Deb from Brisbane

Congratulations on the new arrival. Kiarah is a beautiful little(big) girl. Just had a look at the photos. How exciting for you to be a gransmother now( and a very young one at that)

Hi Deb ... and Mark
congrats on the new grandie Kiarah
bet she brings you lots of happiness

for my christmas message there is a link on my page or go to
http://www.hallmark.com/ECardWeb/ECV.jsp?a=4537732145951 M153826353Y&product_id
cheers
see you at the party friday

Hi, Deb!
Congratulations to Nicole and Matt on the birth of Kiarah. In the States, a C-section means you get 2 more days in the hospital before they send you home to fend for yourself with the newborn! But Nicole is so lucky to have you to help.

and best wishes to you and Mark on becoming grandparents(you look much too young to be Nana!)

Mark did such a GREAT job keeping us posted about the birth!

I have posted my Christmas greeting to everyone on my page, as I couldn't post the picture in the general comments section. Best wishes to you and yours!

Deb, should you get a nana break, come party with us. Our Sudoku flight to Napa went a bit out of control. The first class cabin is being repaired now, and we'll be ready to cruise around the world for a New Year's bash at 35,000 feet. Extra security will be onboard to tame even the wildest party animals. Put on a VERY sparkly outfit; tell us the airport nearest you, and we'll fly in to scoop you up!

Merry Christmas Deb

Kiarah is the true meaning of Christmas! Great picture, and best wishes to all!!

Hi all...

Well I am back from my week away. After going down to Nicole's to await the birth of Kiarah (Wednesday two weeks ago), I came home for a day, (last Sunday). I went back down last Monday as she was being released from hospital. I stayed with her and Matt to help out with the day to day things like shopping, cleaning, washing etc. and to be there for support for Nicole. She is doing beautifully. It's all a little overwhelming for her, especially with Christmas coming up, as she had guests on Saturday and it was all a bit too much. They weren't considerate guests and picked Kiarah up as soon as they arrived (even though she was sleeping and without asking Nicole if it was okay), which unsettled her for the rest of the day. There were 4 adults and 2 children aged 16 months and 4 years so it was noisy and they stayed a long time and it was just too much. She wasn't feeling great either as we had gone to the shops the day before as she felt like getting out for a while and she needed some things. Her belly was a bit sore probably just the walking around. Her hormones were probably playing a big part as well and she was quite worried how she was going to cope when I went home so she was fairly stressed.

Scott and Mandy came down on Sunday and we had a quiet get together and opened our presents and had a nice lunch. I came home late yesterday afternoon. Lots of tears from Nicole which started me off (of course) and I'm driving down the highway crying away and thinking I really should be pulling over so I can concentrate. While I'm thinking this my mobile rings (I do have a hands free) and it's Mark and he's crying. I start to think 'How come he's crying, how does he know I'm so upset?' He asks me to ring him back, so I pull over and do that. His brother was being rushed to hospital and they had been told he might not make it through the night. His brother is 44 and has had a long battle with drug addiction. He has been on a prescribed balanced program for many years which will not cure him but allows him to live as normal life as possible. I said I was on my way home which was still and hour and a half away, and I would meet him at his sisters. I got there and Steven was still there as he didn't want to go to hospital but we called an ambulance anyway as he looked terrible.

It has been a very tiring week and a half not only physically but mentally but we have gotten through it.Nicole and Matt came to Brisbane to Matt's parent's place for Christmas lunch so I would imagine she will be very tired tonight Today we visited an old friend of ours who's 88 and then went to my sister's for Christmas lunch with all of my family. We then went and visited Mark's sister and his Mum and then up to the hospital to visit Steven. He is looking much better and it isn't quite known what the problem is yet. They think he may have gotten an infection of the blood as he had a blood transfusion last night. His face is still extremely swollen but a lot b

His face is still extremely swollen but a lot better than yesterday.

Tomorrow (Boxing Day) I plan to do NOTHING. Probably will watch the cricket, while doing puzzles, while on the pc, while relaxing...lol...I go back to work on Wednesday.
Boxing Day update....Mark's sister had to go to hospital because she broke a bone in her foot, twisted her ankle and dislocated her kneecap. She suffers from 'Charcot Marie Tooth' like Mark and these things happen quite easily unfortunately.

Anyway,Kiarah gets more gorgeous each day. She is so cute and a very cuddly baby. I just love her to pieces and shower her with kisses. I couldn't be more proud of Nicole and how she has handled these last two weeks. Nothing went to plan birthwise and for somebody who wasn't an overly 'baby person' she has come through this ordeal wonderfully. She is totally in love with Kiarah and doesn't want to share her with anyone. She now understands what all the fuss is about when a baby is born.....

I hope you all had a very happy Christmas with family and friends. Santa was very good to me and I received lots of nice surprises...aren't I lucky!!!!

Happy New Year to you all!!!!!

Deb, thanks for stopping by, and for your understanding and kind words. I appreciate it. I will get through the tough times. Though, sometimes that doesn't feel like much, when the tough times just keep on a' comin!
Anyway~ That baby is precious. Love the photo!
I'm glad you had a wonderful Christmas! I'm happy for Nicole~ I don't know that I'd want to share my baby either!
See you around.

Deb the photo of Kiarah is gorgeous,and from your photos of you and Nicole you can see were she gets her good looks from.

Deb, Kiarah is an absolute doll!. I was thinking about our chat when you were down here. My how far Nicole has come from 12 months ago - did you ever think this is where she or you would be?

Please pass on my best wishes to Mark regarding his brother. As you know, I too am friendly with an elderly woman here - although she has NO family, unlike Alex, We went to see her on Thursday of Christmas week and I took the two children with me. When we were leaving, Ash gave her a peck on the cheek and wished her a Happy Christmas - she started crying. How sad is it that one of our elderly citizens has so little love in her life that a peck on the cheek from an 8yo can reduce her to tears. Good on you and Mark for your friendship with Alex and all the bits and pieces that you do for him.

Wishing you, Mark and your families a wonderful 2007...........Grandma!

Deb, As wonderful as this year has been for you, I know that with Kiarah growing and the role of grandmom becoming more of a part of you, 2007 will be even more fun.I also hope it will be a healthy and prosperous one for the entire family.

Hi, Deb!
It's so nice to see everyone's pages, and get to enjoy glimpses of their lives (and grandkids!)

Kiarah is such a beauty! I was not a ''baby'' person myself, but quickly became one after my son was born. He's now 17, but my current habit is staying up until he's safely home (got his driver's license this year). We've had our moments, but I wouldn't trade him for anything...

Hi Deb. You have a wonderful start to the new year with Kiarrh in your life. 2007 is around the corner. A whole new year coming up, and so much will happen during this coming year. I do hope that you and yours enjoy peace, happiness, good times, (chocolate for those of you who indulge), and should there be some sorrow that befalls you, I do hope you weather it well and stay strong and positive. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year Deb!

she's beautiful Deb!! All my best wishes to you and yours for 2007 x

Hello Deb, and Happy New Year!!

Kiarah and Nicole are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your life with us. The baby looks like a little angel there, and she gives us hope for a bright future.

I sincerely wish you all the best in 2007.

Deb~ Sorry I didn't respond to the post on the 31st. I haven't been on since my post earlier on that day.
I've never been told that about Linda~ Correct me if I'm wrong, is she the office helper, that you're referring to?
If that's who it is, I could see why you would see some resemblence. Though, for myself. I think~ Nooo I don't look like her, do I?
Anyway~

Hi Debbie. If you have an email address for Anne from Albany, she can fill you in on Greg (Beehive). Things aren't the best for him right now, but he marches on.

That show cracks me up Deb~ Linda and her personality!
Also, of course, the Doctor. He is funny.

I thought you were talking about the office helper. But I couldn't remember the name of the other lady
Funny show anyway.

Deb~ THANKS! Now I remember, it was margaret, that I couldn't remember. I remember jake, and the others.

Hi Deb: I've passed your message on to Anne regarding an email address, but you might want to post on her page and ask. Iknow there are several in Oz she is in touch with, so I'm sure you two can hook up.

Deb

Ash was a very crying baby with wind. I found (after a few weeks of being a new mum) that when I burped him, he wasn't getting all his wind up - but then he wouldn't get any more up over the shoulder. My solution was to burp him as per normal then wait a little bit for his feed to go down then lie him on his tummy over my knee (with a U shaped pillow) and gently rub his back. If all else failed, a nice warm bath with Johnsons lavender lotion also helped settle him. I saw that CP told you to massage in a clockwise direction on her tummy - just remember if Nicole decides to massage her back - she needs to do it in an anti-clockwise direction (following the way that the bowel goes). Do you have 'first mums groups' there? - organised through the Maternal & Child centres here in Victoria. These groups (although they can be a little bit 'my baby's best') - DO help. Usually the nurse will get guest speakers in to show how to do baby massage, deal with settling techniques etc. Worth asking about.

Good Luck to Nicole and tell her that she should NEVER feel stupid if she doesnt know what to do and should ALWAYS ask for help. Also, not everything goes the way that you envisaged the new 'family' was going to be (in fact - very little does!).

A Midwife once said to me - 'show me a brand new mum with an immaculate house and I'll show you a brand new mum with post natal depression' ........Yep - my house was immaculate with Ash and a bloody pigsty with Caitlin - does that tell you what I was like? lol.

Deb - Wonderful photographs, Kiarah is such a little beauty, you must be so proud.
I hope that Marks brother is recovering now.
Wishing you all the best for 2007 and may it be a happy and peaceful one xx

Hi, Deb. I noticed one of the suggestions for Nicole was to consider what she is eating (if she's breastfeeding). Three of my daughter's four children had food sensitivities that meant she had to be particularly careful what she ate. Once she identified the food culprits (dairy, wheat, potatoes, onions, etc) and omitted them from her own diet, the babies improved dramatically. As they've grown, each of them has become increasingly tolerant of all foods, so they no longer have any major problems. If all else fails, keeping track of what she's eating and the baby's behaviour might be helpful. Good luck to Nicole. Being a brand-new Mum can be very daunting and it's good you're able to support her.

hello there Deb.. how is the new portfolio??bet you luv the new post of yours the Grandma!well judy bendigo has just put words to my thought...she is right too i reckon for the mothers diet indeed has an effect on the baby when its breast fed.so let Nicole go esy on her diet for some time and observe..bet it will help a lot..if not get rid off the probs sure to reduce it significantly..
wish you and yours a very happy new year
cheers

Thanks for keeoing me posted regarding Nicole's baby, Deb. It's encouraging for her to have Kiarah a bit more settled and she can enjoy parenting so much more if she's not feeling stressed. I hope Kiarah continues this way. for your precious grandchild.

Beautiful picture of Mom and new baby! Congratulations on the new arrival.

Deb - Which of the 100's of relief suggestions did she use (if any of ours at all). You know - Nicole could just have been less stressed today too, knowing that there is lots of help out there. Babies pick up on their mum's stress levels and tend to be unsettled by that also

Hi Deb - hope things are still going better for Nicole. Haven't sent books yet, but haven't forgotten either.

Beautiful photo of Great grandma and Kiarah

Awww, Deb! what a great photo!

What a beautiful picture Deb! Your Mom must be so happy to see here grandchildren living on.

Deb, The picture of your mom and Kiarah is beautiful. I see Col has asked the question I had in mind. I also wondered if Kiarah has continued being settled easier since then? There is always a period of adjustment needed after coming home from the hospital.

Beautiful photos, Deb. Makes me want to move nearer my son and hid family. I missed so much of their young days.

'his' family

oooh Kiarah is soooo cute! i'm holding my breath for my first grandchild! Come the end of this month. So nervous. How did you survive the anxiety of waiting? Does worrying about your kids ever lessens now they've become parents, too?

Hi Sharon...NO, I cant say it does lessen. I have to say that it really makes you feel proud though to see them being so responsible. It's also a wonderful feeling watching them experience the love between parent and child. My biggest fear while awaiting the birth wa that I would be of no help as so many things have changed over the years etc..but....it all comes back and it just feels so natural. You will love it, believe me. Make sure you let us all know when the big event happens!!!!