30th July 2007

We had recently two badish days of colic and attachment! baby Reuben seems very much in need of mummy and daddy and seems to want frequent feeds ...he is putting on weight and since last Thursday he put on 80 grams and since birth he grew 3 cms. This is exciting, the midwife said that for a few weeks its gona be rocky until the routine kicks in.....Having said this Reuben had slept last night from 10:30pm -3am! then we had loads of colics and nappy changes....
Sunday reuben has been to church with us! he was really good and slept through the service, he was awake for about 15mins and enjoyed the singing and all the noises of the church.

He loves Granny's baths and Rebeka's holding. Rebeka loves him to bits and is looking for every opportunity to hold him. Granny cooked today the bestest chicken soup and lovely sauteed potato with chicken drums, we also had home made cakes! I am so pleased I have Jonathan for an extra week, Rebeka and Mum....for another two weeks.

I am feeling good except I get very tired in the afternnoons....!! I promised myslef to sleep more except I am a bit neurotic about cleaning....I really should not be after all I just had a baby two weeks ago but it seems I can only rest when I know things around me are in an acceptable way....yes I know its sad!!!:)))

Anyway, hope tomorrow we can go to the sea side a bit to enjoy some sunshine and some fresh air!

XX

28th July 2007 Reflexology Day

Today we had a Reflexology day with quite a few visitors, we enjoyed being given the first session and was great to see the immediate effects - a full nappy and a calmer Reuben. Granny Boros cooked a lovely meal of meatballs, french fries and a lovely salad made from the leaves that Helen gave us from her own garden.

Later on Granny and mum decided to give Reuben a good bath to celebrate loosing the remains of the umbilical cord. Granny has a amazing technique for bathing which surely we should adopt. Reuben enjoyed the bath so much he hasn't said a word since!!

27th July 2007 Granny and Rebeka day

Hello

We can;t believe its Friday again! Soon we will be two weeks old. The colics are slowly getting better and hopefully we developping a bit of a routine. Something nice happened Monday that we forgot to mention. Gordon Oliver one of the Canons from the Cathedral (also attached to our church) has decided to come around and give us a blessing. He read out Ephisians 3:14-20 which talkes about may we feel the depths, the leghts, the widths and the hight of Gods love for us. That is so amazing....he read what one of my favourite verses are in the Bible. He then prayed for Reuben. Tonight we had father Gary with Moira (wife), Vicky and Dominic. It was so nice....Gary also put his hand on R's head and blessed him....!
We can do all we can for our babies but God is in charge and the more blessings the better really as far as I am conserned. When I feed I always pray for R! God bless the babies.

Today we were lazy! R had some cramps so it was sad to see him upset! We had the midwife around and R has put on a whopping 200grs so now he is 3.62 kgs. He was born with 3.55 and he lost some first week but he has put on quite a bit...so now...we are enjoying a sleep and hopefully he will keep up the good work of eating well.

Tomorrow we have reflexology day no doubt with visit from friends and family!

XX

25th July 2007

Hello

Today we are happy! we had a good night sleep with three feeds and were so good during the day! that infacol must be helping!
We also been registered so now we are holding a certificate of birth and met with other babies (amazing how much they grew in a few weeks) which went really well thanks to Stella who hosted the day!
We are now waiting for granny and Rebeka to arrive from Gratwick (from Romania).

XX M

Tuesday 22nd July, 2007

We had a great trip out to Bluewater yesterday, we enjoyed just strolling around with the buggy being breastfed in John Lewis...but when home colic started and did not finish until 7am this morning. Today, was okish...went for a stroll on the highstreet then colic started again. We are fearing the nights but hope it won't be too bed. We want 2 see people but we are getting too tired and exhausted and caught up with baby and being at home...hope this will get better.

XX M

23rd July 2007 Monday Am

We had a good night sleep after daddy has helped sooth those tummy aches! Reuben started having some cool boiled water before each meal so he has less colic but today we are getting the infacol which apparently will help much more. He loves sleeping on his belly on daddy's or mummy's chest! He seems to be deep asleep then ...and he is angelic. We only woke twice last night for feeds THANKS GOD! Daddy had a full night sleep and mummy isn;t bad either as morning waking was at 10:30am.
We are hoping to venute out to Bwater today to get some bits and pieces....its wierd you buy all the things you need then you discover there are more you might need thats just so wierd!

Hope to see some friends too today!

more later!

22nd July 2007 Sunday

Reuben had a difficult night with much cramps but he came through ok. This morning Sunday, he was weighed and he has ony lost a healthy 0.13kgs which apparently is very good. He has got rid of the jaundice signs and well he is now fast asleep and resting. We had aunty Helen, uncle Andrew and the three causins here yesterday....and today we are hopeing to see the God parents who are coming from Watford to see us for the first time!

Hopefully Reuben will be doing as good as until now and will enjoy being with people as we are likely to see more and more people now!

XX

21st July 2007 DAY 4

Just a few more pics of reuben on his way home from hospital which he enjoyed....he was flat out and enjoyed the car ride!
also one that we took yesterday with his new outfit and one that I think is cute all in white!
reuben has been quite unsettled yesterday...but as the milk came last night after his feed we were amazed just how well he slept and how little noise he made when awake for feed. Seems he needs a feed avery 3 hours and is happy to let go when he had enough...
We also had a change of colour in the poo!! (yes now we discussing important busniess)
Being able to sleep nearly all night is great! I feel much better although being 7am I am off to catch a bit more....daddy certainly is sleeping well and deep at the mo...in Reuben's company.

We had a wonderful delivery of flowers from Tina and Jeff the godparents to be and also today we might see aunty Helen, uncle Andrew and causins Simon, Peter and Anna. Otherwise we are planning a chilling out day!
Jaundice has nearly gone after yesterday's sun treatment in the patio door....hoe today's sun is good too!!

More later!

Friday 20th July 2007

Hello from home

Oh isn;t it amazing to be home again? Just as my sister is leaving I am finding how things work when you have not got all the time in the world and when suddenly you are torn between your own needs and everthing else especially Reuben. Last night was another difficult night ...but like every time after rain comes the sun (metaphor) now Reuben has settled and is sleeping like and angel he has been for hours now! We are waiting for the milk to come so he can feed more and better....I think he is great and he is doing so well. The midwife showed me once the different ways and just 1 hour after the operation to everyone's amazement he was latched on sucking like there was no tomorrow...to me wierd but how exciting to think that our bodies as so well designed and how much pleasure when between the long sucks you see the grin of joy and contentment on the littleone's face! I never thought I;d be this happy and this ok about this part of being a mummy!

Today is going to be inetresting as its first day home, we hope to see the midwife and book an appointment with the Osteopath!

MOre later......

He's Here!!

Hello, Jonathan here, Maria is still in hospital recovering from here Cesarian but yes finally Rueben has arrived at 12.12pm today via cesarian section, wighing in at 7lbs 13oz or 3.55kgs. Mummy and Baby are doing fine recovering in Hospital at the moment.

16th July 2007

HELLO

TODAY IS THE DUE DATE AND pains and aches started yesterday pm but regularly from 12midnight. Today around 11ish they started to be irregular again so went to the Midwife who offered me a sweep to get things going! Almost immediatly the contractions were back so now we are bak at 10 mins intervals after I had 1 hours sleep....
It could still take days or it could be quick...
Jonathan is gona out to get my tense machine as my back is killing me.

More info as we go along!

15th July 2007

Hello

Not a lot happened today! We went to church everyone amazed I am still with baby!! Coming home I felt really tired as I only slept 2 hours last night. I then slept and woke up with loads of P pains but again....they then settled and I guess things are now kind of gone....! Mike and Sian came to see us which is great we set in the garden and Jasmin was just a joy to look at what a beauty! Its Mike's bday and he hoped he will have a drinking partner for years to come.....unfortunatley Reuben wants to share no birthday with Mike(:

I guess...I could be here for another few days, weeks! tomorrow will see the Midwife and see what she thinks and what she suggests....

So far will try to enjoy these last days of me and bump!

MXX

no news 14th July 2007

hello


Another day with no news! Well the only news is that baby Reuben is not made an appearance. I had all day back ache and period type pains with heat rushes...I slept in the afternoon and he was well active during my sleep...! I guess he is just a happy bunny in there....he doesn't really know just how much we are looking forward to his arrival.

Both me and Jonathan have an awful cold...lets hope it goes quick!

I am up as I can't sleep, its already teh 15th July!

More later!

XX

13th July 2007

Spent the day cleaning after I have got up at 9:30 having slept long hours with no intreruptions....I really am surprised this is two nights in a row!!! Also had Rae and Noeleen visiting which was nice ....started a very complicated tapestry...yes I am advancing myslef now...!:)) This one surley I won;t finish before R comes along! felt great today and in my own element....and baby was staying nice and put so far no 13th Friday baby!

HURRAYYYYY! - although he could still come before midnight!

More tomorrow!

12 July 2007

OK! tomorrow is 13th July....and Friday....hope Reuben won;t want to come tomorrow....that would be very funny!
I am not superstitous but you know....it would certainly be interesting.
Another long day! We decided after a good night sleep (HALELUJA) to go to Tk Max in Dartford and then to Bwater! I really don;t know how I did it! I guess while my sister browsed the shops I have been sitting on chairs, benches etc.
I am looking forward to have Jonathan all to myslef at the weekend....its so wierd me home long days, Jonathan works and his days are flying bye ....but the house feels empty without him and with us on our own....

Ok....these must be the hormons....more tomorrow!

XX

11th July 2007

Hello!

No news still! Things are now getting difficult I had real difficuty sleeping last night, I only managed 1 hour and today about 30 minutes. I feel I am getting along on adrenalene.

My sister and I remain positive although its getting very tireing! Still cross stiching and dreaming of the moments when I can cuddle that bundle of joy that has caused us to love deeper and appreciate health and life.

10th July (Second Due date)

It looks like we are heading towards the 16th for sure! I am so hoping this baby will come before Elisa is going back....otherwise I am gona have to spend some days on my own with Jon at work....scary!
So no news today! Looking forward to tomorrow....another day....just a little bit more waiting!

xx

9th July 2007 MORE CROSS STICH MORE WAIT

Day 9

Another day has passed....I think my contractions (Braxton Hicks) are getting more regulare and intense but not last 60 seconds yet! Tonight I had quite a lot of BHs at one point I thought they might be it! My sister has three kids and she said her waters never broke with any...which is scary as it makes me think how would I know?

Today Elisa has cleaned and cleaned and cleaned the house. I went to see the midwife who seems to think baby is still not enganged (annnoying since he was enganged for 6 weeks before) and that we are looking at another week at least! that means right now I am 39 weeks (today)...so in a sense....its ok but I am tired, exhausted and I wish I would have never been told 1st July and 10th July. never mind the main and most imp thing is that baby is well I am surviving and I have some company.

I have more time to prepare!!!- mentally and physically.

Been to college as well! I am really proud that I am doing so well....straight into my last year in December a bit more coursework but soon will be all over!

Tonight started another Cross stich two swans...it is actually gona be a cushion cover for Eisa. I done now 6 in total. Poppies for mum and the Disney Winnie the Pooh characters.

I am actually really tired as have not slept all night last night so I am off to bed for some sleep!

XX

8th July 2007 Tour de France

Yes! We did it! well, what I mean Reuben behaved himself and did not come today to cause accidents and incidents with this well known Tour De France...instead he was good and enjoyed the race from inside! Daddy got caught on TV and that was quite good. We just waited and enjoyed the sunshine....then slept in the afternoon a long 2 hours and did some cross stiching while chatting to Elisa and watching videos.

My legs are still badly swollen it gets very painful and I get stressed but since my sister said lets put a funny face to all of this palava about the feet we had a lot of fun. Its that in Romania there is a famous stew made of pigs feet that neraly look like mine at the moment. My sister said we could perhaps play with the idea to make the stew!!- except its made with loads of BEANS and has an undesired effect......well....this might not be funny to you but we can not stop laughing when we look down at my feet and imagine how yummy they would be in a stew....!!

Well, tomorrow another day! lets hope reuben does not keep us waiting too long!

XXX

7th July 2007

Today we realised that there is 7 years since we have been married, its the 7th day of the 7th months and 2007!

So we decided since reuben has not made an appearence to go to the sea side! It was great ....then had a bath and relaxed with Jonathan and Elisabeth.

We are still waiting. At least slept well last night and hopefully tonight!

XX

6th July 2007 REFLEXOLOGY

Hello!

What a day! I woke at 5Am and couldn't sleep anymore so i came down stairs and sent the time cross stiching now a poppy that has very unusual colours (or maybe I am doing it wrong). After Jonathan left at 8:15 I was pottering around the kitchen when Elisa came down to chat so we had coffee and some cheesy bites....(I know strange combination). We soon observ that it was 9:30 and decided to get sorted before the Friday Reflexoology clinic started at my house.

Helen arrived promptly Elisa had the first session then me followed by some NCT friends. I had a good day until 5 when the 2 mums, one dad, 2 kids left and once again we had the house back to normal....
We went for a walk....my bellly has been strange all day! too many cookies and I guess just getting ready for baby. I seem to have loads of pain in my pelvis and around my coxit(?!) together with loads of strong braxton hicks....but maybe I am readng too much into it!? After dinner went to another long walk in the hope to get things moving....came back and yes felt strange with some sharp pains in my uterus but nothing to report!- perhaps I just overdine it!

Well another day.....we now know he is not a baby of the 6th of a Friday!!!- looking forward to tomorrow as daddy will be home and we can relax more!

XXXXX-

5th July 2007 Elisa has arrived!

Had a good day! I had a tutorial in the morning that seems to suggest I am on track and I am so happy about that! It hasn;t been easy with these sleepless nights etc but happy to know that tutor is happy and satisfied with my work and attendance etc.
Met the mums and babies and also the remaining one of the bumps and we had a good time at the George in the highstreet! I held Jasmin and she is just so nice she is now 1 months old and her features are getting better and better, little charmer she is!
Also Thomas was there, he is also very cute!

Came home after approx 2 hours with them and I fell into bed forgetting about preparations for Elisa's arrival tonight, ironing and just make the house presentable....I slept 2 hours like its untrue totally gone! Then I got on doing the ironing, hoovering and finally some food when she just came through the door! Well timed.

We spent time catching up she had a look at the room and the set up and hospital bags etc and was glad to see just how prepared I was compared to her when she was facing her first child being born in a foreign country in a foreign culture with no husband present at the birth! I did feel for her but she is now just happy for me and able to share in our excitment.

I am looking forward to tomorrow for REFLEXOLOGY!

Good night everyone....actually just noticed its already Friday 1AM....I will do some more cross stiching and finish me friend EE YORE!

4th July 2007

OK! We are still waiting. Today was a mad day! I had a Drs appointment early at 10:00 which was great this time as it was my favourite consultant Chris and he is just so sweet and nice compared to the registrar I saw the last couple of times who was just cold and superficial....making me feel just like I was the next person. Anyway, the news is the date is still 16th....Chris said not to worry as it sounds as though things are progressing well and baby will be out before that. If not they gave me a date for another visit when we would discuss induction on the 26th July! I SINCERELY HOPE REUBEN understands we do not want that and we can't be waiting that long I will explode and be a nervous wreck.

We then went to the baby shop to pick up the bumper for the cot it looks lovely! then we went to visit Natalie, Carlton and baby Cameron Lee....what a sweet little angel and while in my arms he just slept and slept and slept! I seem to have that effect on babies yet I can't get myslef to sleep!!!!

Yes, and a final trip to Bwater to get a nursing bra (I do have two ones from MOthercare but not sure I like them) and nursing tops 2 a few smellies and had a nice coffee with Jon in starbucks....our favourite!

I find walking really hard now....I get quickly out of breath, (wouldn;t you at the sight of the Bwater sales?) my legs are becoming elephant ones very quickly and seems to be really uncomfortable that what is supposed to be BRAXTON HICKS.
Since Saturday I have been monitoring myslef and I get very seldomly sharp pains in my cervix, kidney type back ache and period pains so maybe something in the making?!

Its already the 5th! My sister arrives today! I can't wait ....rtime will fly quicker with her! She is great! Elisbeth certainly know how to make you laugh and have a good time.....

Its 1:17AM (night time) I just finished scrubbing the floord (sleepless again) sorting out downstairs then I am off to finish my cross stich!!!

NITE NITE!

XXXXXXXXX

3rd July 20007

Ok! I now had kidney type pains for a few days, also accompanied by period type pains....with frequent braxton hicks. Some friends have suggested this is how labour starts. I am not partiocularly worried I just want to be over done with it! I started a 4rg CROSS STICH as I can't sleep and its 12:15 am.....I guess another one of those nights.

Jonathan is in bed had a long day and stayed up with me as he is off tomorrow so no need to get up early.

I am so jelous he just puts his head down and can sleep like that! LUCKY MAN!

But its not like I am not relaxed....although have not napped during the day I am still not tired to go to bed.

July 2nd, 2007

Decided to create a blog to keep my thoughts in some sort of order and to kind of keep hold of them.

We are now officially one day over due according to my calculations and the first ever due date which was 1st of July. Slightly frustrating....as I like to be in control this time....I have to wait and see. The more frustrating thing is that I am now heading towards the second sue date...10th July according to few of the earliest scans....so hopefully not too long now. I sincerely hope Reuben will not sense the excitment of the TOUR DE FRANCE and decide to come early on the 8th as all roads in Rochester (well the ones that are direct to hospital) will be closed! But it could get very very frustrating if baby will stay put until my third date which is the 16th of July! This would mean another two weeks of sleepless nights cross stitching and boring everyone with my stories of uncomfortable states and swollen legs etc....

Over all I had 8 nmonths of blissful pregnancy, hardly any sickness or nosea. I was pretty ill with a virus in February (3 and half months preggers) that was awful, caughing blood etc having to take antebiotics but other than that it was all ok. Now in the last few weeks everything seems struggle....but mainly frustrated at the lack of sleep and even the bump is not that big feels as I am carrying so much weight.

Anyway, i am counting down days now....I really am looking forward to see Reuben and so is daddy!