Just the two of us

2005-04-25T20:53:00.000+10:00

Quintin's first bicky. What a mess!

2005-04-25T20:52:00.000+10:00

Yes he can fit 2 dummys in his mouth! 4th March 2005

2005-04-25T20:43:00.000+10:00

he loves his jolly jumper 2 february 2005

2005-04-25T20:41:00.000+10:00

24 march 05

2005-04-25T20:40:00.000+10:00

Also taken today. He has a habbit of getting into this position and then falling straight back.

2005-04-25T20:39:00.000+10:00

Quintin today. The mark on his head is from him falling on the TV cabinet. Notice the razor sharp teeth!

8 months going on 80!

2005-04-25T19:48:00.000+10:00

I have had lots of people comment that i haven't blogged for awhile, so here it is!
I don't know where to start.... Quintin has changed so much. He crawls like a soldier and at 8 months and 3 days old, he stood up on his own. He managed to pull himself up on a chair. He can now walk holding onto furniture. The worst part about him walking is that he sometimes just lets go and falls backwards. Then he cries like his heart is broken. It's so sad!

His list of words is also growing, including a few that i wish he hadn't learnt!
As i write he is laying in bed saying NanNanNan and a few other words that i can't understand but they mean a lot to him.
He also has teeth, 7 of them and THEY HURT! He's almost drawn blood a few times.

The story about John (Quintin's Dad)
John isn't on the scene anymore. Unfortunately he doesn't even have any contact with Quintin. He was having trouble knowing what was real and what wasn't, so he decided to go back to Townsville so that he could get help with his family's assistance. Once back there he and I had a falling out because i had a go at him for not calling to check on Quintin. He said he and Lorna couldn't afford it. I asked him if they were together and he go so upset and so things just went downhill from then. He has moved back in with his ex girlfriend Bec and their son Cai. Apparently things are going well there.
So anyway the last thing he said to me was that from now on we will talk through his solicitor. i hope he comes to his senses, for Quintin's sake.

I will try and write more often, but being a mum, student and girlfriend takes up more time than i'd like.
xoxoxo

Changes in Quintin

2004-12-30T10:01:00.000+11:00

My little man is growing up!!!
He has already said his first word- that being 'allgood'. He tries other words and can pronounce letters like G but otherwise he hasn't said anything else.
He smiles all the time and cracks up laughing at least once every 15 minutes.
Unfortunately he is now sucking his thumb. It's funny cause when i'm laying in bed i can hear him through the monitor sucking away.

Medically he hasn't been doing the best. Last week just before xmas, Quintin had some kind of fits. His stared straight ahead, he wasn't moving and he didn't respond to me saying his name or shaking him roughly. It was the most horrifying moment of my life! We went to hospital and saw 2 paediartric neurologists and they did an eeg on him but it was inconclusive even though he had a fit while it was happening. They offered to put him on anti-convulsants but since the fits aren't causing any damage and the drugs have side effects, i said no. If his fits end up becomming something that resembles epilepsy, then i'll definately have him on medication. We have a follow up appointment with the neurologist on the 14th.

Quintin and his dad have been going really well together. John has looked after Quintin a few times and he is getting a lot better at the father thing. I know it is pretty hard for him because he never really had contact with children before, but he's really trying.

I have a boyfriend (Bugsy) and he and Quintin get on like a house on fire. It could be because they are of the same mentality.... They make eachother laugh constantly and that's what counts.

It looks like i wont be going to uni 1st semester next year because Mum is too sick and its impossible to get childcare. I'm finding this pretty hard to deal with but Quintin does always come first.

Anyways better get back to the motherly duties....

2004-12-30T10:00:00.000+11:00

1st time he used a teething ring.

2004-12-30T09:59:00.000+11:00

He loves his big bath

2004-12-30T09:58:00.000+11:00

Aint he cute!!!

2004-12-30T09:57:00.000+11:00

Quintin with a mohawk

2004-12-30T09:52:00.000+11:00

Quintin xmas morning

2004-12-30T09:51:00.000+11:00

Quintin's 1st xmas. Trying to open a present.

2004-11-21T01:41:00.000+11:00

His first "big" bath

An update

2004-11-21T01:27:00.000+11:00

Well Quintin is doing really well in his development. He can lift his head and shoulders and support their weight for a couple of minutes.
He pronounced the letter G really well ( that could have something to do with the fact that his Dad plays with him by saying Grrrr a lot).
He laughs like a maniac even when he's looking at nothing.
He loves being in a big bath, he constantly kicks and slashes.
He's getting really heavy. He has more than doubled his birth weight.

And finally the unfortunate teething has begun but we cant use bongela/seda gel for another month because he is too old! So i'm trying the panadol/teething ring solutions but they aren't really doing enough. Any hints out there in cyber land????

Even after a needle, he smiled!

2004-10-19T23:26:00.000+10:00

Today Quintin got his immunisation for 2 month old. I was so scared that i wouldn't be able to cope, but surprisingly i didn't cry. Quintin was smiling at the nurses right up until she stuck a needle in each thigh, then after about 5 minutes he was smiling again. His thigh is a bit red tonight but it doesn't seem to be bothering him.

Quintin has been sleeping really well now for about a week. He gets around 9 hours sleep straight. So after i've stayed up for a bit i end up getting about 6 hours straight.

We went to a rainbow picnic on Sunday. We were there for 6 hours and Quintin was passed around a lot, but being the amazing baby he is, it didn't bother him. I was so surprised that he behaved so well because there were hundreds of people there and it was really noisy.
Erin made Quintin 2 badges. 1 said rainbow baby and had the flag on it and the other said 'my mum is single'. It got a few laughs, but alas no date :o(

Tomorrow (wednesday) we have a woman from the star newspaper coming over to do an interview and take a pic for the newspaper. It should be a lot of fun.

Then on Thursday (my birthday) we have to go to Port Macquarie for my court appearance for the car accident. yay NOT!!

Well it looks like there has been a delay on our house. The current owners don't want to settle for about 4 weeks so we just have to wait.

Quintin has been growing way to quickly. He is now in a 00 and even his nappies that are suppose to be up to 8kg are getting small. Each time my Dr has seen him, she calls him 'bonny'. I guess thats a nice way of saying he's huge!

2004-10-01T13:41:00.000+10:00

Our new house (thanks Grandma and Grandad)

2004-10-01T13:31:00.000+10:00

Quintin's first night in the cot 29-09-04

Weird happenings in the life of Quintin

2004-10-01T13:30:00.001+10:00

Well it looks like my son is a Treckie at 6 weeks old. Last night everyone was watching star trek in the movie room, even Quintin. When Mum (Grandma) picked up Quintin he cried his little heart out, but when she put him back down so that he could see the screen, he was happy again. He did it again today!!! He really likes his TV so i'm ordering the baby einstein DVD set. It has colours, shapes and really nice music. I think its about time i started encouraging him to watch shows that are age appropriate insted of star trek.

The other change is his size. He is now out of 000 and is in 00. I had to put him in the cot to sleep because he no longer fits in the cradle. If Jo hadn't given us bag loads of clothing we'd be in real trouble.

Quintin has been smiling since he was about 2 weeks old, been giggling since he was 4.5 weeks old and can crawl about 1.5mts when put on his tummy.
Next week Quintin is bringing home his life partner and the following week they'll be having children (well that's how it feels anyway).

Quintin's dad John is moving here in under a month. It's going to be great for Quintin to finally meet him.

We went for Quintins hearing test today and everything is perfect, but i could have told them that.

2004-10-01T13:30:00.000+10:00

Photo taken on Ged's camera phone

2004-10-01T13:27:00.000+10:00

Sim, Quintin and Jinky

2004-10-01T13:26:00.000+10:00

Quintin with Gran 28-08-04

2004-10-01T13:24:00.000+10:00

Quintin and Mavis

2004-10-01T13:23:00.000+10:00

Quintin and Gill at the beach

2004-10-01T13:22:00.000+10:00

Quintin's first time at the beach

2004-09-22T18:25:00.000+10:00

Bath time

My poor boy!!

2004-09-22T18:00:00.000+10:00

Quintin has been so hungry since the day he was born. When i was breast feeding, he would eat/drink for hours at a time and still act hungry. So after 2 weeks i decided to put him on the bottle. Unfortunately he was drinking over a litre a day and Joanne suggested i try another formula that was thicker. We changed to SMA on Sunday and then last night (Tuesday) Quintin had the worst constipation i've ever seen. His poor little bottom was bleeding from the incredibly solid poo's he was trying to push out. After ringing a children's health line and trying all the suggestions, i sent Dad to the chemist at 10pm (yes he had to change out of his PJs) to buy some infant supositries. I had the horrible honour of trying to administer one and it was not easy! While my poor boy was lying there screaming in agony, i was standing next to him sobbing hysterically. Even Mum had a cry.
Today he is doing a lot better (thank goodness) and everything appears to be back to normal. It makes me really glad that he wasn't born sick because there is no way i could handle it.

2004-09-11T22:18:00.000+10:00

my perfect little man

2004-09-11T22:17:00.000+10:00

Quintin and the shawl Great Gran made

2004-09-11T22:16:00.000+10:00

Erin, Lisa and Quintin

2004-09-11T22:15:00.000+10:00

Thom and Quintin

2004-09-11T22:14:00.000+10:00

Erin is REALLY comfortable holding you

2004-09-11T22:13:00.001+10:00

Joanna and Quintin

2004-09-11T22:13:00.000+10:00

Great Great Aunty Di....... she really liked holding you!

2004-09-11T22:12:00.000+10:00

Great Great Uncle Alan, Great Great Aunty Di and Quintin

2004-09-11T22:11:00.000+10:00

Gavin and Quintin

2004-09-11T22:10:00.000+10:00

Gail and Quintin

2004-08-30T16:18:00.000+10:00

Is it a beautiful smile, or is it wind??

If it's not one thing, it's another

2004-08-29T07:22:00.000+10:00

Well today is the 9th day you've been alive and so far i don't think i've been healthy for any of it. At first i had my stitches and then i caught a horrible flu-type virus. Its been really scary because if you caught this off me then you'd have to go into hospital. So far thought you've been fine. I took you to the Dr's yesterday just to be sure and he said that you're in good health. For me though it's a different story. I'm on antibiotics for a throat/chest infection, panadine forte for the pain and cough mixture. I'm now just praying that all of these drugs don't change the taste of my breast milk. I've also managed to open my stitches from coughing so that's just another pain i'm trying to deal with.
I can't wait for the day when we're both healthy. It will be so much fun!!!

2004-08-26T18:27:00.001+10:00

Grandma and Quintin. 6 days old

2004-08-26T18:27:00.000+10:00

Mum (Judith) and Quintin 6 days old

2004-08-26T18:25:00.000+10:00

Aunty Jo and Quintin. 6 days old

2004-08-26T18:23:00.001+10:00

Matthew (cousin) and Quintin. 6 days old

2004-08-26T18:23:00.000+10:00

Lachlan (cousin) and Quintin. 6 Days old

2004-08-26T18:21:00.000+10:00

Uncle Stephen and Quintin. 6 days old

2004-08-26T18:20:00.000+10:00

Jessica (cousin) and Quintin. 6 days old.

2004-08-26T18:19:00.000+10:00

John (cousin) and Quintin. 6 days old.

2004-08-26T18:18:00.001+10:00

Aunty Sharon and Quintin. 6 Days old

2004-08-26T18:18:00.000+10:00

I couldn't resist buying this bib!

2004-08-26T18:16:00.000+10:00

Dressed to impress!! 5 Days old

A star is born

2004-08-22T21:03:00.000+10:00

Introducing to the world...

Quintin John-David Butler.

Born 20 August 2004, 7:05pm.
Weight 7 pounds, 12 ounces.

He is completely perfect and has his 10 fingers and 10 toes. We came home when he was 25 hours old. Things were a bit shakey with feeding in the beginning, but now we are both confident at meal times.
Joanne, Lachlan and Callum have come up from Deniliquin and Aunty Sharon has come up from Sydney to help us out.
Last night, Grandma spent most of the night up helping us get the hang of feeding, and then she was up again today doing our washing and ensuring that everything is going smoothly.
The midwife visited today and said that we are both in great health. One day i'll write about the actual labour, but for now it is way too soon and i'm still a bit traumatised by it all.
You were about 2 minutes old and looked perfect!

About 5 minutes old, being held my Grandma

You and Grandad at about an hour old

The day you were born

Your hospital card

Elizabeth visited you us in hospital when you were 1 day old

The birth certificate holder and card Elizabeth gave you

Gill visited you in hospital when you were 1 day old

The flowers we got from Gill

You and the teddy Gill gave you

My perfect angel

Your Aunty Sharon looking very smug about holding you

2 days old, and you still look perfect

A busy week

2004-08-02T06:55:00.000+10:00

Grandma and i have finally finished your cot. It was definately a joint effort and took ages, but it looks amazing.
Your cot finished

The dragon on the cot

The mattress Grandma made

I've also been given my present for having you (even though you aren't here yet!) from Grandma and Grandad. It's a comfy chair that i should be able to sit in for hours while i'm desperately trying to figure out breastfeeding.
The recliner Grandma and Grandad gave me

I also took another photo of my tummy so you can see how much you've grown.
My 'bump' at 39 weeks

Our Nursery

2004-08-02T06:44:00.000+10:00

Well i've finally finished 'our' nursery.We are sharing a bedroom while we live at Grandma's and Grandad's, so i've done my best to make it look like a baby's room.
Fairy Pictures

All of your clothes!!!

Change table

Fairy Pictures

Your cradle

Ultrasound at 37 weeks

2004-07-27T08:36:00.002+10:00

I had an ultrasound for the asthma study and they were able to tell me that you weighed about 6 pounds and they gave me some pictures of your face. It took forever to get them because you were sleeping on your arm. The woman doing the ultrasound kept poking you really hard through my side trying to get you to move your arm. It took awhile, but it was definately worth it.
3D ultrasound

Does Labour hurt that much!?!?!?

2004-07-20T20:04:00.000+10:00

Sunday night was Dad's birthday. It was not the best night for me. I had contractions start at about 4ish and they continued late into the night. I was able to go out for dinner because they were infrequent and not overly painful. About 8pm my back started aching and i wanted to go home. When we got home, Andrew was in the shower so as soon as he got out i ran a bath, but there was no hot water!!! I had mum boiling the kettle and saucepans on the stove while i was hunched over my bed with Joanne massaging my back. I said to Jo that if these were Braxton Hicks, i didn't want to have a full on labour.
Mum

Things from Aunty Jo

2004-07-16T04:37:00.000+10:00

We've been really lucky because your Aunty Jo has kept all of Lachlan's and Callum's clothes and toys and she has lent them to us for as long as you need them.
Aunty Jo

Pram

Baby Cradle

Baby clothing. Not all of it's from Aunty Jo, some of it is also from Gran, Friends and I

Some of the toys Aunty Jo gave you

I've been busy over the past few months. I've tried my hand at folk art so that i could paint you some dragons. I wanted a mythical creatures theme for your nursery, but it is kinda all over the place at the moment. When we move into our own house it should be easier to set up.
Wet Dragon

Butterfly dragon

Flower Dragon

Your Dad also sent me a message tonight saying that he missed us, which was nice. I'm looking forward to him coming down in October to meet you and stay with us for a few weeks. I think it's really important that you have some contact with him, even if its only occasionally.

I had an antenatal visit yesterday. The doctor said my uterus is 38cm long which means that it has grown 7cm in 2.5 weeks!!! He said that you're a decent size...but i hope you're not too big or you wont fit out!!

Well considering it's almost 5am, i should be going back to bed. Aunty Jo and Uncle Andy arrived at 3:30am so that's why i'm up. They've driven all the way up here to come to Grans 70th birthday which is tomorrow. So i know that i'm going to need my rest if i'm going to cope with the party, your cousins and being pregnant at the same time.

Mum

You now have somewhere to sleep

2004-07-14T19:58:00.000+10:00

Well it's been a while since i've had time to write. I've been really busy preparing for your arrival and for Gran's 70th birthday.

Amongst party preparations, Grandma had been painting your cradle. There were 3 coats which took over and hour and a half each!! It looks great though.
'Grandma' painting your cradle

The finished product

Last week Grandma and i went to Sydney to visit Aunty Sharon. We ended up shopping which was great because i got to get you a change table, nappy bag and nappy bucket. Sharon got you 2 really soft towels and Grandma got you an outfit to come home from hospital in.
Change Table

Nappy Bag

This actually reminds me that i still have to give Grandma the money for those things!!! She wanted to pay for them for you, but i think she has definately given you enough.

Well it's 3 weeks and 3 days until your arrival and i'm both scared and excited. I saw a birthing video at antenatal classes last week and it has really terrified me. I don't know how i'm going to fit you out! I keep trying to just think beyond the birth, but i don't think it's working. Well i guess that whether i like it or not, you're coming out so i'd better get use to the idea.

Mum

What a day!!!

2004-06-28T21:23:00.000+10:00

What an incredible day!

I'm participating in an asthma study for the hospital and one of the things they do is a couple of extra ultra sounds. So Mum and I went to the hospital and we got to see you on the screen. I told the girl that i would like to know the sex if possible and she said she would try. Half way through the ultra sound, she said 'well i'm definately looking at a scrotum'. I just laid there with a smile on my face and didn't say anthing. She said 'that means its a boy'. I kinda laughed and said i know.

So YOU'RE A BOY!!!!! It was really exciting to find that out. Then they used some of the latest technology and showed us your face in 3D. It was almost like a camera had been put in my tummy and i got to see how you look. You are so beautiful!!

Your ultra sound 28/06/04

After that i had another anti-D injection and a blood test and came home. I felt completely poked and prodded, but it was definately worth it! As soon as i got out of the hospital, i messaged about 30 people from my phone to tell them your sex. Everyone is so excited, especially me.

Your aunty Jo has decided to stay in Newcastle for an extra day when she comes up so that she can see your next ultrasound at 37 weeks.

6 weeks to go....and definately counting!!

2004-06-28T01:03:00.000+10:00

Well it was another fun filled day in pregnancy land...

After a bit of study on philosophy at the library, i headed home for a nap, then onto the Brewery for a light meal with a women's group. Then Erin and Lisa came back home and after gushing at all your baby clothes, we watched the shining.

Erin and Lisa gushing over baby stuff

A drawing by Erin for my computer desktop because she said it was boring.

It was a fun day but I just wish I would stop getting 'baby pains' cause they make trying to have a social life hard. But just 6 more weeks and you'll be here and together we'll have a completely different set of pains and problems to deal with.

I'm off to the hospital tomorrow (well actually today, its almost 1:30am!!) and we might find out your sex. Fingers crossed hey!!

Mum

A long night

2004-06-25T18:43:00.000+10:00

Last night was a VERY long night. I didn't manage to fall asleep until about 2am or so, and then i had reflux all night. Every 30 minutes i was waking up with a burning throat and there wasn't much i could do about it. I had 2 doses of mylanta in 2 hours (naughty naughty) but that really didn't seem to do anything.

Then today i had to go to the bank early, so after about 3 hours sleep i was walking around Cardiff when i had some really bad pains. Then driving back home, the pains got worse. I swear i thought i was going into labour. But after a really bland muffin, i went back to sleep for a couple of hours and then felt better.

So today when i should have been studying for my psychology exam that's on Tuesday, i've been resting and relaxing all day. I'm a bit worried that i wont have a chance to study, but i figure if i fail, its only philosophy.

Well i finally took a photo of my belly today. It's about time considering that you're going to be here in 6 weeks (or less!!). Erin got one of me a couple of months ago, but i still haven't copied it yet. What can i say, i'm hopeless!!!

My belly at 6 weeks and 1 day

I brought a digital camera yesterday. I got it for $239 insted of up to $320 that i've seen it for. I also got extra memory so i can take up to 117 photo's at a time. I figure that i'll need it considering how camera happy i am.

I also got your layby off last night. Gran gave me $200 to cover the car seat and i also got you some bottles and a steriliser, some blankets for your bed, sheets for your cradle and a couple of little body suits. All things considered, i think i have everything i need for you now. All i have to organise is a house and car.....but they're the easy part (not).

Tonight i plan on just taking it easy and finding something to eat that doesn't burn my throat. Wish me luck!!!

Mum

Friends who have given you presents

2004-06-24T01:35:00.000+10:00

Erin Spencer

gave you the cutest little beanie

Zebra
And also gave you these socks
Erin with your new socks

Elizabeth
gave you this matching puzzle book and toy

'Guess how much I love you'

A start

2004-06-24T00:36:00.000+10:00

Well you're due in 6 weeks and 3 days and i'm definately counting. While a lot of people look at me and ask where you could possibly be hiding, i'm definately feeling the extra weight of carying you around.

It has been an interesting pregnancy. I wouldn't say that i've completely enjoyed it, but i haven't hated it either.
I had morning sickness for about a month. It started at about 11:30pm and finished about 3:30pm. Thank goodness that didn't last!
I've had some funny stuff going on with my blood pressure but the doctor assures me that i'm fine, but i don't agree. Sometimes my pulse is racing so much that i think my heart is going to leap out of my chest.
The only thing i've really missed while being pregnant is falling asleep on my stomach. I never realised how much i enjoyed it until i couldn't do it.

The ups of the pregnancy would have to be the first couple of kicks. I felt like there was an alien inside of me. Sometimes you kick so strongly that i'm surprised i don't get bruised. Other times you roll over and my whole stomach wobbles. It looks really weird.

I've been making the most of the last few months that i'll have as a single person. I've been clubbing quite a bit and socialising as much as possible because i know that once you're born, its going to be pretty hard to do those types of things.

Your big brother, Cai Anthony Haslberger

Your father messaged me today, asking how we both are. He's certain that you're a girl, but that's only because he has a boy already. We keep in contact about once every 2 weeks, but sometimes i feel it isn't enough. I wish that he could be here and play a major role in your life, but i'm sure that he will do the best that he can. And so will we.

Your father and I

We have gotten heaps of presents off people already and i plan on taking photos of everything and putting it on here. One person we wouldn't be able to do without is your aunty Jo. She has given us everything from books, clothing, high chairs, toys, your cradle and even your pram.

Your grandparents have been wonderful. They let me move back in here as soon as i found out that i was pregnant and we're staying until you're about 6 weeks old. Then we'll move out into our own house. Without them we wouldn't have been able to save the money we need to live happily.

All things considered, we are pretty lucky. You will have everything you need before you're born and with the government giving out $3000 bonuses for giving birth, i'll be able to buy a car so we'll be able to get around easily.

I will get around to posting pictures of everything we have been given soon. I'm still in the middle of my exams, but once they are over i'll be concentrating on preparing everything for your arrival.

Mum