cassi*girl

Hello.......

2009-07-31T13:18:00.005+10:00

Well hi there. Not sure that anyone even checks my blog anymore, but thought it was time I got organised & resurrected this poor blog!!!!

Another HUGE factor that has motivated me is that I am now a design team member of a brand new website!!! It is called Scraptapestry and is owned & operated by the amazingly talented Naomi!!!
I am lucky enough to be making examples for the mini album part of the site! I have just finished with my first kit & OH MY GOODNESS was it gorgeous.

Anyway, the reason for starting up again I guess too is that over the next few days I may be able to organise a give-away or two, so I needed somewhere to give them away from!!!!!! lol.

So if there is anyone out there that actually sees this post please stop by & say HI so I know I am not just talking to myself. he he he.

I will have links etc asap for the site too.......

Some sneak peaks for you.....

These are from layouts I did using the leftovers from the birdcage mini album kit. It has SO many goodies in it I managed to do the mini album, a double layout & 2 single layouts!!!! Great value. (and it is all gorgeous too!!)

Hope you like the sneak peaks & please let me know that you have stopped in!!!!!

Sandi :)

2008-11-16T18:01:00.003+11:00

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!

High Tea with a chocolate theme!! YUMMO!!!!!

The photo that did it.........

2008-11-01T15:08:00.004+11:00

Or should that be the series of photos that gave me the sharp jolt to the realisation that I am FAT!
I knew I was bigger than I had ever been, but seeing these photos meant I could no longer ignore it. I don't want to cringe everytime I see myself in a photo with my kids. I want to enjoy looking back. Sure I will never be as thin as I want to be, but I know I can be healthier & thinner if I put my mind to it.

So there it is!!
Look at the rolls, fat arms, flab, flab, flab.....(must remember to throw that top in the bin too!!!)

SO I have now joined the gym - Fenix, and LOVE it. Love love love it. Body Jam is THE best exercise I have ever had. Fun, but flat out. It really is a great fun workout.

I have had 3 sessions with a personal trainer & she has set a program for me. She took my measurements (much to my horror) so I can check back on them should I want to - no thanks! lol.

Anyway, the long & short of it is I have been eating well & exercising for 2 weeks now & I am 2.5kg down. YAY for me!!!! I am so proud of myself. I have a long way to go, but hey I could be doing nothing & putting on weight.

So hopefully in the not to distant future I will be able to post a photo that I like of a thinner me!!!! Baby steps I say. 1kg at a time.....

I was going to start another weight loss blog that only I could read, but figure if I could encourage just one other person to make a lifestyle change I would be so happy.

So, let's go.........

Sandi :)

HELLO

2008-05-12T11:34:00.002+10:00

Is there anyone out there that reads my blog & uses the Google/Picasa program called HELLO?
Well I love it & am a huge fan. It keeps me in touch with my family & friends DAILY & is like a lifeline to the *real* world when I am home all day with the kids.
The reason I ask is that they are SHUTTING DOWN HELLO.

From 15th May HELLO will be no longer.

This is a tragedy.

I want them to reconsider.

I know they won't.

It saddens me more than they will ever know.

If you too use HELLO go shout out your disgust at them too.....................

I have searched the internet looking for a program that we can use to chat & send pics & nothing even comes close. Google Chat sucks..................lol.

** edited : I have just found one called GOOBER!!! lol. That looks promising........anyone know anything about it???**

Sandi :(

2008-05-06T09:34:00.000+10:00

http://fontgame.ilovetypography.com/

Have fun!!!

2008-04-19T12:05:00.001+10:00

I have a new addiction.
It is called Mysteriez........go have a look & tell me you don't get hooked too :)

Don't say I didn't warn you!!

Sandi :)

I have a new love :)

2008-04-07T00:15:00.005+10:00

ETSY.

Yep, I am hooked.

There are just so many amazing things to look at & want to buy it will keep me poor & busy looking for the next 10 years I think.

So many talented people.

So, if there is anyone out there that actually reads this here silly blog, leave me a message if you have time, directing me to your fav Etsy store so I can have a sneak peak.

I am loving all the journaling tags & little girls winter hats - oh & all the little girls pinafores are sooooooooo tempting!!

Anyway, will leave you with a photo of my little man with the sock dog I made him this week. He is very much a first time attempt & I hope to get better at making them, but Brodie loves him so that is all that is important - even if his arm is already coming apart! Oops.

Isnt' he just so cute!! Brodie that is......

The dog does have 2 black eyes & the red button is his nose, bit hard to tell here.

And just so she isn't left out Charli had to have a cuddle too. I do have a pair of socks there waiting to become a sock monkey, or elephant or something.........one day!! lol.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sandi :)

I am still alive.....

2008-03-10T09:56:00.002+11:00

I haven't died, or run off with the postman.
I have neglected this blog because frankly I have not a lot to write about - ok I really have nothing to write about!!!!
My life is pretty routine at the best of times.
When it isn't full of snot, ear infections, tonsilitis, work, cooking, cleaning, ironing.....I am usually too tired to do anything & blogging is the last thing I think of doing.
Mind you I waste countless hours reading other peoples blogs & love doing that - I think it is my escape into the world on a daily basis!!
So I do find time to check in on everyone else, just rarely comment. Sorry about that! lol.

Not much news.
Far too friggin' hot here in Melbourne today.
Far too much ironing waiting for me.
Far too little energy to care......

Have a great Monday - I think they SUCK! lololol.

Sandi :)

2008-01-25T16:39:00.001+11:00

I want a Wii.

That is all I have to say today!

Sandi :)

2008-01-05T21:52:00.000+11:00

I have to tell you I have had THE BEST 24 hours in a long time!!!

Last night I started scrapping after Miss Charli went to bed. I was on a roll & did 4 layouts. Now for me that is HUGE!

Then today I got to scrap again!!!!!!! DH was on his computer & the kids entertained themselves a bit. It was heaven I tell you. Just what I needed. Some time out. The kids have been home from Childcare for a few weeks now & gee I miss it - they only go of a wednesday, but man it is nice to have some peace!

The layouts are all very basic. Very minimalist & very me. I am really happy with how most of them came out.

Here are the layouts. In no particular order. Hope you don't get too bored :)

Mmm I would love one of these doughnuts right now!! YUM!!!

Love this layout. Love our little family too. xoxo

This has kindy glitz on the thickers, doesn't look all that good here, but does in real life.

Finally used that HS alpha I had to have all those years ago!!! Felt good too.....lol.

Should really be Mr. Impossible most days........

My nephew Josh showing his style. Finally got to use that Urban Lily paper too......man I have some crap to use!!!

Daughter of a friend (mothers group). Still love felt....

REALLY old photos - 2006. Glad they are out of the way. (even if the layout is super boring! lol)

Not a huge fan of this one, but hey it is done & can go in the album out of sight now.

So there you have it. I have cleared out one whole folder of photos/paper that I had stashed for EVER!!!! Feels really really good to have scrapped again. I really am inspired.

I am also very proud of myself because I didn't sit & think *gee I wonder if they will like this one* over every layout like I normally would. It too felt good.

Lots of feel good today!

Now for the photo of the day. Haven't forgotten that either.....

Took this one of Bevan pushing the kids around in the stroller in front of the airconditioner today trying to keep cool. Aren't they cute!!!!! And don't they look alike in this photo.

Off to bed soon & hopefully get some sleep in this revolting heat. Hate it.

Sandi :)

Day three.....

2008-01-04T19:11:00.000+11:00

Man it comes around quickly this photo a day thing!!! lol.

Today's photo is a great one that I have wanted to capture ever since Charli started pulling this face. It is a total crack up. Makes me giggle everytime she does it. Crazy kid.....

She has started to add a little snorting in with this face too!!!! Even funnier....

Love you to bits Miss Charli Bum.

Quick wrap up for today:

* We got a visitor for Cassi to play with until Monday - Miss Kirby dog. Hmmm hoping she won't EAT anything too important. Not used to having a puppy around. Cassi seems to be scared of Kirby which I find fascinating. She is scared of just about EVERY dog......lol.

* I won a free class (on Tara Whitney's blog) with Emily Falconbridge which I am both excited & terrified by!!!! lol. Getting emails from Tara & Em has been quite a thrill for me though let me tell you - feels like famous people emailing little old me!!!!! Thanks ladies....

* I FINISHED MY IRONING!!!!

* DH has 2 days off - woo hoo. Seems like forever since we have had a weekend off. Hopefully we won't fight. lol.

* I am hoping to scrap tonight. YEP SCRAP. Scary hey.

That's all I can think of for now.

Till tomorrow for the next photo. Stay safe.

Sandi :)

Day 2 photo

2008-01-03T22:28:00.001+11:00

Nearly too tired to bother..........not a good start hey!

Do you think Charli was a bit tired & hot today?? Isn't she adorable.

To look at this photo it is like looking at a photo of me as a child. Freaks me out really because she is such a ringer of her Dad 90% of the time! Interesting hey......

Brodie had a hearing test today & he has perfect hearing - WOO HOO. It has only taken us 4 1/2 years to hear those words!!!!!!!! Very exciting.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sandi :)

2008-01-02T14:27:00.000+11:00

Thought I would join Clair on her mission to take a photo a day for 30 days.

Doing it for 3 reasons:

1 - might inspire me to scrap something again

2 - might inspire me to pick up my camera again

3 - might inspire me to blog again.

I think 2008 needs to be the year of inspiration - hopefully I will find some SOMETIME in 2008.

So here is my day 1 photo........

Ahhhh doesn't he look SO innocent & adorable!!!

And so Charli doesn't feel left out here is one of the back of her head!!!! lol. I LOVE the fact that she has really taken to the beads that Santa gave to her for Christmas. She walks around all day with the necklace & bracelet on. Love it. I always wanted a girly girl......

Thanks for stopping by.

Sandi :)

to sum up......

2007-12-16T17:32:00.000+11:00

Tired.
Emotional.
Drained.
Fat.
Over it all.
Without a car.
Trapped.
Tired.

Did I mention FAT? lol.
I am SO overweight right at this point in my life, possibly the fattest I have ever been (nearly pregnancy weight I would imagine!). I am so depressed & mad at myself for letting it get this bad, but on the vicious cycle of depressed, eat, feel good, realise what I have done, depressed, eat, feel good.............and so it goes on!
The more I try to eat well, the worse I get.
I am fat.
I feel disgusting.
It depresses the shit out of me.
I don't have the energy to fix it.

Off to cook tea & get ready for work - something I could really do without today!

I am ok. I will get through it all. I will survive being stuck at home this week too.......maybe.

Sandi :)
Christmas really is a shitty time of year I reckon.

I am still alive.

2007-11-30T11:19:00.000+11:00

Gee I wonder how many posts I have with a title similar to the one above?

Lots I would think.

Not a lot happening around here, but then again it has been so long in between posts that lots has probably happened!!!!!

Point form for this one I think:

* Brodie is booked in to 4yo kinder 3 days next year (bring it on!). His class times are 8.30 - 12.10 mon, tues & thurs so that will get me going won't it...........sounds so early! Lucky it is a 2 minute drive to get there.

* Charli has settled nicely into childcare on a Wednesday with Brodie which I am thrilled about. She is easier to take there than Brodie. No sooking or whinging or crap from her, she just goes off & plays! Gotta love 2nd children. lol.

* No scrapping going on around here lately. Just no motivation really. Not enough crop nights or all day crops that doesn't help.

* My best buddy has been going through a bit of a rough patch. OK her life has been turned upside down. She is getting there & will be just fine - if not even better than she was before!!!! I know she might not think that will be the case, but I know better than she does :) She has the most amazing strength & character. Admire her bucket loads.

* Went to a clairvoyant on Wednesday. That was fun. Nothing too outstanding to mention really. Oh other than she says if I have another baby it will be a girl. Well, good, but I am NOT. NEVER. EVER. NOT.

* My DH has just booked 2 concert tickets, flights to sydney & accomodation for himself to go & see Dream Theater both here & sydney. How greedy is he :) lol. He will never be able to bitch about my $300 retreats again let me tell you!!!!!! lol.

* DH & I are dropping the kids off at the in-laws after lunch as we are going into the city to spend the night in a flashy motel . Some much needed adult time. Can't wait to be surrounded by peace!!!!!! Oh well, won't happen with DH there will it.

Better go, Brodie wants to do some writings.

Will update some more when I get the time & energy.

Sandi :)

Have I done the right thing???????

2007-10-01T16:43:00.000+10:00

I have just got myself a cuttlebug!!!!!
Really wondering if I have done the right thing. Ah it is only money I keep telling myself, but I have no idea if it was worth the $$
It was on sale. The dies were 10% off & I have a HEAP coming from USA eBay. Gotta love eBay. I got 2 alphas & 6 die sets (4 per pack) for $100 aus INCLUDING postage................Now ONE alpha set at my LSS is $149.95 so I think I did SUPER well. Very excited.
I have only played with it for about 5 minutes. It cuts through felt like it is butter - gotta love that. SO loving felt at the moment.
Will fiddle around with it more on Wednesday when I have kid free day.

Anyone that reads this PLEASE reassure me I HAVE done the right thing & I WILL use my new little bug...........

Why do I do this so often?? Spend money then feel SO guilty I want to just take it all back.

Can't figure me out at times....................I have given up trying today.

Cleaned house lots today so that is a great feeling.
Charli asleep in highchair, Brodie outside painting the house!!!!!! (with water of course!) lol.

Catch you soon.
Sandi :)

I'm back.........

2007-09-24T14:14:00.000+10:00

Not functioning very well yet, but back to the world of reality.

Had a GREAT time at the retreat. Got a lot done. Had lots of fun.

Will update more when the fog has cleared from my brain - amazing what lack of sleep does to me!!!! lol.

Will leave you with a photo of us dressed up for the Saturday night dress up. Love these ladies.

Bit sad that Min had to go home as she was really unwell. Missed you Mindies........

Sandi :)

xoxo

I am still around.

2007-09-20T20:46:00.000+10:00

I am the worlds WORST blogger. Not one bit interested really. Well, not lately anyway.

Just thought I would pop in and show off my big birthday girl. Yep, Charli is ONE today. Can you believe it............ONE already. Where did that year go??

She is so grown up I forget that she is only turning one now!

She too thinks she is older. She loves to watch Brodie & try & do what he is doing!

Love her to bits.

In other news I am heading off with 6 of my bestest buddies :) to a scrapbooking retreat tomorrow.

WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is it 2.00pm Friday yet..........................lol. BRING IT ON!

Better go get an early night! Can't wait......One more sleep Mum, Min, Inge, Rowie, Catherine & Narelle :) See you at York on Lilydale tomorrow (so I don't get lost).

Sandi :)

Will leave you with a photo of me & my gorgeous Charli girl. Isn't she the most adorable fairy in the world! Love her.

2007-07-25T21:16:00.000+10:00

I AM ALIVE.

Just................

News - not much really!

* we have a plasma. It nearly caused divorce. I think it is OK but everytime I look at it I realise my DH's stupidity & that takes the shine off it somewhat.

* I lost DH's green tick on his downloading program. You would think I broke his favourite latte' glass the way he is carrying on.

* Brodie doesn't stop talking. Or whinging. Or barking orders.

* Charli is waking up overnight. She has 2 top teeth trying desperately to pop through the skin - I guess I would cry too!

* I am tired. Emotional. Cranky. Just plain painful to be around I would imagine.

So there you have it. An update, of sorts.

Sandi :)

Share.

2007-06-02T09:48:00.000+10:00

I just thought I would share my stuff that I have done for Scrapware. Love all Ange's stuff & get more & more excited with each new item she shares with me!!!!

This is the most gorgeous handbag. I LOVE it. This one is called Gwen & there are 2 others to choose from. I have another one here to do when I get time........hmmm wonder when that will be??

This is one of the new release tag books. I love them too, they are great fun!!

In this one I am going to put all my photos from my childhood that are really important to me, but not that important that I want to do a layout for if you know what I mean.

This was a great way to make me take the photos out of those sticky awful old photo albums!

This is an album I did for my SIL's birthday. She can no longer bitch that I haven't done anything for her :) lol.

This was done using an awesome kit from Shabby Princess. I downloaded it & printed it out & vuala......my own patterned paper. This kit had a quick album thingy with it (very technical aren't I) which is what I used for the inside pages. Super easy. You just put your photos behind the image & print it out. Super simple. Love that.

OK the correct name for these products are: wonderful Piece-a-Cake album and the kit to match is just called wonderful.

This is a wreath kit and the hangy thing was done using part of another set. Will post more details when I actually find out how Ange is going to package them :) See they are THAT new!!!! lol.

I love that photo of Charli because she is SO different to that & changed so much so quickly. Reminds me that once upon a time she was a tiny baby!!! lol.

This is going to be a recipes folder. With this pack I am pretty sure you get 2 of the chipboard covers & you can tie them together using whatever you want. I am using the rings, but I think it would be cute tied with ribbon too. Great easy cover for an album as a gift. It is 8 x 8 so you can get refills easy enough.

These two are both from a cars album. It is SO cool. The one with the black plastic letters on it I am going to stick on Brodie's door I think, the other one is the front of a mini book that I will do about him - not entirely sure what photos to use, but I love that paper. I got all the bits from that set - crate paper??

Well blogger is having a fit & causing my computer to run soooooooo slow I will leave it here & upload the rest another day. Not sure there is all that much more anyway!!! lol.

Have a great weekend.

Sandi :)

Everyone loves a freebie!

2007-05-21T09:41:00.000+10:00

so check out here but be quick!!! lol.

Great new blog for us all to subscribe too.

Have a great day.
Sandi :)

I have been tagged.

2007-05-09T09:30:00.000+10:00

The lovely Beth has tagged me which I am thrilled about as I rarely get a mention when these things come around - lol, just kidding!!!!! he he he

The rules: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

This is much harder than I thought it would be :)

1. I eat left handed. I am right handed. Weird hey!!! But in my defence, my sister who is left handed eats right handed - OK so my family is a tad weird!!! lol

2. I have to sit in the seat with the best *people watching* views when we go out for dinner - DH thinks it is hilarious that I have to see who is coming & going!!

3. I can't eat my ice-cream with the spoon that was used to dish it up!! I have to have a clean one.................?

4. I love pumpkin but hate pumpkin soup!

5. I was once a size 8. Hard to belive, but true. It took a lot of not eating & vomiting, but I was thin - and extremely unhappy. (Just had to find out my (ex)fiance had a girlfriend as well as me, that oughta do it hey! Thank god he did!!!!!!! I have SOOOOOO much to thank him for now that I look back on my life.....)

6. I am addicted to checking blogs & emails. I would check every 10 minutes if possible...........sad hey!

(man this is really hard!!)

7. I don't really have a sense of humour......I don't get funny movies. Rarely do I laugh out loud at any show. DH thinks this is VERY weird....lol.

That is me....well, some about me!!!

I tag.............MIN, Deb, Josh and anyone else who hasn't done it!!!

Sandi :)

layout share

2007-04-07T09:27:00.000+10:00

I have finally got around to taking photos of the layouts I did at the retreat so I thought I would share on here today.............

**NOTE - the layouts are ALL STRAIGHT in real life, my layout photo taking skills suck (understatement!!) **

THAT SINKS DADDY

this was a layout that I had started at a crop night so I just basically finished it off at the retreat.

The story with this one is that when I was taking the photo Brodie did a big fart!!! lol (gets that from his father & his Aunty Min...he he he) He then pipes up & says that sinks (stinks) Daddy.

Cherish

I love this photo. Kept this one simple - actually all my layouts are pretty simple. I like the focus to be on the photo I think!

Used HS bling word on this one....love that too. Looks better IRL than on here...not too bling looking is it...lol. The flowers on the left are pink bling ones too.

Adore

This is my step-Mum with Charli. I used a basic grey PP for the flowers & actually stamped too!!! Yep, more bling....a girl can never have enough.

The pink swirl bit is bazzill that I have run through the machine thingy...not the crikut, the other one??? cuttlebug??? nope, no idea what it is called, but I loved it. Lots of uses I thought & apparently you can pick it up for $99 from Lincraft. BUT the cartridge/template thingys are pricey......always a down side hey.

A great one

This is one of the few layouts I have done of ME. Yep, ME. I had found a couple of good-ish photos of me from christmas day so thought I would scrap them!

I love this saying so thought I would use it.

The most important thing she learned was that there is no way to be a perfect Mum and a million ways to be a great one.

remember

The second one on ME. Gee I don't ever do any layouts on me & then I do TWO in one weekend - bit full of myself aren't I....lolololol.

This one looks way better in real life too. The dots on the arrow are bling that look great.

The hearts & arrow are from Scrapware. LOVE them!!!!

Another little saying I love.

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life you have a thousand reasons to smile.

captivating

This is my FAVOURITE layout EVER I think. So simple, but shows what a stunning photo it is, well, I think so!! Would be my best ever.......

LOVE that patterned paper too.

This was my last layout I did at the retreat I think. I have managed to do a couple since getting back so I may as well share them too while I am on a layout share roll.......sorry to bore you all :)

serene Ronan

I love this photo of Ronan (nephew) & how it came up with some adjusting in Photoshop Elements (man I hate that program - too damn hard for me!!!)

This layout looks all wonky here, but it isn't.

Brackets from scrapware.

Last one...............

This one has been sitting on my desk waiting to be finished for WEEKS!!!! Not how I had pictured in my head, but I still love it.

Thanks for hanging in there & reading this far if you have!!

Sandi :)

A quick one.................

2007-04-03T14:37:00.000+10:00

Just a super quick post while both kids are playing nicely....won't last I know.

I am SO tired.

The weekend was AWESOME. We have booked to go in September it was that good :)

I have never laughed so much in all my life - nearly wet my pants :)

Started work last night & it still sucks! lol. It went quickly, but it is such a pain. Nevermind, we need the money so I can stop whinging now - after all I am the one that seems to spend it all.

Will leave you with one picture from the retreat...........more to follow when I get a minute.

This is our "Chris & Marie's neighbours be gone" ad attempt - apologies to anyone who doesn't get these ad's. lol.

left - right: Min, Inge, ME (yep I look like I am still pregnant!) and Narelle.

It was VERY funny - and we are pointing because it was a full moon. Very fitting!!!!!

Sandi :)

ONE MORE SLEEP.................

2007-03-29T21:42:00.000+10:00

Woo hoo only one more sleep till I am off on my awesome scrapping retreat. I am SO SO SO excited, but so tired too!! lol. I am sure that will pass at lunch time tomorrow when I give the kids to my MIL who is looking after them. Isn't she the best...............
She was only having them until DH finished work, but now he is going to the AFL so she has agreed to have them basically all day & night! OMG poor thing doesn't know what she is in for :)
I hope everyone will be ok. LOL.
No doubt I will stress over it. Silly hey. Must be a mother thing.

I will leave you with a couple of shots of my first creative team member assignment. The gorgeous GWEN handbag from SCRAPWARE. (sorry the shots might not be the best)

I just LOVE my handbag. You can alsoget a mini album that fits inside perfectly.

Isn't it just such an awesome idea.

Love it Angela.

Sandi :)

Quick update............

2007-03-25T21:07:00.000+10:00

ONLY 5 MORE SLEEPS TO THE SCRAPPY HOLLOW RETREAT!!!!!!!

WOO HOO BRING IT ON!

I have so much to do of a night & so little inclination to do it it is starting to shit me!!!! Ah well, this change in daylight savings has just added another kick in the guts to my night. It feels like I should be in bed already but I have another hour I can stay up if you know what I mean.

Kids really felt it today too.......wanting to be fed earlier & go to bed earlier too. Was all a bit messy really.

I have no scrapping to share so I will leave you with some updated photos of my gorgeous babies!!!!

Charli is SO close to crawling it isn't funny. She is very cute, she gets to a point where she is over rocking back & forth over & over so she lays on her belly & tries to fly - I wonder if she thinks it would be easier to learn to fly?? Poor poppit. Won't be long now & my life will change all over again - how quickly we forget about all the things little bubbas can find/see/eat/choke on!!! Ahhh joy.

Did I mention only 5 more sleeps??? he he he I know it will go so fast it is scary. Not to mention that but the Monday after that I start back at work - that sucks big time!!!!! My work pants don't fit and the new ones I got are mighty shit & uncomfy (maybe that is the incentive I need to lose some flab?), the work shirts I got given (when Safeway changed their shirts each staff member got 2 shirts. As I was on maternity leave I got given 2 size 14's, which I would have thought would be fine, but NOPE they are tiny. And I am not just saying that, they are a super duper small cut. Shits me.) So I have had to order another 2 shirts & I have ordered size 18s - I have never owned a size 18 thing in my life. Wow.....what has happened to me???

Yep, even more depressed saying it out loud (IYKWIM). Gulp...........

There is the first one I tried on Picasa, not real good, but thought I would share as it makes me smile.

This was my second attempt, but somehow I managed to get the top & bottom row the same - doh!!!!

Love that smile.

I think finally on the third go I got it right.

On that gorgeous note I must say nighty night & go see if I can get any of my unfinished projects done - not much hope as I am really tired.

Hope you are all well & don't forget to say HI if you take the time to drop in.

Sandi :)

hello

2007-03-17T22:40:00.000+11:00

Well.........this new blogger is freaking me out a little. Doing some weird ass things to me!!!

I typed up a bit of a post (OK so it was only 3 lines or so) and blogger ate it! mean mean blogger.

Nothing much new here - oh except I have a little surprise that I got onto a Design Team for a new company who make chipboard embellishments & mini books & stuff. VERY EXCITING!!!!!!

Will share when I get permission & actually know what is going on he he he...

Sandi :)

Shhhhhhhhhhhhh

2007-03-10T13:01:00.000+11:00

Can you hear it..............................the silence?? Great isn't it.

Have I told you all that I have THE best mother-in-law?? Well, I do. She kindly offered to have the kids (yep, both!!) so that I could have a break & recovery day!!!!!!!!

I had a tooth pulled out last night. My last wisdom tooth. It was revolting. It felt dreadful. It really doesn't hurt all that much.

I was THE biggest sook! I was embarrassed by how pathetic I was. I really dreaded the pulling part, I had vivid memories of having my other 3 out in the chair too!!!! Ewwwww foul.

Anyway, this one has been a bit of a breeze compared to them. The bleeding stopped overnight. The panadine is enough for the pain. The chewing part isn't that bad.

So, now I have until about 5.30 with NO CHILDREN, even better NO HUSBAND!!!! lololol Love you Bevan xoxo (not that he ever reads here.....)

What will I do?

I did contemplate vacuuming for about 3 seconds, thought that was a shit idea. I did contemplate sleeping for about 5 seconds, thought that was a waste of my ME time. So what else is a girl to do??????????? Blog.....and then SCRAP!!!!

So I am now off to see what photos inspire me - if any! lol.

Will leave you with a couple of photos of my gorgeous girl & her love affair with Brodie's lumpy ball!!! lololol Notice the concentration on the TV!

Sandi :)

Princess Charli

2007-03-03T21:08:00.000+11:00

I LOVE this layout. My DH thinks it is tacky, or was that lame?? either way, he didn't appreciate it for what it is. A bit of fun.

She is my little princess & I just adore this layout. Fun fun fun.

This is ALL I got done at the crop last night which is pretty good for me!

Min & I wandered around & around for ages trying to sort patterned paper to photos in preparation for our crop weekend & we did get a few bits sorted out.

I have decided I have no where near enough patterned paper, but will have to either buy some before we go & hope it matches, or just borrow from Min :) she loves that!!!!!!! he he he

Me being artistic :)

Sandi :)

Brothers & Sisters.....

2007-02-28T11:16:00.000+11:00

I am SO hooked on this show! My DH has downloaded the entire 15 episodes that have aired in USA and I watched them all in 2 days..............YEP, ALL OF THEM!!!!!!
So the down side to that is I now have to wait until Sunday (USA time) for episode 16 to be on so that he can download it for me!
He is also doing Desperate Housewives & Ugly Betty (haven't watched any yet so not sure if this is worth downloading??) for me that way I can watch them if/when I feel like it!! Cool hey.....
Gotta love the internet!

Not much else is news.

Boring here.
Charli in her pot (cot in our language, pot in Brodie language!!! lol), Brodie is at childcare & I have another case of CBF'd!!!! Bugger...

I went this morning & got a desk so that I can set it up in the front (formal - lol) lounge so I can scrap whenever I want & not take over the dining table. DH thinks I won't do it & didn't want to spend a heap of money on a desk that won't get used, so I went to a shop called Just a Second & got an old school table!!! $10. Who can argue with that? Now I just need him to pick it up for me!
Perfect.

Might go finish a layout I started days ago..........stayed tuned. Will share later.

Sandi :)

I CAN still do it.

2007-02-21T15:34:00.000+11:00

Hi there. It sure seems like it has been a while since I have posted here!! Not that I think many people visit here to miss me anyway :) lol.

I don't know that there is much to report, so will just share a couple of PAPER layouts I have done over the last week or so.

Went to an all day crop on the 11th Feb & it was good until I stuffed up a layout completely & it threw me - didn't achieve another thing all day!!! What a bugger. I thought I had lost it.....was the most shittest (yep, I made that word up!) scrapper in the world & I may as well just quit now!!! lol. Yep, very dramatic. Very me!!! lol

So I have been making a huge effort to spend a bit of time most nights, when I have the energy, to scrap & I am loving it again. Trouble with that is I want to buy a heap of new stuff !!! not good.

Anyway, will report more later & eventually share some renovation photos too!!

Isn't that SEI paper just Yummy!!! One of my favourite brands, but virtually impossible to get which is annoying!

This is our nephew Ronan. Isn't that just typical 4 year old boy behaviour???????? LOL.

A mouth full of mud cake that MUST be shared with the world.

I love how this layout turned out. I am a bit annoyed with my messy writing & I did a spelling mistake (oops), but hey too lazy to try & fix it - probably only make it worse!

I used the Chatterbox Doodle Genie for the swirly thing & I really like it! Lots of fun & it is a nice way to incorporate some bling on a boy layout!! (Yep, I am a bling addict)

Thanks for stopping by & PLEASE let me know you visit.................I really truly don't bite. All welcome to my blog world.

Sandi :)

on a lighter note................

2007-02-05T11:34:00.000+11:00

credits - Holls birthday kit by Holly McCaig, fonts elise & everytime I miss you.

credits - fonts - fine hand, alpha - distressed alpha by Michelle Coleman, Paper - simple pleasures by Nancie Rowe Janitz & Michelle Coleman, Flirty flourishes by Zoe Pearn from sweet shoppe.

I am really enjoying doing some digi scrapping again, just wish there was more time in the day or more hours I could keep my eyes open!!!

Thanks for stopping by & please let me know you have.............................say HI.........................I don't bite - well, not often!!!

Sandi :)

I don't get it.....

2007-02-05T10:42:00.000+11:00

Why am I such a grump? I am still on medication & yet all I seem to do is yell at Brodie. Is it his fault he talks non stop, after all isn't that what I hoped for and encouraged all those years ago??? Is it his fault he doesn't play by himself, I hardly encourage him to play I am always too busy with everyday shit to play, and then after all that I am too stuffed to bother. Is that his fault? Nope. So why does he cop my shit......................? ? ? ? ? ? ?

I guess I am on a bit of a downer today as something DH said to me as an off the cuff, tongue in cheek comment yesterday has really stung! He said that my whole day is one big long morning tea. Now not only have I stewed on this as a reference to me eating too much, but also, obviously, he was implying that I sit around drinking cups of tea all day.
How does he think this house stays in order? How does he think the kids get fed? How in the hell does he think tea gets cooked for him everynight?
Oh that's right HE DOESN'T THINK. Oh except with his ummmm.......little brain if you get what I mean ;p
MEN!

I am also depressed as the time has come for me to go back to work. Don't get me wrong I know I have to and that doesn't bother me so much, but I will be working Monday 7 - 11pm, Tuesday 7 - 11pm, every second Sunday 7 - 11pm & the other sunday 1 - 6pm (hopefully if I can swing it!!). Now I know that isn't as bad as others have, but I am stressed as I am not good with not much sleep & I just know that DH will do NOTHING the nights I work. Sure he will start off good, but within a matter of weeks I will come home to the tea dishes still on the dining table, kids clothes on the floor, his bits & pieces all over the bench, or left in the office.
It is basically just more work for ME. No one else, ME! Work I don't need. Work I don't think I can cope with. Work I don't see why I have to do it..............

I am sure I will snap out of this mood & that it is probably just hormones or something - I hope. I was planning on coming off the medication soon, but might not just yet.

Oh well, better bite the bullet & ring my boss & figure out a start date. ho hum. depressing. sad.

Sandi :)

kachow............

2007-01-31T15:30:00.000+11:00

I think I am a little obsessed, well, actually I KNOW I am.........I have just won some more Cars cars (as in from the Disney Pixar movie) on eBay USA. Yep, I have to get them from the USA unless I want to pay a small fortune for them on eBay AUS.
Mind you I would SAVE a heap of money if I just didn't buy them at all. BUT where would the fun in that be??
** edited to add that I may wish to double check the postage that they are charging BEFORE bidding!!!! Hmmm......small leason learnt there!**

Currently I have, sorry BRODIE has.... lol ....30 cars. There are doubles of Sally & Lightning McQueen in that though so really only 28 :)
I have just won Mike & Sully (from Monsters Inc). Last week I won Dirty Lightning McQueen, Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen (a girl can never have too many Lightning McQueen's you know!!!), Blue Mater, Hudson Hornet & Hamm (from Toy Story).

There are only a few more I want, but can't seem to win them!!!! Ah well, guess I will eventually get them - might have to sell the house in order to pay for them, but heck why not!!!!

In other news............

I scrapped!!! Not over the top. Just simple, but I love it. It all came together last night & made me want to just keep scrapping - if only there were more hours in the day!

credits - shabby princess silly boy play all day kit, fonts are CK roxy & CK script

I plan on doing some more soon, but the next 3 nights I am home alone with the kids so don't see much getting done!
DH has THREE concerts to go to in a row! How silly is that.....but that is just the way it worked out. OK we knew 2 would be together, but hadn't realised the third was the night before.
Tonight he is off to the TOOL concert with his mate from work - don't worry I don't know who they are either....lol....some heavy metal crap I believe. Although DH told me last night they were pretty mellow - ummm, I don't think so! One of their songs is titled Hooker with a Penis! yeah ok whatever.............
Anyway he then has Roger Waters on Thursday & Friday nights. Roger is a member of Pink Floyd who is my DH's FAVOURITE band in the whole world!!!!! Thursday night he is three rows from the front centre stage so that is exciting (at $350 a ticket it would bloody wanna be exciting!!!). He got the cheap ass ticket for the Friday though......roflmao.

Heaps of other crap to fill you in on, or is that bore you to tears with????
Will sign off now in the hope that I can put some photos together to show you our newly extended house.

Sandi :)

2007-01-22T14:32:00.000+11:00

I am still around........just trying to settle back to just me & the 2 kids home. It is TOUGH let me tell you.
Brodie does NOT STOP TALKING ALL day. And I mean ALL day. It is draining. It exhausts me. It agrivates me. It infuriates me. It makes me laugh. It makes me want to cry.
It also seems that Charli just feeds ALL day long...........!!

Will be back later hopefully with some photos to share of my NEW house (well, extension anyway), the kids and anything else that I can find that might be interesting!!! lol

I got a double layout finished at the crop night on Friday night so might even share that too!!! lol

Sandi :)

My gorgeous adorable Charli.

2007-01-09T09:19:00.000+11:00

Isn't she the most gorgeous girl in the world :o) I just love her to bits. Love the chubby cheeks, the chubby arms & legs too!!!
She is getting really strong now which I love - she has a flat head on her right side which causes me HEAPS of stress! Hopefully her hair will grow REALLY quickly & you won't notice it!!! lol.

In other news I am flat out with all the crazy stuff that is happening in our house. We have moved into our new bedroom, we are using the new ensuite (minus the shower screen, we have a dodgy shower curtain up for now the guy is coming this morning to measure the screen thank goodness), we have moved into the new office, our old bedroom is now officially very PINK and we are going to move Charli into the front lounge room so we can paint the walls in that room too.Then we are officially all done with the painting! YEAH!! (not that I have done much of it!)

Better dash, Charli is deciding she might be hungry! lol.
Will put some renovation photos on here asap. When I get a second to sit & sort through some!

Sandi :)

2006-12-27T22:17:00.000+11:00

I am still here.
Just a super quick entry as I NEED to get my fat butt off to bed I am sooooooooooo tired!!!!!

We had a fairly good christmas, not too many dramas which was nice. I had both my Mum & Dad here & their partners and it was AWESOME!!!! They all behaved beautifully & actually got on well. Mum & Max actually stayed for 2 nights which again was AWESOME!!! I really miss being around my Mum she is an amazing lady. Love her to bits.

The extension is all but done!!!! Woo hoo............
The deck has been started & there are only a handful of days left to do the finishing touches to the rest of it. You know, towel rails, door handles, curtains hung etc. Then we have to organise (& pick) carpet & hope they won't take too long to be able to lay it as we aren't moving in till we have carpet there...........Mind you I might see if I can con DH into sleeping on the matress on the floor if we have to!!! Woo hooo our very own ensuite, walk in robe & big bedroom.
I will take some photos ASAP when I get a second to catch my breath!

Charli is awesome. She is an amazingly happy, calm, HUNGRY bubba and I just adore her. I especially love her smile. She screws up her nose & has squinty eyes just like me. Love her.

Brodie is FULL ON! He is a very typical 3 year old I think & having lots of people telling him what to do left right & centre is a bit hard for him.
He NEVER STOPS TALKING - any hints on how to make him stop asking WHY for everything would be appreciated!
He is now going most days without any accidents, but we made the mistake of putting him in pull ups which he basically treated as a nappy!!!! So no more of them unless we really have to. We do have a bit of an issue with poo - he would rather do it on the grass out the back yard like the dog does......so I am working on bribery to encourage potty use!!!!! So far he has done it twice on the potty, so there is hope! It certainly is a trying time though & I pity anyone who is also going through it.

Better get my butt off here. I am hooked on the new mystery case files game which is SUPER HARD!!!!!!!!

Nighty night.
Will share photos soon.
Sandi :)

Hope you all had a great christmas, and have a super new year if I don't get to chat with any of you before then!

2006-12-14T08:20:00.000+11:00

Have I told you how totally adorable my little girl is????????????

Well.............SHE IS!!!! lololol
Last night she slept from 8.30pm till 7 this morning!!!!!!!! HOW COOL IS THAT.
AND the night before she slept from 9.30pm till 5.45am. I am loving the extra sleep let me tell you.
Now all I need to do is stop Brodie from waking up screaming for more milk! grrrrrr when will he grow out of that?

On toilet training news he has requested going back into jocks each morning & we are doing pretty well. He seems to be fine in the morning, but by mid arvo he loses the plot! I am perservering with it & know that in a months time or so I will wonder what I was stressing about!
Thanks for all your comments & words of encouragement!

The renovation is coming along SO fast I can not believe it. It is up to the plastering stage inside.....we are held up due to not having a plumber at this stage - anyone in Vic who knows of a plumber with a spare 2 or 3 days wanting some extra cash........send them my way PLEASE!!!!!! lol.
We have picked paint colours, my Dad is picking up the laminex for the bathroom from my sister in Ballarat today (her & her hubby both work at laminex :) so that is handy!), have purchased the lights, know what sort of curtains I want..........pretty much all sorted I think.
There is SO much painting inside & out I am REALLY not looking forward to it - I hate painting!!! lol

Better go I have a little boy here saying *I want something for me* over & over so that means he is hungry!! Gotta love him............

Sandi :)

2006-12-08T18:03:00.000+11:00

It's official................I GIVE UP!!!!

Today was day 5 of toilet training & I spent more time mopping up & disinfecting & rinsing wee soaked jocks than I did doing anything else.
Day 1 we had only one accident. Day 2 we had a couple, but we were out of the house so I expected that. Day 3 was pretty good.....we did have issue with poo on all these days though!!! He clearly didn't want to do it in the potty or toilet. Day 4 OK a few oopsies!
DAY 5 A FRIGGIN' DISASTER!

So I officially give up. I was going to stick it out but he asked for nappy on & he stood there weeing then told me he had done it & that it was fun to wee on the floor!!!!!!!
Even on medication it was FAR TOO MUCH TO TAKE.

Thankfully Liz agreed that perhaps it was best to wait a bit longer until HE was ready - I said, yeah like when he is FIFTY!!!!!!

So once the nappy went on he stood there & watched himself wee.....waiting for the wee to run down his legs. NICE!

I give up.

2006-12-04T17:20:00.000+11:00

This is how the back of our house looked at the start of the renovations. In this photo DH is removing the garden bed that was just at the bottom of the steps off the deck. In the middle part there used to be the swing set and slide with bark under it.

This is what it looks like now - well, this morning! My Dad has done a lot since this photo was taken, but I will have to update later.

There is my super talented Dad. He is amazing!!

I thought we would be lucky to have the floor on for Christmas Day & at this rate it will be well & truly done to lock up stage if not all plastered too!!!

WOW WOW WOW is all I keep saying. I am gobsmacked by just how quickly it has come together. I think we are getting the frame inspection on Wednesday then the roof on on Saturday so that will be a huge buzz.

We are adding on an office/parents retreat, master bedroom, ensuite & walk in robe - YUM! How lucky am I.

Another plus is that the budget seems to be going really well at the moment. Fingers crossed it will continue that we have over estimated on most things..............!! That would be awesome because DH could then get either the plasma TV he wants or the Coffee Machine & maybe we can even recarpet the whole house! Awesome is what that would be.

Better run for now & make tea - warm lamb salad! YUMMO!!!!

Sandi :)

ps. Drugs are working wonders so far. Only have about a months supply so might have to go off to get another script soon!! lol.

2006-12-01T17:21:00.000+11:00

I am still around.
I am medicated.
I am coping slightly better.
It has been a shit fight and real challenge for me.
I hope I will make it through with all my family still loving me.
I can't wait for Christmas to be over.
I worry about silly things.
Brodie really knows how to push - but the poor bugger now has FOUR people who know what is best for him *sigh* so I can understand why he would be a tad frustrated too.
Charli is still an angel, bless her!
I worry that Charli is too big for her age, but figure it will all slow down soon. I love her chubby bubby cheeks to death!!!!
I am off to a scrap night tonight so that should relax me a bit, I hope.

On other news our renovation is well & truly underway. It started last Tuesday and today the walls are going up!!!!!!!!! Can hardly believe how quickly my Dad has done it. He is an amazingly talented man. Love him.

That's all for now.
Sandi :)

This could get ugly...

2006-11-23T10:47:00.000+11:00

So I will warn you to move on to another blog right now if you aren't in the mood for a whiny, whingy, sooky, swearing filled post!
It isn't going to be pretty!!!

Well I wrote this really big long post about how fucken shit my week has been but I have deleted it and through my tears I just want to say...........

LEAVE ME ALONE, LET ME RAISE MY CHILDREN HOW I WANT TO EVEN IF I DO IT WRONG, DON'T BLAME ME FOR EVERYTHING, DON'T EXPECT ME TO DO EVERYTHING, DON'T THINK THAT I AM NOT HURTING.........I am.

OK I just had a major meltdown with my Dad & Liz!!! Not at all what I had wanted or planned, but I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. Great timing on my part - NOT - as Liz has a major migrane and is off to the Dr. to have an injection to hopefully rid her of the pain & agony she is currently in. Not real fair of me to dump my shit on them at that point hey!!!
Anyway....tears still flowing but I want to just move on from it.

I need to be strong and raise my children how I wish to raise them. Take their *suggestions* on board and just NOT take it as a personal dig at my parenting. I am hoping that they too will think a bit more before they *suggest* stuff......it isn't always wanted!

My eyes sting, my nose is running & my head is pounding, but that is nothing to the pain I feel in my heart. Not coping today AT ALL...............................

My gorgeous girl....

2006-11-19T09:42:00.000+11:00

I just had to share the big grins that we am now getting from Charli. Isn't she just too cute!!!!
Her eyes just sparkle & light up when she smiles. I love it.
She has the deGroot(my side) smile, her eyes go all squinty and get lost, just like me!!!! Love it....

In other news my Dad & his wife Liz arrive tomorrow to start our extension!!! WOO HOO!!!!!! DH has Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday off so that should be good he can at least show Dad where the hardware shops etc are and maybe pull down the deck! Then I will feel like things are really happening.

I have no idea how long it will take to build this extension, but I hope our house isn't thrown into caos for too many months. BUT don't get me wrong I am REALLY REALLY thankful & grateful that my Dad would do this for us. What an awesome thing to do.

Will post some before, during & after photos no doubt along the way so you can all share my journey (and mess!!!! ) lol.

Better go my sister & her 2 kids are due anytime & I can't wait!!!! DH has worked the last 7 days so I am bored shitless at home! I am hanging for some adult conversation (oh and someone else to play with Brodie!!).

Have a good week.

Sandi :)

Gorgeous girl & Spoilt rotten........

2006-11-17T07:54:00.000+11:00

Gorgeous girl -
My gorgeous Charli has slept for nearly 7 hours for the last 2 nights!!! WOO HOO way to go Charli!!! I must say I am still really tired, but I guess it will take a few of these long sleeps in a row to make me feel more *normal*.
In other Charli news she is putting on stacks of weight so is officially our chubby bubby!!! She put on 730gms last fortnight so is REALLY eating well!!! lol. She is in the 95% range thingy in the *blue* book (used to be yellow!! lol) so she is not underfed or starving hey!
I was (still am a little bit) worried about her weight in that she is getting really chubby and I guess I was so used to Brodie as a baby that I am finding it a real shock!! Brodie was the opposite...we struggled to get him to put on much weight at all so he always looked scrawny as a bub! If he put on 400gm in 2 weeks we celebrated!!!! lol no such worry now.
Don't get me wrong I think it is great she is so content and happy and rarely cries - NO I am not over feeding her!!! lol.
I know it is something I have to get over & stop stressing about. I guess it is hard when people see her & comment on how *healthy* she looks & how she looks MUCH older than 8 weeks.......
She is healthy & will thin down when she gets moving I have no doubt.

Spoilt rotten -
Well, that would be me!!! It was my birthday yesterday & I did well!!!! I got spoilt by Brodie, Charli & DH. I got FOUR packets of pink Tim Tams (that he had to drive to Emerald to get - Emerald is a fair way from our house, maybe 35 minutes?? or maybe less, sorry I am shocking with times!!! anyway, he had to go OUT of HIS way to get them!). I LOVE these tim tams & they are only a short production thing which has well & truly sold out everywhere. Turns out he spoke to the Arnott's rep (one of the perks of working in a supermarket I guess :P lol) and she told him that Ritchies supermarket in Emerald still had some. So off he went and got me FOUR packets. He the said if I wanted more he would go get some more!!! What a sweetie.
I also got 2 packets of Cadbury Trilogy Almonds. These are my FAVOURITE chockie of all time. They are only a promo release (started off only for Father's day one year then they released them for Christmas, then Easter & now another batch for Christmas) and I LOVE them. They are really expensive $9 a jar (450gm) but I have been buying LOTS of them :) I had my last jar in the pantry & said that was it NO MORE. We couldn't afford for me to waste that sort of money blah blah blah you know the usual. SO now I don't have to worry for a while as DH got me 2 packets (275gm each) ! ! ! ! WOO HOO almonds.......lol.
So are you bored yet! lol

Oh yeah I also got the complete first series of All Saints on DVD. Now this is my favourite show & I rarely miss it I just love Tuesdays!!!! DH & I started watching it a few years ago but we think we missed the first series. I have always said it would be interesting to watch it & then when the DVD's were released I said how cool......
Anyway, DH remembered & got them for me!!! Isn't he great. BUT I am now wondering if I can justify the $80 for them or if I would prefer a new doona cover for our bed when our extension is done!!!
DH said to keep the DVD's and then go buy a new doona cover when the extension is done. Might just do that.
Isn't it funny how we can justify spending $$ on others, but find it hard to make it ok to just accept things when that $$ could be used elsewhere.
Hmmm might sleep on the All Saints DVD collection. I have 2 weeks to return them :) The other down thing in my mind is that I know I will then want the other 4 series.........and at $80 each...well, you know the drill.

Sorry to have bored you if you are still reading. Guess I am just rambling out loud here today!

Today I am going to lunch with some of my favourite people.........Min, Inge & Rowie & their kidlets, Mitch, Ronan & Zane. Can't wait. We go to Zagame's in Boronia because they have an awesome playground area for the kids to go crazy in!!! Gotta love it when the kids are happy!!! lol.
Then my In-Laws are coming over to look after the kids so I can go to a crop night & DH can go to a Pink Floyd tribute band that he has had a ticket for for ages. Woo hooo......crop night!!! I am so looking forward to it!

Better run & do some ironing & wash some bottles...................fun stuff :)

Sandi :)

Headache....

2006-11-15T15:15:00.000+11:00

Well, I thought I would get a UV filter for my camera as I have heard that it protects it & is a great thing to have!!
Hmmmm why is there more than 1 of these things? Don't they know that making decisions ISN'T my strong point?!?!?!

You should have seen Min & I at camera house this morning....between which photo paper to get & what filter we needed it was a LONG process!!!!! Walked out with NO filter......but we did get some Ilford paper to try.

Anyone who has any opinion on UV filters for Canon 350d I would really love to know your thoughts...................................

Off to either have a Nana nap or vacuum - or list stuff on ebay!!

Sandi :)

Figured it out.......

2006-11-13T11:54:00.000+11:00

Yep....it was ME who was the problem with uploading, not blogger - oops!!!!! lol.
Appears the file I was trying to upload was HUGE for some reason (yet I had checked it to make sure it wasn't big) oh well, problem sorted now.
So I will finally share.........
This is the layout I started at the last crop & finally finished yesterday.

This layout I did from scratch and I LOVE it. LOVE it to bits...........it is simple and basic, but I think it is a stunner and shows off what is still one of my fav photos of Charli.

So there you have it, FINALLY!!! lol.

Have a great day. Mine is AWESOME so far. DH is back at work and both kids are great so far. Will wait till "feral" hour first before I declare it a great day.

Oh not to mention the time DH gets home. I am SO cranky with him. I slept on the couch last night (lucky it is comfy!) I was so pissed at him. How dare he imply that I need to lift my game and start cleaning out cupboards etc when HE has just had FIVE weeks off and done sweet f-all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vent over.......

Sandi :)

Third time lucky?

2006-11-12T19:37:00.000+11:00

2 posts in one day!

2006-11-12T16:47:00.000+11:00

WOW that is unheard of!!!! Must be good stuff to report today....lol.
Nah I just wanted to come & show you all (the couple of people that visit!) the layout I have just finished that I started at the crop night on the 3rd.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

What am I doing wrong?? I have SO much trouble uploading photos and I have no idea why??

HELP!!!

He's a natural ! ! ! !

2006-11-12T14:44:00.000+11:00

Born perfomer.......

Last night we went to our nephew Jack's 7th birthday and friends of theirs had brought along their singstar and MAN was it fun!!!!!
I can not believe what a natural Brodie looked at it. He has NEVER had a microphone in his hand before and he knew exactly what to do with it. He was even holding the cord with his other hand the way they do etc.....it was VERY VERY cute. He didn't do any good at it and just mumbled and sang twinkle twinkle into the mic, but he gave it a go and that is more than I thought he would!!!!!!
So I have now got it in my head we NEED a singstar...oh and the machine thingy that plays it I guess. Might have to work on DH and see if that is a possibility for Brodie for christmas. Mind you I have always said I didn't want my kids to be ones to just sit in front of a playstation/Xbox thing for hours on end. But this singing thing is FUN!! lol.

Off to scrap now - yep PAPER scrap that is (well, try to anyway).

Sandi :)

2006-11-10T13:57:00.000+11:00

I said I wouldn't do any more whiny whingy posts, but I was wrong.

OMG I feel like I can not do a thing right at the moment. No matter what I do I feel it is wrong. I feel like I am being lazy, but also that I don't get time to myself either.
Don't get me wrong DH has been awesome during his holidays, but we clearly have VERY different view points.

How do I get through this?? How do I learn to accept things & just get over it & move on??

Just want to cry.

Going to do my ironing & eat chocolate - is it any wonder I am FAT!

Where.........

2006-11-09T21:36:00.000+11:00

Has anyone seen my gorgeous little boy??? He seems to have disappeared & I would LOVE it if someone could return him & take this MONSTER child that has been left here............please.

I don't know what is wrong with Brodie at the moment. He is just awful. He is throwing monster tantrums, not listening and just generally being bloody awful. I even took him to the Dr today in the hope that his ears were infected or the grommets had fallen out (what sort of mother wishes for that???) just so that there could be a REASON for him to have changed. His speech has gone backwards a bit, he is stuttering a bit again and just generally not a happy chappy.
I miss my gorgeous helpful little man. I hope we can sort him out & that he is happy again soon.
I did wonder if it was due to DH being home so long - he is on his 5th week of holidays. I wondered if Brodie was wanting BOTH our attention or something??? Maybe he is finally jealous of Charli - I doubt that as he is so so so gentle with her, even when he is tearing around going crazy if he goes near her he slows down and is really careful!!!!
Who knows..................?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Someone asked if it was a full moon as their child had been a tad hard to cope with the last week or so!! Daylight savings??? Oh I dunno, any other excuses I can come up with.
Maybe he is just plain NAUGHTY!

I managed to get everyone to co-operate and did my santa hat photo shoot today!! I am quite happy with the results and got a couple of good ones without the hats on too.
The above one of Brodie is a favourite of mine I must say. Love it. Although I am not a huge fan of that crusty teddy - no idea where it came from or who it was from (Aunty Joan I think!!) but Brodie took a liking to it and decided he needed to have some photos with it! Too cute.

Not much else is news..........

I am fat. That is not news though. I am currently surfing the net for an instant cure for my jelly belly and fat ass! Not having much success though. My SIL is currently taking Xenicol, but I am a bit weary of it to be honest......lots of reports of vomiting & diarohea which I am not all that keen on :) so will have to just keep searching.
I really have 2 choices - ONE - live with it, this is who I am or TWO - do something about it. Make the effort & get out walking even if I have to take both kids and struggle my ass off with them! Cut out the excuses. Stop eating so much shit etc etc etc.
Hmmm will have to sleep on that - really tough choice.

I did come accross Blackmores Sugar Balance which I think can only be a good thing for me. I have a terrible sweet craving ALL day so might have to go find some of them I think.

Anyway I am off to bed now. Miss Charli will be awake soon for a feed (which Daddy can do) then hopefully 5 hours after that I will be up for her next feed. Last night she did 5 hours which was great - hopefully she will just keep on stretching it out!!! Love this girl to bits.

Thanks for visiting & reading if you made it this far.
Nighty night - miss you Min!!!

Sandi :)

Just one.......

2006-11-04T19:50:00.000+11:00

I only managed to scrap ONE layout..........yep ONE 8.5 x 11 layout. Pathetic huh!!!! lol but I did have a great night!

BUT I must say I LOVE the layout I did get done!!!

Isn't that just gorgeous!! lol

This is Charli's special Teddy that my BIL brought for her. He goes & picks them out all on his own & it is his special gift to her. He got Brodie one when he was born that is very similar but boy like obviously!!!! lol Mind you he got it before Brodie was born, this one he got after Charli arrived.
I love it. It is one of the most gorgeous soft teddies I have ever seen. He did well........

This is Brodie fast asleep on his little couch with special teddy. Gorgeous hey.

Not much else happening. Didn't get to bed till 2 am as I got home from the crop about 12.15 then fed Charli, made bottles, tidied a little then crashed!!! Feeling it now though. Might be an early Saturday night for me. Boring hey......

I wrote a list of who I have to buy for for Christmas & what I already have & I must say I am pretty pleased with myself. The majority of presents are either here or on layby somewhere & paid off basically so I am happy about that. Need to get one big present for Brodie (tossing up about a trampoline??) & an outfit for both kids & they are done. Haven't gone overboard this year as it just gets crazy I reckon.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Sandi :)

Update

2006-11-01T21:12:00.000+11:00

Not much news here I don't think but I will try and think of something to report...........lol.

* Getting lots of smiles from Charli now which is just so cute. Love it.

* Charli is suppose to be having 660ml of formula for her body weight and is having quite a bit more so I have a chubby bubby and I love it! Mind you I do wonder if she will be too chubby but I keep getting reassured she isn't overweight and is just fine. This is one of the downfalls of having such a little baby the first time I think....and such a chubby one the second time. I love all her rolls and her chubby face.

* Charli & I had our 6 week check up and all is well with us both which is great. She passed all with flying colours - oh, except for her head!! Seems her head is REALLY really out of shape. Now I did know that she favours her right side (which we put down to the broken collar bone) and I am trying my hardest to get her to lay on her left, but before I have even taken my hands off her head she is flipping it back. What am I suppose to do?? During the day I even prop her up so it is near on impossible to lay on her right side, but the clever little chicken finds a way!!!! That's my girl.....lol :) So it is an ongoing issue that we have to try & flip her little head over whenever we can. The Dr wasn't all that worried about it and said that when they start to sit up and roll & stuff it kinda corrects itself & then their head is covered with hair so you can't notice it! Great....

* Brodie has been a bit full on the last few days & it seems it is when both DH & I are home together. Think he is making the most of both of us here.....or something. He has also started his stutter thing again the last couple of days. I have been saying to Bevan that I think his grommets have fallen out (or maybe one at least) as his behaviour is a bit worse than it had been and he is just different. He of course thinks I am over reacting, but I just think they have!!!!! Mothers intuition or just me being paranoid??

* Have a crop night on Friday night & I can't wait. I know the late night will probably kill me, but hey so what!! Got a bunch of new goodies to use & I can't wait. So many layouts racing through my brain I really should sketch them shouldn't I.

* I desperately want some Deluxe Designs Plain Jane Chipboard Arrows so if anyone knows where I can get my hands on some please let me know. I have no idea why I want them so badly, but I just do!!! lol. On that note, why is it that there isn't ONE online shop that stocks EVERYTHING Min & I want??? That would be sooooooo much easier (and cheaper!) than having to go to different sites. Nevermind I know not everyone can stock everything, but we just want a few things. :o)

Hmmm think that is about it really......

Till next time.
Sandi :)

OK so yet again blogger won't let me post a photo so I will have to share that next post! xo

Sorry.....

2006-10-29T21:27:00.000+11:00

I have to apologise to everyone.
Firstly to those that CAN read my last 2 posts I am sorry I am not perfect....lol!!!
And to those that can't see my last 2 posts, as I deleted them, I am sorry that you may think you missed reading something interesting!!! lol
Basically I had a hissy fit (again) with DH and the blog copped it all.....!!!!

Things seem to have improved somewhat today - oh that's right I was out from 9.15am till 5.10pm so that may be why things are good. Ahhhhhhhh....heaven.

Today Min & I went to Paperific and had a blast. Lots of stuff to see. Most of it we felt was stamping, diecuts & card stuff so we didn't spend huge amounts (phew!) but found some awesome stuff and had a blast. Loved spending time with you Min it was awesome....thanks again.

Not much else to report really.
Charli is a little piggy and just wants more milk all the time - chubby cheeks!!!
Brodie & I played trains for ages this afternoon and he is getting quite an imagination on him!! Very cute.
Love them both to bits.

Have a good week.
Sandi :)

no idea why, but blogger is being a shit and won't let me upload ANYTHING then when I go look the post is there 5 times....I don't get it!

Blogger still won't publish this post for the general public...lol...weird!

2006-10-28T18:01:00.000+10:00

WHY?

2006-10-25T19:22:00.000+10:00

I wanted to share this photo with you as it is my first ever attempt at doing a process that I fell in love with on someone's blog.
HERE is where I found the instructions and the AWESOME photos that Anita Stergiou had done using this affect. It is called Faux Lomo and I just love it on her photos. I am not so sure that I picked the right photo to try it on, but hey we all have to start somewhere!!! Will no doubt be doing it again as I like the effect.
There are lots of steps to it, especially for a newby PSE user like me!!!! lol but I got there.

Thanks for looking.
Sandi :)

2006-10-24T22:06:00.000+10:00

I have created a Photo Story of Charli's life so far. I wanted to share this with family & friends, but it is too big to email so I thought I would just put it on here.
I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it - and I still cry every time I watch it, even though I have watched it dozens of times! lol.

Charli's story - so far.....

SICK OF IT.

2006-10-24T20:16:00.000+10:00

I am so sick of being taken for granted. I am so sick of being a Mum to a 33 year old. I am so sick of picking up after both the boys that live here. I am so sick of DH just sitting there ignoring all the shit that is going on right in front of him. I am sick of him having to have the TV/Music so loud.

I am just SO friggin' sick of it all.

SICK OF IT!!

I can feel an emotional melt down coming on - where is that chocolate again??

2006-10-23T22:24:00.000+10:00

Oh my goodness Blogger has let me post a photo finally!!! WOW.

This is a quick layout I did about Brodies big achievement last week......

stuff used - alpha is from shabby princess kit called silly boy play all day, paper & eyelet thingys from Dani's Handsome in blue kit and fonts are 2 peas glitter girl, 2 peas dragon fly

Journaling reads - You have always loved your white pipe. Lately we have been wondering if you were ever going to give it up! Today just out of the blue you said you would throw it in the binbecause you had chewed a hole in it. We let you put it in the bin & hoped that you wouldn'twant it back - I did sneak & get it out when you weren't looking though. We thought it would be a really hard thing to get you to give it up! How wrong we were. We are so proudof the big boy you are now becoming. Love you. Mummy & Daddy xoxo 19 october 2006

Thanks for reading.

Sandi :)

Bits & pieces.....

2006-10-23T13:46:00.000+10:00

I have random stuff to say today so will do it in point form!!

* I have created a blog for my good friend Min. Don't know if she will use it or not, but I had fun creating it anyway - oh and her header and page all line up and look great and yet I did the same thing on mine and do you think it will work properly?? Nope. Ah well, mine just has to look odd till I get the time & energy to try & figure what I have done wrong!
Mins blog if you want to take a peek....oh you might want to wait till SHE has actually written in it, lol, she is away for a few days!!
http://www.minsblog71.blogspot.com/

* I painted my toenails & fingernails on Thursday - how totally GIRLY of me!!!! lol

* Brodie has been awesome about his white pipe and asked for it maybe three times, but hasn't cried and carried on like we thought he would. What a big boy. I am SO PROUD. Love you buddy!!!! Hope toilet training is that easy?!?!?

* Went & did some grocery shopping with BOTH kids today and made it through unscathed. Spent too much, but hey isn't that what money is for?? lol.

* Really annoyed with myself for not pre-ordering the Cars DVD that I had promised myself I would get. It was a collectors tin with a bonus DVD and it had sold out last week when I remembered about it. SHIT! It isn't even on eBay for me to buy from there.....bummer hey! Oh well I am just hoping I can find a 2 disc version somewhere and just have to miss out on the collectors tin!

* Charli slept for 5 hours last night so I got a good 6 1/2 hours sleep IN A ROW as DH did the last feed for me - isn't he great :)

* DH is on 5 weeks annual leave and we haven't filed for divorce yet - that has to be an amazing thing!!! lol....although it is only the start of the 3rd week, give us time! Nah I shouldn't say that we have been getting on pretty well. We even went on a bit of a date on Thursday night and went to Hogs Breath for tea (yummy steaks!). I think he has had a bit of insight into my life now with 2 kids and I can't imagine him ever making any comments about lack of housework done!! lol.

* I am keeping up with the housework, bottles, washing & ironing! I am actually really proud of myself and with how organised I am most of the time. Fingers crossed that continues.

* We have DH's cousins 30th birthday on Saturday night and I don't really want to go. My Mum is coming down to look after the kids so it will be a nice chance to catch up with her. The reason I don't want to go is the usual - I don't have anything to wear that I don't look foul in! I have a rather big jelly belly which is like a muffin over my jeans - ewww not a nice look! Anyway I am planning on going to try and find some cheap jeans somewhere in a bigger size that I won't feel so ewww in. I got a wide belt and a long t-shirt so I will just put them with jeans or a pair of black pants. Don't want to spend lots of $$ as I plan to lose weight SOON.

* Started my sensible eating today - trying REALLY hard to not eat so much chocolate. Bring on the Weight Watchers stuff I have learnt.....might even go back to the meetings if I don't shift the kg's quick enough. I have about 9kg to lose to get to goal weight. I was bigger than goal when I got pregnant so I would say I am about 3 or 4 kg's bigger than when I got pregnant. It appears it is all now in the wrong spots - BELLY!!!! I guess when I look at it that isn't too bad considering I only gave birth 4 1/2 weeks ago, and I put on stacks of weight/fluid when I was pregnant.

* DH has lost about 16kgs - bastard!!! lol. Nah I am really really proud of him and know that he loves the change and I really doubt he will ever get that big again.

* Renovations haven't started like we thought they would as my Dad sold his house in QLD so he is there for a while longer sorting all that bizzo out! It is exciting for him, but sad too. He built this house from scratch (which he has done before) and it is an awesome BIG house. I find it sad as we no longer have free accomodation when we go to QLD - LOLOLOLOLOL just kidding! So DH has his whole 5 weeks annual leave to play around in and do what he wants!!! lol

* I did another layout last night so I will end this monster post with that............thanks for reading if you made it this far.

NOPE yet again blogger won't let me upload any photos - is anyone else having trouble or is it just me?? Might have to look for a new blog home I think........?? Any suggestions???

Sandi :)

No more white pipe...........

2006-10-20T17:56:00.000+10:00

Yep, Brodie threw his white pipe (the nickname we have for his dummy) in the bin yesterday. So far so good. He has asked for it a couple of times but we have just told him it has germs on it and that it has gone to the tip and he has bought that!!!

What a big boy he is now.

Next job............toilet training :)

The explanation behind white pipe is this........my family has always called dummies pipes. I have no real reason why (that I can recall) but I can only assume they didn't like the word dummy and let's be honest it isn't the nicest word? But I guess pipe is a word that anti-smokers would be horrified we used!!! lol can't win hey. My nephew (who is now 12) had a pipe and I guess I just learnt it from there. Anyway, it is called a white pipe because we had lots of different pipes around and I called them baby pipes so he wouldn't use them. He decided he would therefore ask for his white pipe as opposed to the baby pipes! It just stuck!!

Brodie has always loved his pipe and has really loved it since Charli came home. She too has a pipe exactly the same as his which we thought would cause trouble as we thought when he saw it he would want his. This hasn't been the case which is awesome.

Very proud Mum signing off now and I will try again to upload some more photos.

Sandi :)

Confirmed.

2006-10-20T14:40:00.000+10:00

It was confirmed yesterday that Charli's collar bone is/was in fact broken. The x-ray looked just awful and it nearly broke my heart all over again. It is just so unreal to see such a small bone with such an almighty looking wound/break!!!
The chiro (love him) said that it is healing perfectly and we are to go back in 6 weeks just to recheck it. He was really reassuring which is just what I needed. My poor little angel. He was again amazed at her pain threshold saying he was really surprised she hadn't been unsettled and crying/grizzly from birth. He had a student (I am sure he had a better title than that!!) there learning and brought him in to show him as it isn't something they see a lot of - 2 or 3 in every 100 births. He also made comment on how relaxed and happy she was compared to what he had expected. That's my girl!!!! lol. I think this skill will come in handy if/when she has a baby herself......

Who would ever have thought it was broken? Certainly not me. She is an absolute dream baby. Hardly cries. Easily settles. Is just perfect.....who would have picked it?!?!?!!?! How lucky am I.

Is anyone else having issues uploading photos to blogger or is it just me........I am getting really shitty let me tell you!!

Back soon with some really exciting news about my big boy Brodie - that is if I can upload a photo!!!!

Sandi :)

I met Tam....

2006-10-18T19:45:00.000+10:00

** NOTE this post was done last night but blogger was being a bastard so I couldn't publish it till today!!! I still can't get any more photos uploaded so will post this and try again later!!!**

Yep today I finally got to meet another online friend. I have met Peta Possum when we were in QLD in March and that was great, but today I got to meet Tam. Tam only lives 10 minutes away from me so it is amazing we haven't met before. Not to mention it turns out her in-laws live just around the corner so they have driven past my house many times!!!!! Small world hey.

I was a touch aprehensive I must say, but I need not have worried. She was as friendly, down to early and gorgeous as I had expected. I think we hit it off nicely.......

Poor Diesel was having a bad day I think and was a bit unsettled - or was that just because I got the camera out?? Poor poppet!!

Thanks Tam for coming to visit we must do it again and when you aren't feeding we must go to a crop night together I reckon it would be a blast.
Thanks also for showing me around PSE a bit too. I now can give my photos that POP and WOW factor! This one was a stand out for me......LOVE IT!!

Aren't those colours awesome!!!
Doesn't he look really grown up too.

Tam did show me how to use brushes too, but I didn't like any that I played with and will have another play around with them tonight hopefully when Brodie goes to bed - soon!!

So that is it for now.

Oh better share some photos of Diesel and Tam that I snapped today - I am sure that it is ok with Tam.

What a cutie!!!!!
He looks so grown up next to Charli and there is only 4 weeks difference. Amazing how quickly they grow up isn't it.

H E L P ......

2006-10-17T21:26:00.000+10:00

Can anyone tell me why my profile & archive bit are all the way down the bottom????? I thought having a change in here would be easy. How wrong I was.
Thanks for any help you may be able to give me.....

Sandi :)

I scrapped again....

2006-10-14T22:38:00.000+10:00

OMGoodness it is amazing!
I have scrapped up a storm tonight and had an absolute ball. I am really enjoying digi scrapping these last 2 nights, but I am really really in desperate need of some new stuff - any excuse to shop?? lol. I don't want to buy a heap of stuff and not use it so I am going through what I have already and recycling it!

Stuff used - Dani Mogstad's birthday cake kit, font is walkway expanded

I absolutely love this layout! Love the colours (who doesn't love brown & pink?), the layout and the photo!!! One of my favs without a doubt.

This next photo is one that was taken by Min and I love it. It is such a great photo it captures Charli perfectly at 5 days old, asleep in front of the window as she was a bit yellow! Thanks for taking the photo Min and sharing it with me. Can't wait to see how you paper scrap it!

Stuff used - Shabby Princess dinner party kit and font's are walkaway expanded & pegs anna

I don't know what has gotten into me today I have been bitten by the cleaning bug today too! The house is sparkling if I do say so myself. All that is left to do is the ironing and I left that because I have 2 clothes airers full so may as well wait until that is all dry too - most of it is the summer clothes we have bought for Charli. It is so cute to see all the pink stuff there drying! Still hard to believe......

My sister and her family are coming to visit tomorrow which will be AWESOME!! I can't wait. It seems like forever since I have seen her and Rick and the kids haven't met Charli yet so that will be great. Not to mention Brodie just idolises his big cousin Josh so he will be entertained all day. Will be great. Rick is bringing his chainsaw to chop down 3 palms we have in the backyard to make way for our extension so that will be fun too!!! Not to mention the photo opportunity....lol.

Oh well, better get to bed, 2am comes around mighty quickly!!!!!
Have a great Sunday all.

Sandi :)

I SCRAPPED!!!!!

2006-10-13T22:09:00.000+10:00

Well I did a long post last night but obviously it got gobbled up by blogger so I will just show you the scrapping I managed to do last night!!!
YEP......I digi scrapped. YEAH ME!!!

Stuff I used - shabby princess stitches & faux jewels, Mindy Terasawa's Baby's breath kit (loving her stuff!!), Michelle Coleman's distressed alpha

Stuff I used - Kit Thank heaven by Mindy terasawa, alpha meadowlane by KH Mize, font is digs my hart

So there you have it, my very first Charli layouts. I must say they have inspired me to do more which is great as I have TONNES of brilliant photos to use now that I have my AWESOME 350d camera!!! Love it.

Have a great weekend everyone and I am sure I will update again soon :)

Charli has had her x-ray so now we just wait until Thursday for our app't to see what is going on. Poor little thing. Thank you for your well wishes too, I really appreciate it.

Sandi :)

Our poor little girl!!!

2006-10-09T19:24:00.000+10:00

Well I took Charli to the chiropractor today and it appears she may have a broken collar bone. Poor little angel. We have to take her for an x-ray and then back next week.
She was a very brave little girl as he did an adjustment to her neck & shoulder on that side and she cried for a few seconds and then was her normal calm self. Even the Dr said he couldn't believe how well she was handling what he was doing. She is a tough cookie!

She truly is my angel girl :) I have been really blessed with her, and I will NEVER take it for granted.

Love you to bits little girl!!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

She is currently still asleep so I think the ordeal was a bit traumatic for her. Poor thing.
Off to give her an extra big kiss & cuddle.

Will let you all know how the x-ray goes.

Sandi :)

Charli's birth story....

2006-10-04T11:17:00.000+10:00

This is what I have written for a website that I visit - I couldn't be bothered rewriting it so I have just copied & pasted it!!!! lol...
Hi.
I thought I would try and get down the story of Charli's entry into the world before I forget all the little details........
A bit of background first - my DS (3) was born with vacuum assistance so I labored, but not to the point of pushing him out. His heart rate dropped dramatically so within a push or two he was out.This time I expected things to be very different and that is certainly how they were.

*** Warning this could contain parts that are too much info and will most certainly show how much of a sook and woos I was and how PATHETIC some of my comments while in labor were!!!!! LOL I think it is funny now though ***

My blood pressure had been up for about a week & a half so it was decided that I would go into hospital on Wednesday (20th Sept) and have my waters broken. Then I had a couple of hours to see if things progressed by themselves and if not they would start the drip to bring things on (can't remember what it is called).Well at 9.15am my waters were broken. We then paced the hallways and hospital corridors (with me in my nighty...very attractive look - NOT!!!) and walked up & down stairs.
By 9.50 I decided we should go back to the room as the pains were getting pretty bad and close. It was when the midwife checked me at 10am and told me I was in labor that it finally sunk in that there was LOTS of pain ahead!
The contractions came pretty thick and hard from 10am onwards. I really had to focus on breathing through them.The midwife suggested trying the gas. I told her I hated vomiting and had heard that it can make you sick. She said why not give it a go and see. So I did.....and I gagged and gagged and threw the thing on the floor telling her basically that was sh*t....lol.
She then suggested a bath. That may relax me and help things. I said the thought of laboring in water didn't appeal to me but she said again why not give it a go. She went to see if the bath was being used and came back to tell me that we were too late it was being used. I told her I needed to poo (!) so she said well the bath would be no good anyway....looks like we are going to have a baby.
She then suggested Pethadine to which I said yeah anything to stop the pain!!!! So off she went to get it. WOW then did I get a doozy of a contraction!!! I said to DH to press the button as things had changed and I needed to PUSH!
Oh no...this is going to hurt!
The midwife came back and said she knew as soon as she left to get the drugs things would take off.......then asked if I wanted her to see how dilated I was. AH YEAH or I might just push this baby out regardless.
The urge was so strong I can't describe it. Sure enough I was set to go. So off into push mode we went. OMG the burning sensation is not one I want to ever experience again. It was like the worst chinese burn in the most sensitive place. OUCH! I was well and truly asking to go home by now and repeating that I can't do this you will have to get the baby out!! Really pathetic...lol.
After a short while they checked bubs heart rate and I could hear the most dreaded sound - bubs heartbeat was really erratic and really slow. It happened with DS and I knew it wasn't good. Off they went to get the Dr called in.
They came back to tell me that Dr would be here in 20 minutes to which I replied "I WILL BE DEAD IN 20 MINUTES". It turns out that they actually said 4 minutes - DH told me later!!!!When the Dr showed up she mentioned forceps and that was all I needed to hear to push like a woman possessed. Ever since I saw the forceps at the classes I had decided that NO ONE would use those things on my baby. They look barbaric and just not something I wished to torture my unborn baby with, end of story.
She said we need to get bubs out and fairly quickly. OK........So I pushed and pushed and yelled a bit more about dying and pain and can't do it and being pathetic etc. They were all being really encouraging and telling me how good I was doing which helped heaps.
It felt like the babies head would come out 1cm and then when I stopped pushing would go back in 10cm. apparently this wasn't the case!!!
Anyway after some full on pushing they told me bubs head was out. Phew....I knew that already though as the burning had stopped - temporarily. Then on the next push out came the rest of my gorgeous baby girl. She was purple and limp and my DH thought she was dead. It was a very tense few minutes while they worked on her and it seemed to take forever to get her to make a noise, but when she did we both shed tears of joy - then found out she was in fact a girl!!!!! YEAH....
It turns out that she had the cord around her neck loosely, but it was also around her body so that was pulling against her with each contraction/push and that is why they think her heart rate dropped so dramatically.
So that is my long story of the birth of my angel Charli Rose.
She is just adorable and is so placid. I hope that she stays just as she is and is calm and relaxed throughout her life.
I can see why people would have more than one baby if they had a baby like Charli. DS was just so different.
Charli Rose Garrett born Sept 20, 2006 at 12.16pm (DH and I had tried to guess what time she would be born and I said 12.15 - he told me I was dreaming!!!! lol) weighing 3245gm (7lb 2oz), 48cm long, head circumference 32cm.
Total labor 2 hours 19 minutes.
No tears or cuts or stitches.
She is now feeding 3 hourly during the day and 4 hourly over night. I have bottle fed from the start and have no regrets. I have had a period of about 36 hours of real discomfort from being engorged, but nothing really unbearable. I just used cabbage leaves, frozen face washers and lots of panadine!!
Thanks for reading if you have made it this far.
_________________________________________________________

Sandi :)

PSE4

2006-10-03T16:23:00.000+10:00

OK I need help..........I am officially a Photoshop dummy!!!! It is SO hard.
All I wanted to do was apply a couple of actions to a photo or two but man I suck at it....can't even find the filter thing that I wanted to use.
Any suggestions/help/tips/advise would be greatly appreciated!

Sandi :)

Just another photo to share!

2006-09-30T18:55:00.000+10:00

Just quickly hoping on here to share a photo I took today! Of course it is of my gorgeous little girl!!!!

Isn't she just the cutest. I had my first attempt at a bit of a photo shoot with her today and while there aren't many I like or could use I thought this one was cute. Needless to say I will be having another go at it soon. Practise makes perfect they say.

Charli is already 10 days old! WOW doesn't time fly. She is putting on 50gms a day which is a lot!! lol. They say 20gm is the cut off point before you worry so I don't think we have any feeding issues with her. She is going to be a little chubby girl and I think it is great. With Brodie we had to worry and stress about every single gm he was putting on so it is good to have a healthy little bubby!!

Did I tell you I love her to bits.......lol.

I think Brodie is unwell. He was up at 7 but went back to sleep at 11. He has been sooky and wanted his dummy all day today and fell asleep again at 5.30. I hope he isn't coming down with anything. Poor little bugger. I hate to see him like this. Fingers crossed he is just catching up on the busy week he has had with Gran here and lots of activity and he will settle down soon. If not, I think it will be a L O N G night!!

Better go check the boy.
Sandi :)

Introducing Miss Charli Rose Garrett

2006-09-22T16:46:00.000+10:00

Born on Wednesday 20th September 12.16pm

Weight - 3245gm/7lb 2oz

Length 48cm

Head Circumference 32cm

Will be back later on to give the run down on her entry into this world.

My little angel. Isn't she just the cutest!!!

Sandi :)

I AM IN LOVE!!

2006-09-16T09:24:00.000+10:00

What was I worried about?? It is only money and hey once you have spent it there is no point going back worrying about it is there................. :)

Here are a couple of my fav photos so far:

And YES I know this is a lock and yes I know it is an odd photo, but I love taking macro photos and I love taking unusual ones too!!!! So this is one of my fav outside ones!!!!

So there you have it....my new toy! I can't wait for bubs to be born so that I can take some great shots. Heck I have to take thousands of them just to be equal to the amount of photos we have of Brodie!!! Don't want second child syndrome like I had :( lol.

No news on the bubsy front yet either. I think bubs is quite comfy where he is!!! Little bugger.

Have a great weekend.

Sandi :)

I have a new baby.....................

2006-09-14T13:18:00.000+10:00

BUT not the sort you are expecting!!!!!!! lol.

No pain involved with this baby - well, I did break out in a sweat so it was a bit stressful!! Thanks to Min for holding my hand and offering her opinion when it was time to chose between lenses! Ahhh the stress.......
So she is off charging and in just a couple of hours our relationship will begin :) lol...hope we like each other.

Big THANK YOU to my DH for finally saying yes!! And then putting up with me talking myself out of it.....only to turn around and buy it anyway. Yep, I am a fruitloop!!!!!! lol.

Off to read up some of the manual. Hmmm let's see, how do you turn it on?????

Any tips please feel free to email me or leave a comment with your fav tip/hint! PLEASE

Sandi :)

Nope...no bubsy news to report as yet..........hmmm wonder if she will ever join us???

2006-09-12T16:59:00.000+10:00

Well back from Dr's app't and all well. Blood pressure up slightly but still well within the normal range.
Not much to report. Back to see her next Tuesday and we will take it from there. I do feel better knowing that it is a week by week thing and she didn't just say outright oh we will let you go 10 days over before doing anything. I guess that was my biggest fear!!
So bring on next Tuesday - unless bubsy wants to come say HI first. She is engaged so I guess that is a good sign..!

37 weeks

2006-09-12T09:33:00.000+10:00

Well I am actually closer to 38 weeks, but hey what is a few days here & there!! lol.
I finally got motivated this morning and took some more belly shots. I hate them but hey, it is how I look and it is the LAST time I will look like this so I am embracing it and trying to look at the positives. I have a beautiful bubs in there cooking happily away!!! Hopefully not too much cooking I don't want a huge bubs to have to get out....lol.

So, again, if you dread the thought of a pregnant tummy stop right now! Don't say I didn't warn you!!

While taking these photos Brodie decided to come and join in. I managed to get a photo of him kissing bubsy!! Not very clear, but I love it. I used an effect on it to make it a bit better........

I thought that was cute!! Of course he has Mr the King from Cars movie in his hand - no letting go of that!!!! lol.

Off to my Dr appt today where hopefully she will take pity on my huge swollen legs and at least reassure me that I won't be pregnant for another 3 weeks! That sounds way too long to me........

Will report in later....

Sandi :)

2006-09-10T21:50:00.000+10:00

OMG my ears are bleeding from listening to bloody BOBBY from Idol..........What the f**k were the judges listening to??? Not the same shitty bad singing that I was.

I so do not like a single thing he sings....I want him out and unfortunately that isn't going to happen :(

I thought Reigan did a great job and I still love Klancie even if her song choice was not all that good.......think that is the country chick coming out in me!

Chris M was great, but as Mark says does things he knows he does well.

I have decided that I like Kyle. We agreed on nearly all of the idols.

Please let Bobby be the one voted off..........I know it won't ever happen and he will probably win, but OMG he hurts my ears!!
I think Joseph, Mutto or Klancie will go........but I hope it isn't Klancie!

Nighty night. Just had to have my rant over Idol...lol...OK I need to get a life :)

2006-09-09T18:03:00.000+10:00

Tired.
Grumpy.
Puffed up.
Sore ankles.
Emotional.
Unbearable.

Over it.

I got tagged..........

2006-09-07T16:53:00.000+10:00

AND I think it is a hard tag...........lol.

List 5 weird things about yourself or your pets.
Tag 5 friends and list them.
Then, those people need to write on their blogs about 5 weird things, and state the rules, and tag 5 more people.
Dont forget to let the people you tag know by posting a comment on their blog!

Firstly to tag 5 others: Hmmm that is a tough one. I will tag: Nic, Cassie, Megan, Peta Possum and of course my sister Deb - maybe she will update her blog now!!!

Ok my 5 weird things are .....
1. When in a restaurant or eating place I have to sit so I can watch people coming in and out of the place.
2. I am really quite a fussy eater, but I like Braised Steak & Vegies from a can - which DH says looks like dog food!!!
3. I like to have lots of toilet paper on standby so we never run out - and I mean lots (currently I think I have about 36 rolls in the cupboard - I stock up when they are on special) lol
4. I don't find comedy shows at all funny. There is not one that I would say I have or would laugh to. (DH says this is really weird!!)
5. Man.....I dunno......might have to get back to you on this one! Oh I know maybe I am weird as I sleep with a tri-pillow, you know those triangle shaped ones! Can't sleep on a normal pillow it is just all wrong! That will do. LOL.
Thanks to my new friend Kerryn for taging me!

In other news I am super bitch today. I have snapped and snarled and yelled and screamed at Brodie today and I know it is ME that is the problem, not necessarily him. Sure he knows how to piss me off, but I have been unbearable!! I don't think it has gotten any better since DH came home either. He just switches off from Brodie's whining and whinging and that pisses me off even more!!!
*breathe in, breathe out* that is what I need to focus on so I don't erupt like a volcano!!! Gee I am stupid at times - there is NO reason for me to feel like I do today. Hope tomorrow is better.

Just found another one on Kerryn's blog that I liked so here is another thingy......

Copy and paste the list and bold what you have done....Just bold the things you have accomplished in your life:
1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with wild dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said "I love you" and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was shit faced
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an expert
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Eaten fugu (pufferfish)
89. Had a one-night stand
90. Gone to Thailand
91. Bought a house
92. Been in a combat zone
93. Buried one/both of your parents
94. Been on a cruise ship
95. Spoken more than one language fluently
96. Performed in Rocky Horror Picture Show
97. Raised children
98. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication - well one or two for a scrap mag does that count?? lol
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111.Riden a bike
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one important author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life

32/150 - gee I need to get a life and get out and about more don't I!!!! lol

Sandi :)

Still here.

2006-09-06T16:04:00.000+10:00

Yep I am still here. Over it. Tired. Blown up even more. Counting the days........

So much for my hopes of going early again! I am 37 weeks on Friday and was hoping that as I am bigger (much) this time I would go early. Bubsy is already weighing more than Brodie did at birth so I figure she can come on out anytime now. LOL.

Had a midwife app't yesterday and told her I was less than happy that all my results were great - my blood pressure is perfect, my urine sample was fine, my belly measured 38 weeks (hmmm too big I think!!) etc etc I told her ENOUGH!!! lol. She said to stop my whinging!!!!! Which of course I didn't. Both her & the Dr did have a better look at my revolting fat ankles/lower legs though so that was good. At least now they do believe me when I say they are awful.
Nah in all seriousness I am doing fine, just sick of the awful stuff that I have going on....I have SO much to be thankful for though so I will stop whinging soon!!!!!

Dr. F said she wanted me to get to 38 weeks as then the chance of bubsy needing to be in special care was minimal. 37 weeks is a grey area and better to try and hold on that week more - easy for her to say I guess!! Like I even have any control?!?!?!
I think that is part of the trouble with me. I have no control over when, where and how it will all start. I am a tad stressed about it all and that makes me just want it to be over or at least beginning so I can sort it out and get control of it again. Who would have thought I was such a control freak - I actually don't think I am, but this time it involves other people too so I don't want to put them out etc etc etc.....(looking after Brodie when I go in etc)

BRING IT ON! Well, next week......................lol.

Anyway I will get over it I know.

What else is news?? Did I tell you all that I have finally got the FULL SET of Cars cars?? You know the movie Cars well they released a diecast set of cars and Brodie got given one for his birthday (thanks Oma). It then became MY OBSESSION to get the full set. But on the path to getting this full set I also roped in Min (lol sorry Mindies!). Good to have a fellow cars obsessed person!!
Anyway, of course the production of these little cars (like Matchbox but made by Mattel) was WAY WAY WAY too low. They are now rare as hens teeth. SO I have managed to get them from eBay USA. I have paid more than they cost here, but hey, I have the set so who cares!!! lol. Told you I was obsessed. I now only have to get 3 more cars to complete Min's set and she will then too be a happy little vegemite! So keep a look out for Sally, DJ and Chick Hicks for me and please give me a yell if you find them!!!

Not much else is news. My sister informed me today that it is 6 weeks till Dad comes down so I guess that means 6 or 7 weeks till the renovations start (might let him have a weeks rest first?!?!?! lol) Again...........BRING IT ON! We will get a new master bedroom, ensuite, walk in robe and parents retreat/office PLUS the old crappy bathroom will be redone too. Gee, hope Dad has lots of energy!!! And we have lots of $$$$ lol.

Better go do a couple of things before picking Brodie up from Childcare so it doesn't look like I have done nothing today - ahh, stuff it, I did stacks yesterday so I think it is only fair I have a lazy day today!!!

Thanks for stopping by and please leave me a comment so I know I am not boring you all to sleep!!! lol.

Was suppose to be pictures on here too, but blogger is being a bugger!!

Sandi :)

It's been a while.

2006-08-30T17:39:00.000+10:00

Hi there.

Sorry to have gone AWOL for a bit but things have been busy!!! I think........lol.
I will do things in point form I think so that I can get it all onto here without everyone going to sleep.

* I finished work on Friday WOO HOO. It was only a 3 hour shift, but it took it's toll on my ankles none the less.

* I am booked in for a retreat next year and I CAN'T WAIT. Worked out today it is 212 sleeps!!!! lol. It will be a huge weekend of fun and frivolity with Min, Inge and Narelle going and of course my new buddy Sam will be there :)

* Brodie's speech seems to have improved with his grommets, but he stutters a little. We have a hearing test tomorrow so will ask about it then. Be interesting to see how his hearing has changed.

* I have been to a Chinese Herbalist twice for my swelling, my carpal tunnel wrists and just general pregnancy issues!!!! I have got some great relief so that is helpful. I had cups done yesterday which was weird. It now looks like I have 4 hickies on my back where the cups were...very funny!

* My ankles are officially GONE! Well, they have been gone for months now, but they don't even go down much overnight anymore :( If you are easily offended don't look at the following photo. My legs don't usually look THAT revolting!! Sure I don't have fabulous legs, but I normally have ANKLES........check out the puffy top of my foot - ewwwwwwwwwwww!!!

HOW REVOLTING! Ah well in a few weeks they will be hopefully back to normal - better be!

* Seem to have a full calendar the next week or so......thought it was suppose to get easier once I had finished work? Hmm never mind, stuff to keep Brodie & I busy I guess.

* I SCRAPPED briefly today.............................

Not sure if I like it 100% but it is something I wanted to do so it is now done!!

Stuff used : arti-bytes kit by Dani at SBB and a couple of fonts that I can't be bothered working out...lol...I think Suzies hand is one of them!
I have no kits on my computer nowadays so I will have to go on a downloading frenzy and it might just inspire me to scrap some more.

The journalling is a from a song by Troy Cassar-Daley called Little things (I think).

What else is new................................. I am 36 weeks 5 days today which is EXACTLY when I had Brodie. Wouldn't that be nice....me to have bubsy tonight. Would suit me fine!!

Nothing much else I don't think. Busy busy....bags are 90% packed for hossie....house is reasonably clean so that is good! Ironing is a little behind (oops) so that might have to be the next job. Then I want to tackle some of the cupboards. Wonder if this is the *nesting* thing that people talk about lol. Hope so..........

Thanks for reading this far and I will update again soon.

Sandi :)

2006-08-19T19:27:00.000+10:00

All OK.
Well, yesterday went better than I had thought it would. Brodie was really good for most of the time and only wanted cordial once and something to eat once too. We were lucky he was easily distracted at the hospital so that made it easy.
We were at the hossy at 11 and he was first up on the pm list. Phew.....at least we didn't have to wait till 4 or something.
We went down to the operating room part about 1.30 and DH went in with Brodie when he was given the gas to knock him out. I chickened out this time I have done it before and HATED it. He fights it, gulps and gasps and just generally freaks out. Not a pleasant thing to see happen to your baby. So I stayed in the waiting area bit sitting on the edge of my chair wondering what the heck was going on. Wonder if it would have been easier to just go in myself...lol.
Anyway DH said it wasn't all that bad. Not nice, but not the horrific experience I had explained.

We went to the cafe and gulped down some lunch. Went back to the ward and got a call on our mobile saying he was in recovery and one of us could go down. I went. Now that was the most traumatic time for the day. He didn't wake up well. Didn't help that DH had taken his dummy out and brought it back onto the ward with him (der did he not think he would want it when he woke up), he did want it, but was REALLY freaking out. Crying so much/hard that I really struggled to understand him. The fact my left ear is about 90% deaf at the moment due to my ear issues didn't help I really struggled to get what he was so traumatised about.
Worked out it was the needle in his hand where they had the line in incase he needed some medication for nausea. Once that was removed he calmed almost instantly - until the nurse mentioned a bandaid to put on it. He HATES bandaids!!! lol.
So with lemonade icypole in hand and somewhat calmer we hitched a ride on the trolley/bed back to the ward. They wouldn't let me walk carrying him so I hopped on too. Cool, free ride!!!!!
DH was really amazed at how good he looked. By then he was his normal self. Seems that I was making up how bad he was really. But honest I wasn't it was awful!!!!

We got some food into him and after about 1.5 hours got the all clear to go home. We left there about 3.45 so that was good.
I was drained. Emotionally from probably all the stress I put on myself and physically from doing nothing but sitting at the hossy and swelling up like a balloon.

Anyway, had a hassle free night. No discharge from either ear. No panadol required at all. AMAZING!!!!

The latest hurdle is we have to put three drops of medicine into each ear THREE times a day for FIVE days. WHO is the friggin' idiot that decides that.......................................? Wonder if THEY have had to do that with a THREE year old. Hmmmm needless to say it isn't going so well.
At the moment we are having to have one of us hold him down while the other puts drops in hoping that three go in and hoping they stay there!!! Will be interesting when it is just me on Monday!! Can't wait...........................
Oh and the Pharmacist said that he should lay on the side for 10 - 15 minutes each side to let the drops go in. Yep, sure I said. Dickhead...

What else is news?
Went to the Dr for me today about my swelling again. My blood pressure is perfect he said. Shit, why do I blow up like a balloon then? Just lucky was the reply. Thanks I feel lucky! My left ear isn't red raw but he has put me on antibiotics as I have complained about it for 2 weeks and now have a huge loss in the hearing on that side. Good. I hate to imagine the pain of it if I go into labour and have to push with an inflamed/puss filled eardrum!!! Nice.

Went to watch our Nephew and a friends son play AusKick footy today. They got to play at half time in a seniors match. Very exciting. I got about 45 photos and I think about 4 of them aren't blurry. Have I told you all how much my camera annoys me?????? (I have had this camera sent back twice due to blurry photos and basically it just decides at some times to take shit photos, but then it will come good and take great ones.....VERY frustrating) I was almost going off the idea of getting a Canon 350d as we really could use that money on other things, but now I really want a good camera. Over this piece of crap.
Anyway, back to the boys footy game. I think they had fun. We all had a yell and a laugh so it was nice. Nice to get out of the house too. Brodie got to run around a bit with Maddy doing an awesome job of watching him - thanks Maddy.

Not much else is new here. Over the belly, over the indigestion (gave in and got some Zantac so hopefully that will help), over the shitty mood I am in for no apparent reason. Lucky DH loves me or I would be stuffed.

Come on bubsy you can come and join us anytime now.....Mummy is over it! lol.

Love to all and thanks for the comments and well wishes.
Sandi :)

I am still here.......just!!! lol

2006-08-17T10:44:00.000+10:00

Hi there.
Sorry I have been M.I.A a little bit, but I am still here. Don't panic, no bubsy yet. Although I would be quite happy to have this pregnancy over. I am not enjoying it one bit. I know I should be as it is my last ever pregnancy, but it SUCKS.

I have 6 weeks to go, 1 week of work left and counting the shifts down! I will really miss the independance and small contribution I make to the finances, but I am SO SO tired and puffing up more by the minute that it will be nice to not have that extra stress.

Brodie is off to have Grommets put in his ears tomorrow. Got a phone call this morning, yep, TODAY saying they have a cancellation if we would be able to fill it!!!! It took some effort to rearrange things, but all is good and we are off in the morning to get his ears fixed up!
I rang the hospital on Wednesday to just see where he was on the waiting list. They looked up and when I said I was due to have a baby in 6 weeks the lady (who was so lovely) said she would look into where he was on the list and see if we could get bumped up!
Turns out he would have been due to go in about 6 weeks - isn't it always the way.
SO now I am all stressed out about it. I think it is good I only have 24 hours notice otherwise I might just have a nervous breakdown.
I know it is a minor operation, but hey it is a general anasthetic and they always freak me out!! He has had 3 other operations, but you never get used to having your child put to sleep and wheeled away - yep, getting all teary thinking about it!!!

My biggest hurdle for now is that he has to fast from 7.30am and can have water only until 10.30am. Hmmmm won't that be fun!! So we will have to get up at 7ish and try and get him to eat brekky then drink until 10.30. Will have to find something to do to distract him until surgery time.
It was funny I was chatting to him before and told him he was going into hospital tomorrow to have a little operation. He said to "go get Bubsy out of Mummy's tummy". Isn't he so cute!!! lol. I think he understands a little about what I explained. Hmm will see tomorrow I guess.

Will update more when I can think about something other than the operation.
Fingers crossed all goes well.

Sandi :)

Final scan.....

2006-08-08T18:42:00.000+10:00

Well today I had an ultrasound to ensure that the placenta was working properly and bubs is growing as she should be. This was an extra scan (32 weeks) due to my placenta breaking down with Brodie's pregnancy.
Turns out she is growing well...lol...according to the scan (which I know can be up to 1/2 kg wrong) she weights 2.3kg. Brodie was only 1.97kg when he was born so I no longer have to worry about bubs being tiny. Actually I wasn't worried due to the size of my belly. I am H U G E. I know that people are saying I am not huge (Inge) but I think I am just massive.
I think this pregnancy is what a *normal* type of pregnancy is like. With Brodie I was tiny all the way through and didn't ever really have anything to complain about. BOY has this pregnancy made up for it. I feel ALL I do is whinge (which I am sure DH will agree with).
I have shocking reflux/indigestion, have to go to the loo at least twice a night (not to mention how frequently during the day!), my stomach feels like it is going to pop, I think bubs will come out of my belly button one day it is that stretched and sore! Yep....see I could go on.
But I am so thankful that bubs is growing so well and that we won't have the concern over every gram that bubs is putting on. It will be nice.
The other thing that I was happy about with the ultrasound was that my due date had gone back to 20th September which is what it was at the 12 week ultrasound. This is 9 days sooner so that can only be a good thing:) This is more the date that I had worked it out to be from my dates. My DH's birthday is the 21st september so that would be exciting!!!!

Oh and the ultrasound lady (who was annoyed at me because she said my appt was 11 but I was told TWICE that my appt was 11.40, so she kept me waiting and made NO effort to get a decent face shot etc etc...) said that the baby was head down so that was promising! Not engaged, but head down at least. Great....WHY then do I still have this huge massive basketball wedged under my boobs is what I want to know????

What else is new:

* Got my psychic reading and all I can say is WOW. How amazing are these people.......she told me things that she had no way of knowing! I only asked her 4 questions and they were very general ones. She knew I had a boy who made a hurried appearance into this world. She told me things about me that were spot on! It was really and truly amazing!! If anyone wants to know who I went through etc just send me an email or leave a comment and I will get the info to you.

* Only TWO, yep 2 more weeks for me to work. I can't wait to finish, but the thought of being a SAHM to TWO children is fast becoming a reality and scary!

* I am starting to stress a bit more about the labor now too.....they psychic also said "Im also being told this one will be harder then you’re first but you will both be fine." All that says to me is OUCH! lol. Oh well, what goes in must come out I guess.......:)

* My cold/flu is finally getting better. It has been ages but slowly I am feeling more like normal. Tired, but I think that is more bubsy doing that than being sick.

* I have borrowed some books from the library and I am loving reading at the moment. It is my way to be with Brodie more during the day and still get some rest in. Ahhh......it relieves my boredom too. Phew. (thanks Min I owe you!)

* My DH has lost 7.5kg. I am SO proud of him. He has worked hard at it, given up beer during the week, walking lots, eating better etc..... CONGRATULATIONS Chook.

* I am desperately wanting 4 cars from the Disney Pixar movie CARS. They are metal cars like matchbox. If anyone out there reads this and has a Sally, DJ, Chick or Filmore that they want to sell to me please let me know..................TWO of each would be even better as Min is also sharing my addiction! Oh and I also need the movie moments set of Red and Stanley too......anyone??? please.....

Nothing else new I don't think. Sorry for the long all over the place entry, but hey, that's me!!! lol

Night. Hope you all had a blast filling in your Census forms!!!!! What a hoot for a Tuesday night.

Sandi :)

Wondering why.....

2006-08-01T17:40:00.000+10:00

I best warn you that this post could be all over the place.........so consider yourself warned!!!!

* Got to finally meet Sam J on Friday night at a scrap night which was great. She is even nicer than I expected and I have to apologise for not spending as much time as I had wanted to just chatting and catching up - next time I promise!!

* I am sick with a cold/flu whatever you wanna call it and boy is it knocking me about. Went to see the Dr last night and he said there was only a 20% chance that antibiotics would make me feel any better so I guess I am just going to have to tough it out. It has been 10 days now slowly getting worse daily so hey, what is another week or so!!!!

* I am not coping real well on a daily basis. I have no idea if it is being sick, being pregnant or just being grumpy - could be a combination??? I am over it though and want to have some energy back and stop fighting with Brodie. We are so alike it is scary - both very headstrong and boy does this cause me some grief!

* I am bored...............I feel my life is boring. Work, sleep, eat, washing, IRON, dishes, argue with Brodie, clean up after DH and Brodie......nothing interests me. It is the same day in day out. Even my time out on the computer is boring me lately. What is going on with me???? Will I ever be anything but this?

* Congrats to my big sister Deb for landing herself a full time job. Very proud of you and I know you will rock at it.

* I can't wait for my Mum to be home - gee I must be sick/tired/sad I miss my Mum (I am very close to Mum, but I guess we all need our Mums when we are down)

* I know I shouldn't complain about being over this pregnancy there are so many others who just wish to get pregnant or to just stay pregnant when they do fall pregnant, but I am really over it. I have not enjoyed this pregnancy from about 25 weeks on and will never do it again. It is torture both physically and mentally for me. Please forgive me for being a whinger.....

* I am waiting patiently for a psychic reading that I have paid for - fingers crossed my questions will be answered. Now before anyone says anything bad I know psychics aren't for everyone, but I am a believer. DH has/will tell me what a load of shit it is and I really don't care for his or anyone elses opinion it is something I have done for ME and I will take out of it what I want!!!

OK enough from me.
Hopefully my next post will be far more positive and cheery!
Sandi :)

My gorgeous boy....

2006-07-24T23:49:00.000+10:00

DH snapped a couple of shots of me lounging on the couch with Brodie yesterday and this was one of them!!! Apart from the fact I think I look like a beached whale, I LOVE it.

It melts my heart - he is so adorable and he is my little man. Gee I am lucky!!! (How cute is that smile! His eyes just sparkle.)

Now don't forget to remind me of this post some time in the near future when I am ranting and raving about Brodie for one reason or another.

Love you long time buddy!!!

Sandi :)

2006-07-21T21:19:00.000+10:00

All clear!

Yep, all is fine in my world! lol. OK the story is that I went for my check up on Tuesday for bubsy and to have my swelling checked out as my SIL (Hi Inge) was worried (and nagging me!) about my ankles/fingers/face etc and the amount of swelling (odema...lol I googled it!!!!) I had.
Anyway the Dr thought I might have a bacterial infection (due to other things, not the swelling) and I had a couple of tests to do.
Rang yesterday arvo to get the results and the Dr had written NO ACTION on my card and the test results so that means all is ok.

If I did infact have a bacterial infection it could have lead to premature labour.....Dr advised that she would give me some low dose antibiotics and hope that that would get me through to 34/34/36 weeks. HOPE. OMG talk about panic stations. I am not even finishing work till 35 weeks, not to mention I am not AT ALL organised....lol

So now I no longer have to panic about premature labour, well kinda. The Dr has also said the chances are high seeing as though I went early with DS. Ahhh time will tell.
I now have a new nappy bag so I think I may just have to pack that and throw some stuff into a bag for me this weekend, can never be too organised I say.

In other news there is a new addiction in my life......................... Hidden Expedition: Titanic!!! It is a game from bigfish.com and is like the Huntsville and Prime Suspects once that kept me busy for HOURS a few months back. So, I am off now to go search for some hidden treasure...lol.

Went to lunch today with Inge, Rowie (other SIL) and Min and the kiddies. It was a really great lunch and I think we should do it again. Nice to catch up and just hang. The kids were really good and there was no real dramas at all. Loved it. Reminded me of happier days........... :)

Hope everyone is well and happy. Life is good.

Sandi :)

Photo shoot.......

2006-07-19T14:20:00.000+10:00

*** WARNING - do not proceed if the thought of photos of my belly uncovered make you queasy!!! lol ***

OK so I am no Rachel Richter, Rachel Greig or Cassie, but hey I tried......lol......

I have wanted to get a couple of shots of my tummy for ages now so I decided that today was the day and to just do it and not worry too much about how good they are! Just as well, because they are pretty crappy to say the least. BUT they are still something that I am sure I will be glad I took the time to do later down the track.

So, be gentle on me........here goes:

Yep I had to apply a filter or two as it was totally blurry, but I liked the photo! lol. Sorry about the bad hair, I was having a bad hair day to top it off :)

Now this one I like a bit more as it is focused!!! Again it isn't my finest photo, but hey who ever likes their own photo being taken? Certainly not me.

There you have it. My belly at 30 weeks. Yep huge ain't it!!! lol. Ah well, healthy little bubsy is all that matters.

Fingers crossed for a good test result for me on Friday everyone won't you.......will fill you in later!

Have a great day and

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER DEB!!!!!

Love Sandi :)

My big three year old

2006-07-14T22:20:00.000+10:00

OK let's see if Blogger will co-operate this time!!

YIPPPEEEEEEE!!!!!!

This is my little man who turned three today. It has made me a lot more sentimental than I thought it would have.

I think he has had a good birthday. Well, I hope he has. He had a little party at childcare Wednesday, a little party at mothers group yesterday, we went to lunch today which was like another little party and tomorrow night we have people coming over for his official birthday celebration. WOW I wish I could get my birthday to go on for 4 days. Lucky bugger........

I must say he has been spoilt rotten already and there are a few pressies still to get! DH and I put together his bike last night and let me tell you these things are the pits. NEVER again would I be involved in such a task. More pressure than I can deal with. Although DH did keep telling me that it was the cheap ass piece of shit bike I brought him that was the trouble. SO I also made a note that from here on in DH is in charge of ALL bike purchasing. Good....problem solved!!! lol.

Just one last photo I have to share that makes me a bit teary.......

THIS photo reminds me just how little he was but how much I totally LOVED him the second I set eyes on him!!!
This was my first cuddle/first hold of my little man. You can see the feeding tube coming out from under him.......oh the memories that flood back. Yep I am a sook and not afraid to admit it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY GORGEOUS LITTLE MAN.
I love you so much even though I might yell a bit and get angry a bit I want you to know that I would do anything for you and everything for your happiness in life. I am doing my best to be a great Mum to you!

Love you lots Brodie.

Mummy xoxoxo :)

My little man is THREE!!!!

2006-07-14T18:08:00.000+10:00

WOW I can hardly believe it. My gorgeous little man is THREE today. Where did the time go.....? While it seems every day is a hard slog to get through the time just FLIES by.
It was only three years ago I was holding my tiny little bundle of beautiful-ness in my arms (well actually, rubbing his back through the hole in the humidicrib thingy!).

This photo was taken about 15 minutes after he was born. He was wrapped in bubble wrap to get his temperature up and keep him nice and warm!! I never actually saw him like this so I treasure these photos that dh took.
It really is hard to see how small he was, but he was so so tiny!

This is one of the few photos I have of Brodie in the crib thingy where he was content! He really didn't like it in there and detested it when he had to be nude for the lights when he had a bit of jaundice!!! Poor little bugger.....

I love this photo too of Brodie asleep on my chest at his Nana & Pa's house. He is so relaxed and just gorgeous. I think it is still hard to tell how tiny he was, but that memory is etched in my mind. What a gorgeous little man.....

And this is my BIG THREE YEAR OLD..........
In this photo he looks terribly pale but it is probably how I scanned it as it is a *real* photo not a digi one! We made cupcakes for him to take to Childcare and they were a hit I believe. They took some photos for me which are gorgeous!

** blogger is chucking a hissy fit at me and won't let me load anymore photos which is pissing me off, I have lots more to share tonight!!! **
I will end this post now and see if I start another one if I can load up the photo I want to........stay tuned!!!! lol

Sandi :)

Check up.

2006-07-06T18:22:00.000+10:00

Today we went to Monash Medical Centre (Hospital) for a check up after Brodie's operations. It has been 12 months since his second operation and 2 years since his first. We were hopeful that all would be good and no more surgery would be required!

WE WERE RIGHT HE IS ALL FIXED AND WE DON'T HAVE TO GO BACK FOR ANOTHER TWO YEP, TWO YEARS!!!! WOO HOO

Brodie was born with a Hypospadias. So go have a look there if you don't know what it is!!! lol.
It is such a relief to know that he won't need another operation....well, for that anyway! His willy is straight, has no fistula and the little bit of excess skin that is there he will grow into, so all in all it is a fantastic day!!!

The poor kid has had a double Hernia operation when he was only 7 weeks old (and only weighed 6lb 2 oz - 2770grams) and then his first Hypospadias operation just after his first birthday....then his 2nd Hypospadias operation just before his 2nd birthday. NOW it is just before his 3rd birthday and we got the all clear!!!!!!!! COOL. What a brave little man he is.

So now we are just waiting for him to have his ears done (grommets), but that is apparently only a 15 minute operation and in for just a couple of hours so no big deal in comparison! That won't involve a catheter after the surgery, or having to put two nappies on him and poke the catheter through a hole (while trying not to move the tube and cause him pain) in the first nappy so wee doesn't get on the wound!! It won't bring his father to tears......and any man you tell about the operation...lol.

I did have a melt down today - or is that another meltdown. I seem to be having LOTS and LOTS of them these days. I am hoping it is pregnancy hormones and not something more.
DH told me today that he is doing another relief Managers stint for 2 weeks starting next week. Now that should have made me so happy and thrilled and over the moon for him, it is a big thing from a career point of view, but I ended up hanging up on him in tears!!! Silly selfish me hey. I guess I was upset and disappointed as Friday next week is Brodie's birthday and DH was to have that day off. I had planned it out. We were going to see Cars at the movies then to McDonalds for lunch and then to just hang as a family and play with Brodie's birthday pressies. That was all ripped away from me in a split second - one sentence reduced me to a blubbering mess. I should be bigger than that, but right now, I am not.

Got a shopping day planned tomorrow so fingers crossed Brodie will behave for that. Then roast lamb for tea (YUM). Saturday we are all getting haircuts then having fish & chips (cool I don't have to cook!) then Sunday it is back to work for me :( all good things must come to an end I guess. Can't complain I have only done monday & tuesday this week so a quiet one which I am thankful for!

Big hugs and happy vibes going out to Jack who has a bit of a wait ahead to see if he may need to have surgery. You are a tough kid I know you will get through it all fine. I think at this stage it is just Mum that needs the HUGS, so {{{hugs}}} to you Inge.

A BIG thank you to Min for standing in line at K-mart lay-by today for 2 hours - you are the best and I certainly owe you one!! Big time...... (oh, she did get stuff for others too, not just me!! lol)

Not much else happening here.

Thanks to Deb & Randal (well I hope it was you :)) for their nice comments on my blog. Nice to get more comments.

Love Sandi :)

2006-07-03T18:32:00.000+10:00

I need to VENT so badly, but now is not the right time and here is not the right place.
Why is it always MY fault, why am I the whinger, why do I always end up feeling like the laziest bitch in the world? Why did I decide it would be ok to get pregnant again? What made me think I could handle the pregnancy let alone another baby.

WHAT AM I DOING??

Well, right now that is easy.....I am going to work to do my pathetic 4 hour shift (that isn't working apparently) and I am pleased to be going. Away from here...........away from the way I feel right now - like I could explode!

Sorry that was a vent and I said I wouldn't do it. SORRY!

Why does every good deed turn to MUD??????

2006-07-01T16:03:00.000+10:00

I try so hard to do the right thing and without fail things never turn out right. I am left to wonder what lesson was to be learnt in it all......if in fact there is even a lesson??!!!

Today I thought I would do the good Mummy thing and take Brodie to the little playground that is about a block and a bit walk down the road. That was fun. He was really really good and came back when called when he got a bit too far away etc. I even took the dog (maybe that was the lesson - don't try and be good Mummy to both child & DOG!).
Anyway we got a bit bored with that so I said let's head over to watch the local footy match that is just over the road. Cool. Brodie was really excited and it was good.
THEN Brodie decided to chase another little girl a little way around the oval. Still cool at this point. I decided I really need to hot foot it to catch him as he is a speed runner and I am (to say the least) a turtle!!!! Just as I was about to yell out to him that that is far enough and it was time to head home (expecting rain any minute by now) he runs through a MASSIVE big mud puddle. Not the wet messy brown mud, the thick lumpy clay variety. SURE ENOUGH....his shoe gets stuck right in the MIDDLE, but he keeps on running. Briefly. Then came the screams and tears!!!! lol. I must say at this point I had a little chuckle, as I am sure did the 100 spectators (it felt like) that were there.
So off I wade into this swamp to rescue said shoe, only to be told that *need to be carried Mummy* hmmmmmmmm now that sounds like just what I had in mind. NOT.

This is about where my nice Mummy does good deed thing goes very sour. Very, very sour!!!

I carried him for a little bit till we got out of sight of the general crowd (how embarrasing!!!) lol. Then I sat him on the seat for a fantastic little chat about the logistics of the task at hand.
It went something like this -
Me - Buddy you have to walk a little bit till we get home, Mummy can't carry you as she has Bubsy in her tummy and has to try and control the dog
Brodie - me can't walk socks dirty
Me - Matey I know your socks are dirty but we will just put your shoes on without your socks till we get home then we will get you changed or even have a bath
Brodie - no, you carry me home Mummy!
Me - I CAN'T carry you home Brodie.
Brodie - you will carry me home

Need I say anymore?!?! Why even have the conversation I wonder??
So I ended up piggy backing Brodie home. We have a bit of a hill in our street and let me tell you with the dog pulling, Brodie feeling like he was about to topple off my back and my belly/back screaming at me to stop it was the longest block of my life!!!

Back home....bath done....(while doing the bath thing I did also manage to smash my head on the cupboard in there too so that was the icing on the cake!!)...everyone seems to be a little more relaxed.

Oh and did I mention I have been called in for an extra shift at work tonight. Does life get any sweeter????

Thanks for letting me get this all out. I feel mud free now!!!! lol.

Sandi :)

I DID IT!

2006-06-27T22:19:00.000+10:00

Thanks Cass for pushing me.......................

Me and my lot - and I wouldn't want it any other way.

stuff used - Shabby princess border, Dinner party kit by Shabby princess and Sara Carling, font is CK Magnificent

This photo was taken tonight as Brodie has to take a photo to Childcare for a focus on family they are doing......it was actually fun. It certainly isn't the best photo, we have on our *house* clothes, the background is the bookshelf and mess (thanks Min for pointing that out lol), of course I think I look like a puffed up fish BUT I love it. Isn't the main thing that we have a photo of US right now......just the 3 of us and the dog. Before we know it it will be the 4 of us and the dog, and while I can't wait for that I sometimes like to just enjoy the 3 of us!!!!

Thanks for listening to me prattle on and also for visiting. Let me know if you pop in so I know that someone is actually reading my crap!!!!! lol.

3 posts in one night. That has to be a record. Sick of me yet???????????????????????? lol

Night - so much for the early night.

Sandi :)

2006-06-27T21:50:00.000+10:00

I just had to complete this line from Rachie's blog.

At this point in my life I am jealous of …………………………………………anyone that can see their toes without having to lean over, anyone who can manage more than 4 hours sleep without waking up to wee, anyone who owns a Rebel 350D, all those women who *glow* when they are pregnant while I balloon in the face and feel like an elephant!

I think that is it for now. I may just have to add to it if anything else pops into my mind.

Thanks Rach!

Sandi :)

Life.......

2006-06-27T17:50:00.000+10:00

Life is tough enough without having someone kick you from the inside!

Well I spent ages loading a photo on here of Brodie in the back yard the other day, but obviously blogger is being a shit and won't do as I say....how unusual, must be male!!!! SO I will try my best to remember to add a photo another day.

Well, thought I had better do a quick update. Seems like forever since I have been on here but I am sure not much has happened. Might do point form to save you all some time and boredom :)

* Brodie is now officially on the waiting list to have Grommets put in his ears - this can take about 12 weeks which will be just about when I am due to have bubs I would imagine....perfect!!

* I am now 26 weeks and feeling MASSIVE. I am starting to realise just how damn easy my pregnancy with Brodie was. I am tired, uncomfortable, grumpy, tired, walk like I have a stick up my butt as my back feels like it is going to break!, did I mention tired.

* I have my gestational diabetes test tomorrow and to be honest I am a little worried. I guess it is just something else for me to stress about!!!! I feel I have all the symptoms....roflmao.

* Bubs is booting the daylights out of me most of the day. She is a strong little bugger and I only hope she isn't THIS active once she enters the world.......please!

* We seem to have so many bills and so little money. The usual I guess.

* Only 9 weeks more of work. I am finding it really hard at the moment as I am doing at least 2 extra shifts a week so I am going to have to cut back to my normal 3 shifts per week soon or I will be totally unbearable.

* I have finally used my slow cooker that I HAD to have before Brodie was born as it would be so convenient :) I did Corned Beef in it the other day and today I have done a beef casserole. If anyone has any easy yummy recipes please email me sandig at vic.chariot.net.au

* That reminds me we have changed ISP's finally and now are with Chariot. We get 40gb per month so let's see how fast DH can churn through that with his downloading!!!!!! It also meant I had to change my email addy after nearly 7 years which I was sad :( about. My new address sucks too just quietly!!!! lol.

* DH, Brodie & I are going to the movies to see Cars on monday and I can't wait....it really is the little things that keep me going. Oh and I have a crop night on Friday so that will be awesome too...........hey I don't have any CJ's to do I might actually get to scrap something for me! COOL.

OK that is all I can think of for now. Hope I haven't bored you will my mundane life!!!
Take care.

Sandi :)

2006-06-17T15:57:00.000+10:00

This peg is ME. I have fallen between the cracks of life.........................

2006-06-12T15:37:00.000+10:00

Well I felt the need for a new look to my blog - oh and I am BORED out of my brain today!!!!

I hate public holidays.

Sandi :)

2006-06-12T14:05:00.000+10:00

Love my little Batman!!!

Isn't he just adorable..........

my day

2006-05-25T23:56:00.000+10:00

Well I have had a busy day today. Went to the Dr this morning for Brodie, then came home and made some vegies soup, organised roast lamb for tea, did 3 loads of washing, did all my ironing and of course the general house tidy up. Then I got the dreaded call to come in to work an extra shift tonight 6 - 11. Managed to get them to agree to 6.30 - 11 as it is too hard to make sure Bevan is home by any earlier than 6 (and that is pushing it!) But that is over so the $$ will be good.

Dr went ok. He basically agreed with me that Brodie's behaviour (tantrums, yelling, throwing things just generally being feral boy!) is a combination of 2 year old terrors and the fact that he is picking up on my emotions. This has happened before and was a big factor as to why I went on anti depressants. If I am calm he seems to be fine and when I am stressed/tired/hormonal etc he feeds on it...................nice!!
I can't go on medication as I would have to come off for the last trimester so there really would be little point. I am 22 weeks tomorrow so will have to ride it out. I did say to him that I have no doubt I will go back on the anti-depressants when the baby is born and that I am fine with that. He said it isn't an issue or problem.
I also got a rash checked out on Brodie's arm/shoulder and of course he had no idea what it was - only Brodie could be this unique...lol....was going to take photos and all of it. Very funny really. As it doesn't appear to be bothering him or weepy or spreading much he isn't too concerned, but gave me a referral to a pediatrician - I feel it may be a waste of $$ but what if it isn't??? Will sleep on that one! Will post a photo of it when I get one...lol...
AND of course his EARS. Ah yes the right side is inflamed and the left is flakey and the canal is irritated - that is a new one, they are normally both inflamed and red raw! Poor bugger. So now we have to put 2 drops of this thick ointment stuff into his ear 3 times a day........yep THREE. Are they serious?????? Hmmm then the chemist said oh just get him to lay still for about 2 minutes so that it has a chance to run right into the canal. Yep, he knew by my look that that wouldn't happen!!!!
Brodie was very good when I did the drops when we got home, but then they must have started running in and we all know how revolting that feels. He was a little shitty with me then!!!!! lol. Poor bugger..........

In other news our Mortgage gets changed over tomorrow as we refinanced. I had no idea it would all happen so quickly so that is exciting. Lots of calls to make tomorrow to cancel direct debits and so forth so that will be fun!!! NOT. Oh well we will save money this way so it is all worth it.

Not much else going on really. I have overdone it at work tonight and hurt my back a bit. That will teach me to move 100+ slabs of beer with this pregnant gut getting in the way!! lol. Ahhh well, don't have to work till Saturday night and I will make sure I take it easy. Oh boy I have Saturday, Sunday, Monday night shifts to look forward to next.........ahhh the joy!

Better get to bed as I am sure Brodie will be up far too early for me! He really is good and sleeps till about 7 at least, so I can't complain. But when you have worked and then toss and turn and wee 100 times a night 7 comes around mighty quickly.

Till next time.
Sandi :)

What can I do......

2006-05-20T21:02:00.000+10:00

I need help. LOTS of help...

DH has had the last 2 days off and has noticed just how revolting Brodie is being at the moment. I am so glad that Brodie doesn't just save it all up for me. Although, I am finding it really hard to cope with.
Brodie only has to start whinging or whining or chucking a tantrum and my whole body tenses up and I either scream at him, want to whack him, or I cry.....none of which is my desired response.
I think firstly I need to go and see if I can go back on some anti-depressant medication, then I need to get Brodie checked over to make sure something isn't wrong. I highly suspect an ear infection, but that has never turned him into FERAL boy like this. Maybe I am just wishing it is that simple? What if it is something more..........what if??
I have been reading stuff on the net about ADD, ADHD etc etc. I am scared, overwhelmed and feel completely unable to cope with this feeling AND my own son.

What sort of mother am I? Not a very good one at present. I go in every night before I go to bed and kiss Brodie goodnight and promise to him that I will try better tomorrow and that I will be a better mother and be like I should be.......BUT what exactly is that??

I am in over my head. It is SO amazingly overwhelming I can't explain it..........and don't want to feel it.

On another note my hugs go out to Min who is sitting in casualty at the hospital with Mitch who is unwell. Fingers crossed that the blood tests will be back quickly and you can start to get some answers. Poor little bugger.... Love to you both.

I am now off to go and watch a chick flick with my DH (hopefully) so I can cuddle up to him and have a good old cry! Scared I might not stop though that is how I feel.

Brodie & I are driving to Ballarat to stay with Mum & Max and see my sister & her kids so I am hoping & praying that that will be just what I need and that Brodie will behave a hell of a lot better (or they can see him at his best and assure me it isn't all in my head!!).

Sandi :(