birth centre

On Saturday Myl and I went to the birth centre at RPA to meet a midwife and have a tour of the place.

It was pretty exciting to be there. We got to meet a few other parents to be who were on the tour with us and learn a bit about what happens in the birth centre.
It would be really nice to have the little one there but there are so many things that can happen that mean I will need to go to the delivery ward next door.

It was pretty amazing to be in the room where it all could happen. There were two other women in labour at the time and although we couldn't hear them at all it was a nice thought that little lives were starting all around us.

The midwife spoke about choosing your birth partner. Its definitely going to be Myl but she said you can have as many people in the room as you want. I think I would just like Myl for most of the time but it might be nice to have my midwife mumma in there for a bit. It could be a very long time. See how I go on the day.

I'm so glad we went and figured out where the place is as on the way there we got a bit lost and ended up in a staff only section of the hospital?!?!
It's so close to our house that the closest parking is almost at our house.

Next step - midwife appointment and ultrasound at 19 weeks!

Fathers Day - Part II

Well it struck me the other day that Myl is a father. Even though our baby is 2 inches long with a one inch long head he is still a dada and I'm still a mama.

So I decided to get him a fathers day present.

Have I mentioned before that I'm not really all that into surprises?

One fathers day we had got dad a shovel. It was the biggest secret and mum said we were not to tell dad what his present was.

I agreed. But when later talking to dad about his present I said,

"I'm not going to tell you what it is but you can dig holes with it."

Some things are just too exciting to keep a secret. no?

Myles first ever fathers day present is one of these surprises. Its the book Man with a Pram by Stephen Mitchell and John Ferry.

The blurb says;

"The concept for Man With A Pram was born (excuse the pun) from the authors' observations that most men were not interested in the current pregnancy literature on the market. Added to this was the observation that many a pregnant partner seemed to be frustrated by this perceived lack of interest in pregnancy literature."

 I must confess that the second part is just a little true for me.
While Myles is extremely interested and excited he has not been scouring books and the internet like a maniac for information about babies. He has not lived his entire life for this moment. He does not have a baby-lovin midwife mother.
Yes it is a percieved lack of interest.

Nevertheless. He loves the book. He read a couple of chapters last night after I gave it to him and had a good giggle. It seems to be a pretty easy to read book and it was so nice to have him tell me facts about our little one.

Fathers day Numero Uno WIN!

Fathers Day

Its Fathers day on Sunday.
What a great day that reminds us where we come from.

My dad has his birthday five days after fathers day so while we have always celebrated both days now that we are no longer under the same roof its harder to visit for both days.
We are going to visit my dad the weekend after (his birthday) which will be really good.

I love my dad.
I have such great memories of growing up with him.

I don't remember him from when I was a baby but I have video footage of him changing nappies and giving me cuddles.
He used to make us baby pancakes on Saturday morning.
We used to play narnia. He would be Mr Tumnus and I would be Lucy.
He took us to violin lessons and listened the whole way through.
He watched our violin concerts and clapped the loudest.
He took us to sunday school.
He taught us about Jesus and always wrote the christmas play.
He read to us every night and in between as well.
We planted trees with him out in the yard and now there is a forest.
He is the best tickler I know.
He taught me old family sayings;
"If that's the worst you have to eat you'll be lucky."
"I beg your pardon Mrs Hardon the chooks are in your garden."
"Wherever you be let the wind go free."
He played a galloping horse game with us on his knees that was sheer bliss.
He danced with us and took us to bush dances.
He shared with us his love of beautiful folk music.
He cooked us rolled oats cookies and chocolate biscuits.
He made lasagne and shepherds pie.
He took us to art lessons.
He put up with teenager tantrums and silly boyfriends.
He listened to me as I cried about my friends.
He took me to soccer and basketball and cheered when I got the ball.
He tried to teach me some hard truths about life... with love.
He got pretty upset when I left home but helped me move to Sydney and carried my boxes.
He came to visit and took me out to dinner.
He met and approved of Myles.
He walked me down the aisle at my wedding.
He danced with me at the reception.

I'm a big girl now. He doesn't need to change my nappies. I make him pancakes now when he comes to stay.

But I'm still his little girl and I love him very very much.

Happy Fathers Day Dad.

Baby shower ideas

My wonderful friend has decided that she wants to throw me a baby shower.
It wont be for a good long while but that is no reason why I cant plan away.

There is a really cool idea I had never head of before untill reading this post on "This Mama Makes Stuff."

Its about having an "Its a..." party. The idea is that when you go for the 19 week ultrasound you get the doctor to write the gender of the baby on a piece of paper and seals it in an envelope.

At the party you get your guests to tie pink or blue wool or ribbon round their bellies to guess whether they think the small one will be a boy or a girl. At the end of the party you announce and everyone gets surprised at once.

Those who guess correctly get a prize.

I don't think I have Myl sold on the idea but I think it's a pretty good one.

P.S If you would like to guess the gender already I've got a poll on the left hand side that you can vote on!

Image credit : This mama makes stuff