Sunny Spring

Autumn is my favourite season, but spring would have to be a close second. I love the scent of freesias and jonquils, the cheerfulness of daffodils, the colour of bluebells and tulips, and the daintiness of snowdrops.

I also love the weather, which makes it very pleasant to be outside.

The last day of winter happened to be a warm and sunny Sabbath this year, and I took some photos of the girls in the garden before we walked to church. It was their first time in new summer outfits (but still with the stockings and cardigans required during a Melbourne spring).

I walked to church feeling blessed to live in such a pretty part of a beautiful city, and to have three gorgeous daughters (and a handsome husband!) to share my life with.

The Three Amigos

After my recent retrospective posts, I thought I'd better show you what the girls actually look like now!

These photos were taken one morning last week, when everyone climbed into Lucinda's cot for a bit of a play together.

Lucinda loves being able to stand up with the big girls.

They're growing up fast!

Milestones

It's been awhile between posts again.

That's what happens when you add paid work to the list of things you are already doing!

A photo I found online showing the front of my workplace.

That's right - I just survived my first fortnight back at work after a nine month period of maternity leave.

It wasn't actually too bad. While a lot of the processes have changed (like how to book a fleet car, and where to save documents on the computer) the core business of assessing and assisting older people remains the same. And it feels good to know I have helped them to receive the support they need.

It also feels good to know that in just under 12 months I'll be reaching another milestone ... long service leave!

While I've been busy getting back into the swing of things at work, and refining the routine that enables us all to be dressed, fed, packed and out the door on time (luckily only five days a fortnight!) Grace has achieved an important milestone herself. No nappy overnight!

We mostly used Huggies, but these were the last nappies Grace wore overnight.

The noise you hear is a loud cheer as I celebrate having one child out of nappies completely. Hooray!!!

Grace's nappy was mostly dry in the mornings, but I hadn't got around to buying the waterproof mattress protector and setting everything up for her. I've done it now, and we've had two nights nappy-free. There's been one small accident (probably contributed to by being extremely tired after a late night) but otherwise the change has been incident free.

Which brings me to the last milestone of the day. Our energetic, ever-smiling, lovely Lucinda is 9 months old today!

Unfortunately I didn't manage to get a photo taken today, but here's a shot from last week:

Lucinda enjoying her lunch at the Teddy Bear's Picnic at Rippon Lea.

Lucinda has two teeth now (more milestones I didn't record here) and is growing rapidly.

She is almost crawling - she gets up on her knees, rocks, then lurches forward and collapses. It won't be long! She can also push herself nearly all the way up from lying to sitting.  I'd better child-proof the rest of the house, because she's going to be on the move very soon!

Lucinda Starts Child Care

Today was Lucinda's first day at the early learning centre.

Three bags packed and ready to go.

She had a great time! She aced her one hour orientation last week while I was present, and without me today she was still happy. She drank her bottles, had three sleeps, and played contentedly. A model child!

Sitting with big sister Grace.

Perhaps it is because I only finished weaning her last week, and my hormones are wreaking havoc. Perhaps it is because she may be my last baby. Whatever the reason, I was feeling a bit emotional when I dropped her off with the others this morning.

Lucinda has been my smiling little sidekick 24/7 for the last (almost) eight months. I missed her terribly! It is weird for someone who was previously so independent, but I'm not used to being on my own!

We're going through a bit of change at the moment. Lucinda started childcare. Charlotte started in a new room on the 'big kid's side' of the early learning centre. Grace started kindergarten (at the same centre), and went up to the kindergarten Sabbath school class at church. She also started Adventurers (a program at church which I'm sure will feature in a post soon).

The three stooges!

I could easily view it as the end of my one-on-one time with Lucinda. The end of Charlotte's toddler years. The end of the way things have been so far.

But all those "starts" made me realise it is actually the beginning. The beginning of Lucinda learning to interact with others apart from her immediate family. The beginning of Grace's world expanding as she gains new skills and experiences, and builds her confidence while preparing for school.

Hopefully it isn't the end for me, either, but the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

The beginning of carrying a handbag (a couple of days a week) that doesn't contain nappies. The beginning of having a little 'free time' to work on my giant to-do list (until I start work in a couple of weeks!). The beginning of rediscovering the 'me' that, while altered forever by motherhood, still exists somewhere independent of my children.

Here's to new beginnings!

Lucinda and her Grandparents

A couple of weeks ago we enjoyed a visit from my parents, Bob and Neroli.

They flew down on a Thursday morning, and returned home the following Monday afternoon.

It was the first time my dad had met Lucinda, so it was lovely to watch them getting to know each other.

"Nice to meet you, Grandpa."

"I don't mind hanging out on Grandpa's lap."

My mum hadn't seen her since she was a week or two old, so Lucinda was delighted to see Grandma again too.

"Long time no see, Grandma."

It's hard when you live a long distance from your family. We don't see them as often as we would like to. But we really appreciate visits like this which help the girls get to know and remember their grandparents.

We're looking forward to seeing you again in January!

Three Little Monsters

Well, I tried!

Here is my best effort of a photo of the three girls in their 'little monster' costumes. Charlotte doesn't like wearing the headband (she is the same with clips at the moment), and Lucinda seems transfixed by her claws.

Here is another shot, with Lucinda looking better, but Charlotte between smiles and Grace flashing her trademark eyes-closed grin.

Finally, here are two photos of my littlest monster, looking very cute and cuddly.

Call me biased, but these three girls would look good no matter what they wore!

Four Months Old Already!

Our lovely little Lucinda is four months old today!

That time seems to have just flown by. I'm already starting to feel sad about ceasing breastfeeding in December, and going back to work in February. I want to savour these precious moments while I can, before they disappear forever.

Lucinda is a very "good" baby. She has been sleeping through most nights since she was about 11 weeks old - which is more than I can say for her older sisters!. Her blocked tear ducts have resolved, and her eyes are now lovely and clear. She smiles, giggles and coos, and absolutely loves eye contact and attention.

As a mother, I enjoy my children at all ages, but there is something really special about the early months. To me Lucinda is entering the most delightful stage now - happy, cuddly, and interactive. Her personality is gradually revealing itself, and her physical skills are gradually developing.

Spending time with Lucinda is very rewarding. I love watching her on her play mat, learning to reach and grasp the toys. I love watching her attempt to roll over. Most of all, I love watching her face light up and her smile grow when she sees me.

I know these photos aren't all necessary, but I'm a proud mum. Lucinda is such a delightful little girl, and I love her to bits. Here's hoping the next few months go by very slowly!

Behind Bars

Lucinda began a new life behind bars this morning.

It happened just moments after Charlotte decided to colour in her eyes with a dark blue marker.

Now that she is approaching four months, I like to give Lucinda play time on the floor, so that she can work on learning to roll over and other developmental milestones. She loves the little play gym toys, and could spend up to an hour happily playing with them, if it was safe to do so.

Unfortunately, she has two older sisters who are in danger of killing her with kindness.

Well, Grace is usually acting out of kindness. She constantly wants to cuddle Lucinda, pat her, kiss her, talk to her, and show her toys. Poor Lucinda hardly gets a moment's peace.

Charlotte is a little more dangerous. She can give Lucinda gentle kisses on her hair. But other times she can hit her in the face, pull her hair, or, as I found out this morning, draw on her face. The blocked tear ducts seem to have made Lucinda's eyes quite irresistible to her, and not in a good way.

Our house currently accommodates the kitchen, dining and living areas in different rooms. There are times when I need to be in the kitchen, and can't keep an eye on everyone. This morning I left the room to make Charlotte a bottle, and by the time I returned the damage was done.

And so the playpen has come out of storage. Confining Lucinda keeps her older sisters (and the dog) at a distance, and hopefully means she can play in peace and safety.

Although toys have already been thrown in over the fence ...

Lucinda's Smiles

Lovely Lucinda is growing up fast. She's nine weeks old now, and full of smiles.

She weighs 4610 g, and is 56 cm long.

On Sabbath afternoon she had a great time hanging out on the play mat with Daddy and Grace while Charlotte had her nap.

With smiles like this, you're bound to see plenty more photos of her in posts to come.

Sleeping Beauty

I took a photo of Lucinda asleep on her Daddy's lap the other night.

It looks like she's having sweet dreams.

What a cutie!

A Flying Visit from Family

Last weekend was a very special one for our family.

We had a visit from my sister (Aunty Janelle) and one of her sons (cousin Benny). They flew in from Brisbane on Friday morning, and flew out again on Sunday night.

The main purpose of their visit was to meet baby Lucinda.

Lucinda enjoying a cuddle with big cousin Benny

Lucinda smiling at Aunty Janelle

But we managed to squeeze in a lot more than just that!

Shopping (at Westfield Doncaster, DFO South Wharf, Parenthood and Harbour Town), Sabbath school, a play and picnic at Hay's Paddock adventure playground, dinner out in North Carlton, lunch at Southgate, browsing the Arts Centre market, riding a tram (twice), playing in the snow (man-made), a brisk walk through the CBD ... and lots of games and chats.

Grace was very excited to have Benny visit, and enjoyed lots of running around and playing games with him. I enjoyed how well she slept at night after all the extra activity!

Grace and Benny watching a DVD together

Melbourne put on some beautiful, warm (17 degrees) and sunny weather on both days, which meant we could enjoy a lot of time outdoors.

Grace playing at Hay's Paddock

Charlotte enjoying her picnic afternoon tea

Aunty Janelle staying warm in the sun

It is a long time since we went out to a restaurant for dinner on Saturday night, but we chose a family friendly pizza and pasta place, and it all went quite smoothly. Rainbow ice cream for entree and pasta scattered over the floor is par for the course, but everyone was happy and we were in like company.

On Sunday it was great to be in the city and experience a truly Melbourne day. We learnt that it is best to catch the City Circle tram from the other side of the road at busy times (in order to actually get on it), and that walking back through the city is actually quicker than the tram anyway!

Enjoying lunch by the Yarra at Southgate

Benny playing in the snow at Harbour Town

We had a fun and memorable weekend, and were sorry to see our visitors leave.

Janelle did mention making a weekend in Melbourne with one of her kids an annual event, and I really hope she does. We're looking forward to the next one already!

Big Sister Little Sister

Grace adores her new baby sister.

This time around, she is old enough to really enjoy helping to change her nappy, bath her, get her dressed, and play with her.

Lucinda responds well to Grace, and gives her some of her biggest smiles.

I still need to keep a close eye on them, because Grace's love can be a little rough. But it is lovely to see the bond they already share.

Well Said

On the Wednesday before Lucinda was born, Mum and I spent a lovely day in Maling Road, Canterbury. We browsed in the shops, and enjoyed lunch in a cafe that offered a number of vegetarian options. It was just the two of us, and I really enjoyed it.

I didn't buy a lot, but knew I had to get this canvas for the girl's room as soon as I saw it. The words describe the sort of women I'd like them to be ... and the sort of woman I'd like to be myself.

It is hanging on the wall in Grace's room at the moment, but will get a special place somewhere in our new house eventually.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Introducing Lucinda Mae

I am very proud to introduce our third daughter, Lucinda Mae Finnegan, who was born at 9:52am on Friday, 8th June.

For those who are interested in these things, her vital statistics were:

• Weight - 2830g (6 lbs 4 oz)
• Length - 48.5 cm
• Head Circumference - 34 cm

As Lucinda's parents, Neil and I are obviously delighted in the arrival of a healthy baby, as well as a beautiful one.

In fact, the whole family has enthusiastically welcomed her. Grace is fascinated in her every movement, and is quite gentle and keen to help. Charlotte mostly points and shouts "Baby, baby", but also loves to watch everything that is going on.

Of course there is the question of who she resembles. Will the "red curls" in this blog's title still apply? A lot of it remains to be seen. According to my mother, Lucinda looks a lot like I did as a baby, especially in the photo below.

Lucinda has dark eyes which I believe will turn blue, and quite fair hair. I didn't think there was much ginger in it, but this photo might prove me wrong.

Neil and Grace came to the hospital this morning to bring Lucinda and I home. The temperature was only in single digits, but she was rugged up nice and cosy.

I'm sure you'll see plenty more photos of Lucinda in the days and weeks to come.

A Labour of Love

I was fairly certain that I would go into labour naturally before being induced at 39 weeks. But it still took me a little by surprise at 3:30 on Friday morning when I woke up as my waters broke. I didn't go straight into labour, but was having random contractions, so headed in to the hospital about an hour later.

We completed all the paperwork and were admitted to the delivery suite, where a midwife spent about an hour monitoring me and the baby to make sure everything was OK. My friend (and birth attendant) Fiona arrived, and encouraged me in some exercises to try to bring on established labour. A nurse bought me some breakfast, and it wasn't until about 8:30 am that a doctor came to see me.

After an internal examination, the obstetrician declared I was 1-2 cm dilated and ready for labour. Because I've had gestational diabetes, the risk of infection after my waters breaking was higher. So he recommended putting up a drip to induce labour rather than sending me home again to wait it out.

I wasn't so keen on the drip, but fortunately it didn't last long. As soon as they put it up, contractions started coming one after the other. Less than five minutes later they decided to turn it off, as it was clear that the baby was on the way. I had to instantly adopt all my pain management strategies - eyes closed, deep breathing, banging the bed loudly with a ball, and listening to my husband count 1-2-3. He knows by now what works for me, and we got straight into it!

I don't like being in labour. It is incredibly intense and painful. I always get terribly nervous, knowing what is coming. But this time I managed it well, once again without drugs, with the help of Neil, Fiona ... and the fact that it was so short. Contractions were up to two and a half minutes long, but they were very effective, and it was only an hour before I started pushing, and only a few minutes after that that our beautiful little daughter was born.

She's definitely worth it!

When it was all over I only required two stitches, and as you can see was overjoyed at the birth of my third little girl. I'm getting good at this!