The Ravings of a Pregnant Hoprah!!!

WELCOME: CHARLOTTE BLAIRE COPELAND

2009-02-26T22:01:00.000+11:00

Once again, I got to the end of my pregnancy thinking “This baby is never going to come out”! I guess I make a very good home for my babies! My Estimated Date of Birth was the 11th of February and I felt that once again I would indeed go over. From the 9th to the 13th I had acupuncture every day with Alex for birth preparation. Since I had such a good outcome with Lachlan being induced with acupuncture, I decided that I would see Alex throughout the pregnancy with Charlotte and hopefully have another wonderful birth experience!

I decided that if Charlotte hadn’t arrived after my session on the 13th that I would leave it a few days until closer to the big 42 weeks when Dr’s start pressuring you for intervention! I went back to Alex at 3:30pm on the 18th and had an induction session. Nice, strong pulses from the Tens Machine for a solid 90 minutes. I got off the table and still felt a little defeated but Alex and I thought that maybe in the next day or two, Bubbe would come.

I then picked Alan up from work and Lachlan from Day Care and went home. I still felt nothing during Lachlan’s dinner and bedtime routine so we packed him off to bed and asked Alan to go out and get me Indian food. I always want Indian for some reason when I am sad or sick for comfort food. Alan left at 7:25pm and I settled down into the couch to watch some TV. At 7:40pm, I heard these two massive pops and thought something fell off the armchair onto the floor. As I sat up to see what it was, I suddenly realised that it was me that ‘had popped’ and raced into the bathroom. Amniotic fluid gushed out of me. Since my water never broke with Lachlan, at first I had no comprehension of what was going on as I thought it would be much more of a trickle. I then woke up to the fact that I was indeed going to start labour! Hooray!!! No, hang on, no hooray! Where was my husband?

I cleaned myself up and managed to race into the kitchen, grab my phone and back to the bathroom before it started gushing again. Alan was only in the garage thankfully, but looked stressed when he got inside! I informed him we were going to have a baby within 48 hours regardless of having no contractions yet and that we should eat dinner and pack my bag. Alan rang his Mum straight away to tell her to jump in the car and come to Canberra. I thought we were being a little over the top but at least she would be here tomorrow when I was most likely going to have the baby! I rang our Midwife Natasha and our Doula Rachel and told them my water had broken and that I was feeling ok and that I would call if anything else started. Alan then rang Richard who is 30 minutes driver away and let him know that he was now on standby in case it was soon.

I still wasn’t having any contractions but I just felt ‘funny’ and told Alan that the baby would probably be here in more like 24 hours than 48 hours. It was at this stage that I lost my marbles. I told Alan to vacuum the carpet and mop the floors. I suddenly felt compelled to clean my wallet out. After Alan vacuumed he said, “Hope, is there something more important that I could be doing right now?” I told him that he may have to be doing a lot of running around the next day and that he should fill the car up with petrol. I think he was glad to get away from me as he was suddenly gone before I knew it. I went upstairs and put most of my gear into a bag and my back started to ache. I went back down to the kitchen to get a drink and was suddenly hit with a contraction that took my breath away. By the time Alan got home 15 minutes later, I had had 6 contractions. Alan looked as though he was going to faint!

I went back upstairs to finish packing my bag. By 9:30pm Alan convinced me that I was probably going to have a baby in a few hours time and that I should think about going to the Birth Center. My fear has always been that I’ll turn up and only be 2cm dilated and have to turn around and go home. I called Natasha and asked her to come over and check me. We spoke for a few minutes on the phone and during this time I’d already had 3 contractions. As politely as she could, she told me to ‘move it’ and get to the Birth Center as a baby was coming Fast and Soon. I got off the phone and told Alan who immediately freaked out about waiting 30 minutes for Richard and the fact that his Mum would only be half way to Canberra. He called Ben (one of Lachlan’s Godfather’s) and asked him to come over and wait until his Mum got there.

At 10:00pm, we were about to leave when I realised we hadn’t called Natasha or Rachel to tell them we were leaving. Alan called Natasha as I had a contraction and then barrelled me into the car. As we drove off, Alan called Rachel and told her we’d see her soon too. Once again, I couldn’t bear to sit down so I had to turn around, kneel and hug the headrest while Alan raced down the Parkway. Poor guy – he’s done it twice now and still not managed to get pulled over by the police and get an escort to the hospital!

We got to the Maternity entrance to the hospital and was holding onto the side of the car during a contraction when I could hear Alan buzzing the Delivery Suite to let buzz the door to let us into the Birth Center. Now I look back on it, it’s pretty funny that he could hardly get the words out and couldn’t remember the name of the Birth Center when he was speaking. It was such a welcome relief to see Natasha and Rachel who grabbed me under each arm and led me to the bath that was still filling up. Oh Yeah! Rachel had already lit candles and I stripped off and dove in as fast as I could. The contractions were intense. I remember with Lachlan that in between I would be able to hang my head over the edge of the bath and recover for a minute or two in preparation for the next one. This time around, I felt like I’d finish one only to begin another one seconds later. I asked Natasha could I push as I really wanted to but she said that I was only 8cm dilated and to try and breath through the next few contractions to try and avoid a tear. At 11:25pm I’d reached 10cm and was into second stage of labour and it was all systems go. At 11:35pm, Charlotte was in my arms and I couldn’t believe the relief!!! Hooray! 15 minutes later I had birthed the placenta and was in bed cuddling up to my little princess.

LACHLAN TURNS TWO!!!

2008-12-21T21:12:00.000+11:00

I SERIOUSLY have no idea where those 2 years have just gone. In the past two years, we have moved into a new house, I've started a new job, we've settled into 'Canberra Life' again, we've had some of the worst nights sleep, watched Lachlan in amazement how he grows and thrives and had some of the biggest belly laughs at Lachlan's bogan behaviour. Yes, that's right, our son IS a bogan. But a well-loved Bogan. xx

Continuing on from our 1st Pirate Birthday theme, I went with Under The Sea this year. I think it will be my last year picking out themes as I am sure Lachlan will tell me in no uncertain terms what he wants next year.

He's Finally Caught Up!

2008-12-14T13:50:00.002+11:00

I threw Alan a (if I say so myself) FANTASTIC 30TH BIRTHDAY PARTY this weekend! It's not the best photo in the world, but the cake once again ROCKED!

4D Ultrasound - Awesome!

2008-11-22T20:36:00.005+11:00

Alan, Lachlan and I all went for the 4D Ultrasound today. Shloma was in such a good position right away and they got some really good pictures. Lachlan was well behaved and even pointed to the screen a couple of times and said "BABY". He still isn't aware of it all yet, but I am hoping a little near the end!

SHOWERED IN PINK

2008-11-15T21:29:00.000+11:00

Bel and Lexi threw me a FANTASTIC PINK Baby Shower today. It was SO hot outside that we had to have all the blinds closed but despite having to have the cooler on full-blast, it was a great afternoon! I'm so grateful to have such wonderful friends to go to all this effort and 'shower me in pink'! Thank you girls! xx

Tracy and I Are Doing It Again!

2008-11-04T20:11:00.000+11:00

We are almost exactly the same amount of weeks apart in our pregnancy that we were last time. Weird!

IT'S A GIRL!!!

2008-10-01T19:55:00.001+10:00

Cute Mommy Graphics and Layouts

Baby Copeland is officially a GIRL!

I've been feeling GIRL for a while now, Alex gave me a gender prediction, Rachel said she felt girl as did Leah, but it's nice to finally get a colour to the baby, so to speak!!!

18 WEEKS

2008-09-17T15:13:00.002+10:00

I can't believe it's 18 weeks already. This pregnancy is flying past me at an uncatchable rate. I'm seriously going to blink and this baby will be here!

Nuchal Translucency Scan

2008-08-04T19:49:00.000+10:00

Get results back next week but looks good. Baby was not being terribly helpful in positioning itself for the scan but had a nice strong heartbeat and good movement!

Pregnant With #2

2008-07-30T20:56:00.001+10:00

It's Official! Lachlan is finally going to be a big brother!!!

We actually found out for certain on the 8th of June when the Dr got the blood results back but the day before I couldn't contain myself. I HAD to tell someone! I told Lachlan he was going to be a big brother and he just did his usual "Hnn" and went off to play with his toys.

When Alan got home, Lachlan gave him a little box. Alan opened it and there was a photo I had taken of Lachlan and I (and itty bitty embryo) in a frame. Under it was a little card that said:

Photo: 20c
Frame: $5.95
Finding out there are actually 3 in this photo: PRICELESS

Underneath was the digital pregnancy test. Dad is super excited!!!

I Miss Mum

2008-07-16T14:39:00.000+10:00

I thought it would get easier year after year but I don't think it does. I miss her like crazy still .........

I'm Anal - So What?

2008-05-24T16:06:00.000+10:00

As Candida rightly pointed out, yes, I should have been in the military.

MATCHBOX TWENTY !!!

2008-04-27T13:00:00.002+10:00

Beth and I saw MB20 in Sydney a week before this but Kat, Beth and I went and saw them in Canberra. THEY ROCKED!!! Look forward to seeing you boys again!!! I'll be 40 I swear the next time they come out!

Nick And Tammy Got Married!

2008-03-11T20:55:00.000+11:00

No photo's to show, but I swear, Alan and I DID witness them getting married. For a photography nerd, I don't know how I managed to not take any photo's!

February Gone Already?

2008-02-26T21:50:00.003+11:00

A quick summary of February in photo's!

Lachlan's First Handheld Nectarine. Needless to say, it was loved!

Lachlan just LOVES going to the park. If he's having a tough day, his teeth are bothering him or he's just a bit house crazy, going to the park ALWAYS puts him in a good mood!

I love these photo's that I get with Lachlan and Eva or Les. I just adore how much they love him. They are always so supportive of Alan and I as parents. It warms my heart when Lachlan and Grandpa play on the 'family' statue at their house.

Connor's Naming Day! The Macilhinney's are finally a family!

Cutest Godson Possible?

2008-01-15T19:45:00.003+11:00

This is a photo of Rory, our Godson. He'd just finished eating his birthday cake! He's only a few weeks younger than Lachlan but it's amazing how different they are. I'm still hoping that he'll be kind enough to give Lachlan some of that hair. I thing Charity has had his hair cut twice or so now. Crazy. Jealous!

JANUARY IS KILLING ME

2008-01-12T21:44:00.002+11:00

The weather is zapping all of me strength at the moment! No news really to update except that I am growing bigger every minute but despite being a huge hot mess, I still love being pregnant! AND I finish work on the 30th January - WOOT!!!

Our awesome Doula came and took photo's yesterday! I LOVE THEM!

LACHLAN TURNS ONE!!!

2007-12-23T19:22:00.003+11:00

I can't believe it! A year ago I had a baby boy in my arms and now that same little baby boy is on the verge of being a toddler. He has grown into such a wonderful, charming, adorable little boy. I'm sad he is no longer my little baby but looking forward to what this new phase brings us!

Here are photo's of his first birthday party! Argh, enjoy my 'arties!

Lachlan looks a little apprehensive at the size of his pirate cake!

Ahh, this one is more his size!

Well, that was GOOD! Do we have another?

PRESENTS!!!!! HERE I COME!!!!

He's an Eating Machine!

2007-10-29T21:57:00.000+11:00

It's official. He WILL eat anything!

Erika sent us some Gerber Graduates Crackers from the US for Lachlan. He actually did like what was inside the box, but the box sure got a few chews first!

Lachlan and Daddy!

2007-09-10T09:15:00.000+10:00

I don't know how Lachlan likes this, but apparently he does!

FIRST FATHER'S DAY

2007-09-02T20:07:00.000+10:00

Happy Father's Day to all you Dad's out there!

As per our first Mother's Day's, Alan, Lachlan and I spent the morning with Richard, Tracy and Huon. We went to the Corillian for morning tea. It was so lovely when we first got there but then got sooo windy at the end!

Lachlan is a bit out of sorts. I wonder if more teeth are coming our way? Hopefully they will come as easily as the two bottom ones did!

THE RIVALRY DEEPENS

2007-09-01T23:10:00.000+10:00

I am disgusted! I am appalled! I am outraged!

It was the last round of the NRL season tonight and the Roosters played the Rabbitohs (boo).

""Tackled by Anasta 20m out from the try-line, Fa'alogo got to his feet and took a stunning swipe at the Roosters play-maker, who was standing at marker.

The punch, 11 minutes from full-time, drew blood and Anasta later required four stitches to a split bottom lip. Anasta was literally shaking with rage after the match.""

I am so disgusted I can barely think straight! I know what you are all thinking "Hope is a one-eyed Rooster supporter!", but if this had been Anasta who had done this cowardly act, I would be just as outraged!

This sort of reckless and immature behaviour has no room on the football field! Fa'alogo has cost his team a player in the finals now. What an idiot! To work so hard all season and then miss an opportunity to play the finals. Clown!

FREDDY LANDS FULL TIME GIG!

2007-08-21T11:31:00.000+10:00

Well, it's official! About 30 minutes ago, the Roosters announced Brad Fittler as the Coach of my Beloved Sydney Roosters for season 2008 and 2009!

HOORAY!!!

Since Chris Anderson (commonly known in this household as "The Guy Who Almost Led Us To The Wooden Spoon") resigned in round 17, Freddy has taken over and out of 6 games played, we have won 4, had 1 draw and only suffered 1 loss. The loss last week to the Titans as sealed our fate of not making the Top 8 but honestly, I would have been happy if Freddy coached us to win just 1 of our last 8 games!

What a LEGEND!!! I am stoked! I can't wait to buy a new Roosters Jacket next year! I held off getting any merchadise this year since we sucked so bad. I've never seen a season like it.

LONG LIVE FREDDY!!!!

edited: I'd like to quote Alan here quickly. After he read this post, his email to me was and I quote "i like your comment about chris anderson. That was a mistake to sign him...still, not the worst coaching appointment for 2007. Just be glad we are not knights fans!"

Very true. Very true indeed.

MAZEL TOV!

2007-08-10T12:40:00.000+10:00

Alan's best friend Nick got engaged a few days ago! Mazel Tov to Nick and Tammy! We can't wait until you get home to see you both!

New Scrapbook Page

2007-08-07T16:22:00.000+10:00

Just a new scrapbook page for the book!

LACHLAN IS SITTING UNAIDED!

2007-08-05T19:31:00.000+10:00

Well, I can't believe it! The day is here! Lachlan is sitting unaided! For the past two weeks Lachlan has been sitting unaided for about 10-20 seconds until he is the Leaning Tower of Pisa and topples over. Now he can sit for ages and play. He still leans forward an awful lot and then after a while gets a sore back from it and either falls over himself or whines for Mummy or Daddy to help him.

He is just growing up so fast. I'm starting to get scared of blinking or sleeping, as I feel like each time I do, he's reached a new milestone! My little man, getting so big!

3 IN A ROW FOR FREDDY!!!

2007-07-27T22:09:00.000+10:00

Well, the Melbourne storm came to Sydney looking to end Freddy's Perfect Run. Alas, dear mexicans!!! Freddy has been Sydney Roosters Coach for 3 games and he has lead them to victory all 3 times!!! What a Legend! We even smashed Melbourne Storm who are leading the comp! 14 teams between them, and we still manage to send them home tomorrow hanging their heads in shame!!!! Beat It Melbourne!

DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING

2007-07-26T22:17:00.000+10:00

Well, I think I may have just found my new love! Digital Scrapbooking! I've been checking out Photoshop Elements and this is my very first go at it! I think I did a pretty decent job being a big novice!

ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE 3

2007-07-24T22:38:00.000+10:00

It's here! It's here! YIPPEE!!! I'm gonna be spending all my spare (ha ha) time on here now!!!!

SICK x3

2007-07-20T21:50:00.000+10:00

WE ARE ALL SICK! I can't believe it! Lochie and I have had Upper Respiratory Tract Infections for the last week or so, and now all three of us have the flu. This whole trying to be alert and take care of a child while wanting to pass out is a killer!!!

I MISS MY MUM

2007-07-16T22:34:00.000+10:00

Today is the 5th Anniversary of my Mother’s death.

There is hardly a time that goes by that I don’t wish she were here to spend time with her Grandson and to watch him grow up.

There is hardly a time that goes by that I don’t wish she were here to help me be a better mother myself.

There is hardly a time I wish I could take back all the harsh words said and the fights had.

There is hardly a time that goes by that I wish I could tell her I love her just once more.

There is hardly a time…..

Infectious Disease

2007-07-14T19:01:00.000+10:00

Apparently this sleep/tired/exhausted disease is contagious!

SHOCKED!!!!

2007-07-12T14:45:00.001+10:00

What?!?!

One day I'm going to have to pick up after myself, shower on my own and wipe my own butt?!?!?

YOU ARE KIDDING ME, RIGHT?!?!?!

FREDDY TO BE CARETAKER COACH!!!

2007-07-11T21:52:00.000+10:00

Chris Anderson has FINALLY gone! Freddy is taking over as Caretaker Coach until the end of the year! He's just GOTTA be there next year as coach! I have a good feeling about the rest of our season!

I Just LOVE Making Him Laugh!!!

2007-07-06T23:55:00.000+10:00

We've Got Teeth!!!

2007-07-06T22:41:00.000+10:00

OMG! We have teeth!!!

Lachlan woke up this morning with his two bottom teeth! A BIG surprise as we knew they were coming but TWO was unexpected. He was seemingly ok with it though. A little grizzly on Thursday afternoon and he woke once crying in the middle of the night but was easily coaxed back to sleep quickly and then, there they were at 7am!

Kierra is FINALLY going to be Mrs Maciver!!!

2007-07-02T13:58:00.001+10:00

I've Got Me A Dress!!!!

2007-07-01T22:02:00.000+10:00

Kierra and I went shopping for my dress today and I'm am THRILLED to post that we got one chosen and ordered!!! It is this style but it is a dusty pink colour with brown trim and bow. I'm so excited it only took us one store and one weekend!

Can you believe it?!?!? I hardly can! I swear, I should be waking from this dream! Yippee for having the dresses chosen! YAY!

Lachlan is SIX Months!

2007-06-29T14:30:00.000+10:00

How the heck did a whole half a year pass me by?!?! I was feeling a little low on happiness about my little man growing up so fast so I decided to eat loads of sugar! We had a very small get together for his HALF BIRTHDAY and had HALF A CAKE!
Fun was had by all I think!

Step 2 Formula

2007-06-22T14:36:00.000+10:00

Yikes! We are moving up with the formula! Little man is 6 months so he needs 6 month+ formula! Still got a load of the old can still so will use that up first. There is just extra iron and stuff in this new one so same taste etc, he won't know the difference, just Mummy freaking out about another milestone reached and further and further away from being her little baby!!!

I Love Lachlan

2007-06-19T13:26:00.000+10:00

You know, you would think I had too much time on my hands by the looks of things wouldn't you. Believe me, I don't! I'm sitting here eating my lunch surfing the net like some kind of computer geek. Oh, hang on, I AM a computer geek! :-/

Treo 750

2007-06-03T10:53:00.000+10:00

Oh My G-d! It's here! It's really here!!!!!

I've been waiting for what seems like and ETERNITY for it to be here and now it is in my hot little hands. Now I just gotta figure out what to do with it. I'm going from the Palm OS Operating System in the Treo 650 to the Windows Operating System in the 750, and quite frankly, I'm lost!

BUT, it's here! It's really here!!!!!

No More Breast Milk!!!

2007-06-01T19:57:00.000+10:00

So this morning, Lachlan had the last bag of his Breast Milk that I had frozen. I'm sad that it's all over, but so happy he got as much Breast Milk as he did. He guzzled it down without hesitation but did not quite get the enormity of it all of what that bottle meant! I was the emotional one of course!

I'M STOKED WITH MY STOKKE!!!

2007-05-23T20:06:00.000+10:00

So I finally got the little man a high chair - - AND - - it rocks!!!! He loves it! For the first couple of minutes he was all "What the?!?!" And once he saw the food coming at him, he was won over! Yippee for STOKKE! www.stokke.com

DEBIE AND PAUL ARE PREGNANT

2007-05-22T09:25:00.000+10:00

Woo Hoo! Debie and Paul are having a baby! They are due around the end of December just like Lachlan! I can't wait! I am so over the moon with happiness for the both of them!!!

2007-05-20T23:27:00.000+10:00

I am packing up the pump! Can you quite believe it!!! I pumped today and got 30ml (1oz) from BOTH breasts today and have to tell you, I am feeling a little sad getting so little. I knew my supply was going to drop signifigantly once I started skipping pumping sessions to stop pumping all together, but it's here and I'm still shocked! Pumping has been such a big part of my life for almost 6 months and to suddenly think that tomorrow I won't be getting out of bed and pumping almost seems ludicrous. It's almost like losing a finger or something - I'll live but part of me is missing.

The good thing is that Lachlan still has about another 3 weeks left of frozen breast milk in the freezer for one his 250ml bottle in the mornings. So yippee for me being able to make it to 6 months for Lachlan having SOME breast milk.

I hope I have a more successful breastfeeding relationship with our next child, but I know that I gave it everything I could to give Lachlan my milk. We supplemented with Karicare Goat Formula when I wasn't able to pump a full days worth and he was fantastic with it after his terrible reactions to cow's milk formula. Little man hardly even notices when he gets breast milk instead of the goat formula!!!

Well, off to put the pump and bottles away. Hard to believe I won't see these again for 12-24 months until the next signing for Team Copeland, it's almost like saying goodbye to an old friend!

Goodbye my Medela Swing, you were loyal, reliable and most importantly, portable! Rest well.

FIRST MOTHER'S DAY

2007-05-13T21:28:00.000+10:00

This morning Richard and Alan made Tracy and I breakfast and then we all went for a walk and took some photo's with my new camera. It was a pretty nice day but I am already planning on what I want to give Alan for Father's Day! I can't wait!!!!

I'm In LOVE!

2007-05-10T22:06:00.000+10:00

Look what I got yesterday!!!! I can't tell you how excited I am about it! Actually, Richard could tell you probably since I asked him about a 1000 questions before my purchase and made him rack his brain and look at every website he could to compare the Nikon's for me! Bless him - what a good man!

Team Copeland Photo Shoot

2007-05-10T14:22:00.001+10:00

For my 30th Birthday I asked for Eva and Les to have a photographer take some family photo's of us. I am really happy with them. Although, I still do wonder where my teeny tiny baby went to?

T-I-I-I-I-M-B-E-R!!!

2007-05-06T19:44:00.000+10:00

First Football Game!

2007-04-25T22:04:00.000+10:00

Lachlan and Daddy watched their first Roosters game today. I think Daddy got more enjoyment out of it than Lachlan did, but it at least gave me 90 minutes to myself! WOO HOO!!!

I'm sorry to say, but I think the Roosters lost. Again. I'll be glad when this year is over and Chris Anderson is long gone from our club. I have a bad feeling that I think we signed him for next year too. I'll have to look into that. "Sod off old man!!!" >:-/

What To Expect Website

2007-04-23T13:55:00.000+10:00

Since April last year, I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the December Board on the www.whattoexpect.com website. I have found and made many new friends and shared the highlights and the lowlights of our pregnancies, birthing experiences and motherhood. To all my other pregnant friends out there, I urge you to join your birth month board on this website and I hope your experience is a positive and valued as mine is.

I must say, checking out the other board months, they are the most devine and cutest little beings ever!

Lachlan's First Real Noises

2007-04-16T21:40:00.000+10:00

I LOVE IT! I have no idea how he figured out he could do this but it makes me laugh every time he does it. It's so cute! He does it mostly when I am changing his nappy but I guess, if it keeps him amused during the proceedure, I am all for it!!!

Lachlan's First Passover!

2007-04-05T16:53:00.000+10:00

We had our first Passover in our new home this year as a brand new family last night. It was a nice night with a few friends and their children. My little man helped me light the candles too!

Lachlan And His Bumbo Seat

2007-03-26T08:47:00.000+10:00

Well, it is official! Lachlan is a sports addict! This was Lachlan watching whatever Cricket World Cup Match Daddy left on TV this morning. He looks stunned! I guess there was a big 6 hit out of the park or something equally as exciting. Other than that, he was probably just burping. Either way, he is just like his father.

Best Face In The World!

2007-03-19T21:30:00.000+11:00

Errr, Mum, do you think you could move the camera back JUST A LITTLE!!!

I'm Just Too Cute You Know!!!

2007-03-02T19:49:00.000+11:00

Lachlan laughed for the first time yesterday! It was SO sweet! I almost cried. I was blowing on his belly while changing his nappy and saying "Pooey, you stinky!" and he did this huge belly laugh. Usually he just gives a bit of a coo, but today was a great big laugh. Can't wait until Alan hears it. On a sadder note, my poor little guy had his first immunisation shots today. He is a bit out of sorts. He had a massive sleep afterwards but tonight is a bit worse for wear! He is sucking on his dummy like there is no tomorrow! Hopefully he will be better tomorrow!

Justin and Leah returned recently from their big trip to Europe and they get to finally meet my little man. They left a couple of days after Lochie was born and since they live in Sydney, they never got to meet him. Tomorrow is the big day!

Montage

2007-02-20T19:40:00.000+11:00

Some photo's of Team Copeland! I'm not obsessed! -- I'm not!

hoprah.minti.com

Lachlan Has Started Smiling!

2007-02-10T10:11:00.000+11:00

Of course I haven't been able to manage to take a really good photo of him when he is mouth wide in smiles but this one is pretty good. It's really great now! For the past 6 weeks, I feel like it has been a totally one sided relationship (which it has considering he fed, pooped and slept - oh yeah AND cried), but now I am getting something in return - smiles from my little guy!

I don't think I have ever been so tired in my life, but also in saying that, I don't think I have ever been as happy. Lachlan can be very demanding at times (when he is hungry - just like his Dadda), and he can make me go slightly crazy when he refuses to sleep and I struggle to find a spare minute to grab a shower, but I wouldn't trade him for the world. If I was to be without him now, I don't know what I would do. I just want to eat him up with a spoon!

We Moved Into Our House!

2007-02-05T19:34:00.000+11:00

Woo Hoo! Super Excited Today! We have finally moved into our new house.

Alan and Richard were SO good. They got all the big items that we can't fit into the Rav from Florey to Palmerston in two loads of the big box trailer and in under 3 hours! Super Men or what!?!?!?

First Picnic

2007-01-28T20:31:00.000+11:00

Team Copeland headed out to the Botanical Gardens today with the Perry's for the boys' first picnic. Don't think they truly appreciated it -- hmmm -- wonder why?

G-d Love Huggies!

2007-01-27T10:08:00.000+11:00

Huggies have a new Pop-Top Dispenser for their wipes now! It means that at 3am when I used to have to root around trying to find the beginning of the wipe, only to pull it out and bring about another 4 with me before it tore off, I can now just grab the top of it poking out like a tissue box and, wham, ONE WIPE!

Yes everyone, it too has dawned on me that the smallest and most random things make my life happy and easier! Perks I guess of having no life outside of Alan and Lachlan! :-P

Back In Hospital!

2007-01-23T23:13:00.000+11:00

Alan raging away on my birthday in hospital!

Well, it has been an exhausting few days! Lachlan and I went to QEII to try and get him reattached to the breast for feeding. He was doing pretty well, feeding from the breast with a nipple shield and then taking the rest of his feed in a bottle when he started fussing about being on the breast. The next day, they suggested to take him to hospital as he was changing colour quite dramatically around feeds. Off we went and bam!, admitted to hospital as the paediatrician thought he might have a hole in his heart. Of course, I tried to keep it all together, but when someone tells you that kind of news with your 4 week old child it is pretty hard!

I decided that I would only stress when and if there was something to stress about! The most stressful part of the whole time in hospital was just that! Being in hospital! Yuck! Was interesting to say the least that I spent my 30th birthday in the children's ward of Canberra Hospital!

We had to go to Sydney yesterday to get Lachlan checked out with an Ultrasound. He does have a VERY SMALL hole in his heart but apparently so do 25% of newborns. It will either close up on it's own or stay there. The only real reason to operate on it is if Lachlan wants to scuba dive etc when he is older. So glad it is all over and that he is ok. Life sure does dish up some challenges!

Some exciting news though, Alan and I are going to be Rory's Godparents! Charity and Andrew asked us on the 22nd. We are SO thrilled.

How True Is This? Hmmm???

2007-01-21T22:17:00.000+11:00

Your Birthdate: January 21

You're a restless rebel with an unpredictable nature.
Bright but unbridled, you tend to seek out wild experiences over new ideas.
People are frustrated by your great potential, but you love your unconventional life.
You're a heartbreaker. People get attached to you, and then you're gone.

Your strength: Your thirst for adventure

Your weakness: Not taking time for slow pleasures

Your power color: Hot pink

Your power symbol: Figure eight

Your power month: March

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

WHAT HAPPENED IN 1977???

2007-01-21T21:19:00.000+11:00

In 1977 (the year you were born)

Jimmy Carter becomes president of the US

Most of the 10,000 Vietnam War draft evaders are pardoned by President Carter

Elvis Presley dies in his Graceland bathroom

Anwar Sadat flies to Jerusalem in a dramatic gesture of willingness to discuss peace

Orlando Bloom, Shakira, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Liv Tyler, and Ludacris are born

New York Yankees win the World Series

Oakland Raiders win Superbowl XI

Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup

Swedish music group ABBA passes The Beatles as having most records sold

Star Wars is the top grossing film

The Shining by Stephen King is published

"You Light Up My Life" by Debby Boone spends the most time at the top of the US charts

Three's Company premieres

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

I'M 30

2007-01-21T21:13:00.000+11:00

WHAT? Yes! Unbelievable right? I know you are all thinking, "I swear she is only 17!" Yes, you would be correct in the looks (sic) department and my mental age, but the time is here and BANG, suddenly I am 30!

I'm not entirely sure how it happened. A year slipped by while I was 21 and then another and another and another and apparently it is 2007. HOLY COW!

Can I crawl up into a ball yet and cry? Tell me when.

Rory Dare Underwood Arrives!

2007-01-15T17:21:00.000+11:00

Charity and Andrew had their second child today! She is SUCH a Wonder Woman! Rory arrived just before lunch and she was home about 3pm or something crazy! Such an inspiration!

The Bris Boy

2007-01-05T18:28:00.000+11:00

We went up to Sydney the other day for Lachlan's circumcision. Of course, the Dr (ex Mohel) just did it in a matter of seconds. Daddy and I sat outside in the waiting room because there was NO way in hell that we were watching it. Grandma went in to supervise the proceedure for us.

He is the 'shortened' little guy with his Grandpa. Do you think he is thinking up some kind of revenge on us. Man, I can't believe how tiny he is. I just look at him and think "for something so small, you sure did hurt on the way out!!!"

New Years Eve - 2006

2007-01-01T16:12:00.000+11:00

Last year Alan and I went away with Richard and Tracy to the Hunter Valley for three days over NYE and we had the BEST time. There was no emphasis on watching the clock and it was only that fact that I went to the toilet about 1:00am and returned saying "Um, does anyone else realise it is the first of January now?" A quick kiss for everyone and then we prompty returned to playing Cranium. This year Richard, Tracy AND new arrival Huon were in Canada visiting Tracy's family (actually, I think they were either on a plane or in an airport lounge when the clock ticked over to midnight) so Alan and I spent it at home with Lachlan on our own.

It was shaping up to be a nice NYE for the first time as a family until the element in the oven blew while I was cooking dinner. Horror struck both our faces when we realised that Lachlan's bottles were all due for sterilising. How would we boil them? Aaaargh! Alan raced off to purchase a steriliser before the chemist closed. Phew, even if we had to eat pizza, Lachlan would still be able to have his Mummy-Milk in a bottle.

About 8pm, thunder rolled in and the rain started coming down. I suddenly had the worst feeling about our garage. Since returning from Indonesia, I've unpacked as little as possible so when we move into our new home it would not be so much packing for us. We raced out there and water was starting to pour in and almost reaching the boxes. Alan and I spent the next hour throwing boxes onto the top of the car and then racing them through the hail and rain inside. We were completely drenched by the time we fixed everything up! Lachlan of course, slept peacefully throughout the whole storm!

Perhaps not the best NYE, but certainly the most memorable one!

Breastfeeding - An Olympic Sport???

2006-12-27T10:57:00.000+11:00

Surely! Women who find Breastfeeding easy and comfortable should enter into the Olympic games and compete! Who knew it was going to be this hard! Lachlan refuses to attach and when he does he either sits right on the end (and now I have blisters on blisters and bleeding on bleeding) or gets half on, a few sucks and pulls himself off. Grrrrrrrr!

I am solely expressing milk now for him and giving it to him in a bottle because he finds that 'easy' to feed. Will go to QEII as soon as possible for 5 days to reattach him in a few weeks when I have healed up. I know you are supposed to tear up when you Breastfeed, but it's supposed to be joy at having a baby and being a Mummy, not because you feel like you have a leech with crocodile teeth gnawing away at you!

OUCH!!!!

LACHLAN MACKENZIE COPELAND IS HERE!!!

2006-12-22T22:07:00.000+11:00

My EDD was the 12th of December and soon after that date I was beginning to think that I would never give birth. As much as I wanted to give birth to our baby boy, I also wanted to keep him inside me for as long as possible to make sure that he had as good as start as I could possibly give him. I felt that I had a relatively good pregnancy, just with all the typical symptoms like being really tired in the first and third trimesters etc, but thankfully no morning sickness. I'd had instruction Leah about vitamins, diet etc and starting on Raspberry Leaf extract at 32 weeks for good uterine health. I also did yoga intermittently and walked almost every day with Alan, even if it was just to the shops and back. I did Optimal Fetal Positioning Exercises, sitting on a fitball each day and Pelvic Floor Exercises. Even right up to today, I was very active and determined to birth naturally and I think that this also contributed to a smooth labour.

I did engage the help of a fantastic Doula called Rachel (Rae) who helped me with my fears of tearing, pain and hoping that I could birth Lachlan the way I wanted to. Even though Alan and I only started meeting with her at week 37, I felt like I'd known her for ages as she was so personable! I was very anti-intervention and anti-medical pain relief, but was also completely scared that I would not be able to follow through with it. Rae met with us often in the last month and we talked a lot about my fears and her role with Alan and I during labour and the birth. When I was 41 weeks exactly (19th December) I went for my first appointment with an Acupuncture Therapist called Dr Alex Perry to stimulate my gall bladder, bladder etc in preparation for labour. Even though I was happy to continue with the pregnancy without being induced, I was also beginning to worry occasionally that there was something wrong with me and that my body could not birth the baby. Silly thoughts, I know! I was also getting really worried by this stage as I knew that in two more days when I had an appointment with the Doctor's at the hospital, they would be discussing and encouraging inducing me. I went the next day (20th December) to see Alex again and could definitely feel a difference in just the fact that I actually slept really well that night, and again the following day (21st December) in the morning before seeing the Doctor.

The Doctor of course wanted to book me in for the following day (22nd December) for an induction but Alan and I convinced him that if we came back every second day for monitoring that they could induce me on the 30th when I would be 42 weeks and 1 day. I was really excited because I knew that there was no way that I would make that appointment because I would already have had a baby by then. I believed in my body that it would know what to do at the right time. I went back to see Alex that afternoon at 3.45pm for my last treatment and at 4.00pm actually had my first contraction there. Alex kept saying, "Yep, I think these pains are contractions, you might be having a baby soon". I just kept hopeful, thinking that it would be at least a few more days away.

Alan and I got home at 5.30pm and I was having pains in my pelvic area, stomach and lower back on and off. I had a bloody show and Alan frantically rang the hospital to ask advice. I couldn't comprehend that it might actually be labour whereas Alan was keeping a log of contraction times and length. I kept telling him I just needed to go to the toilet as I truly doubted that it was pre-labour. My plan all along, was to labour at home for as long as possible with Alan and Rae and head to hospital when contractions were around 5 minutes apart. I spoke to Margo the Midwife during a contraction and she said that I was doing really good work at home and that she would probably be seeing me around dawn. At 8.00pm Alan ran a bath for me and I dived in to relieve some of the pain. I was getting a bit grumpy though because the bath was too shallow for me to get my back and stomach into it at the same time. I was in some very interesting positions to try and make that happen. Alan finally almost convinced me that I was actually labouring and that I should get some rest for the big event! I wasn't sure though as he told me that in the space of an hour I had gone from contracting every 10 minutes rapidly down to every 2-3 minutes. I did as I was told and got into bed and lasted for one contraction before I had to jump out and lean on the wall and wanted the bath again. Alan kept asking me did I want to go to hospital and I remember being really annoyed at him a few times when he asked because he knew that I wanted to labour at home for as long as possible. Suddenly after another contraction I knew that the baby was close (or so I hoped) and yelled out to Alan to get the bags, put me in the shower and get me to the hospital. I at least thought, 'if I get there and I am still just in pre-labour, they can send me home again and as least I've used up a couple of hours'. It's true that labouring women have no sense of time or rationale and poor Alan was dealing with about 40 different requests, demands and wants all at the same time.

We got to the hospital at around 11.30pm and even though had always planned on not having internal examinations to keep me 'updated' on my progress, I said yes to having one as soon as I got there and was told we were 6-7cm dilated. I was SO ecstatic as I knew that our little guy would be joining us in a few more hours. Or so I thought. The Midwife tried to monitor him for 10 minutes to make sure he wasn't in distress at all and that lasted about a whole 3 seconds as I could not bring myself to be on my back during a contraction. Rae had already taken charge of the situation and drawn the birth pool for me and I readily dived in there wanting some sweet relief! It was absolute heaven because it came up over my chest and I could just wade around in there. From that point on I totally lost everything around me except for a few snippets here and there. I remember during the contractions kneeling in the pool and holding onto the side and in between Alan wiping my face with an ice-packed washer. I also remember Rae giving the Midwife instructions every now and then about how I wanted to labour etc because I had not printed out my Birth Preferences to give to her. Rae was great, Alan was able to really concentrate and focus on me while she prepared the room and negotiated terms with the hospital staff. I remember on the way to the bath Rae saying to me 'Your baby is going to be born on the 22nd of December'. My first thought was "Bloody Hell Rae, don't tell me that! That's hours away!" Little did I realise it was 11.50pm.

After what seemed to be only a matter of minutes, I had to really concentrate on the contractions as I felt like I was involuntarily pushing. I didn't want to risk tearing badly so the contractions were really painful as I was clenching my pelvic floor so much. The Midwife could hear this too and I got out of the bath again around 12.30ish so that I could have another internal and was told I was 10cm and it was go-time! Rae raised the head of the bed for me so I could kneel up and grab a hold of the rail behind it and push from all fours. I kept saying and thinking that my knees and thighs were really hurting but there was no way that I could possibly move because I knew if I moved positions I'd find it hard to get comfortable again. The Midwife without warning broke my waters as they were bulging, but it was the best thing because I suddenly remember having this huge relief from pressure.

At 1.05am, Lachlan Mackenzie Copeland came sliding out into the world into his Fathers hands. I always wanted Alan to catch him so that his Dad was the very first person he felt touching him instead of some rubber-gloved Doctor. I was a little teary and looked around finally and saw the hugest smile on Alan's face and knew that we'd achieved exactly the birth experience we wanted. Lachlan's umbilical cord had already stopped pulsating so I let the Doctor cut it before birthing the placenta. I knew that it could take up to and hour to birth it naturally and the Doctor and Midwife kept saying "Your body makes this hormone anyway, this is just a way to speed up the process." I said "Well, I'll let my body make it then!" 5 minutes later, the placenta had been birthed and stitches were being sewn. Lachlan opened me up like a cheap can of sardines and I swear having the stitches was more painful than Lachlan crowning! Ouch!

Lachlan was still covered in loads of vernix despite being 'overdue' and when he was put on my chest for his first cuddle I just couldn't believe he was ours and that we were really beginning to be a family! Of course I think he is the most adorable little boy to grace this planet, just like every parent thinks of there own children, but I know that Lachlan will give Alan and I many years of happiness. I really feel wonderful. I know it is the hormones that are still rushing around my body, but I swear I could fly right now if I had to!

Alan's Last Birthday Before Fatherhood ...

2006-12-18T17:42:00.000+11:00

40 Weeks + 6 Days

It is Alan's 28th Birthday today! I am sure he thought he was going to be getting his first born son for a present, but unless it happens in the next 6 hours, I think he is safe with not having to share his birthday with anyone.

6 days 'over' today. Hoping I go into labour though before Thursday morning because that is our next appointment and the Dr will most likely want to be inducing then or the following day and I don't want a bar of that! This baby was conceived naturally and I am hoping that he can be born naturally. I hope it isn't too much further away, we are all dying to meet him!

Love To All

It's Not A Perfect World!

2006-12-13T15:55:00.000+11:00

It's official! I am OVERDUE!

"Medically speaking", I was due to have a baby apparently yesterday on the 12th of December! I hate medical bull! Why don't they give you a 'due month' or 'due fortnight'? That would either just be sensible or too much effort I think. It's amazing, all along I have said that the little guy can stay inside for as long as he needs to, but now D-Day has passed, I just feel a little deflated.

He can come tomorrow if he likes, but then he has to stay in there until Sunday night at least as Rachel is away from Friday to Sunday and I reaaally want her to be there for support for Alan and I. We have a back up Doula in case he does decide to come over the weekend, but since we are only meeting her tonight for the first time, I would really prefer to keep with Rachel as I have such a good connection with her.

Anyway, all I really can do now is sit and wait and keep eating lots of curries! He'll come when he wants, I just hope it happens in the time constraints I've given the poor little guy!

Love To All

SINGLE FIGURES?!?!?

2006-12-05T16:10:00.000+11:00

When did this happen? I can't believe it is only 7 days until we are parents. (In a perfect world of course saying that I don't go over my due date).

Alan and I are going out for one last nice dinner date as DINK's, (more like single income since I am not working). I just KNOW I am going to have heartburn after all the goodies I am going to stuff myself silly with tonight. If only heartburn was as pretty as this picture and not the real horror it actually is to a Third Trimester Pregnant Lady!

Love To All

Taken Out For a Nice Movie ...

2006-11-28T10:08:00.000+11:00

NOT!

Alan and I had 4 Hoyts Movie Money vouchers to use that expire in March and Alan thought it would be a nice thing to do since it would probably be one of the last chances to get to see a movie before Shlomo comes.

WELL, he chose to see "Borat". I can honestly say, without a doubt, the dumbest movie I have ever seen. If Alan had been pregnant, he would have gone into labour for sure. The guy just laughed his head off. In fact, the whole cinema was in hysterics. Not sure if it was the hormones, but I really could have stayed home and enjoyed my night more. My poor butt and hips are still sore from sitting in that cinema chair for so long.

Apart from that, I am doing well and now just waiting for the little guy to make his entrance.

Love To All

Being a Good Mummy-To-Be!

2006-11-23T10:50:00.000+11:00

So, I think I have done everything 'medically' I can possibly do now. For the third trimester, I've finished having my two-shot course of Anti-D, done my Strep B test and had the last Ultrasound. Now it is just the waiting game.

I hope my face is going to clear up, otherwise, after the birth I am going to look like a pimply-face-16-year-old. Yeesh!

Speaking of the birth! I am SO at ease now. I won't say completely as that is a HUGE lie. Alan and I have organised to have a Doula with us during labour etc. She is fabulous. Her name is Rachel (Rae) and is so positive about the birth experience and the labour. Since organising to have her be with us for labour support I have slept so well!!! It is fantastic to wake up in the morning and know that I only had to get up once or twice to go to the bathroom and I wasn't awake for hours stressing or stewing on Intervention and a C-Section. Yay!!!

Love To All

Last Ultrasound

2006-11-10T19:13:00.000+11:00

Alan and I had our last Ultrasound today. Shlomo is looking fine. He was moving a lot during it and the Sonographer was having a hard time to get measurements etc on him. We found out he is about right on cue for his Gestational Weight and Due Date.

Starting to really stress out about labour now that we are a month away. I haven't been able to sleep very well and wondering how I can go about calming myself before it. Think my fears are starting to rub off on Alan too.

In the end, he is going to come one way or another but want to birth him with as little intervention as possible. I don't want him to be 'delivered', I want to give birth to him. Yeah, I know, sounding like someone from the 70's! But the way I see it, he was conceived naturally, I'd like him to arrive the same way.

Love To All

Just Had To Post This!

2006-11-01T11:01:00.000+11:00

NEWS FLASH: Pregnant Woman Stresses Over Nothing! No Way!

2006-10-31T21:24:00.000+11:00

Went into Labour and Delivery today to get Shlomo monitored. Since he is SO active, I am used to constantly feeling him - I swear he does not sleep! I hadn't felt movement the whole day and I started freaking out a little. I've always felt guilty that he hasn't had the best start to life. In Indonesia it was hard to eat right and I got food poisoning twice and had to go on a drip once as I was so dehydrated. I always took my prenatal vitamins religiously so hopefully that counts for something!

ANYWAY, of course as soon as Alan came home to get me and we were on the way to the hospital, who should decide that it was time to tell Mum and Dad that they were just being a lazy little bugger for the day and starting packing the punches like usual! So of course we were in L&D getting monitored and even though he was not as 'active' as normal, he still managed to let the midwife know he was alive and well. So of course I felt like the biggest moron going in there when nothing was wrong, but as they told us, they'd rather 1000 anxious pregnant women to come in and send the 999 home that nothing is wrong with and be able to help the 1 woman that is having problems.

So, the little cricket star continues to practise his batting inside is womb ...

Love To All!

Baby Copeland Is Spoilt Already!

2006-10-20T10:55:00.000+10:00

Well Baby Copeland certainly is getting spoiled! Grandma purchased a bassinnette for him today and it is blue and white and is very adorable. I got him an Ernie and a Bert toy from Sesame Street as I had them when I was younger and loved them to bits. I probably purchased them more for me actually now that I really think about it!

Also had a short Antenatal Appointment in the Midwife Clinic today to test my urine etc because I've been having some kidney pain with all the extra filtration now for two of us. No problems there!Beginning to become a little "Baby Obsessed" and think I need something else to start to fill my time in before Shlomo comes other than surfing the net reading article after article on breastfeeding and childbirth. It's getting me more stressed than relaxed I think!

Love To All

30 Weeks! Whaaat?!?!

2006-10-03T22:44:00.000+10:00

I completely have NO idea how I am suddenly 30 weeks already! When did this happen?

I am now registered at the hospital and in the process of having all the fun things done like, Gestational Diabetes tests done etc to make sure all is ok. Baby Copeland has started to kick the absolute buggery out of me and have decided he is grounded when he comes out for kicking Mummy so much!

This week, we finally purchased a cot and a change table. We haven't put it together yet as the Baby Room is full of cardboard boxes from the move. I think we will put it together in a couple of weeks or so. This weekend, we are going down the coast to have a Surprise 70th Birthday Party for Grandma and after that, we can get stuck into making preparations for the little man.

Grandma is of course going crazy with excitement about finally being a Great Grandma. She has purchased a heap of baby clothes already and is already asking about what type of car seat is best etc to get installed in her car.

Love To All

Huon Hudson Perry Makes His Entrance!

2006-09-21T22:40:00.000+10:00

Richard and Tracy had their baby by emergency C-Section this morning at 2.57 am. He is just TOO cute for words. Both Richard and Tracy looked VERY short on sleep when I snuck in to see them at 8.30 am but I am sure both still running on that full tank of Love-Gas they have for Huon!

Love To All

A Move AND A Birthday!

2006-09-17T22:33:00.000+10:00

YAY! We have moved to Canberra FINALLY! Alan will start working for ABARE again in the next few weeks and we have rented a place for 6 months until we find our own place to buy. I am SO unsettled and can't wait to get our own home again and feel like things are coming together again.

We went to Sydney this weekend also for Les' 60th Birthday Party. Was a really good night and we made some really good speeches. Was really tired by the end of the party, but I guess that comes along with the territory!

Love To All

INXS - REVIVED AND ROCKING!!!

2006-09-09T13:56:00.000+10:00

Last night Alan, Kierra, Iain and I went to see INXS at the Big Top at Luna Park. Super excited to have finally seen them live, albeit with a new lead singer, but J.D. Fortune was by far the best choice from Rockstar! It was an awesome gig!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDKcZzQuRx8

Love To All

And Babies Make Six ... Soon!

2006-09-01T02:39:00.000+10:00

Had my other tooth out today and NO WHERE near as bad as the first one. Just nice stuff like blood. Hmmm!

Went to Canberra on the weekend to see friends. Caught up specifically with Richard and Tracy as it will be the last time (most likely) that it will be just the four of us instead of six. Tracy has a great big belly and I am like, "Oh ho! That is me in a couple of months!" Starting to stress a little about the baby, wondering if Alan and I can pretend to be grown ups enough to fool him that we are going to be responsible parents! Most likely not!

Love To All!

Back in AUS, Let's Have Surgery!

2006-08-22T07:52:00.000+10:00

Got off the plane this morning and could have almost kissed the ground!!! I didn't because it was FREEZING and my lips would have stuck to the ground!

Home! Yay! First port of call was a shower and then off to see Peter to get the first of two wisdome teeth. This one was REALLY impacted and boy am I in a touch of bother. Well, off to sleep with some frozen peas stuck to the side of my face. I am looking hot! Oh Yeah!

Love To All!

YIPPEE!!! GOING HOME!!!

2006-08-20T10:59:00.000+10:00

Yippee! Getting on a plane tomorrow to go back to Australia. Alan told Glencore to stick their job up their butt! Woo Hoo! Yay For Us Going Home!

I know once I get home that I will be completely guilt ridden about the fact that Alan gave up his dream job for his expanding family, and I love him dearly for that, but right now, I just can't get out of this place quick enough! I'm just like a pig in mud!

See Y'All Soon!

Love To All!

Frustrated!

2006-07-13T06:46:00.000+10:00

Hmm, I have a '20 minute a day Husband' and somehow I think I am going to have a '20 minute a day Dad' to our baby too. Starting to get VERY bored and frustrated. There are some nice younger girls here who are having children at the same time as me or have just had, but it's really not like being at home.

Need to talk to Alan about him making a bit more of an effort to be at home more. Bl**dy Glencore!

Love To All

We Finally Have a Doctor!

2006-06-18T16:41:00.000+10:00

His name is Dr Alex Ooi and is in Singapore. (I doubt I'd have my baby here in Indonesia, I swear a chicken would be running down the hall as I was in labour!!!) We went to Singapore on Thursday night to arrange our Visa's for Indonesia and I booked an appointment with him for the Friday. First we went to Mount Elizabeth Hospital and went for a Maternity Ward Tour to see the facilities and staff then headed for an ultrasound with Dr Ooi. He has got enough letters after his name to make anyone impressed and I thouroughly scrutinised all of his Degrees displayed in the waiting room.

He is pretty on the ball and Alan and I were both happy with him to have him now be our OB and deliver the baby. Unfortunately still a little too early to tell the sex but will find out in 6 weeks when we go back for our next appointment. Was good to see the Ultrasound go well and the baby was very active. Hard to actually not wish that it was waving at Mum and Dad saying, "Check out this cricket batting arms hey?!?!" and not just playing with the umbilical cord like it was. The journey continues...Love To All!

Just Survived My First Earthquake

2006-06-18T11:24:00.000+10:00

About 20 past 3 this afternoon I was sitting at the computer thinking, "boy I am thirsty". A couple of minutes later I started to sway and rock in my chair and I thought "Now I REALLY have to go and get some water! I am starting to get faint". Then I looked over at the curtains which were swinging and the bedroom door which was rocking back and forth slightly and thought "Oh Bugger". Wasn't a big one, but now, no longer and Earthquake Virgin. Not sure about this at all!!!

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/quake-prompts-tsunami-warning/2006/07/17/1152988467877.html

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200607/s1688817.htm

Love To All

Our First Indonesian Wedding ...

2006-06-12T14:15:00.000+10:00

Today The Coal Man and I went to our first Indonesian Wedding. It was Risa's wedding to Andy. Risa works at Alan's office and with the exception for Tony who was in Sydney this weekend, we all went from G.I. It was a very traditional wedding and the outfits that Risa and Andy wore, not to mention the bridal party and other attendants were amazing. Very honoured to been invited to such a wonderful occasion. Love To All!

IT'S A BOY!!!

2006-06-12T11:20:00.000+10:00

Found out today that little Baby Copeland is a boy! Alan are I are happy as we both really wanted a boy first. When the doctor told me, both arms were shot into the air and a loud "Woo Hoo!" was shouted. All this while the doc was still playing with my belly! SUPER EXCITED!!!!

I asked the Dr if the baby had a strong right arm to open NSW Cricket with, but I don't think he thought it was as important question as I did. Go Figure?!?!? New due date though of around the 12th of December now.

Saw a Dr here in Jakarta, still not completely convinced it is a good move to have him here. We'll see. Love To All.

Yay! English Speakers! I Can Hold a Conversation Finally!

2006-06-05T06:07:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I went to ANZA (Australia and New Zealand Association). ANZA is an organisation that is involved with Welfare and Education for the local Indonesians by doing fundraising, volunteering etc. On each Friday they hold a Morning Tea where you go and meet other people, get involved in the social activities and enjoy (sic) a good coffee. I finally got there after all my fatigue, getting used to Jakarta and Food Poisoning. It was heaven! When I spoke, people understood! When I asked questions, people could answer! Jackpot! I met a few really nice ladies who all like me are unable to work and need something to fill in their time. Enter ANZA. It is a nice environment actually, a lot of the women there are older than me, at least late 30's+. I was sitting there at first thinking, boy, I've got to be the baby here, then realised, hmmm, 30 myself in January! How did that happen? By the way, for those of you requesting, here is a photo of me in my 14th week! Love the pj pants? Love To All!

It's Official! I've Had My First "Bali-Belly"! :-(

2006-05-28T06:06:00.000+10:00

It's Official! I am dying! I have to be!

I knew Tuesday's dinner was not good! Yesterday after Les left, about 1pm, it started! It's now Friday and it hasn't stopped. I had to go into Global Doctors last night and have a drip put in, there was NO way I could keep anything in! Yes people! I've lived in Indonesia and I've now had the full effects! Not Happy Jan! Love To All.

Our First Visitor Leaves ...

2006-05-25T06:05:00.000+10:00

On Monday, Alan's Dad arrived in Jakarta via KL for a couple of meetings with a close contact at a University in Bogor and also at the Australian Embassy. I went out with Pak Bambung (Glencore Driver and my new buddy) to the Airport to pick Les up and it was very funny to see him standing there with all of his luggage in my new but still very foreign country. It was nice to see someone else who sticks out like a sore thumb! Monday night we went to a Lebanese restaurant at the Le Meridian for dinner and the food was absolutely delicious. It will be a favourite of ours I think, now that we have already been there twice. Then on Tuesday night, Les, who enjoys Indonesian food, wanted some so we took him to one of the Indo restaurants in the hotel part of the apartments we live in. Alan and Les said that the food was pretty good, but I was not a fan, at all. Brrrr, GROSS. I did not enjoy mine at all. I kept thinking, "Hope I am going to be ok after this". Anyway, Les is now on his way back to KL where he will have more meetings then off to Dehli for more and where he will surely be sweating as the temperature there is about 40 degress plus!

I Could NOT Eat Another Thing!!!

2006-05-23T04:09:00.000+10:00

Today, Alan and I went to the famed "Jakarta Shangri-La Sunday Brunch". I can't even begin to describe just how big this thing was and do it justice. There were food stations EVERYWHERE! There were: Indian, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, Fruit, Bread, Dessert, Soup, Cheese/Salad, Stir-fry, Carvery, and they are the ones I actually looked at. There was food everywhere! Alan thoroughly stuffed himself but told me that his Mum DEFINATELY made a better roast beef than they did. Reminds me of the story that Beth tells me that Alan missed a Rooster's Game one year because Eva was making a roast.

I ate lots too, even in my pregnant state where I can hardly fit food in, I managed it. On the way out of there, as Alan and I waddled our way out, I was spell bound by the sight of a chocolate fountain! I quickly looked around for Todd and Peter to see if they were watching for people putting their head in under there! I stood there mesmerised, thinking "Can I, can I?". I quickly regained composure and decided to leave it for next time. Might make that first port of call. Love To All.

Harness? Shoes? What For?

2006-05-21T06:28:00.000+10:00

Next door to our apartment block is a construction site. They are building apartments and are finishing a small office block in conjunction with them. I watch it every day as it gets higher and more complete. These guys work 24/7 and get paid pittance. An average wage for a labourer in Indonesia is roughly RUP650000 per month (AUD$100). Admittedly there seems to be a SLIGHTLY more safety concious attitude at the apartment building. While they don't have harnesses, they do have hard hats and some form of foot coverings, albeit thongs or flip flops. (I think the guy who swings at the end of the crane in the concrete tub wears shoes although the other day he wasn't wearing a hard hat!) The guys who are finishing the office block don't have anything! This one guy was walking from office to office inspecting the balcony on each of the top ones with no shoes, no hard hat, no harness, no rigging. Just like he was walking on the ground, he was walking on a thin plank of wood 5 sotreys above the ground. They say that 10 people die in Jakarta each day in a Motorcycle accident, I want to know how many people die on construction sites!

"Darling, Just Popping Down to Get This Weeks Louis Vuitton, Won't Be a Moment"

2006-05-18T02:00:00.000+10:00

He He He! There are some seriously crazy and expensive shopping in Jakarta! For somewhere to live that is so 'cheap', Jakarta can really dish it up to the Upper Class Locals and Foreigners. I went yesterday to Plaza Indonesia (next door to the Hyatt Hotel, that should have really been my first give-away that I was not in my 'area') and it was just too much! I didn't know whether to walk around just saying, "Holy Cr@p! How much?!?!?"

There is Louis Vuitton, Longchamp, Tiffany's and more! I felt like Dorothy saying "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Toto". Hopefully on Friday when I go to the ANZA House for the first time I will make friends that do not want to frequent the Upper End Shopping Centres and are as big as phlebs as me. Hmmm, wishful thinking. Love To All.

Mission Bl**dy Impossible! Grrr!

2006-05-12T17:57:00.000+10:00

Well, I have survived my first weekend in Jakarta. Alan and I went shopping on Saturday Morning and did not realise that shopping centres here do not open until 10am (the upside is that they do not close until 9 or 10pm). We sat around the "Coffee Bean" and had some breakfast at Plaza Semanggi. I miss toast already. My 'toast' that I was presented with was a pale comparison to the good old Tip Top I am used to. Way too sweet (yes, you hear that right from Mrs Sweet Tooth herself), and not nearly toasted enough. I miss vegemite too. When we get a kitchen up and running, I will somehow get vegemite toast going in the mornings. Mmmm.

So, off we went to the Supermarket to buy household items. It's mental. Completely Mental!!! It's like Coles, Big W and KMart in one. Thankfully we went early as Alan said he and Tony went last weekend together and it was completely packed. There are some weird and wonderful things here. I had a 'lychee and soursop' Fanta the other day and that wasn't even the weirdest flavour! We then came home to clean the kitchen within an inch of it's life. The apartment is very nice and comfortable, but I think the last people just moved on out without cleaning anything. It is very musty and pretty disgusting and I am slowly working my way through it. Plus, I think Alan was alone here too long. We'll get a part time maid soon, I'm too tired at the moment to do anything but sleep and walk the 5 minutes it takes me to get to Alan's office to have lunch with him. On Sunday we then went and saw a movie. We were the only 'non-Indonesian' patrons and we really stuck out like a sore thumb. Very funny indeed as some people still look at us like we are from a completely different planet. We went and saw Mission Impossible, complete with Indo subtitles. Not bad. Best out of the three, I think.

Taxi's also are SO cheap. Flag fall is less than AUD$1.00 and each km is about AUD$0.50 or something like that. At least until the baby is born, I really don't think we will be in need of a driver or car. Plus, when Tony isn't around or needing him, I can utilise Bambang (Glencore driver). Well, best be off. Cupboards to clean out. Love to All!

Fed Up!

2006-05-10T06:59:00.000+10:00

I am stressed and fed up! I just want to go now! I am sick of being apart from Alan and want to go to sleep with him beside me (read, 'Hope wants her head and/or back rubbed)! I am super tired at the moment. I went and had my last appointment with Super Gez today and he tells me that I am now around 9 weeks (in week 10) of my pregnancy after having my Dating Scan done on Friday. Was not quite real having the ultrasound as obviously the baby is only the size of a grape with no moving limbs etc. I've had stacks of ultrasounds on my kidneys before, but didn't feel any different. I am sure the next time we have one, things will be very different. It will also be nice since Alan will actually be there for that too.

Alan has been coming up with some very 'unusual' names for Baby Copeland. I told him that we were not giving birth to a 60 year old man so we could not name him Watson. He has also been told that if he does not get his act together in the Naming Department, he would be quickly relieved of duty. Bless him for trying though, you have to admit! Might be Baby Copeland forever though! Well, very very tired and need my sleep, talk to you all soon. Love to All!