each prenancy and it is probably due to not going to bed early enough. We had a fantastic weekend but it did catch up on me. I knew this coming week was going to be busy and had mentally prepared to do all without complaining. This was what I was going to be doing: Mon- Normal stuff + Looking after Daniel age 2 for a few hours. Tues- nothing too much, just kids sports and Daya having a night time rehearsal for a play she is in + Someone over for music in the evening. Wed- Home group hosting this week. This means it's our turn to clean the church, no problem except that it is a Leaders meeting/dinner when we would normally do this so David and I need to go down when he finishes work and do as much as we can before the meeting. The rest of our group will come when they can. I still have not arranged a baby sitter for our dinner that night.
Thur- Prayer meeting and music practice. Fri- Daya's first performance. Sat- Ladies breakfast and two performances for Daya. Sun- Church, we are on music team + hosting. This means we do the teas and coffees/ clean up etc both morning and night. Danielle is also being baptized that afternoon. So in a nut shell without all the usual stuff it was going to be busy. I then found that My brother inlaw has booked to fly up on Sat with Vicki his fiance so we can meet her before the wedding. I love Brian to bits and really want to meet Vicky but we are not going to have heaps of time to spend with them. They are only up for one night, staying with us and are flying out in the morning. This I was still happy about until last Sunday we were approached about our homegroup doing the teas and coffees for the three performances over the weekend(usually it is the hosting groups job to help out but I had not realised they were having supper.) This is when I broke down. I said to David "I want to be servant hearted but I just can't do it" Everyone tells you to take it easy and rest when pregnant and usually I manage fine with God grace, but mentally and physically I just didn't know what to do. I am a serving person and was torn between what I wanted to do and what I just didn't feel I could do, I was completely overwhelmed. My darling husband was so good and said " We don't have to do all three days, there are plenty more people in the church to help out. Well Duh!!! after letting them know that we will cover friday and they will need to find others for the Saturday, all was fine again. I don't know why it is when I am pregnant that I don't always see how things really are. I had made things into a much bigger issue than was needed. I know why God gave us husbands. It is still going to be busy but with one day at a time it should be fine. My first day of the week was great and The little fellow I was looking after didn't come in the end. The other thing that had thrown me was that a good friend had tried to take her own life last week, this causes the mind to spin a bit.

Now that I have my crying episode behind me, I look forward to this week and call on Gods grace to give me energy as my belly is getting heavier. I see my midwife on Thursday ( Oh that was another thing this week, I see her after our mothers group)
This is something I always look forward to.
I had a nice bath tonight as it will be the only evening to chill out this week. Its just so strange to see your tummy shuddering and bulging, Moving around in all directions and to think that there really is a baby in there. I still find it amazing after four other babies. Here's a link to my last belly shot and I will endevour to get another one done soon.

week 25

2005-05-04T16:02:00.000+12:00

15 weeks to go (there abouts) and I am still feeling great (pregnancy wise that is) I'm feeling a little seedy today. I think I may be fighting off something. The kids have all been a bit under the weather but not too drastic. My little man Caleb(21mths) has climbed up next to me and is trying to prompt me to read him a Mr Men book. It seems that as soon as I settle down to do something he thinks its time for Mum to give some attention. He has now given up on me and is reading the book at full volume in his 21 month sort of way. I didn't realize how the toes can be involved in turning pages but for some reason he has decided that this is the way to do it today.

One of the blogs that I have enjoyed reading has just come to the end of the pregnancy.
Cafe Mama has a great way of making you smile and want to know from week to week how she is doing. I will miss checking in on the preggy progress but I wish her all the best now that her family is expanding.

I love the feel of bubs rolling and poking and prodding and I love the fact that my belly button is now an outy. I love the fact that the kids want to kiss and cuddle my ever increasing bump and I love this opportunity of being pregnant that is so special to a woman. I remember after having my first baby Daya how I felt really fulfilled as a woman. I really feel for woman that never get to experience this for a variety of reasons and I especially thank God that he has let me have this experience 5 times now.

As my uterus begins to rise up, I am finding that I need to watch how much I eat or it can start to repeat on me. Its not heart burn but I do need to be a bit careful.
I am trying to eat good healthy food and it seems to be what my body wants. I really am loving broccoli with cheese sauce(yes, I still love my sauces)

I almost forgot to write that the big 5 year old party for Samara went well. There were about 23 kids and some parents. She had a great time and is now enjoying our home school sports group that she could only start at age five. Here's a few shots of the party at our house.

23 weeks

2005-04-27T14:24:00.000+12:00

Here I am at almost 24 weeks(ETA) and according to the ultra sound I am 24 weeks. It's funny how we always want to be that bit further on than we are, to be a little closer to meeting this new little person that is now wiggling and squirming within. To be quite honest, I love labor and really look forward to being close to giving birth. I know I still have a long way to go and I am not feeling impatient but I look forward to being about 36weeks and thinking "any time now".
I love reading other peoples pregnancy blogs and following them thru to delivery. David laughs at me as he often returns home from work to find me reading some pregnancy article or someone's blog. It just happens that Caleb is having a sleep at this time and its my chance to put my feet up to help the varicous veins I have in my left leg (any excuse). It would be easy to keep doing stuff around the house but for the sake of my body and bubs I elect to have feet up time.

As I write my three girls have their rubber gloves on and are scrubbing the bathroom. They have started their own "not for profit" cleaning business. I have suggested that they practice at home before offering their services to others:) They have also weeded the garden and made us breakfast in bed this morning. We had my good friend Sonya's 3 girls for the night so it was a hive of industry but they were all very well behaved and not too much to handle at this stage in pregnancy.

David and I had our few days away last week and enjoyed going for coffee(decafe) when we wanted and going to see movies and eating out wherever we felt like, without having to arrange baby sitters. It was great to just spend time chatting and enjoying each others company. I also enjoyed returning to my children and being under one roof again as a family.

We have Samara turning 5 on Friday and a big party on the Saturday. We give the kids a party on their 5th and 10th birthday. Other birthdays we just do something quietly as a family or with a special friend. As the family grows, so does the amount of birthdays, they come about so quickly.
We have arranged for a bouncy castle and have a pinata (I don't know if thats how you spell it). I still need to organize the food. I am partially ready but need to do the last preparations. Tomorrow may be baking day. I'll see how I go. I also have Mothers group in the morning at church and we are supposed to be cleaning toys as kids slobber and sharing toys soon becomes a great breeding ground for all sorts of nasty little bugs. I'll see after the morning if I bake or go and buy stuff at the store. I'm not going to over do it as I often can do.

This is becoming a rather long blog so I will finish up for now.
I have just taken a belly shot and posted it on flickr.com

22 weeks

2005-04-16T19:35:00.000+12:00

Today has been a day of getting things in order. My folks are coming to stay as David and I will be having a couple of nights at the Carlton hotel and Mum and Dad are going to look after the kids. I have been cleaning the things that you can live with yourself but with the thought of someone else seeing the mess, it motivated me to get stuck in. Things like the fridge and pantry were a couple of things. The odd science experiment that is growing in a half eaten tin of spagetti and somehow got hidden behind everything is the type of thing you dont wont anyone else to see. It feels so good now it is done.
I am finding it slightly more tiring as I am getting heavier but still not too bad. I'll write again when I return form our time away.

21 weeks

2005-04-09T18:22:00.000+12:00

Yesterday I wrote a lengthy blog that I did not save as I went and promptly lost the lot. David had warned me of this and kept saying copy it and paste it somewhere until you post it, but did I listen. Sometimes others know best, especially husbands who happen to work on computers for a living.

What I wrote about yesterday was that the day was so sunny and nice that I rang my Mum and we went for a trip to the zoo. My Dad retired from being principal and Kingsway school and is currently looking for new employment. This meant that he could also come and they also brought my Grandma who is 87 years old. She did so well as you have to walk for miles and I was well and truly ready to sit down at the end of the day.
The zoo is such a great place to meander through. Even if the animals were not there it would be a nice walk. I used to want to let all the animals out as a kid but they have upgraded and the animals are in as natural environment as possible and heaps more room now.
The children loved it, Caleb walked for most of the way on his little 20 month old legs. We probably walked for 2 hours if not more.

After the zoo I had quick feet up time before David and I went to view a house. We don't really need to move but every time we drove past the place we kept thinking we should go and take a peek. It was large with 6 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and lots of potential. It needs TLC and for the price they are asking I would not be prepared to move. God would need to give us a real thumbs up if he wanted us to move.

Bubs is doing well. I saw my mid wife last week and the specialist had viewed my ultrasound and says that the placenta is not too low. I was not worried about it but its nice to know it is not a factor against having a home birth.
I discussed the possibility of hiring a birthing pool for at home. I like the idea of the buoyancy and I usually love being in the bath or shower during labour. I have not fully thought thru about actually having the baby in the pool but I might be so comfortable (if that's possible in labour)that I don't want to get out. I have not discussed this with David yet and he will probably read about it on my blog before I talk about it with him.
I took another belly shot that is posted at flickr. I just thought it would be fun to keep track of the progress this time.

18 week ultra sound shots

2005-03-28T10:12:00.000+12:00

Here are some shots from our ultra sound.
I have succomed to the temptation of one tiny piece of paper with the babies gender written on it. I sat on my bed as it called out to me "look! Look! Look!!!!! and so I did. I had pretty much guessed anyway and there will always be room for error but I will be very surprised if a girl popped out.
I have now washed all my baby clothes and will probably organise them into the babies room today. I am not one for doing up a complete nursery with all the trimmings. They very quickly grow out of the baby stage and then you need to redecorate. I opt for the easy removal baby things such as toys and things stuck on the wall or hanging.
I have just learn't how to link my blog to flickr.com so that I can quickly show a photot or two. I may quickly try to get a shot of my belly and see if I can do the linking thing without help.
Here is my 19 week Belly shot.

week 18

2005-03-22T20:25:00.000+12:00

Oops, I have missed a week. I have actually been busy all week at a leaders training time at church {LTT}. Wow!!! what a great time. I can't even begin to write about what went on and what I learnt. We also had people staying with us from South Africa and they also attended the LTT. Basson and Tania were such a great couple and we had so much in common. I didn't have much time to think about bubs but I sure have popped out a bit more. I am not huge but definitely getting a preggy look if I wear certain clothing.

I went for my ultra sound scan today. David and the kids came too. It never ceases to amaze me that there really is a little person in there. All looked really good, all limbs were present, no cleft palate, heart pumping away. I did not want to know the sex but David did. I got her to write it on a piece of paper for him and also asked for a shot of the genitals so I could do a guessing game. She did make the comment that it was very obvious so that made me think boy. After looking myself I tend to lean towards a boy and so do the kids but I like the fact that I will not know for sure until the big day.
The placenta is lying low so she said I should do a repeat scan later on. I had this with Samara and it moved up by later pregnancy. I am not concerned as it can be commonly low at this stage. It only becomes a concern of it does not move up later on.
Bubs is definitely kicking now and David is able to feel it from the outside. I could sit and just enjoy feeling baby move all day if given a chance. David is happy with a quick feel and then back to what ever he is doing. I guess its just hard not to notice when there is a precious life wiggling within, I love it.
I seem to have a craving for tortallini dripping with a creamy cheesy sauce at the moment, Yum!!! or baked potatoes with butter and sour cream. Luckily I am full as I write this or I would be heading to the kitchen for a wee snack.

My biggest problem at the moment is my pregnancy brain. It is not some made up excuse but a legitimate pregnancy syndrome. I am sure there must be some medical term for my brains ability to think one thing but say something completely different. An example of this is telling the kids I need to cook some letters when what I really mean is that I am going to post some letters. Why on earth did the word cook come out??? It has no connection, no parallel, no relevance what so ever. I must look this up on the internet, There must be some reason, other Mums report the same thing. Infact I will have a wee look now.

Well I've done some reading and come back none the wiser. It seems that no one really knows, some say that we just get self absorbed in pregnancy and don't focus on the little things ( this kind of fits as I can make myself concentrate if need be), Others say that it is just a myth ( come meet me and then make your judgment or ask my family), its is also said that our hormones and nutrients are being drained and sent a little haywire so it is understandable to be a little confused. That all said and done I know that things will return to normal and that the gray matter is not lost forever. I rest assured that after the 5th pregnancy I shall regain my composure and shake off the dizzy blonde reputation that I may be making.

I think I have said enough for now and I might get into bed for an early night. Ah the bliss of a comfy bed.

Week 16

2005-03-05T15:22:00.001+13:00

I don't have too much to report of for this week in regards to the pregnancy and baby. All has been going well and I have no complaints.

I have been reading a book called "The way HOME" by Mary Pride. Although I do not agree with everything in the book and the way some bible verses are used, the overall thrust of the book has my brain in over time.
I have been thinking how children are a blessing and really noticing how Mums tend to speak very negatively about their children. I am constantly hearing, "I just want some time for me" or "not much longer and they'll be grown up and moving out, Yay!!!" Why has todays society become so "me" focused that our kids have become a burden?

I love my kids, and sure, I have my days when the kids are tired and grumpy ( or me) and I look forward to them getting into bed at night. ( today has been a bit like that) but on the whole I love having my kids around me all day. I don't have a huge need to get away without them, even though it is nice at times when it happens. I don't wish they could go to school so that I can do my own thing, I love the opportunity and I believe the God given responsibility to teach them at home.

Back now to the blessing of having children. The more I read and research ( I have much more to do) I am convinced that we need to give God full control over our fertility and let him bless us the way he wants to. It does not mean you will end up with hundreds of children. In the bible there are numerous examples of people only having one or two children as God blessed them and there are others that were blessed with many children. We need to trust that God is in control.
I hear the comments now," but we can't afford to have more than two, we need to be sensible". When did sensibility suddenly override Gods will for our family. Do we really think that God does not know the situations we are in and that we are a better judge than Him. Who is our provider? Us or God? If God chooses to bless us with more children he has also said he will provide.
God will not bring about a blessing that we can not handle.

As you can see I am becoming quite passionate about this topic and some may think I am crazy. I just want to be obedient to Gods word and to be willing to accept whatever blessings God wants to give, is that crazy?

week 15

2005-02-25T16:41:00.001+13:00

Tomorrow will see the beginning of week 15. I saw my midwife on tuesday and got to hear that heart warming galloping heart beat that you can never tire of hearing. It is reassuring to hear the little heart beat ticking as sometimes you begin to wonder if you are pregnant at all. It doesn't matter how many children you have had, every pregnancy is as exciting as the first plus you can relax and take it more in your stride with each consecutive baby. My midwife thinks all is in order and I will go for my "routine" scan in 4 weeks time. My midwives are not advocates for scans but respect the fact that some of us just like the reassurance and excitement of them. Maybe it is for selfish reasons as I am not going to abort a baby if there is a defect but at least you can have a bit of time to be mentally prepared.

David has been running a Biblical world view course at church on a tuesday night, according to feedback I have received he is doing really well. This does not surprise me as he is very funny and great at teaching. My point here though is that while he was away last Tuesday I sat on my bed with my feet raised (like every good pregnant woman should) and asked God to teach me something new, Well, did he what. David will never want to leave me on my own again now. My train of thought went like this: we are going to have a full quiver of children, wow, but is a full quiver 5 or 7 kids? I decided to look it up out of curiosity. My search brought up topics on "full quiver" a name for a group of people that share the same views on contraception or lack of. I began to read with my initial thoughts being, crazy, hippy, pregnant forever people but as I read on and went to various other sites I actually started to prick up my ears and take notice. I am getting some books to do some serious reading but from what I picked up it goes a little like this. The Bible teaches that children are a blessing, that husbands and wives should not hold themselves back from each other except for prayer ( not because you are fertile at that time). At present we have been natural family planners and the thought of having another baby after feeling so crook at the beginning of this pregnancy was not my idea of something to be even thought about at the moment so I was not out to hear this right then. I love the idea of more children but the first part of pregnancy, Yuck!!! My reasons are totally selfish. The Bible also talks about God opening and closing the womb.
As I said earlier, my friend is going to lend be some reading material so I will blog about this when I can speak with more authority on the subject. God is definitely keeping this close to my thoughts.
I know that it brings up lots of debates and controversy amongst christians but if the bible is clear on this then who am I to say no to God, do I know better than him? Should I be the decider if a new life should come into this world? Does God really rule every area of my life or only the parts that I think he should? Who knows best if my body or our finances or our family can cope with more children, God or me?
I am not turning into some fanatic, weird, home-schooling, home birthing freak although maybe I sound like it, I just want to be obedient to Gods word and if that includes more children and more pregnancies then bring it on. We seriously are a down to earth fun loving "normal" family but I'm sure some people have the first impressions I did. Investigate for yourselves as I did and maybe the pin prick of conviction may also fall on you.

P.S I don't really now Davids view on this yet so we will both need to investigate further.

14 weeks

2005-02-18T10:45:00.000+13:00

What a great week. I am feeling good and the kids schooling has gone really well. I have put a new time table in place and we have achieved so much more. The girls have really responded well to it as they know exactly what is expected of them each day.

I see my midwife next week so I look forward to hearing a little heart beat.
It is a bit strange now that I am not feeling sick and not so tired, I almost don't feel pregnant, my belly is definitely bigger than it was but could easily pass as just putting on weight.( it's not exactly huge). I am not a big person (47-kg) so a little extra weight would not do any harm.
Sometimes I look at my tummy and ask "are you really in there?". I guess once I hear the heart beat it will make it feel more real.

I went to a mums night out last night and had such a great time. We all enjoyed just relaxing at a friend from Churches house and ordering pizza. Most of us still had to cook at home mind you so its not a night off but a good change. Miriam's place is so nice, she has a real flare for interior decorating and you feel like you have stepped into a Mediterranean style cafe. I also love what she wears, a bit like Darma of the Darma and Greg show, different but not gourdy.

Church has been great also. We are seeing a real out pouring of the Holy Spirit and it is really exciting. I have great respect for our Elders and I know that they are careful not to let abuse of Gods gifts happen. Its a learning curve for everyone and we are all waiting to see what God is doing. David and I tend to be a bit tentative as we have seen terrible abuse and false use of God's gifts, the big difference here is that we fully trust those in leadership.

Chinese influence

2005-02-12T07:53:00.000+13:00

We have a number of Chinese people living with us. Xiaowen is our boarder and he has been away for 5 weeks over the holiday period and returns on Wednesday. We also have a flat attached to our house and a Chinese couple rent it out. This all means that I can stay at home with the kids and home-school them as the extra income helps us out. Fei from the flat has her mother staying for 6 months and she has really fallen for the kids and in particular, Caleb. She has offered to take him home to China for 1 year when I have this next baby, so sweet but so not going to happen. I could not even imagine entertaining the idea. The kids call her Ninine ( I don't know if that how you spell it) It's Chinese for Grandmother. She has been amazing, making food for us, hanging out and bringing in washing, looking after the kids. She does not speak English but we are both learning a little of each others lingo. Caleb is learning to speak Chinese, it would be great if he could keep it up. i must go now as I here Caleb has woken for the morning and is ready to get up.

2nd trimester 13 weeks

2005-02-12T07:36:00.000+13:00

Its here, I am now officially into my second trimester. I managed to run up the stairs yesterday without feeling like I would pass out and I can stand again for periods of time without feeling the need to sit down all the time. I think I will now be able to begin some light exercise again to rebuild my strength. Before I was pregnant David and I were working out on our total gym each afternoon. It was great to do it together. I strongly remember one day feeling just so tired and I could not push my body any further, I later found out that I was pregnant and that was why. I had hoped to keep up the exercise but my body just wouldn't let me. It was hard just to get the washing out. I have never felt quite so fatigued with any other pregnancy as this one, maybe it's twins. ( I jest).
I have been dreaming about twins though and they do say that the older you are (32) and the more children you have had (no.5) the higher the chances. I love the idea of twins and would be really excited but ask me later on in pregnancy if it became a reality and ask me after they were born and I might answer differently. I also like the idea of 6 kids but for the first time in my life I can say that I really don't want to go though the first 3 months again so twins would solve that issue for me and make the extra vomiting and tiredness really worth it.
I don't think my belly looks like twins are on the way and they would need to be identical as there is no history in my family of twins. I don't even know why I am talking so much about it as it would be such a slim chance. Wishful thinking maybe!!!

12 weeks

2005-02-07T16:11:00.000+13:00

I am feeling better all the time and my energy levels are definitely picking up now.
We have had a really busy last week with Brian staying and completing the deck (all but the finishing touches) It looks great and my parents and I finished painting the hall. We then had a full on weekend with a Lewis family reunion and various church commitments to fit in amongst it all. I must admit though that it has all caught up with me a bit this afternoon as I keep waking at 4am and not going back to sleep so I did sneak an hours nap this afternoon.

The reunion was great and the kids enjoyed meeting new cousins and just had a blast swimming at the beach and in a spa pool.

The end of my first trimester is fast approaching and I welcome it with open arms. I love the second trimester, I love feeling better, I love looking better and I love the fact that this little life inside is getting bigger and bigger and that there is now less chance of miscarriage. The next big step is reaching the 28week viability stage. Roll on 13 weeks.

11 weeks

2005-01-28T13:45:00.000+13:00

Tomorrow dawns the start of my eleventh week into pregnancy. I have not been vomiting as much but still nauseated and tired at times. I still need to get a wee nap in the afternoon if possible.

Before I lay down today my three darling girls wanted to see what our baby would be looking like now so I found an ultra sound picture on pregnancy.about.com. They were so interested and so we got out Daya's kids encyclopaedia and that had some pictures too. A huge sigh and "OH MAN" was let out when they realised they still had to wait another 30 weeks until baby arrives.

Things have been all go around home as David and his brother get stuck into making gates and getting ready to build a deck.
Yesterday they got all the wood so will be ready to start when both of them are not working.

I went today with all the kids to mitre-10 to choose and buy some paint. It was great as there was a sale on and I was able to get ceiling paint and wall paint for the price of one 10ltr pot. YAY!!!! The down side is that Caleb was not feeling like being in his push chair and decided that everyone in the store needed to know about it. It was one of those mothering moments when you wonder why you are doing what you are doing not to mention that the guy mixing the paint really didn't know what he was doing and was taking forever at which point I needed to sit down or pass out. Fortunately for me my girls were in a most compliant mood and were able to take care of Caleb for me. All in all we managed to complete our mission and get home for lunch and a well earned rest.

Visit to mid wife

2005-01-28T13:03:00.000+13:00

I forgot to mention that I saw my mid wife a few days ago and she is lovely. A little softer and more approachable than my last mid wife. There is not too much to comment on as she really only took my blood pressure and had a chat. I also went and had my first blood test done. It will be good to see what my iron levels are like.

10 weeks

2005-01-21T17:43:00.000+13:00

As I sit to write my stomach feels as it is preparing a mass that it is readying to projectile. ( Yummy). I really am not enjoying feeling nauseated and tired and have to keep reminding myself that it is worth it for the little life that is growing in my womb. David spoke to the baby today and that really made me feel special. As a woman it is hard to forget that you are pregnant and at times it can become all consuming if you are feeling sick. For the man, he doesn't get the constant reminder all day but I must admit that he must be aware of it when his wife is throwing up or when he has to take on extra chores as tiredness takes over his wife.

David has been great. He has really stepped up to the mark and has done more to help in this pregnancy than any other.
David has also had to contend with my family that constantly and not so subtly make reference to the fact that a small operation may be a good idea for him. The poor boy can't win. My family tend to worry and so he did not want to worry my Nan when she phoned to see how I was. He said I was O.K and that it would be over soon, she interpreted that as that he is not very sympathetic. I had to inform her about how good he is being to me. My family really are great and mean well but sometimes don't know when not to say something or if they do they say it to someone else rather that the person directly.

The baby is now 3.5cm approx. I see my midwife on Tuesday and I am hoping I will get to hear a little heart beat ticking away.
My belly is starting to get a little larger, not so much from the baby but from gut distension. My stomach always feels full.

9 weeks

2005-01-16T15:20:00.000+13:00

Well here I am another week on and after having most of the week feeling really blah I suddenly perked up yesterday afternoon. It is so nice to feel a bit normal again. It was a good test today as we had to be down at the church by 7-am so that meant getting the other 4 kids up at fed and in the car and down ready to practice for the worship. I felt really good even with standing for so long. I pray that I continue to feel better from now on.

I have been trying to have more iron in my diet and am eating more red meat and am also taking an iron tablet that has Vit.C and B6 or B12. I just wonder if I have been really low in iron. I will have blood test some time next week so it will give me some idea.

The baby is now 17mm crown to rump and has little arms and legs. I saw an ultra sound of a 9 week baby and its amazing how mini human it was looking already.

Back to the pregnancy

2005-01-08T09:09:00.000+13:00

Tomorrow I will be 8 weeks pregnant and am now feeling the joys of early pregnancy, Nausea, tiredness, vomiting and heart palpitations. Fortunately I know that from past history I should feel better in about 4 weeks time but am willing to feel better earlier if at all possible. The up side of it all is that the timing couldn't be better (thanks God) School holidays are here so I don't have to worry about teaching the kids and David is also home for another 3 weeks. This all means that I can have time to rest. I have found that eating small amounts of food regularly helps me feel better but sometimes it just hits me out of the blue.

I have found a mid wife now who will do a home birth. I will meet her on the 25th Jan for my first appointment.

Its been a while

2005-01-08T08:12:00.000+13:00

We have recently returned from Blenheim where we spent Christmas and New Year with David's family. We had a great time even though the weather wasn't so crash hot. While we were there the biggest natural disaster in modern history occurred, a Tsunami that hit Indonesia, Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Shrilanka and even Africa. Over 150,000 people were killed and people are still being found. It has raised many interesting conversations as to where does God fit into all this, people who don't even acknowledge him blame him.
We sat one night and discussed some issues that made it hard for people to understand how a loving God could wipe out so many people.

I believe that there are basically two answers to this in relation to where God is during this time.

1: It boils down to your understanding of Genesis and the fall of man. God made us with free choice and we chose to disobey God and so came about death and destruction and occurrences in our Earth that would not have happened if we had been obedient. [ I say we because we are all as guilty of sin as Adam and Eve.] God did not intend in his original plan for our world to be how it is today. Some may say, "why didn't God just make us obey him" but think about this, how much better is it for a child to choose to love and obey a parent that being made to. It makes it very special when someone chooses to love you. God didn't want puppets, he wanted to be worshipped freely.

This brings me now to the events in Indonesia. God has the power to stop any major natural disaster but "allows" it due to our own choices and disobedience that was from the beginning of time. God did not intend this to happen but we chose to turn our world into a place of death and destruction.

2: The other answer could be that God had had enough of Idle worship and other abominations in these countries and decided that enough is enough. This is something that I cannot read Gods mind on but I believe could be another way to interpret what went on. Throughout the Bible God has destroyed cities and even wiped out all the Earth apart from Noah and his family as he could no longer tolerate their evil ways.

Telling the folks

2004-12-18T06:04:00.000+13:00

Blogger is great as you can use it for all sorts of purposes. I can write poetry, stories, use it as a journal/diary to record events in my life and can even use it as a way of sharing information.
Now would be a good time for sharing information and letting my parents know that we are expecting another blue eyed blondy next year on August 22nd ( how's that for a date Dad?) I know you may be thinking "are they ever gonna stop?" and rest assured that one day we will.

Mum, I know that you are busy with Grandma at the moment and I want to make it clear that you do not need to try and take care of me as well. You have enough on your plate and we can manage fine. I do not expect you to be taking kids to give me a rest or any of the other many things you often do. Keep having time for yourself and Dad, we would not keep having children if we didn't think we could cope.

Just think. you will have more grandchildren than Nan and you only had two kids.

10 Years today

2004-12-17T10:45:00.000+13:00

We've made it this far and we are still in love. I know David will read this at some stage soon so here is my pledge of love to him.

I love you more than the oceans meet the shore, baby, I love you more than the sunshine you bring ( private joke here) Seriously though, I want to tell you how much respect and admiration I have for you. You truly are a one in a million husband. I don't know too many marriages that truly work and I know you are to thank for the reason that we are still soooo in love ( well I am anyway) I love your sense of humor, your curiosity into deep issues, your encouragement for me to investigate and do new things, your love love for our kids that just don't stop coming and the way you love to open up our house for people to come over. I truly love you and everything about you and it goes without saying that you are still ruggedly handsome.
Thankyou for a wonderful and exciting first 10 years, I know the best is yet to come.

Home birth

2004-12-15T09:05:00.000+13:00

I really want to have this baby at home. After travelling in a car in transition and then going home quickly after I just can't see the point of the hospital.
I got a phone call form some home birth midwives and they are going to see if anyone is near enough to me to help out. The lady I spoke to thought I may be too far away for them. I really hope I can stay at home.
It would be great for the kids to be involved in the birth, maybe not all the gory bits but to be in the room when baby is just born would be fantastic. How exciting for everyone to be all together.
It just seems right to be somewhere that you are comfortable and familiar with.

Later on

2004-12-13T21:06:00.000+13:00

Well today has gone well, We have had David's family over to celebrate his sisters birthday. It was a fun time with lots of laughter. I managed to grab an hours nap before everyone arrived which helped see me thru.

It was funny knowing I'm pregnant and having this information yet no one else there knew. I almost feel like I am deceiving them yet I know I'm not. We decided not to tell the family yet, even though I have blurted it out to friends at church. I don't know when we will tell them. We have also not told the children yet.

A new day

2004-12-13T07:52:00.000+13:00

Its a new morning and the first day of school holidays. Most parents dread this time and desperately try to organize activities to fill up the kids days. I just can't understand it. Have children lost the ability to self entertain???? We used to play for hours outside and never seemed to run out of ideas when we were kids.

For me, I look forward to the holidays. It is a time where I do not have to teach in the mornings and the kids love the freedom of doing their own thing.

We have recently sold our T.V and it has made such a difference to our children's behavior. Their imagination has gone wild and its great to see them having some great old fashioned fun.

In regards to the pregnancy, I feel pretty good this morning. I have had no morning sickness or nausea at this stage but realize it is only early days. I have usually ended up very good friends with the toilet bowl whilst pregnant but who knows, this time may be different.

It's a go!!!!!

2004-12-12T08:04:00.000+13:00

Its confirmed. Number five is on the way!!!! A bit of a surprise but a great surprise.

It all started when I slept in one morning which is very out of character for me. I am usually the first to rise in our house. I continued to feel tired for the rest of the day and couldn't wait to get to crawl into bed that evening. I continued to feel tired for the next couple of days and thought that I would do a pregnancy test, it was negative so I figured I was just tired from end of year stuff.

A day or two later I found myself at the pantry munching on crisps and feeling really hungry. I continued to feel exhausted and decided to do another test expecting it to be negative again. Much to my surprise it was positive. I then found the test in the rubbish from a few days earlier and noticed on close examination that there was a faint line on it.

Now I needed to come up with a unique way of telling David my husband. Now would be a good time to tell you a little about him and the rest of the family. David is one of those types of people that seems to be able to do well at anything he tries, he's a Macintosh Guru, a fabulous understated musician and generally well rounded person. He's the most out standing husband. We have so much fun together and our marriage gets better and better all the time, in fact we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary next week.

We have three daughters and thought that we only had the girl recipe until our little man arrived on the scene last year. Our eldest daughter is Daya (8) then Danielle (6), Samara (4) and Caleb (16mnths)
We Home Educate the children and love family life (most of the time, not so good when they are all sick at once).
God is an important part of our family and the most important foundation in all that we do.

Now back to the story, I decided to put together a rough imovie presentation to announce NO.5. Here it is for anyone wanting to take a peek.

By the time it got to "Conception has occurred," David's head spun around with a shock looked followed by a radiant big smile.

We decided not to tell anyone yet as I am only 4 weeks pregnant. Knowing this we went to church where I have now told five people, I just can't help myself. We have not told the kids yet or our families. I know the kids will be really excited, in fact Daya asked me a couple of weeks ago if my egg was in the tube because if it was we should go and mate, how animal kingdom is that!!!!
I'm not sure how others will react, some will think we are crazy to have five. I'm most nervous about telling the family, who knows what their response will be.