Grandparents

That unconditional, overpowering love you feel when you give birth changes your life.

I have been blessed with two amazing daughters.  Of course there have been times in their lives when I have been fearful for them, afraid of the choices they made.  Other times I have been intensely proud of them, rejoicing in their choices!  Cried with and for them as they had their hearts broken, and celebrated when they have announced they have found the man they wished to spend the rest of their lives with.

I was totally unprepared for the emotion I felt when each of them, in turn, announced they were to become mothers. To see them grow both physically and emotionally during their pregnancies.  The knowledge they acquired during this time, making sure they were comfortable with the choices they made.  I know that both girls were much more informed than ever I was during my pregnancies.

I now have four amazing grandchildren.  It is impossible to describe the love I have for them, somehow I almost feel as though I have been given a “second chance”.  I certainly do not have the day to day responsibility, but feel if it is possible to pass on some of the experiences of my life and to be privileged to assist with the teaching, by example, of values and respect that I hope my children’s children will accept in their daily lives. Words can’t really describe this relationship, only a grandparent really knows what it is like to experience this uniqueness, the undying love that will never fade.  The forgiveness I know I will have when they falter and the pride at every success be it small or large.  The wonder at seeing a baby’s eyes light up when there is recognition of your face, their first steps, first swimming lesson,  first day at school, first public performance and so the “firsts” continue.

To every grandmother who has lost a grandchild, my heart goes out to you.  I cannot imagine a more difficult loss.

To my beautiful daughters, thank you for giving me this most precious gift.  And to God for his amazing blessings.

“A garden of Love grows in a Grandmother’s heart”  Author Unknown

Post by Guest Blogger

No Mummy........cuddle?

Don’t get me wrong,  I love being a mum – and some days are filled to the brim with laughs and silliness and fun….but some days just aren’t.

The other day was one of those, my toddler was being a near 2 year old, and my baby just would not sleep.  By midday I was at breaking point and after the bottom pats trying to get my baby to sleep clocked up to over 500 I lost it.  I walked outside, sat on the step, covered my face, and burst into tears.

I was totally immersed in my feelings of hopelessness until I felt two chubby little hands grab mine and pull them away.  I looked up to see the very confused face of my toddler staring at me. 

Very matter of factly he announced ‘No mummy’, then threw his arms wide and said ‘cuddle’.

And with that, we all got through another day.Thank you to our guest blogger.

There's a bear in there.................

I think nearly every child in Australia watches playschool at some point in their life.  My sister and I would sit down everyday to watch our favourite presenter Noni along with Benita, John and Colin. 

We used to have competitions to see who could guess which window "round, arched or square" would be picked and what magic lay behind it.  I remember fighting with her about what was better, the rocket or the flower (it's still rocket) and getting excited about the story that was revealed  when it turned around.

It makes you realise how far things have come when you look at your children playing the Playschool App on your i-pad. 

Children still get a lot of enjoyment and education out of playschool so that's why we are pleased to announce that My Midwives is giving away 1 adult and 2 children's (infants are free) tickets to the Playschool concert on the Wednesday 13th of June, 2012 at 11:30am in a Rafflecopter giveaway. 

There are a few different ways to enter which are all on our Facebook page.   All you need to do is "like" us on Facebook, answer the question  "There was a bear in there, what else?" or refer a friend to our page.  A winner will be announced on Friday the 8th of June. 

If this makes you feel all nostalgic go have a look on You Tube at the old Playschool introduction it brings back a lot of memories.  Good luck and have fun!

Pregnancy Seminars

We know when you are pregnant there are always lots of questions.  Come and meet a midwife and have some of your questions answered. We are offering free information evenings so you can learn about what happens in pregnancy, birth and after the birth of your baby.  Find out what proactive steps you can take to get what you want out of your birth.

Many couples find it difficult to make the really important decisions about pregnancy, birth and afterbirth care.  At these regular seminars, you can meet our friendly midwives and you will have time after the presentation to talk one-on-one with them and have all your questions answered.

Topics include:

•  How do I best take care of myself during pregnancy?
•  What are my options for birth?
•  What questions should we be asking my care provider?
•  What can I expect once the baby is born?
•  What next?

Essential information about the most important time in your life.

 

When: Monday 28th May 2012 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Where: My Midwives – 331 Margaret Street, Toowoomba

Cost: Free

Midwife: Rebecca Denny

 

 

 

If children's drawings were toys...............

I found these at a studio which creates these soft toy's based on childrens drawings.  What a compliment to your child to have their creation come alive! 

Husband of the year?

Or should I say Mari de l’annee?

I recently dropped some hints about how I would love a good girly magazine subscription to my husband.  These luxuries are few and far between in our household now, and while it will be sometime before my days call for much else than a pair of jeans and flats, I do still love to pour over the pages of a good fashion magazine and reminisce of times of carefree clothes spending and dressing up for Friday nights.

Husband picked up on the hint and proudly announced one evening that he ‘possibly was husband of the year’ and had ordered me a magazine subscription.  I was thrilled.  He was unsure of the title he ordered but confirmed it was definitely ‘some fashion, girls thing’.  Perfect.

I waited patiently and excitedly for some weeks for the parcel to arrive…my enthusiasm soon quashed when it finally did.  Below are issues 1 and 2 received…..

I don’t mean to be ungrateful, however (if I need to clarify), I don’t speak…or in fact read any French.

Lesson learnt – subtle hints apparently leave far too much open for interpretation - best to be completely overt and absolutely specific…or probably better, just do it yourself.

Post by Guest blogger.

Hanky Panky

During our antenatal course the one question (usually in men’s heads) that always ends up being asked is “When can we have sex again after the baby is born?” Of course I always answer “at least 6 months if not longer!” After watching the colour drain from the men’s faces and an ever so quiet ‘woohoo’ whisper come from the women I own up and tell them that’s just what I told my husband (sorry darling).

But seriously when is it ok to get back in the sack again? Well between catching up on sleep, eating, showering, cleaning, cooking and a screaming, unsettled, pooing, weeing, demanding, burping, windy, ever so precious (I really had to put that in) newborn, there just never seems enough time. The ever so wise words, "whenever you’re ready" (which I might add is very good advice) is all well and good but there are so many other factors to consider...

"when did bub last feed"? "When is she due to feed again? Geez when did I last have a shower? OMG look at the hairs on my legs not to mention the bikini line I’ve not seen in a while! Is this going to hurt? Is it going to be the same? Darn, I just remembered I put child no 2 in our bed to go to sleep…great, I guess the spare bed it is then. Hmmm I best move all the unfolded washing onto the floor then…ok, I’m ready…or maybe not, she’s awake :-), oh I mean :-(!"

The fact is each beautiful addition to your lives brings new interruptions. Take the opportunities whenever they arise (be they ever so quick…I’m sure he won’t mind!) Remember to enjoy each other’s company when you can and always take the time for each other.

Bec xxx