Caleb, about 6 weeks old, trying out the jolly jumper

It's hard to believe but Caleb is already 2 months old! He's now entered that engaging age - smiles and sounds being shared back and forth. As of today he will start having regular spells in the jolly jumper - he loves the vantage point and I like that it helps to tire him out! He's not yet jumping in it - just 'stands' there looking. He is starting to sleep longer some nights (first feed often not til 1 or 2am since switching to using disposable nappies at night) which is nice for me, though he still feeds 2-4 times a night. But for the most part, I get pretty good sleep (starting back into exercise is tiring me more than disrupted nights!). His toilet training is going well still - except for one dirty nappy while at Philip Island (I had him in disposables while there) I haven't had a poopy nappy in over a month! It is so much easier to swish a bowl out than scrub a nappy, I can tell you! We rearranged our room last week and set up the portacot for Caleb - so now I can have my bed space to myself if I want.

Sarah decided these lids made good 'knee caps'

Something I want to do better at this year is loving my children, rather than focusing on training them or improving my parenting. So I have been spending more time playing and having fun with the girls. We continue to have our 'mat time' (though it could more accurately be called 'couch time' now) most mornings. This now consists of Bible stories and short prayer followed by Virture Cards practice (it's incredible how much of them they've memorised). I want to do better at Deuteronomy 6:7 with them, and it's been interesting the opportunities that have arisen. The children and I went to our local Koorong for the first time last week, and I thought the girls would enjoy the playground while I shopped. It seems they didn't, for when I finished shopping and went to get them they were both crying up on the second level (similar play area to the McDonalds structures) going on about being stuck 'in a dark and scary place' (they didn't like the tunnels that led out of where they were, and the step back down was a bit deep for them). That line is out of Psalm 23 in one of our children's Bible books (which was Abigail's favourite book at the time), so in the car on the way home we were able to talk about the rest of the verse 'I will not be afraid. God is with me.'

The girls putting away the dishes/cutlery

I wanted a fitness event of some sort to work towards now that Caleb is born so that I don't get lazy and put getting back into shape on the back burner (being fit and strong is important to me - I feel better emotionally, and I'm better able to deal with the various demands of raising my children!), and since I have a thing for stairs I have registered for Brisbane's Climb for Cancer in May. It's a THIRTY SEVEN floor stair race. I'm going to die. But I have started stair training once a week on the weekends and have started my home workouts again (my neglected kettlebell workout DVDs have been given a dust off as I'm finding it hard to motivate myself through my once-loved written workouts).

Breakfast - Abigail usually requests weetbix; Sarah, porridge

The girls continue to grow into their own personalities. Sarah has taken to calling Abigail 'Abby' (something we have never done). She is affectionate with Caleb - often stopping to give him a pat or a cuddle (whereas Abigail doesn't usually go near him). She often surprises me with her letter recognition and phonics knowledge, and her counting is very cute - "1,3,5,6,7,8,9". Abigail remains very inquisitive and talkative - her ever expanding vocabulary and understanding produce some fascinating questions and conversation from her! Jon has a lot on his plate with work still, and keeps getting it filled higher. He'll be working on recordings from the Supercamp over this long weekend. The wet season has finally arrived, and the cyclone is supposed to reach us tonight, so our weekend is supposed to be wet and windy. I think I might try out a caramel marshmallow popcorn recipe I saw on Pinterest...

Our time at Phillip Island

As some of you know, last week we were at Phillip Island attending the Creation SuperCamp - Jon was in charge of the audio for it and we had gone with him. We flew to Melbourne and had a coach ride to the Island (and vice versa for getting home). Our time there was all spent on the camp grounds.

For Jonathan, the week was stressful due to some unanticipated audio issues. A lot of prayer was offered up! Things got better over the week but it was a stressful time for him, and he was very glad when the conference was finally over. He is now overseeing the editing of the recordings made of all the speakers' talks.

I'm not sure how to describe my week. The first night I wished we were home (don't worry, things got better)! Getting three young ones through that first night's chaotic dinner was hard. The lines to the servery were endless so it was quite a while before we got our food. By then the noise was just too much for Caleb (on top of a big day of travel and out of routine) and he just screamed and screamed. Jon's work colleague, Lorelle, was a huge help - she got the girls their meals and when I got mine she took Caleb away so I could eat. We then beat a hasty retreat back to our room (forgoing dessert). Caleb settled as soon as we got out into the quiet.

The girls enjoyed going to Miss Lorelle's 'playgroup' (the creche) for the first half of each morning. The rest of our time was spent mostly in our room (so Caleb could sleep). We explored some of the grounds (it was an adventure resort). A lot of time was spent in the dining halls - thankfully by the third day order came to the meals, and mothers and children were able to get their meals first! The Thursday was warm enough for the girls to have a splash in the pool (Tuesday and Wednesday were cold and blustery). And that was mostly it. Oh, and I didn't have any cooking or dishes or cleaning to do! The daylight savings threw the children's sleeping routine out (especially Caleb's) so they were up late each night. Once they were all finally asleep I enjoyed reading Corrie Ten Boom's 'In My Father's House'. We saw little of Jonathan - he joined us at most meals, and we got some quick hellos in here and there, but he was kept occupied manning the sound system etc until late at night - which is of course what he was there for.

The Conference ended midday Friday and after Jon had finished packing all the sound equipment up, it was back on the coach to the airport. We had some time to pass before our flight, but that was easily taken up getting 3 little ones through the airport without a pram (which was checked in with our luggage)! Sarah has acquired Abigail's fear of flying (they don't like the sensation of climbing/descending or any of the bumps along the way) so as the plane took off she was asking to get off. I had Caleb on my lap and held Abigail's leg (I wasn't allowed to take my hand off her!), while Jon held Sarah's hand from across the aisle. I'll need someone to hold me eventually - I'm starting to feel nervous when flying now!

A very hot Brisbane greeted us late Friday night. The Saturday was Jonathan's birthday. As is our habit, we went to Sizzler for it and enjoyed their air-conditioning for a couple of hours (and their food of course! I'm loving their rocket, pear and parmesan salad and laksa soup!). Sunday, after church and stair running (for me; probably not the smartest thing to be doing in 35 degree heat), we spent the day under the air-con in our lounge. Today finds Jon back at work, the children and I happily getting back into routine, and the temperature much cooler (it's overcast and there is a nice wind blowing).

Big Grandma and Little Grandma Come to Visit

My mum and grandma came to stay with us the past five days. They got to meet Caleb (the first of my family to do so) and spend time with the girls; Abigail, particularly, has enjoyed the extra attention and energy (Grandmas are so much more fun than a tired mummy!). I have much appreciated the extra help around the house, with the girls, and with Caleb - having two extra sets of arms to pick him up when he grizzles has been very helpful!

Now that our family of five fills our car, out and about-ing with extra family isn't so easy; but on the Sunday we all caught the bus into Southbank for the morning to go swimming there. Though I thought we'd gone in reasonably early the place was already pretty full! However we found a place to park the pram and had a bit of a swim; the girls enjoyed playing with the sand. Our trip home wasn't straightforward - the bus we caught took us on a long scenic tour; our lunch stop at Garden City ended with me losing the nappy bag (thankfully someone turned it in at the Concierge Desk); and then we had a 45 minute wait til our final bus home! So the last leg of our outing was prolonged, but we got home in the end for much needed rests! :)

Jon worked all of New Year's Eve on a gig (9am til after midnight) so having mum and Grandma with me that day was wonderful (he worked Christmas Eve eve on a gig and that was a little trying - a long day/evening at home with the kids). Grandma and mum made the beds with fresh sheets and took care of the washing; mum took the girls to the park in the morning, and wore them out playing in the afternoon; she then cooked dinner. I spent my morning sitting and the afternoon sleeping :) Because of that, I couldn't get to sleep that night and nearly saw the New Year in; thankfully sleep came by 11:30pm; Caleb slept 7 hours straight that night!

Jon and I have wanted to have a child-free meal out together so one night we went out (with Caleb though of course) to Sunnybank to do just that. I was amazed at how lively Sunnybank was on a Sunday night! We ended up at a Malaysian place Jon had been to for a work lunch and I was very happy to find laksa on the menu (I only recently was introduced to laksa and I love it!) - so we had a HUGE bowl of Malaysian laksa and a plate called Nasi Lamek. Good stuff. I am sure we will be back, and hope to take various family there in the future if possible! Caleb slept soundly for the whole time we were out, snuggled up under a blanket in the pram (maybe his way of shutting out the noise? and a very nice God-gift). We went for a walk afterwards to help our full bellies settle a bit before getting some dessert at the Coffee Club. I had a great time. Thank you very much mum and Grandma for 'babysitting' the girls!

Today we are on our own again - mum and Grandma both flew out yesterday and Jon is back at work today. Funny how quick the clean washing is piling up now that my 'laundry fairies' have gone! (Thank mum and Grandma for keeping on top of it while you were here). We went to the library this morning (and Caleb finally fell asleep in the car on the way!); and all 4 of us napped this afternoon. It is so wonderful when all 3 kids go down for a nap at the same time! Mum and Grandma's visit was a great way to see out the old year and see in the new. Happy 2013!

Update on Life with a New Baby :)

Jonathan has commented a number of times since Caleb's birth that I enjoy our babies more each time. I am certainly enjoying Caleb (my thankful journal is full of Caleb related pleasures - including his tooty bottom!). He brings me much delight.

Our first couple of weeks have gone well. Caleb has been an easy baby for the most part. Evenings are starting to get a bit more difficult, but that's pretty normal for any baby! Jon had the first week after Caleb's birth off work, so I was able to rest, and since then we've managed on our own. Many of you made contact with me that first day on my own to see how we were going - I appreciate your loving thoughts - so I thought I'd let you know how things have gone.

We have been going pretty well. That first week solo had times of threadbare patience with the girls, and a couple of weepy days as I yearned for family to share Caleb with (the delight of a baby is for sharing!), but I came into this past week feeling more together and on top of things again. There has been an almost overwhelming amount of laundry (I do cloth everything, pretty much), but so far it hasn't overcome; I've only used 3 freezer meals; and the housework seems to all be getting done (except the kitchen floor - it needs a wash; even the ants are taking advantage!). We've gotten to playgroup the last two weeks, and to our church Christmas Carols event; Caleb has met Jon's work colleagues, and seen one of his great-Grandmas. So all in all, life with another baby is going well.

(For those asking after the breastfeeding, it's going well. My poor nipples were sore for the first few days while getting used to being in use again after 6 months off; I didn't have any engorgement when my milk came in!; I've had one episode of blocked ducts - thankfully it was the weekend so I was able to rest and work on clearing those while Jon held the fort. Mastitis was avoided - potato poultices and vitamin C to the rescue! I had to use my breast pump a couple of times, much to Abigail's delight - she wanted the milk!)

The girls seem happy to have a little brother. They are quite happy to help with him, and have been a help to me. Abigail fetches clean breast pads and cloths for me during feeds, and Sarah will put the wet things in the wash; Abigail fetches and empties the potty for me (we started elimination communication* with Caleb from about 1 week old and he's taken to it quickly), and so on. (Those small things certainly make a big difference; it's nice not to have to get up all the time for everything.) Neither of the girls has responded to Caleb's arrival negatively that we can see, so I am thankful to God for the smooth transition for us all. His grace is good.

I've started having 'mat time' with the girls most mornings - and they seem to have taken to the idea enthusiastically. I'll put a blanket on the ground for us to sit on and we'll do singing, reading, virtue lessons, and letter/phonics practice - things we've always done in the past, but higgedly-piggedly. The girls have also capitalised on the opportunity to get read to even more when I'm sitting and feeding Caleb! We're enjoying lots of the Steve Parish books at the moment (and have been blessed with some of our own - thanks Ruth!) - stories set to photos of Australian animals; Sarah is enjoying a book of action nursery rhymes (mum and dad might remember gifting it a couple of years ago?); and Abigail has cottoned onto a book about tidying up (from the library). Jon organised the toys in his week home, so the girls can easily tidy up the lounge on their own (when prompted) - the book has certainly fueled their enthusiasm!

I've had some small errands needing to be done, so today was the day. I decided that it would be easier to walk the journey rather than getting three kids in and out of the car four times, so I put Caleb in my ergo and the girls in the double pram and we walked down to the local shops to finally get a few things done (single pram tyre finally repaired, Indian shop for gluten free flours, and Bunnings and Woolies to get anniversary gifts for Jon). It was nice to be out walking again. Caleb slept the whole journey.

Today is Jon and my fourth wedding anniversary. That doesn't sound long at all, but having three kids in that time certainly helps it feel full!!! We're also coming up to 11 years of being best friends, so there's a lot to celebrate.

And it won't be much longer til we celebrate the arrival of our third niece/nephew. All the best to Kedesh and David - I look forward to hearing how it goes!


*From about a week old we gave Caleb lots of nappy free time and whenever we observed him 'going' we'd use our cue sound 'peeeeee'. After a few days of that and getting an idea of when he goes, we'd pre-empt those times by holding him over a little potty/bowl while making our cue sound - and he would pee or poop. Now he will often squawk at us when he needs to go - sometimes we're too slow and he wets his nappy, but more and more often now he has waited and contentedly goes in the potty/bowl. EC is the fancy name for how a lot of cultures around the non-Western world deal with toileting a baby/not using nappies.

Sarah's Birthday

It was Sarah's second birthday on Monday. We had a lovely day. At any mention of her birthday, Sarah responded with 'jellybeans!' (Abigail, at the same age, always responded with 'cake'), so jellybeans we were going to have. Sarah put on her new dress (from Jachin and Alisi) and out we went to the shop to get a packet of jellybeans!

For dinner, we wanted to have something that we knew the girls would eat without prompting, so cheerios and chips it was (and coleslaw - that needed a little prompting though :) ). Birthday cake was a gluten and dairy free cheesecake, decorated of course with jellybeans!

We are family!

Caleb is Born!

Caleb Henry was born to us on Sunday 25th November. Caleb, meaning 'wholehearted'**; Henry, after my dad. Our prayer is that he would serve the Lord wholeheartedly - with all his heart, mind, soul and strength.

For those who'd like some of the birth story, it starts in the early hours of Sunday morning. I've had lots of vivid dreams this pregnancy and had woken in the wee hours of the morning disturbed by another. I came downstairs to read my Bible for a bit to settle myself, and as I did I found myself 'pouring' my feelings and thoughts about the pregnancy to God. While I talked I kept thinking of 'ask and you will receive' for some reason, so I asked that bubs would be born soon (and if not, that God would help me wait patiently). Then I went back to bed.

That morning I woke up uncomfortable. After church I went for a big walk but nothing seemed definite. After lunch Jon went out shopping while I rested. About 2pm I texted him to let him know I was having 7 minute contractions. By 5pm they were 2-4 minutes but manageable with some walking and hip circling. Jon took the girls swimming while I walked beside the pool through contractions. All the while I was hesitant to call this the 'real thing' - my due date still being 6 days away.

By 7pm we thought we'd better call my friend, Sarah, to come over - just in case. The contractions dropped back to every 6 minutes, but we put the girls to bed and called the hospital. We got to the hospital about 7:30pm and because the contractions were still only about 6 minutes apart we walked around a little before going to the birth suite. I felt silly at having come in so soon. At ten to 8pm we were admitted into the birth suite, where my contractions picked up again, and I was told I was about 7-8 cm dilated (I was pleasantly surprised by that!). The midwife left us to ourselves and as soon as she left the room my waters broke, the pain escalated and I had to start pushing. Jon called the midwife back and Caleb was born not long after - at 8:09pm.


While I wouldn't call labour easy, it was my 'easiest' labour. The pain only became really unbearable after my waters broke, and then Caleb came within 10 minutes! No tears or stitches, no pain relief, no interventions. Another safe and healthy natural birth. Thank you God.

A couple of hours later we were transferred to the maternity ward for the night (I didn't get any sleep), and eventually got out of the hospital just after noon on Monday (I was very keen to get home).

Abigail is a very proud big sister - she likes to hold Caleb and to put blankets on him in bed. Sarah likes to give him a little pat on the head every now and then. They both seem pleased to have the baby out of mummy's tummy. I am amazed at how big Sarah now seems to me - she's not a little girl anymore! And Caleb, for all the fussing the doctors did, was a perfectly healthy size - 49cm, 3.52kg (7lb 12ozs).

We are very blessed.

** ḵôl (ךל), meaning "all, the whole of" + lêḇ (לב), meaning 'heart, mind, will, understanding' (Strongs h 3606 + 3820), as opposed to the usual ḵâlêḇ (ךלב), meaning 'dog' (Strongs h3612). Caleb was repeatedly described (including by God himself!) as having followed the Lord wholeheartedly. Numbers 14:24 says, "But my servant Caleb has a different spirit. He follows me with his whole heart..." (see also Numbers 23:12, Deuteronomy 1:36, Joshua 14:14).