A sad day
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Posted by Megan at 12:11 PM 3 comments
Joel's entrance into the world
Friday, July 20, 2007
Ok so I am going to post Joel's birth story - mainly for my benefit so I don't forget, so if you don't want the details then don't read on!! Beware, it'll be a long one.
Sunday 1st July - went to church in the morning as usual. Joked with people that we wanted this bub to come some time this week (even though we weren't due for another 10 days) as Andrew was on school holidays. We even had a curry for lunch that day - more of a joke really than a method to induce labor!
Fast forward to 2am Monday 2nd July - I made my way back to bed after one of my numerous overnight toilet breaks. As i got back in, I thought I must have wet myself but seriously doubted it as I'd just emptied my bladder. I went back to the loo and after 5-6 minutes of steady trickle, I knew that this was my waters breaking and not a severe lack of pelvic floor strength!
I went back to bed and told Andrew but assured him that it could still be a day or so before anything happens. We tried to go back to sleep!!
3:30am - i started getting what I can only describe as slight period pain and wondered whether this was the start of contractions. I realised the pain was coming and going at fairly regular 6 monute intervals and realised that I was indeed in labor. I knew that it would still be awhile so we decided to rest up and assess how things were going when we got up later.
8:30am - the contractions had started to get a little more painful now and where coming a lot closer together. I called the hospital to see what I should do and they said I could make my way in whenever I liked and they see how things were progressing.
The car trip to the hospital was interesting and exciting - it was dawning on us that we could be meeting our bub today. We started stressing about names - we were still to decide on a girls name. We got to the hospital around 10:ooam and made our way to the delivery suite where we were ushered into a tiny assessment room. A midwife came in and hooked me up to a CTG machine to assess baby's heart rate and movements. I continued to have contractions whilst hooked up to this machine and they were really starting to get painful. A doctor came in and did an examination (yowsers!!) and declared that I was only 1cm dialated. AHHHHH!! The decision was made that due to a few reasons - my high BP, bubs not behaving, my waters broken, that they would induce me but I'd have to wait till tomorrow as they were too busy today. They would keep me on the ward overnight and I'd be induced first thing the next morning.
This was not what was supposed to happen - I started getting upset, worried for the baby and still in pain, very scared. If this was what only 1cm dialated felt like, I was seriously worried about what 10 would be like.
By this time, it was around 11:30am and the contractions were getting more and more painful. I asked if there was anything I could do for the pain. The midwife suggested I have a bath as it was being used so I decided to give it a go. It was great. Although the contractions were extremely painful, I felt a lot more relaxed between them. I was in the bath for about 1 hour - 12:00pm -1:00pm. I was starting to want something more for the pain - I was so sure I would only be 2-3cm dialated by now and was really starting to get scared that I wouldn't be able to do this. I got Andrew to get a nurse as I was really hurting. The nurses were awesome. They said they'd assess me and then work out what pain relief options I had. They discovered that I was 10cm dialated already. From 1-10 in 1 hour. I was almost relieved cause I knew that the pain I was feeling was worth it. The got me out of the bath and told me it was time to have this baby. From thinking it was happening today to this was totally overwhelming and very exciting.
The nurses couldn't believe how fast it all happened. Of all the women in the delivery rooms, I went from being the one not expected to deliver that day, too the only one they thought that eventually would!!
They took me into a delivery room (around 1:00pm) and got me on the bed. I so thought I would be one of these chicks that gives birth on the floor or on a ball or something but all I wanted to do was lie down. Contractions were excruiciating now. They offered me the gas but I took two sucks and couldn't work out how to use it so I just bit down on the mouthpiece. I kepts asking the midwife how much longer she thought it would be. She just kpet saying "not long now, you're doing great!"
After about 45 mins, Andi (our midwife) told me she could see the baby's head with lots of dark hair. I couldn't believe it. I reached down a felt this little squishy head. That made me so determined to keep going. I was pushing with all my might and after 2 massive pushs, Joel arrived at 2:32pm. They put him straight on my tummy and it took me a couple of seconds to realise he was even there - i was concentrating so hard. But there he was - the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. I asked Andrew if it was a boy or girl and we lifted his little leg and let out a sigh of relief. We didn't have to decide on a girls name after all. Andrew cut the cord and then Joel and I snuggled for awhile, while the placenta delivered and they checked me over. Andrew and I were both so overwhelmed and both had a little cry. We were so happy.
They checked Joel over too - he got 9 and 9 on his APGAR tests - so proud of him!!
I was in total shock - I had just given birth, drug free, intervention free and with no issues downstairs!! No stitches needed. Andrew got to have a cuddle as well and I took some piccies of them and then Joel had his first feed. It was a bizarre but beautiful feeling.
After awhile, Andrew went off to make the necessary phone calls and Joel and i spent some time alone together.
Later that day, my parents and sisters came to visit as did Andrew's parents. They were all a little shocked at his early arrival too but totally besotted with him!


Almost 3 weeks later and it's still so fresh in my mind. Some days it still doesn't feel real that I have a child. I feel like I am looking after him for awhile and expecting someone to come and get him any day now - weird huh!!
We are all still doing really well. We have been so blessed by people's generosity towards us - presents for Joel, meals for us, cards galore, flowers. We really are blessed with gorgeous friends and family.
Better wrap this up as the little dude will wake any moment for a feed and it's too hard to type one handed!
If you've got this far, congrats and thanks for letting me share my birth story. Overall a positive experience for a first timer.
Hopefully I can get some newer pics of the little man later and I shall share soon. He's changed so much already in only 3 weeks.
Till next time
Posted by Megan at 1:26 PM 7 comments
Update
Friday, July 13, 2007
Well it's been nearly two weeks since I became a mum and life is good. I'm tired but blissfully happy and we are all doing really well. We've had a few long nights but in general Joel is a pretty good baby. He sleeps pretty well, feeds a lot (hungry little squirt) and seems to be enjoying life in his big new world.
Andrew is still on school holidays and once school goes back he still has 5 days of paternity leave up his sleeve. He is going to take 3 days of it in the first week and 2 days in the second, just to ease back into it all with less sleep! And then I'll be on my own. That's a little scary. Andrew has been awesome around here the last week - making me lunch, bringing me snacks, doing the dishes, getting tea organised. Will be interesting when he's not here anymore. I'm sure I'll be fine - I gave birth drug free for heaven sake, I can do this too!
Still haven't got around to writing out the whole labor/birth story yet - really need to do that before I start to forget stuff.
We had out first trip out - went well. Joel seems to like the car seat and slept happily as we drove. He didn't even wake up when we got him out of the car. Hope that continues.
And i've had a stack of photos printed up at Camera House- 15cents each!! so I am so excited about getting back into scrapbooking. It feels like ages since I've done anything.
Anyway, enough already. Will leave you with a couple of photos of my little man (and big man) total spunks!!! And my 5 things I am grateful for
1. The safe arrival of our precious bub Joel
2. An amazing hubby
3. Kind and generous family and friends
4. A 2 hour nap this afternoon
5. 15 cent prints at Camera House

Posted by Megan at 5:58 PM 7 comments
He's here!!
Thursday, July 05, 2007


Joel Callan Spinks arrived on Monday afternoon 2nd July - 10 days early. He must have known his dad is a school teacher on holidays at the moment.
The stats
Weight - 6 pounds 5 ounces
Length - 49 cm
We are totally besotted by this little man and are really looking forward to the coming weeks, months and years.
Just wanted to share some photos with you all. I'll be back later to share more of his entrance into the world but all is well.
Have a great week
Posted by Megan at 1:05 PM 22 comments
Baby Room pics as promised
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Posted by Megan at 6:00 PM 8 comments
3 posts in one day
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Hope you enjoyed the two clips below - you need to watch the Nessum Dorma one first then the semi-finals one. I really love opera - bet you didn't know that about me!!
I'm still pregnant - only 3 weeks till our due date now. We had the car seat installed today. Very weird driving around in a car with a baby seat in it.
I really want to meet this little person - I am starting to have real trouble sleeping - it's getting harder and harder to find a comfortable position to lie in. And to make matters harder, I'm coming down with a cold so i'm feeling very stuffy in the head and nose. But the end is nigh! I've only got 8 days of work left so I'm really looking forward to being lazy after that for a little bit.
Things are definitely getting close. We have our last ante-natal class tonight so that should be fun. My bag is all packed for the hospital - just in case! The nursery is pretty much done - I'll take some pics tomorrow when it's a bit lighter and share them with you. It's all getting very real and also surreal all at the same time!! Is that possible?
Anyway, I'll be back with some pics to share soon.
Till next time.
Posted by Megan at 3:54 PM 3 comments
Opera Paul Potts SEMIFINALS WINNER!! High qual. video/audio
He won the Semi-Final and this is his second performance. THis guy totally makes me believe that dreams really do come true.
Posted by Megan at 3:51 PM 0 comments
Paul Potts (Nessun Dorma)
I was watching Sunrise last week and they spoke about a contestant on Britains Got Talent - his name is Paul Potts. I watched this clip on YouTube and it totally gives me goosebumps everytime I watch it (and yes it makes me cry too)
It's totally worth watching
Posted by Megan at 3:49 PM 0 comments
Still here, Still waiting
Monday, June 04, 2007
Still pregnant. Am 34 1/2 weeks today. Only 5 weeks to go (if we have squirt on their due date)
Everything is going really well. I'm still suffering some back and pelvis pain but am not complaining. It's amazing what a heat/wheat pack can do!
There's been some exciting things happening around here. First of all we got a new car!! FINALLY! We are now a 2 car family again. It's been almost 2 years since my little red Ruby went to heaven so we've done well to last that long. The new one is a 2004 Camry Altise and we just love it. It's so quiet to drive. We are in auto heaven. We just desperately needed a reliable car for when the baby comes along.
I had my baby shower on the weekend. I had an absolute ball. My mum and sisters put it together for me and I love them so much for that. It was so nice to have my family and girlfriends around me, laughing and eating together and having a good time. Got some really nice pressies too. I was so spoilt - well I should say the baby was so spoilt!! I don't think I'll have to buy any wipes or lotions for awhile!
I think we are almost organised for this little one. The nursery is almost done -need to get some curtains, some cot sheets and a little lamp for feeding and then that's about it. My hospital bags are just about packed. Just a few last minute things that will need to go in once the process is underway. It's all getting a little close now. We are hoping to finish setting everything up over the long weekend so I will post some pics once it's all ready to go.
Thought it was time I shared my bump. I've included a covered and uncovered pic. Hope you aren't all disgusted by the bare skin!! It's not a huge bump but I'm happy with it.

What do you think we are having - boy or girl? I have no idea.
Anyway, Andrew just made me some tea and it smells good so I'm off to eat.
5 things I am grateful for today
1. Awesome family and friends
2. A fantastic new car
3. A hubby that cooks me tea
4. A fun baby shower
5. A night at home watching Desperate Housewives!
I promise I'll post sooner next time
Until then, stay happy
Posted by Megan at 5:58 PM 7 comments
Still here
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
No we haven't had the baby. I have no exotic excuse as to why I haven't blogged. Just really busy and just feeling a little lazy!!
So where has that 2 weeks gone, hey? Totally flown by. What's happened? Not a whole lot.
Still pregnant - getting fatter. My belly and boobs have finally met (didn't think that was supposed to happen till I got old and grey!!) Starting to feel a little more uncomfortable but still feeling blessed. Little squirt will not stop moving which is very endearing and reassuring but can also be a little wearing! He/She seems to know when other people want to feel the movements cause as soon as someone puts a hand on my belly to feel, the moving stops. Cheeky bugger!
We went to our first ante-natal class last night which was great fun and it's all starting to feel a little real now. We have some great couples in the group with us and I'm really looking forward to getting to know them all a little better. Last night the midwife showed us what labor would be like using a plastic doll, a KNITTED uterus and a fabric pelvis. Interesting!?!? If only it were going to be as easy as it looked.
Nothing much else to report. I have finally started like doing a little bit of scrapbooking. Have done one LO which I'll post soon and working on a little case for something I'd like done at my baby shower. Will also post a pic once I've finished.
Anyway, i have a stack to do today so I better stop procrastinating and get off the computer.
5 things I am grateful for today
1. A pretty cruisy pregnancy so far
2. An understanding hubby
3. Awesome parents - i love you mum and dad
4. Awesome sisters - love you guys too (and Matt and Stu)
5. My wheat bag/heat pack - total god send for a sore back
Till next time
Posted by Megan at 8:24 AM 5 comments
A new baby
Thursday, May 03, 2007

No, it's not mine. My awesome friends Marina and Peter welcomed baby Samuel into the world last Friday. So proud of them. They are going to be such awesome parents and Samuel is one blessed little boy. So we're next!! Ahh. It's kind of dawning on me that I have to give birth in about 10 weeks. I am starting to feel that I am a total wuss and what have I got myself into!
Oh well, not much I can do about it now. Aside from a little fear about the birth side of things, I am just hanging to meet squirt. This little one is getting so active now and I just can't wait to meet them and see what they look like and give em lots of love, hugs and kisses.
Not much else happening in my world. May finish this blog in point form.
- Starting to get the scrapping groove back. Have been in a total rut for ages now so it feels good to be back doing some creative stuff.
- Totally loving the new Missy Higgins album. Man, this chick totally rocks. So easy to listen to.
- Work is going really well. I finish up in 8 weeks for 6 months off, so that'll be kinda weird but just another part of this journey we're on.
- We start our antenatal classes in a week and a bit so that's exciting and so close all at once. It's really happening now. Only 10 weeks to go (praying we don't go too much over the 40 weeks).
- I've had some shocker back and leg pain lately. Am off to the physio about it on Wednesday. Let's just say the heat pack is my new best friend. I'm so hoping they give me a massage, but seriously doubt it!
- Andrew is a happy man as his footy team - the West Coast Eagles, are currently undefeated and on top of the ladder. Not sure that there off field behaviour warrants the top team placing!
I think that's enough for today. Really need to take another belly shot. Might get Andrew to do that over the weekend and I'll update you all on my expanding girth (although it's really not that big)
Till next time, go out and buy the Missy Higgins album - you won't be disappointed.Posted by Megan at 5:02 PM 4 comments
We've gone baby crazy
Thursday, April 26, 2007
So another week and a half has gone by and this blog once again has been neglected. So much has been going on lately so it's time for another update.
We made our trip to IKEA to purchase all the baby furniture and have managed to put it all together without too much damage to our credit card or our marriage!! We've had our heart set on a particular change table/chest of drawers unit from IKEA for over 1 1/2 years now and when we got to IKEA it had been slashed to half price cause they were discontinuing it. We're thinking - BARGAIN! But so was everyone else and there didn't seem to be any left in the warehouse area. We started to freak a little, wondering what we would do when my mum piped up (mum and dad came along to help us with all the lifting and stuff cause I'm not allowed to) that we should ask if we can have one of the floor models (there were 3 upstairs all set up). So we eventually got one of those and cause it was floor stock that knocked another $50 off. And it was all set up!! So pumped about that. We also bought a wardrobe as this bedroom doesn't have one and one of those cubed Expedit bookcases which as you can see we've turned on it's side - that will be for toys, books, etc... We already had the cot.
We have also put a pram on layby. It's called a Phil and Ted's pram and we love it. So we are slowly getting ourselves organised. About time really cause there's only 11 weeks to go (that's 80 days!) It's a really cool pram and has 4 different positions. It'll be great if we decide to have another bub when the first one still needs the pram. Ours is black and sand colour
Had a great ANZAC day yesterday. Had brekkie with my family at my mum and dad's house - bacon, eggs, beans, mushies, juice, toast. Yum Yum Yum. Andrew and I then spent the day in the backyard - lawns are mowed, some weeding has been done. Looking a lot better than it did a couple of days ago. It's really annoying me that some of our plants are dying off but the weeds are managing to grow bigger than ever. What the!?!?!
Anyway, I'm off to hang some washing out, do some scrapping and then watch the Biggest Loser finale tonight. GO PATI!!
Posted by Megan at 2:57 PM 6 comments
Cairns
Monday, April 16, 2007

So I am back. It was a bit longer than I planned but it took a little while to find the time to sift through the photos. Warning semi long post ahead!!
So Cairns was so much fun and we had such a great, relaxing time. We "survived" the tsunami warning - we decided to go for a drive inland just in case. You can never be too careful. We saw some beautiful things that day. The world famous Cathedral and Curtin Fig trees, some gorgeous waterfalls and we had lunch at a gorgeous little place called Mungali Dairy. It was so cute and the food was awesome.


And the last big thing we did was our boat trip out to the Outer Barrier Reef. We snorkelled at two different spots and then caught the helicopter home. It was a pretty rocky trip out to the reef. The wind was about 20 knots which apparently is a little rough and I don't usually get seasick but I was feeling pretty green by the time we got to the snorkelling spot. No-one else had actually been sick so I was determined not to be the first to blow chunks!! The snorkelling was amazing. I was a little scared at first. Never been out in the middle of the ocean without land in sight and also I was a little worried about what might be lurking below. But I soon got over that as we got closer to the fish and the coral. We saw so many different fish and coral. The colours were amazing and I have never seen anything like it before. We had an underwater disposable camera so we took some photos. Haven't had them developed yet so it will be interesting to see how they come out. I just couldn't believe how close to the fish and the coral we got. The fish were brushing past us. Kinda creepy and cool all at the same time! And the helicopter ride home was unbelievable. Neither of us had ever been in a helicopter so to go in one over the Great Barrier Reef was an unforgettable experience. The pilot was a bit of a daredevil and did a few swoops close to the water. Very cool.

The rest of our time was spent relaxing, reading, bumming around, went on a couple of drives to Port Douglas and other little beaches. Was such a great time and a great way for us to spend some time together before little Squirt arrives. Yes we have a interim name - Squirt. After the baby turtle from Finding Nemo.
So that was our holiday. We went baby furniture shopping when we got back but I'll post all about that, with some pictures tomorrow. I think I've blabbed enough today.
Till next time
Posted by Megan at 4:53 PM 5 comments
We're Back
Thursday, April 12, 2007
So we are back from Cairns. Got home late Tuesday night. We had an absolute ball and feel so relaxed now. Spent yesterday washing, tidying, organising. All those post holiday things.
Don't have time to go into the whole holiday overview right now. I'll be back later tonight to do that. Have to go through our 400+ photos and pick out some good ones to share with you all.
We're off to IKEA today - BABY FURNITURE SHOPPING!! Woo Hoo. The spare room is pretty much cleared and ready for us to buy and start setting up stuff. Love IKEA. Will share more later
Just wanted to leave you a taste of the photos to come. These were taken on our helicopter ride across the Great Barrier Reef. Yes that's right - A HELICOPTER RIDE! So 007 of us!

Be back later.
Posted by Megan at 8:34 AM 2 comments
I day to go
Friday, March 30, 2007
This won't be a long post cause I really should be packing my bags - that's right I haven't even started yet and I am going out tonight - my dad is graduating from Uni. So proud of him. So we are going along to support him. Which means I have to have my bag packed before I go out tonight - our plane leaves at 9:30 AM in the morning and I really don't want to have to get up any earlier than I have to.
So I shall leave you all for now. If we find an internet cafe or something up there I may post but don't hold your breath!
"See" you all in a couple of weeks
I'll have plenty of photos to share
Megan
Posted by Megan at 2:25 PM 2 comments
Help Needed
Monday, March 26, 2007
Posted by Megan at 6:01 PM 3 comments
Belly Shots
Wednesday, March 21, 2007


Just wanted to post a couple of belly shots. These were taken a few weeks ago when I was 5 months pregnant - I'll be 6 months pregnant at the end of this week! It's gone really fast. I am going to take some more belly shots on the weekend to see if there has been any change.
The one thing that is bugging me is that we don't have a nick name for the little one yet. I would love to call it something over the next few months instead of bub.
Has anyone got any suggestions?
Had a baby shower for my friend Marina on the weekend. Was lots of fun. Can't wait till I get to have one for me. Love playing silly games and hanging out with friends and family. Oh and eating yummy food of course.
Got a day off today so after cleaning the house I am going to start sorting through the baby stuff that we have already and see what we need. I think we're going to need to go on a little shopping spree when we get back from Cairns - which is in 10 DAYS!! Yippee. So excited. Looking forward to going on a real holiday.
Sunday is Andrew's birthday so we are going to hopefully do something Saturday night to celebrate - go to a movie or go out somewhere nice for tea. It'll be the last birthday in our house till the baby comes!
Anyway, till next time
5 things I am grateful for today
1. 10 days till our holiday
2. More and more movement from bubs
3. Tea out with my sister's and partners tomorrow night
4. A day and night home today!
5. Family and friends
Posted by Megan at 9:30 AM 7 comments
Enviro Bag invasion
Monday, March 12, 2007
So again I've had a long stint away from this blog. Life is just busy and blogging has taken a back seat to working, eating and sleeping. Had a great few weeks though.
Two weekends ago I spent the weekend at The Country Place in Kalorama for the Scrapanalia Retreat. I had the best time. Was soo good to hang out with old scrapbooking friends and also to make a few new ones. Didn't get a whole lot done but got started on my pregnancy journal album (will post the first page sometime this week) so I was happy with that.
This weekend i've been at a Salvo Youth Workers conference. It was totally full on and tiring and brain draining but a great experience and a great chance to connect with others doing a similar thing to me. All I can say is thank goodness for Labor Day today. I had a much needed sleep in and house day!
Also another totally exciting thing that's happenend in the last couple of weeks is that I've started to feel the baby moving and kicking. Very exciting and a bizarre thing. I first felt in on Tuesday 27th Feb (just for my records!) and now it's happening all the time. Mostly at night and early in the morning. Hoping this is not a sign of things to come when they arrive!!!
So that's me for the last few weeks
Just wanted to share with you a funny little story. Andrew and I got ourselves some chips from our local takeaway shop last Thursday and they gave me an enviro bag to take them home in. Now I am all for saving the planet and using less plastic bags but is this getting a little crazy. These bags are taking over the world. The funnier thing is that I walked up to the shop so I had to walk home with THIS bag in my hand....
I LOVE FISH AND CHIPS!!! So here is this pregnant/chubby lady walking home with a bag that says I love fish and chips. Errr! So now you can eat crap but be doing your bit for the environment. I love it.
Anyway, time for this little one to go to bed.
Till next time (and I hope it's not too long this time!)
Posted by Megan at 8:59 PM 7 comments
All is well
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
So today we had our second ultrasound. It was totally amazing. Loved seeing the little bub on the screen, jumping around and waving and kicking it's tiny, gorgeous legs. I really am totally falling in love with this little person and am starting to become more aware that there is a little human being growing inside of me. All is well. Everything is growing as it should, where it should and the bub is healthy and happy. We didn't find out what the sex was - we want it to be a surprise (although I tiny part of me would love to know but it will be definitely worth the wait!) We are halfway now so only 20 weeks to go. AHHH!


Apart from that, not a whole lot has been happening around here. Andrew totally stuffed his ankle on Sunday night and we spent a couple of hours in Emergency at Maroondah Hospital. We were so sure it was broken but luckily he just has some soft tissue damage. This is good considering we are off to Cairns in about 6 weeks. We had these horror thoughts of having to cancel our last holiday as a couple cause he's foot would have been in a cast. But that is not the case. He has a killer bruise though. So he has been home this week from school, making a permanent indent of himself on our couch and enjoying his barefoot, pregnant wife making his meals, cleaning up after him etc... NO NO. His been really good and I really don't mind looking after him. He better lap it up cause the further along I get in this pregnancy, the more I'll want him to do for me!!
I'm going to a scrap get together for some Scrap Pile girls on Saturday. It's going to be so much fun. We'll be so cool to meet some people face to face and also catch up with those I already know. Am hoping to get a bit of scrapping done.
Still doing my deck of me challenge. I'll take a picture of the ones I've done so far and post it tomorrow (to dark now). It's heaps of fun.
Anyway, I'm going to go and watch Ugly Betty (managed to push the record button on Sunday as we walked out the door to go to the hospital). Looks like a fun show
5 things I am grateful for today.
1. A healthy bub
2. That Andrew didn't break his ankle
3. Our Cairns holiday in 6 weeks
4. The opportunity to scrap with friends on the weekend
5. Ice, Ice and more Ice (I am obsessed)
Till next time
Posted by Megan at 8:55 PM 8 comments
Warning - Cute Photos ahead
Saturday, February 10, 2007

Posted by Megan at 3:36 PM 5 comments





