General Update

So, life with 3 is a bit crazy! Macey is a really good baby (not that there's such a thing as a bad baby). She likes loads of cuddles. She's still on 2oz bottles but I think she might be ready to move up to 3oz. She generally settles down properly for the night at around 11pm (ish), then she wakes some time after 3am, then usually between 5am and 6am. She's happy to go back in her moses basket after her bottle to go back to sleep. The health visitor was out to the house on Wednesday and Macey now weighs 7lb 8oz. So, she's doing great! Although after a little problem I've been told that I'm doing too much. I've continued on as normal, doing my washing, ironing, etc. Thing is, if something needs done in the house I will not sit around and wait for someone else to do it. And I'm too proud to keep asking for help. My stupidity is going to make it longer on my healing process.

Keira and Logan have settled with Macey amazingly. I'm especially surprised at Logan. I expected some jealousy but he's been amazing. Only problem at the moment is that he's going through the terrible 2s (if you can even call it that) big style. I feel like I spend the majority of my day yelling and that makes me feel like a terrible mother. He just won't take no for an answer. I'm about at my wits end with him.
They both had their hair cut last week. Keira's is a lot shorter than I expected it to be but it suits her. And she likes that it's easier to manage now.

We also went into Paul's work with Macey and Logan on Tuesday last week. (Which was also too much for me. Long walk from train station to his office, then all around a shopping centre and back to the train station). After visiting his work we took Logan to the Disney Store. And I went to a couple of other shops while we were there.
Yesterday, Keira went to Asda with her dad. The birds of prey display was outside so of course she wanted her picture taken with a bird!

Baby Macey

Baby Macey arrived on 21st March 2014 via scheduled c-section. She came into the world at 11.26am and weighed 7lb 4.5oz. I can't believe she's finally here!

Here's her birth story:
I had to be at the hospital at 8am on 21st March. I was told that I was the only scheduled c-section for that day so unless there was an emergency I'd be taken early. My Mum was my birth partner as Paul didn't want to be in the operating theater. When we arrived I was taken to the high dependency ward and given a bed. We were just to wait until it was time to go down. I was visited by midwives (both of them were the midwives I had during Logan's birth!), theater nurses, anesthesiologists and the surgeon. I decided to get sterilised at the same time as having the c-section so the surgeon went over every thing with me and even gave me possible scenarios in case I wanted to change my mind. As much as I would love to have another baby I will not take the risk of having a third c-section. I have three beautiful children to think about now. They will always come first. A part of me is sad that I will never be able to carry another baby but I know it's the best thing for me and my family.
I was finally given a gown to get changed into at about 10am. I was then taken down to the theater. It's so weird walking into the theater. Everyone was already there getting things prepared. I was asked to sit up on the bench and that's when the fun began!
It took almost an hour to get the spinal to work. That was the worst pain. They had to push their thumbs right into my spine to try and find the spaces. I have a giant bruise on my back from thumbs alone! Then the pain when they were inserting the wire thing.. they had to try and find the right place but it was giving me bad pains in my hips and spine. At one point I thought I was going to pass out so I had to lay down on my side. I thought they were going to just put me to sleep. I was so relieved when I finally felt my toes go numb!

Once the spinal took effect they got me to lay down on my back and started setting up the blind so I couldn't see what was happening. They double checked I was numb right up to my chest. Which I was. Then they began! The midwife told me I'd here a sucking sound like when you get to the end of a drink with a straw, and that was when the baby was ready to be born. The noise is the waters being sucked out. So, I just kept listening for that sound! As soon as I heard it I started crying because I knew she was almost here! They had to use forceps to get her out as she was a bit stuck up in my ribs. It left a little bruise on her cheek. She started crying straight away which was amazing! They wrapped her up and handed her to my mum and my mum held her next to me so I could see her whilst they did my sterilisation and fixed me back up. When it was all done they put Macey on my chest and wheeled me back to the high dependency ward. I was in there until around 8pm. I pretty much just held Macey on my chest the entire time! I let her go so I could get some toast and a bed bath. Paul took her and got her cleaned up and dressed. 

I was up and out of my bed to be moved to my room. I got a room to myself which was brilliant! I don't really like the whole open ward thing. My bed had a co-sleep crib on it as well which made my life so much easier for picking Macey up. I needed help all through the night for the first night. Help to feed and change Macey because I was still too sore to try to sit up and then lay back down etc. Plus I had a catheter so it made everything awkward.  

I had a two night stay at hospital and was allowed home on the Sunday afternoon because everything went so well! Macey is now 11 days old. She's doing amazingly. She only take roughly one and a half ounces each bottle but it seems to be doing her fine. She wakes every 2-3 hours for a feed. And she's starting to have a little bit of awake time throughout the day! She lost 4 ounces from her birth weight at the beginning but yesterday she was back up to 7lb 4.5oz! So, she's doing very well!

I'm also doing great. I have a bad back but that's down to the spinal. I was dreading getting my stitched out. I had a dressing covering my wound constantly so I didn't really know what was going on down there. However, when the midwife took my dressing off we discovered that my wound had been glued! Relief!

Keira and Logan both stayed at my mum and dad's house for the first week. They were just coming over to visit through the day. It was mostly because they are so boisterous and I'd just had major surgery. I didn't want to risk any injury. They're back home now of course and have adjusted brilliantly to having a baby sister. Logan is always very concerned if she cries etc. Think he's going to be a protective big brother! =) It's all kind of went over the top of Keira's head at the moment. But, she does give her baby sister love and hugs all the time! 

I've had a few tearful moments over the fact that I'm now infertile. But I know I've definitely done the right thing for myself and my family. I'll get used to the idea in time!

Another Haul!

Paul and I went out shopping on Saturday to the Gyle Shopping Center. Keira and Logan were supposed to be going with us for a treat at the Disney Store and Pizza Hut but they were both too ill to go. My mum and dad kindly offered to look after them so we could go on our own. I had a 20% off at Marks and Spencers voucher to be used that weekend and really wanted to take the opportunity.

Our first stop was Monsoon Kids. I finally picked up the little cat shoes I had wanted to get for Macey. I was hoping they'd be a part of the sale but they weren't! Nevermind! I also picked up a light wear pair of tights for her. They shoes were £10 and the tights were £6.

Next we went to Schuh. We went because I promised Paul I'd treat him to new shoes for his work. He's forever buying cheap shoes that end up falling apart after a couple of months. I was fed up hearing about it so I bought him a pair of Dr Marten shoes. These should last a lot longer! Anyways, when we were in I saw this pair of Converse and I knew that Keira would absolutely love them! I bought them in a 10 because that's what she's been wearing, however, she couldn't get them on her feet. So, Paul took them back today on his way to work. They didn't have size 11 in store so they are posting them out to the house! They cost £37. Logan also got a pair of Converse but I bought them online. I'm waiting on them arriving.

Then we went to the Disney Store. I went ahead and bought they kids their treats. I won't have the chance to go back out with them again now before Macey arrives. I probably won't be able to anyways... my butt was so, so sore after the hours of walking! Keira got the baby crocodile from Tinkerbell and the Pirate Fairy, Phineas, Ferb, and some Palace Pets. She plays the Palace Pets game on her iPad and loves it. Logan got a Spiderman toy, a Buzz Lightyear gun, a cuddly Rex and Hulk Pjs. When we got to the till there was a Thumper plush toy on offer for £7.99 when you spent £10 or more, so I got it for Macey! I had planned on buying myself another animator doll and a mug but I completely forgot!

We then went into Boots. I only went in to get a tube of toothpaste for Keira and ended up buying Macey clothes! They have an offer on a lot items where you get 2 for£8. I got a little dress and an all in one. The all in one is size newborn but it looks huge! I also got her a little dress and bloomer set, which was £14. Then I noticed they had a sale rack. I found cute black patent shoes for £3 and a little bunny hat, also for £3.

Finally we went to Marks and Spencer. I got a few things for all 3 kids. Keira got a super soft woolly jumper, a cute pair of jeans with turn ups at the bottom and a t-shirt with a bright pink horse on the front. Logan got a sweatshirt with crocodiles on it and a pair of khaki canvas trousers. Then Paul spotted a t-shirt with the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's child on the front. He held it up to show me and I said, 'oh yeah, get that' (Logan loves the Gruffalo). So he picked it up and we went onto the baby section. Only noticed when we got home he picked up aged 4-5 which is far too big. He didn't even look at the sizes. Just picked up whatever. Typical Paul. So, now that also has to go back to be exchanged for a smaller size. In the baby section Macey got one of the dresses that I've been after for a while! It's pale pick chord and is covered in swallows. It comes with lilac tights. I also bought her a little coat to get her by in the first couple of weeks.
In total it all came to £89... I didn't get my discount because M&S have crappy WiFi and we couldn't get connected to get the voucher code. So, annoying. From now on I'll be writing codes down before we go anywhere! Then in the food bit I treated myself to a box of macaroons. I've been wanting to try them for so long and never did because they were expensive. But I thought why not. If Paul can get £95 shoes and the kids can get all those toys, surely I'm entitled to a £6 box of desserts! Lol!

We headed home after this. I was so tired but I needed to go into Asda for a couple of things and for something for dinner. Ended up spending money on kids clothes that they obviously need =\
Keira got a new jacket and a pair of jogging bottoms. Logan got a jumper, a shirt and a pair of trousers, and Macey got a blanket, bibs and a little dress and leggings set.

I'm hoping to go into Primark tomorrow as I need to finish off my hospital bag. I'm also waiting on 12 deliveries... not including Keira's Converse. =\. So, there will more than likely be another big haul towards the end of the week. I kind of went a bit mad the past few days and have now left myself almost totally skint! Oops!

In other news, my sister in law just found out that she's expecting her second set of twins!! Completely crazy! She has identical girls, so she's hoping for at least one boy this time! Haha!

Fabric Bow - How To

I was supposed to be posting a how to on the pinwheel bow but I'm having trouble wording it properly. I may have to get Paul to film me making it so that you can see it easier. It's really not difficult to make but I just can't explain it properly!! The wording on this isn't the best either but it's the best I can do at the moment. End of pregnancy brain perhaps! Also sorry for any typos. 10pm is late for me!

So, today I'm doing a fabric bow. You can use any old scrap fabric you have laying around. Even old clothes. T-shirts would work especially well because the fabric doesn't fray. I used left over fabric from some projects that were done years ago!
So here goes...

You will need:

Scrap fabric (I didn't measure anything out. They were just guessing. You can fold your fabric up first to get a rough size guide of what the end result will be)
Scissors
Needle Thread
Glue Gun
Hair clip or bobble/hair tie
Ribbon if you are using a clip
Bar of chocolate.

First of all I cut out rectangles of fabric and a smaller long piece that matches. The smaller piece still needs to be big enough to be folded. I also iron my fabric pieces so that there's no creases on the end result.

Lay your fabric face down. Fold one half over to the middle and press it down so that it creases slightly and stays in place. Fold the other half up and overlap the first fold.

Fold one end up to the center. And then the other half up and slightly overlap the first fold.

Pinch the fabric in the middle so it makes a crease and then fold down the sides. I usually push a pin through it at this stage so that I can put it down without worrying about it all coming undone.

Thread your needle and tie a knot in the end. (I usually tie about 4, lol!). Put a few stitches through the center to hold it then wrap the thread around it tightly a good few times. Tie some knots in it to keep it all together.

Now, take the smaller piece of fabric and fold the sides up like you did with main bow.

Thread your needle again and stitch the end of the smaller fabric piece to the back. You should only need 4 or 5 stitches to hold it securely.

Wrap the fabric around tightly and put a few stitches to hold it down. Trim off the excess fabric and add more stitches and tie off the ends of the thread.

Now you can add an alligator clip if that's what you want to do. You can see how to cover and attach one here. If you want to have it on a bobble I'd suggest attaching one with a small spot of glue from a glue gun BEFORE you sew on the center piece of fabric. I haven't added my clips yet because I'm too lazy to go and get my glue gun. Haha!

Hope this post made sense! I'm really not good at giving instructions but I want to share how to do this with everyone.

I also made a peach colour broderie anglaise fabric. (It doesn't look very peach in the picture for some reason but it definitely is!) I'm planning on buying this dress from Marks and Spencer on Tuesday next week when I'm out shopping. The bow should match it perfectly!

You can also make the bow padded if you choose. All you need to do is lay some stuffing on the fabric before you make any folds. Just fold the fabric over the top of it. This is the end result with stuffing in it.

Haul Time

Here's a few things that have been bought over the past week. 

Moses basket. I had been going to buy the Clair De Lune one to match the bedding and mobile that I have but I saw this one on Asda's website for half the price and with better reviews. It cost £27.97. It's perfect.

Paul and I took a trip to the Disney Store so that we could pick up part of my Mother's Day present (Tinkerbell Animator Doll). When I saw the Minnie Mouse suit I had to buy it! It's so nice! And of course the matching socks. We're going back to the Disney Store next week to treat the kids so I might pick up a couple of other things too. The Minnie Mouse pjs were a gift from my best friend! They are so, so cute!! We got the doll from the Disney Store too. She was on offer for £6.99 when you spent £10, so didn't want to leave her! We had the choice between Tinkerbell or Iridessa. We went for Iridessa because you don't see her as much as you do Tink. She has a button on her back. If you push it she flaps her wings. 

I went to Asda today to do my shopping and as soon as I walked in I was hit by a massive clothing sale! Haha! Of course I couldn't walk away and leave all this stuff!

I got the little onesie for £4, the jeggings were £3 (I'm really not keen on denim on newborn babies at all, so these are a good alternative), the cardigan was £3. The other items were full price. The dress was £8, the sleepsuit was £5 and the bibs were £3.50. I still don't feel like I have near enough bibs. They had another couple of packs that I may have to go back for.

Logan got a new pair of jeans for £6, a twin pack of t-shirts for £3, a jumper for £4 and a t-shirt that wasn't in the sale for £2. I couldn't not take it because it's an exact description of Logan!!

All Keira got was this top. It was £5. They didn't have much in her size at all unfortunately.

It's World Book Day on Thursday and the school are letting the kids wear fancy dress. The only fancy dress outfit Keira had was Minnie Mouse because she outgrew her other. So, today Paul picked up this for her from the Disney Store. It's the pirate fairy from the new Tinkerbell movie. She really wanted to go as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz but we couldn't find a good Dorothy costume for her. =( Asda have a nice one but they sold out in her size. I had planned on buying her a pair of red flats and covering them in glitter. We even ordered the red glitter in ready but the outfit sold out right when I went to buy it. Gutted. Anyways, the pirate fairy costume cost £25. It's lovely but for some reason doesn't have wings with it and the wings aren't available as separates at the moment... so it's kind of just a pirate costume.

I also order Macey's bouncy chair today which I think is the last 'must buy' item. It's being delivered from Mothercare through the week. And tomorrow, Paul is going back to the Disney Store to buy a costume for Logan. I feel bad that Keira got one today and Logan didn't. Think he's getting Spiderman or Buzz Lightyear. =)

Sibling Gifts

I've been thinking about what I wanted to do for Keira and Logan when Macey is due/born.
When Logan was born I made up a basket for Keira with a few toys, a book, sweets, toothbrush and DVD in it. She got some cards as well with big sister on them. I don't really want to do the same thing this time around. Although we will be buying the big brother version of the book for Logan and they will both get cards again.

My first idea had been to get them both a bike each but after loads of thinking I decided to put the bikes off until their birthdays. I'm having a c-section and with recovery and looking after a new baby I won't have as much time to take them out on their bikes. Plus it's still freezing cold here. So, waiting until the summer seems like a better idea. I'll be back on my feet and hopefully in a good routine, meaning it should be no problem to take them out with their bikes whenever they like.
So, that left me with the problem of a gift from Macey. In the end I decided that we're going to take the kids to the Disney Store and let them pick whatever they like up to a certain amount of money each. That way they're getting exactly what they would like and what they will play with, be it dressing up costumes or toys. I haven't told them yet that we're going. It'll be a surprise on the day. I really can't wait! After the Disney Store I was considering taking them to Krispy Kreme to get a doughnut and a drink. It should be a good day out and I'm really excited about it for them! I already have a slight idea of what they're going to pick! Haha!