Your local doctor will be able to measure, weigh and examine baby to make sure that they are healthy and thriving. But I strongly recommend taking baby to your local clinic. It is a free service where you not only weigh baby but also gain some fantastic advice from qualified midwives. It is also great on a social level. Emily and I are currently attending the free weekly information sessions and have met some...

Before Sienna was born I was really concerned about our large German Shepard, Simba. How was she going to react to a new baby and should I be worried for the safety of the baby? I decided to do some reading and gain some advice. The best advice I received was to make sure that the dog maintains its current routine. We have always taken Simba for a walk every night, so we have made an effort to continue to...

Sienna had her 10 day weight check today. She has lost more weight, which is a concern. My breast milk seems to have slowed down and she is hungry all the time. My doctor has put me on tablets to increase my milk and hopefully allow Sienna to get back to a healthy weight.  She weighed 3.21kg (7 pounds, 2 ounces) at birth but now only weighs 3.13kg. . I also developed mastitis and suffered a very bad fever ...

I had my first scare this morning as a mother. Sienna was being held by her Nana and one of her feet went completely purple! She still had her hospital tag on so we immediately cut it off thinking that it was cutting off her circulation. This made no difference and in a panick I called the maternity ward of my hospital. Unfortunately the person on the other end of the phone had nothing reassuring to share with...

Sienna Rose Harris was born earlier today, 7lb 2 ounces. Welcome to the world little one! Mum and baby are doing well and I’m sure dad is beside himself with happiness over his new bundle of joy! love love

Last night while laying down I felt the first of my contractions. It was extremely painful lower abdomen pain that stretched around to my back, bottom and down my legs. They were coming every ten minutes for about an hour and a half but the time each lasted gradually reduced from about 90 seconds down to about 30 seconds. I assume this is what they call Braxton Hicks…? It was very exciting and a little...

Today I had my three hour pamper session at Bartercard member Splash Day Spa. As I am so close to having bub everything is hurting, especially my feet and back. The session started with a dry brush and then a fantasic massage to my back and feet. I then had a pedicure, manicure and facial. I don’t think I have ever been so relaxed! It was just what the doctor ordered! I then spent the rest of the afternoon...

The girls at work just gave me the BEST gift! It is a three hour ‘Mother-to-be’ day spa voucher. I can’t wait to use it! They bought it from Bartercard member Splash Day Spa. I have booked for my second day of maternity leave. Hopefully it will help relieve some of the aches and pains.

WOW! What a day. My baby shower started with me being picked up in a car that had two flags coming out of the bonnet saying “Christie’s baby shower” and it also had purple ribbons (like a wedding car!). If anyone thought I was a hen they would have got a rude shock if they saw the size of my belly! After a few photo opportunities at McDonalds and other landmarks, we arrived at my sister’s...

Does anyone have any advice on reducing swelling? It doesn’t seem to matter what time of the day, my legs and feet are blowing up like balloons.

Tonight is our last night of our antenatal classes. We have been going for the last 4 weeks at our hospital. I have to say my husband had heard from other mates that it is a waste of time but it has been fantastic!!! Even though I am really tired by 7pm each night we have both really looked forward to each class. I haven’t done a lot of reading throughout my pregnancy so it has been great to hear from...

 Today is Melbourne Cup Day. Every year we all get dressed up and enjoy the festivities of the race that stops the nation. We hold betting competitions and best dressed. I won in the betting stakes but didn’t take home the best dressed trophy. Rochelle, the one in the red took the title this year….well done Rochelle! Melbourne Cup day gave me the perfect opportunity to wear my 6 way dress that I...

Bingo! I won the baby rocker on the Bartercard Members Trading Portal for $20.00! It is in really good condition and I love it! It is going to come in handy to take to the grandparent’s houses. [Show as slideshow] [View with PicLens]

Today christie and I had a joint leaving lunch at our local pub. Our work colleagues put together two massive baskets ( one pink, one blue!!) containing baby clothes, toys, bottles, nappies, even a bottle of wine! Christie and I were stunned into an appreciative silence when we saw the baskets. Our lunch was fantastic, lots of funny baby stories told and advice given. We can’t thank our work mates enough...

Last night I treated myself to a facial at FACE in Southport. It was great to have someone pamper me and to be off my feet for a solid hour. I have been getting facials right throughout my pregnancy, every month. As I have been putting on weight, swelling and getting more a more tired looking it has really helped to make me feel refreshed. I recommend it to everyone…pregnant or not pregnant!

We received our first delivery!!! Our order from Bella Bellies has arrived. No more ugly undies for us. The packages were delivered hand wrapped and personally addressed, so beautiful. We both bought maternity bras and sexy underwear. No more boring nickers for us! Christie also got a really cute maternity top. [Show as slideshow] [View with PicLens] ...

The Oakey Pharmacy in Toowoomba are clearing their excess stock and are able to supply us with some baby products! I’ve sent a list through to Charlene their Trade Co-ordinator – everything from Johnson and Johnson products to milk bottles to see what they have available. (They only supplies locally and are limited supply.)

Today I put a bid on a second hand Baby Rocker from the Bartercard eMARKETplace. It is from Little Stars on the Gold Coast. These normally retail for around $80.00. I have only had to bid $20.00 so far! Wish me luck, the auction closes in four days. I have also placed bids on AVENT BREASTMILK STORAGE KIT and AVENT 2 NIPPLE PROTECTORS. Oh doesn’t that sound lovely! I am really getting the hang of the...

I am sure it is not just me but being pregnant can really be a roller coaster of emotions. Today I woke up angry with the world and particularly with the lack of renovations that are happening around my house. About two months ago we had a pool built and it is still not finished! We have had to wait to do landscaping and fencing. The whole idea of building a pool during my pregnancy is so that I can enjoy...

Hi! My name is Christie. My husband Matt and I are expecting our first baby on 16th December 2009. Yes, I know, so close to Christmas!! Our varying dates are from 12th December to 19th December. So we really hope that bub comes in the earlier part of the week! This is the first grandchild on both sides of the family so it will be really nice if we could be home for Christmas, rather than in hospital. Let’s...