Stitch Sista Sits, Stitch Sista Knits, Stitch Sista even Blogs a Bit

Hello again...

2008-07-23T20:01:00.004+11:00

Ah there's so much I want to say, do, share and so on...It's not so much that I don't have the time - it's just that I've gone up a level on the interruptable scale since having N. She is so glorious to me that it doesn't matter really, not really at all...But it always confounds me a little that a child can give a mother such passion and drive, whilst taking away all her time and energy...

And yet I wouldn't wish it away. I love having a newborn so much, and as this is most likely (no really) my last baby I'm going to soak up every minute.

Presenting...

2008-07-14T13:45:00.002+11:00

Neko Rae, our precious new daughter, born at home at 10.20pm, 10/7/08...

I'll be back soon!

Things to do while you wait...

2008-07-09T11:16:00.003+11:00

Monday morning, and then again Monday afternoon I was treated to a little pre-labour action. I'll spare you the gory details, but needless to say I probably got a little ahead of myself and had hubby move all the birth stuff to the back room in anticipation. I was ever hopeful, that maybe, just maybe something would happen. Instead of wondering over that we decided to start a puzzle we hadn't been brave enough to get into. Somehow hubby thought we might finish it in a night...I guess that wasn't any more naive than my own assumptions for the evening!

Anyway here we are are Wednesday morning - my own personal d day if you like (yes 40 weeks today!), and we have made a little progress on the puzzle, but at the rate we're going I sure do hope baby comes first!

Frittata!

2008-07-05T18:03:00.002+11:00

You will know I have too much time on my hands when I post twice in a day!

Just so excited at discovering a 'new' quick and easy meal for the kids that Miss M will actually EAT!

F is what I would call a 'good' eater. Infact really, they both are. But M's 2 yo taste buds have gotten fussier of late, to the point where she's going through that bothersome stage of not even trying things that she once liked.

Anyway back to the meal. The big people in the house are having curry for dinner tonight, and I like it a bit hotter than the kids will tolerate so I had to whip something up for the little people. I also had some pumpkin I wanted to make use of.

First I thinly sliced some pumpkin and gave it a quick nuke. Sliced up some ham. Mixed 3 eggs with a dollop of cream, a decent splash of milk and some pecorino shavings. Whisked this in a big jug and added the pumpkin and ham. Poured into two small ramekins and put in a moderate oven for 30 minutes. Let cool for at least 15 minutes. Serve. Yum. And Miss M finished every last scrap of it!!

Day at the Beach

2008-07-05T17:24:00.004+11:00

Ahh thank you for all your lovely comments. They've really kept me going throughout this journey.

We had beautiful (albeit cold) weather today, and it seemed the perfect opportunity to enjoy our last days as a family of four. We only went out for a couple of hours, but the kids had a ball building sandcastles and eating fish and chips on the beach.

And as promised, a pic of the baby blanket. Unfortunately not quite finished! But it won't take much time tonight.

I'm still here!

2008-07-04T19:07:00.002+11:00

That's right folks...move right along...nothing to see here!

Seriously...nothing. I'm in that funny place where you forget you're going to actually have a baby. Like you almost give up even waiting...to the point where at random intervals it occurs to you that it's still going to happen. My only concerns at the moment are hubby's holidays, as they have been prebooked in advance (and in anticipation of an early arrival like the previous two). We can juggle them a bit for another week, but after that we'll have to see. Also a tricky one because I'd really like him at home right now to help out with the kids, and afford me some rest - but it cuts into the time he'll have after bubs arrives. All up we really only wanted to use 3 weeks of leave so that could have another week or two up our sleeve over the next few months.

Anyway, another crafty idea came to me the other day. Papier mache! Wouldn't that be fun I thought! Doing a tiny bit of research led me to another idea online - dinosaur eggs! Well my kids are as enamoured with dinosaurs as the next 2-7+ yo set so I set about prepping it all. I can tell you it was not easy getting the dinosaurs (ones we already had) inside the balloons. The idea being that you papier mache the balloon, then decorate it, and then conceivably crack or cut it and find your dinosaur inside. Would be a great idea for a party methinks!

So I had the kids tear up some newspaper and set about making the glue. I thought the kids would relish getting their hands nice and dirty, but in the end it was moi sitting and doing all the hard yards of actually covering up the balloons. They are still drying. I'm sure I'll get some more help in the painting department...

In knitting news the baby blanket take 2 is almost complete. I'm so glad I made it! I just have to complete the edging this evening and then I'll have a photo to share.

If anything else exciting happens, you know I'll keep you posted.

Tweaks and twinges...

2008-06-30T08:42:00.003+11:00

You would think with my third labour impending I would have a good idea of what was going on with my body. You'd think I'd just *know* when things were beginning to happen. But for some strange reason it's like being a first timer again...

My first birth (looking back), was quite horrendous. We were living overseas at the time and a hospital birth was really the only option I was aware of. I had a brilliant GP/OB who I loved, but of course she wasn't the one on call when I fronted up 10 days early to the labour ward. In hindsight, I went to hospital far too early. I'd been having irregular cramping which I willed into more regular time intervals over the course of a day or two. I'd had a 'show'. And by my second hospital visit I was 5 cm dilated and they wouldn't 'let me go home' despite the fact I wasn't in 'active labour'.

After lots of pressure to allow the on call doctor to rupture my membranes I agreed, and suddenly I got a very quick lesson in what labour really felt like! F was posterior and I had all the cliche responses to the pain...from wondering why I'd ever gotten pregnant, to just wanting to die...

Four hours after that I asked for the epidural I'd been trying so hard to avoid (I was still only 6 cm). Unfortunately the epi did not go in straight and only one side of my lower body was properly numb. This meant they ended up 'turning up' the medication and I ended up on my back, shivering and feeling like absolute crap.

Anyway you can probably fill in the rest of the story...what followed isn't so unusual for first time hospital births it would seem. My blood pressure rose, bubs heart rate dropped, and several hours later in a flurry of activity I was given an episiotomy and F was yanked out with forceps. Of course I was minutes away from a c-secion (apparently).

A myriad things that still make me a little sad followed. Including the nurse taking my new baby away for a bath in the middle of the night, and me, struggling to follow so I could be present.

At the time, I didn't think much of the whole experience, good or bad. I mean it wasn't great - but that was childbirth right? And I had a beautiful baby boy to boot. I've since been told by someone I trust (upon reading my hospital notes), that I was given good care. But some of things that were said and done to me still make me cringe...And I've since learned birth can be a lot better than that.

When I found myself pregnant again, I initially figured I would book into a birth centre. Homebirth wasn't an option for me - it's not something I'd ever considered before. However the more I learned about it, and the more I learned the statistics of a successful homebirth, rates of transfer etc, the more it made sense. Initially, to be totally frank, my biggest issue was going to be leaving F to go somewhere else to have the baby. He was still breastfeeding and had never been away from us at night. At the time I could not begin to comtemplate that!

So skip to the best part - I planned, and had, a very easy homebirth with my second child. The labour signals were loud and clear. A show the day before, then broken waters. Contractions that build up just like they do in the text book cases, and a very distinct urge to push. With the assistance of two competent midwives, in the comfort of my home, my eldest running up and down the path outside my bedroom with his grandma, I had my baby girl - Miss M. No drugs, no tears, no problems.

Given my second experience, I guess it's no surprise that I'm planning to have this third baby at home. I can't speak highly enough of the experience. There is nothing quite as sweet as being tucked into your own bed within an hour of giving birth, with a cup of tea (if you are very careful!!) and a newborn at the breast. No need to go anywhere, or do anything...

And here I was wanting to talk about tweaks and twinges! I'm getting there I promise!

Well I guess my own story could be said to be fairly typical for many women. First births are notoriously difficult. If they are had in hospital they often involve interventions which may or not be necessary - but I think for the most part they can be difficult no matter where they are had. Apparently second births are the reward for the first, difficult birth. Second babies are supposed to birth easily. And look I know not everyone has had that experience, but this is what I've heard anecdotally from other mothers, from my midwives etc, and what has been my own experience.

So of course third births have to have their own pattern of behaviour! Which I've heard is to not follow a pattern at all! Apparently it's not unusual for there to be on and off bouts of pre-labour amounting to not much, but then when labour starts in earnest it can be very quick indeed. My experience matches this at the moment. I've had more than one evening of thinking "maybe this is it". A few nights of just being sick to my stomach, with painless contractions one after the other and not wanting to move from the couch. Flurries of nesting and quirky little pains in my nether regions...

I want to just brush off these tweaks and twinges, but can't help but be hopeful that they will turn into something! I am desperate to meet this baby! At the same time I've sort of stopped waiting. Because I know, that for sure, this baby IS coming. And it's coming soon...one way or another, ready or not!

Crafty

2008-06-30T08:40:00.001+11:00

Swollen

2008-06-27T08:38:00.002+11:00

Argh! Look at my awful feet (or maybe I should be saying 'look away look away!'). I know, the 5 mo old leftover nail polish and untempered hairs on my legs don't add much to the picture - except maybe to demonstrate that I don't have a terrible amount of access to anything below my waist these days!

I have a friend coming over today. I might impose and ask her to paint my toenails at least. It won't give me my ankles back (and truth be told I've never really had very prominent ankles anyway, to my disappointment), but it means any subsequent swollen feet photos will be a bit prettier.

Cook Up

2008-06-26T10:58:00.004+11:00

I did a big big grocery shop on Monday and plan to cook ahead some meals today. Mum stayed over last night which was great as it meant I took leave of the kids earlier than usual - I booted them all out around 8.00am! I'm sure they're having a blast at mums as I write this!

Anyway my DH has been harping on about making some meals for bub's arrival...I actually find the planning harder than the cooking (and thus can't see it being such a big deal for him to cook when he won't be working!), but have decided to make things easier on us all by stocking the freezer anyway. I guess too in the event of an emergency or unexpected hospital stay every bit will help. We don't have heaps of room in there however, so this is all I'm making for now...

-~~Bolognese Sauce~~
-~~3 dozen mini sausage rolls~~
-~~Vegie/lentil soup~~
-Chicken/pumpkin risotto
-Loaf of bread
-~~Banana loaf~~
-2 dozen mini muffins
-~~Pineapple cake~~

Did you know you have to feed your midwives when you are having a homebirth?? I'm serious...that's over and above the few thousand dollars you pay them! Honestly though I adore my midwives and they are worth every cent and then some - I truly don't mind feeding them (and afterall I hardly want them popping out to eat do I?), it's just that when I first heard that I was supposed to (when I had Miss M at home) I was a bit taken aback!

OK here's a piccie of the baby blanket squares! Two squares to go and then some blocking. Not sure if the blanket will be as big as I'd hoped, but we might gain a bit on blocking I suppose, and then I will add a border after it's all stitched up.

I've also started this for bubs. Couldn't resist. Wanted something relatively quick, and am using some moss coloured possum/merino (so will incidentally match the longies I made for bubs some time ago...they were a natural colour but had moss embellishments!)

I'm off to my midwife appointment now, and then to treat myself to some sushi (my poor heartburn, but I'm craving...).

Blessed!

2008-06-25T16:24:00.005+11:00

Now if anyone wants me to remove their gorgeous mug please let me know!

Hormones

2008-06-25T08:38:00.002+11:00

I must have some errant ones at the moment. The two most important people in my life (aside from the kids), are annoying me right now...

It seems I've finally managed to get the cold the family has been struggling with for weeks and while these two important people keep telling me to 'rest up', or 'just worry about yourself', they still continue to go about their business working or whatever whilst I'm left to fend for me and the kids (I don't do well asking for help). For DH my resentment hasn't gone unnoticed. And obviously, he has to go to work...that's life right? So why am I feeling so snippy?

At least after creche for M today (which really is just a 2 min drive away) there are no more committments. If I don't want to leave the house I don't have to. Yesterday was going to be one of those days but F actually *asked* to go to kinder. This was not an opportunity to be missed! And so I was very glad to take him and share some chit chat with some mums, and tee up some possible playdates for the holidays (dependent on when bubs makes an appearance of course!)

Anyway that's my 'woe is me' post for this week. My next post will have all the pretty pictures from Saturday...promise!

Today

2008-06-21T22:55:00.003+11:00

Was so lovely...Had a gorgeous time with friends over too much food, some belly decorating and chit chat. Received some exquisite gifts (oh to have friends who knit!) I will post pics in the next few days...

The only downer is that I've been advised by one of my midwives I am *not* (please!) to go into labour tonight, as they have had 3 babies in 3 days and no sleep! So that explains why one of them missed my appointment today...she probably just forgot what with all that sleep deprivation! I know that this is a very rare occurance for them (full moon anyone??)...

I was half hoping for a solstice baby. I haven't been feeling really wonderful since yesterday and am really wondering how I will get on over the next few days. But of course it's still a wee bit early and we all know bubs will come when he/she is well and truly ready!

So on that note I think I better chase myself down some sleep!

Please be patient with me...

2008-06-21T00:10:00.001+11:00

Jeff, what can I say. You talk to my heart.

Please Be Patient With Me

I should warn you
When I’m not well
I can’t tell
Oh, there’s nothing I can do
To make this easier for you

You’re gonna need to be patient with me

I’m this apple, this happening stone
When I’m alone
Oh, but my blessings get so blurred
At the sound of your words

I’m gonna need you to be patient with me

How can I warn you when my tongue turns to dust
Like we’ve discussed
It doesn’t mean that I don’t care
It means I’m partially there

You’re gonna need to be patient with me

found on: Sky Blue Sky

words: Jeff Tweedy

The Waiting Game

2008-06-19T23:53:00.004+11:00

It's a funny business this pregnancy thing. You know, waiting...knowing that at any time your body may kick into gear and your baby will decide it's time to make an out of the womb appearance! And there are days when you can't believe it will actually happen - even though you know that one way or another baby will have to come out!

I've been fortunate in that my first two babies came early. I never had to go through the post 40 weeks waiting, which I'm sure is so much harder mentally and physically (because let's face it, whether baby is or not, a pregnant woman is well and truly ready by that stage!)

So who knows what will happen this time around, but I feel myself already in the 'waiting' mindset. There are a few things I could do around the place to further prepare, keep myself busy, but to be honest I'm just doing this one thing at the moment...Well not quite true, whilst I wait, baby grows, gets more and more cramped and I guess eventually decides they've had enough of the cramped quarters...

Anyway thanks for all your kind comments on my belly shot...I suspect this new angle gives you a more complete picture of my growing girth!

Blink and you'll miss it!

2008-06-18T20:37:00.002+11:00

There are advantages to being an early riser! Had to call the kids away from their breakfast to witness this gorgeous sunrise...

And here is my 37 weeks bump pic! I feel like I'm smaller than last time, but it's hard to say for sure. My midwife at one point suggested this bubs was coming shortly but will be lighter than my second (who was 8lbs 7oz for those like me who still think in imperial measures for babies), but then later in our weekend catch up decided maybe bubs needs to grow a bit more afterall. She is wonderfully intuitive, but sounds like she was covering all her bases in this case!

A few stitches...

2008-06-17T20:15:00.003+11:00

Well I promised to come back with some knitting. I'm afraid it's not going to be quite as exciting as all that, but here we go...

Finally finished the Montego Bay scarf for a friend's birthday...I knit this from a ball of Bamboo I had in my stash. Of course the yardage (or meterage!) of my lone 100g ball was considerably less than the pattern recommendation so I went for less stitches, and larger needles. Unfortunately this meant that by the time I was done, it hangs quite differently than the one shown in the pattern. Infact the picture I've snapped shows it folded in four. Oh well. It's the thought that counts right??

I've also started a baby blanket. I just felt I must have a beautiful blanket for my baby. You remember the one I made for my friend when she had her bubs? (who incidentally is also the intended recipient of the scarf). I just haven't been able to get it out of my head, and how lovely it would be...so there you have it. My plan is to do less, but bigger squares. They are coming along quickly enough! I can't be sure it will be complete before bubs arrives but I'm not knitting anything else concurrently so it's not unrealistic!

And here is a crocheted, soon to be felted breastpad! (Oh I hope it felts or it will be utterly useless with all those holes...). I do own a pair of danish woollen breastpads which are quite luscious. But I think if this felts, it may even top that pair as it is made of cashmere...mmm...mmm. So soft! I'll let you know how it goes (and if it works I'll make the second).

Playdough!

2008-06-16T13:44:00.002+11:00

So another way to earn mummy points (in my humble opinion), after taking them to the park (which let's face it I'm just not up to!), is to make playdough! Especially when your commercial playdough has dried up, as it inevitably does.

The benefit of the homemade stuff is that apart from it being dead simple and cheap to make, is that it lasts for AGES. I use the recipe on the side of the Cream of Tartar container, which incidentally is an ingredient (fancy that!) I have a heap of Kool Aid from my earlier wool dyeing days that I use for colour, with the added benefit of it adding a sweet smell!

Anyway the kids are happy, I'm happy, and when DH comes home it doesn't look like I've loafed around all day (although I'd be well within my rights of course...)

The weekend was spent nesting...there's still a few things I need to organise, but for the most part, we're as close to ready as we'll ever be for this baby to come. Bubs already has clothes, nappies, covers, a warm space next to mumma in bed and milk in production. Oh and of course two very eager siblings ready to pile on the love and kisses. (And please may they not be snotty kisses...glad they are both having their colds now and hopefully not in the next few weeks!)

Tomorrow I must must must post some knitting pics and update my WIPS! There has been knitting rest assured...

Pretend

2008-06-11T13:42:00.003+11:00

Sorry no pics today...I'm 36 weeks and feeling every bit of it. I could literally stay on the couch indefinitely methinks. Infact I mentioned to hubby (only half joking), how wonderful bedrest would be at the minute. Now I don't mean to make light of the seriousness of many who need bedrest for more valid reasons...but the thought of lying in a bed for 3 or 4 weeks guiltfree sounds like heaven. No, I would not be bored! Not in the least...

Anyway I must acknowledge my beautiful children for being (mostly) very good at amusing themselves. The tempatation was too great to not use the ABC to it's full advantage this morning so they watched a couple of hours of that.

But the best thing was, after that, they amused me with a full hour and a half of pretent play which involved F being the daddy T rex, and M and I being the baby and mummy T rexes. Lucky for us (as M as not well at the moment), it was bedtime in pretend T rex world, and the game involved me lying on the couch whilst F told us both stories for bedtime. He would intermittently feed us some 'leaves', and at one point found some 'presents' as it was Christmas eve apparently. The game went on long enough for me to doze a bit further and with any luck we can carry it on this afternoon.

F has just made a pretend 'tv' and 'computer' out of chairs and towels?? Good for him. Now if only there was a way to eradicate all the poo poo and wee wee talk (you know, stuff like "you are poo poo head" and "I'm going to poo on you")...it is incessant here at the moment and it seems the more I protest the worse it is - but ignoring it ain't easy either!

Wish me luck! There are still 3.5 hours until back-up arrives...

I wonder...

2008-06-04T08:14:00.003+11:00

When I was working I had to do a defensive driving course. One of the things they stressed was leaving a 2 second gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Here in Melbourne people drive fairly aggressively. In Vancouver they are just kind of clueless, and if you leave a gap of any sort, you can guarantee, a car will soon emerge to fill it. It's very frustrating, and probably why lots of people choose to drive with very little gap at all...not to mention people seem to think inordinate amounts of time will be added to their journey if they continually let cars go in front of them.

Anyway you are supposed to keep making that 2 second gap regardless, and on a test drive over a journey of say 80 km the instructor concluded that you would only arrive a minute or so later by maintaining the gap. (Not to mention you will always have plenty of time to stop and avoid a collision and will probably arrive at the destination in a much better frame of mind!).

I've been thinking about this this morning, and this is going to make a very crude analogy but here goes...

Throughout the day, as I go about my work as a mother and keeper of the hearth, I am constantly interrupted by the needs, wants and whims of the kids. At least half the time (although obviously not in urgent matters) I say a lot of 'not now', 'in a minute', 'when I finish...{insert mundane chore}' and so on. Saying no is often as exhausting as saying yes, and there are times I'm sure the kids behaviour deteriorates as a result. Now I'm not for a minute suggesting that it's a good idea to drop everything that needs doing, all of the time, (afterall dinner and clean clothing is important for everyone right?), but I wonder would it make such a difference to be a little more 'interruptable'. Well actually I think it would make a huge and positive difference to the kids...but would it really set me back in my daily activities? Probably not. I wonder...

PS: I think I have actually done this in the past. And the house was a sty by the end of the day...but everyone was happy (and oh dear I've just had to say 'in a minute' to finish this blog post!)

Monday Musings

2008-06-02T15:01:00.010+11:00

We've had a good day so far. Don't get me wrong, doesn't mean I haven't raised my voice or anything, but all in all, we're doing pretty well!

F went off to kinder and M and I took the opportunity of a beautiful morning to head to the park. One of the kinder mums who is also a Tuesday morning playgroup mum overheard me talking to M about the park and I followed her to the one she was taking her daughter to. Not long after we arrived, my mobile rang and it was yet another kinder mum who wanted to know where we went so she could join us. It is so much nicer to spend time at the park with someone to chat with and I've been looking forward to this feeling of being part of kinder community for a while...

And to top off all that good feeling I got a report back about my boy doing something lovely for another child. His teacher feels that he is very sensitive...she found what he did quite amazing (maybe because she's more used to seeing his devillish side :)), and she thinks he will find it easy to empathise with others. This isn't really news to me...as much as he drives us bonkers with his micro managing and aversion to change, he is also great at accepting responsibility for things and often helps his sister out. There are definitely leadership qualities there too I think, but it's a fine line between being a leader and being just plain bossy so we have our work cut out for us!

The "I'm hungry" mantra that starts at sun up and continues until bed, was ever present on the way home, so this is what they are doing whilst I blog...I love platters of food with all different things on them. So do the kids. I'm hoping this will keep their tummies content until dinner (and I've warned them that it must) - they are eating me out of house and home!

What else can I tell you...hmm DH was feeling some daddy love when he snapped this pic of his ragamuffin child. Check out that wild hair. She hasn't had her first haircut yet...can't bring myself to do it!

And finally here is a little something for someone having a baby later in the year...oh newborn soakers are ever so cute. I was clever enough to decide to lanolise all the woollies whilst I get this one ready to send. Afterall I'm nearly 35 weeks! I could have a baby in a few weeks!

PS: OMG! F just looked over my shoulder and saw the pic of M and called her over to tell her, "see that photo up there of you M, that was the cutest photo of you in my bed, you were soooo cute" Awwwwww....

Boston Bun

2008-06-02T14:54:00.003+11:00

This will be a double post day as this morning tea needs a post of it's own! This is the easiest, yummiest bun I've ever made. So few ingredients, and very very quick to make. I made some extra mashed potato the other day and will use it to make another one for playgroup tomorrow!

You can find the recipe at tiKKi's!

Writing time

2008-05-30T08:23:00.003+11:00

Well that feel good feeling came and went...(doesn't help my larks wake up quite unnecessarily at 5.00 am these days) I mean really what did you expect? I haven't found a way to bottle patience either!

I'm not sure what we'll do today. The kids had a busy day with Grandma yesterday which involved much running around at the local park amongst other things. They are always exhausted on Fridays. Unlike me, who often finds my attention divided between the myriad housey things that need doing and the needs of the kids, mum devotes her whole day to them and they just love it! Anyway there's a hint of a cold brewing in each of them and I'd like to do what I can to keep that at bay also.

Although my freezer is full of vegie soup, I changed my recipe for the last batch and it wasn't up to scratch, so I may make a fresh batch for lunch. That said maybe chicken noodle would suit the kids better (if I can even get the wee one to eat! She has been quite the fusspot of late).

So it's only 7.30am here, and most of my friends and their children are probably still sleeping (lucky buggers). Mine are working on their 'writings'. F had been writing real letters and asking me how to spell stuff to facilitate that a few weeks ago (has been writing his name for well over a year) - but he's since decided on a new style, which looks remarkeably like Arabic (and he does it from right to left too!) He occupied him himself for well over an hour doing this the other day...and everything they do is 'especially for you mum'. Not sure where to keep all these early 'letters'!

Tomorrow I might even post about knitting!

Life is good!

2008-05-29T20:02:00.002+11:00

Somedays this feeling comes so easily...For me at least, this doesn't mean anything in my life has actually changed, just that I perceive it differently. Oh I know there are days when nothing seems to go right, and the weight of the world is on your shoulders - and yet, if you break it all down, and look at all the little crisis, and issues and worries a lot of them are so unnecessary in the scheme of things...

Of course, there are people out there dealing with real issues of poverty, hunger, illness and the loss of loved ones. It's so easy to forget this when our own lives are filled with abundance. Now to learn to remember these blessings every day, as surely feeling this way is a blessing in itself.

Pass out

2008-05-23T09:17:00.002+11:00

My lovely husband has given me a pass out to attend the footy tomorrow night with a good mate of mine (unfortunately a Tigers supporter). By coincidence, the last game I attended was a Essendon v Richmond game...to witness the Victorian send off of Sheeds and Hirdy. I was as sick as a dog that night with the flu, accompanied by a good dose of anxiety amongst other things, but I couldn't bear to miss it. I also went alone, which is OK, but not as much fun as going with someone...not to mention we lost.

Hopefully tomorrow night we will break our recent losing streak. Unfortunatley, given my current state (of 33.5 weeks pregnant), I'm not feeling a heck of a lot better than I was at that last game! Admittedly I'm not exactly unwell, but I haven't figured out the logistics of getting to the game. If I have to walk too far from public transport then I will surely slow down my companions, and I'm seriously contemplating a cab, preferably to the gate!

It doesn't help matters that we are out tonight for a birthday dinner. I am going to be absolutely wiped by the end of this weekend!