Hi, my name is Annemarie and I am the Client Services director for Night Nannies.
I use this blog as a way to give you tips and idea's in all areas of childcare and development.
Posted 11 January 11
Twins adventure - the beginning
Wow what an adventure this pregnancy has been! We found out we were pregnant.. we lol my Husband and I (really me) in June and we were told at 7 weeks we were having 1 baby. We were so overjoyed as we had been trying to conceive for nearly 7 yrs. We have 1 biological son 7yrs and a 12yo who is my step son all who live with us.
At 12 weeks we went for our scan to see how the baby was going and do the usual tests when we were told that there was actually two heart beats and two bubbas. I think I nearly fell off the table in shock. My husband was overjoyed because for some reason he has always wanted twins. (he doesnt have to do most of the work now does he?) Anyway after the initial shock & huge amounts of research I felt a bit better. Im one of those people that has to research everything until I feel like I have a good understanding of what Im in for.
So here we are now with 5 weeks left till I have a ceasar and meet my two new bubbas. My 7yo was an emergency ceasar after an 8 hr labour and the twins are transverse (sideways across my belly) so unless something drastic changes its very unlikely Im having a natural birth this time round.
I think the scariest thing about the planned ceasar is the needle going into your spine and being awake while the Doctors are digging around trying to get the babies out. I was told to prepare for when I first go in the operating room as there will be twice as many people because its twins.. gosh how overwhelming. At least I know Im in safe hands.
Pregnancy with twins has definitely been different growing large quickly, although everyone keeps saying to me that I look small for twins. (Makes you feel a little paranoid) and then the ligament pain ouch! Ive also had bouts of severe back pain but have managed to work through that now thankfully. Now im at the stage where the belly doesnt move with the body. So when I try and roll onto my side the belly doesnt follow easily. Not without pain anyway.And then when I get onto my side we have a baby kicking and pushing and then on my other side of my belly another leg or arm poking.. its a lose lose battle. Oh well good practice for no sleep later.
My breasts have changed so dramatically compared to last time with the colour and shape change so strange to me and so big its scary. Hope they go back to some normalish size afterwards.
So the final long countdown is on.. will keep you posted.
Posted 22 January 11
Valentines Day Babysitter
Have you thought about rekindling your romance? Perhaps a nice dinner out. Valentimes Day or night is the perfect excuse. We are offering Babysitter packages after 6pm for 4 hours at $100 for up to 2 children. Call us on 1300791663 or email info@nightnannies.com.au
Posted 22 January 11
Sleep Guidance Toddler idea for that early waker!
We often hear from families who have a toddler or Preschooler that is an early waker. When we visit these families we suggest quite a few different strategies, but we also suggest getting a clock that shows or sounds when it is actually time to get up. You can just get your own clock and add stickers to it so the toddler can see or you could also set up a night light that only comes on when it is time to get up on a timer.
Whilst looking for baby products for myself I came across a great product that is similar to the concept we discuss in our sleep guidance with our early bird wakers:
http://www.bubs.com.au/_products/Manchester/Nursery+Accessories/GRO+CLOCK-221-62692-.aspx
The Gro Clock. It retails for $79.95 and has the following description:
The Gro-clock helps teach your little one the time and to stay in bed until the sun comes up!
- The Gro-clock uses fun images of the sun and stars to teach your child day and night.
- Teach your child to wait until the sun comes up on their clock before they get out of bed.
- Stars go out one by one at night to show the passing of time.
- Allows parents to choose whether it also shows the digital time during the stars to sun countdown, great for older children to learn digital time.
- Has a key lock option so children can not change the chosen settings.
- The Gro-clock can have two separate wake up times set (weekday/weekend or night time/day nap time)
- Adjustable screen brightness.
- Optional audible alarm but otherwise silent operation.
- Mains powered.
- Suitable from 2 years of age.
- Comes with an illustrated book encouraging children to stay in bed longer.