Tuesday, April 30, 2013

118/365: Visiting the Breastfeeding Centre #ozbreastfeeding

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Looking after the new mother

You might remember the poem I posted after Kaitlyn's baby shower and wonder how her visitors and home support have been over the past two weeks? As requested, only immediate family came to see them in hospital and that was by appointment only, with Dad making the arrangements - everyone would contact him and make a time to come. After their return home, visits have continued to follow this arrangement, as the circle of family and friends have slowly been introduced to Charlie at times that suit the family. Dad makes sure they get a quick cuddle and a photo, then baby goes back to mum to start, continue or complete the feed she was bound to be ready for! Numbers of visitors at any one time have been limited and drop-ins not encouraged. (Even I always let them know when I plan to visit and check that works for them - and they let me know if they want me to give them space - or sleep over for extra help!)

From a support perspective, Ash's Mum has been providing a steady stream of nourishing meals, while I have been on washing and kitchen duty. Cycling the laundry through and keeping on top of it began during the days (!) of labour and continues to be part of my daily visits. As well, I keep the dishes under control and have been in charge of all milk expression equipment maintenance.

As we head toward the halfway point of the traditional 40 days, Kaitlyn has been able to focus on breastfeeding and caring for Charlie while Ashley has been able to nurture them and manage his return to work just days after they returned from hospital.

115/365: multi-tasking

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Photo shoot takes a break :)




Our wonderful family photographer, Susan DÁrcy, came to capture Charlie's newborn images today, along with her gorgeous boy Luke (4mo).

Susan has been photographing our family moments for ten years now and is a friend as well as a trusted professional.

http://susandarcy.com.au/




113/365: Lest we forget. My Granddad's WW1 medals. ANZAC Day.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Charlie Winter Greig

Officially announcing the birth of my first grandchild, a girl - Charlie Winter Greig.


Born to Kaitlyn and Ashley on Friday 12th April 2013. Mother and baby doing well.

Aunty Melissa gets her first sight of Charlie while Uncle Kieran looks on.

Foure generations, all born in Frankston

O'Dowd Grandparents

Proud father Ashley

Charlie Winter in her going home outfit

The happy new mother

Now we are grandparents

New family


Monday, April 8, 2013

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Pinterest inspired pretty project

The mummy2be has a bit of a thing for pretty hair accessories and so this caught her eye on Pinterest some time ago: (I can't recall which of us pinned it, we keep trying to share things then realise the other is the one who pinned it!)
Source

Then we came across this one:

Source

Aunty2be was set to watch for a suitable frame at work (she works at Savers, a recycled store!) but it was me nearing desperation who finally found it: (sorry, no before photo!)

The finished frame
 I was all ready to get hubby to make holes for the hooks and then pop round to put it up in the nursery, so set it aside with another project I was going to paint in the same colour - the box that held the Aromababy pack of goodies. But look what I saw when I idley set it on top:


I messaged mummy2be with the coincidence and she replied with one word: shadow-box! Exactly what I was thinking! The plan to use the box as a try in the nursery went out the window!

A couple of coats of paint and a bit of glue later:

Now to follow up with all those clips and head-band tutorials on Pinterest ;)

39+ ... countdown to a granddaughter!

It seems like just a few weeks ago that Kaitlyn & Ashley shared the news they were going to be parents and yet, here we are, almost 40 weeks and waiting for the phone call to say it is all systems GO!

After quite a blissful pregnancy, Kaitlyn is radiant and ready to welcome her daughter. The nursery is all set up, the wardrobe is ready and the hospital bags are packed. Hoping for a water birth, the baby will be born at the same hospital as her mother, grandfather and great-grandmother, not to mention assorted aunts/uncles, great aunts/uncles and other assorted family members!


We have had fun each week along the way but these didn't always get uploaded, though they have counted as photos of the day this year. We may need to add 1, 2 or 3 more but here they are as of today :)

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Project Life - March 2013


Week Nine


Week Ten





Gypsy party insert


Week Eleven


Week Twelve


Week Thirteen