Three Weeks Old

Jack is now three weeks old. Time has certainly flown by.

Jack's Cousins

We had a visit from Mike and Katie and their three children the other day.

Harry, Miriam and Samuel.

Samuel's 12 days older than Jack.

Here's Dave playing with Miriam.

Mike and Harry.

Thank You Grandma

David's mother, Noelene, came to stay with us before and after Jack was born. It was such a helpful and lovely visit. Noelene is a super woman as she did all our washing, cleaning and cooking. She even made us a seemingly never ending supply of yummy baked treats. This made our transition into parenthood much easier and it took the pressure of me, allowing me to recover from my cesarean without having to worry about housework and cooking, etc. Thanks Grandma!!

The Birth of Jack

Here are some photos of the birth of Jack - no yucky pictures included, don't worry.

It was all very civilised really. The night before, Dave and I went out to dinner and had a fantastic meal at Como in Blaxland (if you haven't been there, you should really go). It was a nice way to have our last 'horrah'.

We arrived at the Hospital st 6.00am. Here I am, all ready to go. I'm glad that I brought a book with me as it made the waiting bearable. We didn't have to wait that long. By 8.45am the obstetrician came and collected me to take me to theatre. By 9.30am, Jack was born.
Here he is, straight from the womb. As soon as he was brought into the world, he let out a great cry. It was such a relief to hear his cry (it's a really cute cry, too!).

Dave was able to go over and be with Jack while they did their initial check-up.

I love this expression he does. He looks at me like this all the time - and I'm sure I'll get this look quite a lot in the future.

He's the doting father - completely besotted.

It was cold in theatre, so they had him all rugged up, beanie included.

His lovely foot.

Finally, mum could have a cuddle with her new bub.

He's our son in all his glory.

Dave and Jack went off to get weighed, measured and injected, while I was finishing up in theatre. I had to go to recovery before I could be with Jack and Dave but I was only there for 40 minutes, which was good as I was really keen to have a proper cuddle with Jack.

By 11.00am I was taken to the post-natal ward where Dave and Jack were waiting.

Here we are, having a nice cuddle and a rest. The whole experience must have been pretty exhausting for little Jack.

Jack Emmanuel Ralphs

I thought I'd better put some photos up of our lovely little baby boy, Jack. More photos to come - when I get organised. He's 1 week old today!

Things Are Going Well

Just to let you all know (just in case anyone's interested), I haven't forgotten my blog. I have had every intention of putting a post up of Jack, but I haven't had a chance to do it yet. Things have been a bit unsettled at home - I wonder why! - so, I'm just waiting for the right moment. And yes, I'm up at 2.25am. My new life now...

39 weeks on Friday

I'll be 39 weeks on Friday and hoping to be able to have the baby on Friday (via c-section). I'm not getting as many flighty kick movements, but lots of pokes, prods, pushes and stretches. Sometimes, it feels like the baby is trying its hardest to push itself right out of my belly! Its head gets right under my rib cage sometimes, very uncomfortable, and then I get a hand or a foot poking me in the side. I can feel the little lumps as I gently massage the baby back into place. It's really amazing feeling the baby move around, something I think I'll miss a bit. But, I'm really looking forward to holding and cuddling the baby - I'm so excited!

Renovations - Bubba's Room

We've finished some more of the renovations. The baby's room is pretty much finished (just need to paint doors and door frames). Here's some photos to give you an idea of what we've done.

This storage unit is great - it gives you so much space (thanks, IKEA!). David's dad was visiting last week and we all ended up putting the furniture together.
This cradle has been used for all of my family (including my siblings and me!).

We've also got new blinds put in, the same for the whole house.
I'm hoping that the bookshelf will be full of books soon.

Dave and his dad worked hard to get the skirting boards on and we're really happy with the results.

Welcome to the Family!

On Sunday, 26th July, at 3.45am, Samuel James Taylor was born to Mike and Katie. He is absolutely gorgeous. He is settling down to a good routine now, after a few days of figuring out night and day, and Katie is going well now. Here are some piccies...