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Just two of our Granddaughters - before Ophelia's sisters arrived |
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Lenny's first road trip - Perth to Home |
We arrived in Perth late afternoon on the 4th of July, Nana Pat's 102nd birthday, Rochelle and Lenny were released from hospital today too. Daniel had picked them up from hospital earlier in the day. We all stayed with Cathy and Mark (Daniels parents). Lenny was doing well at only one week old, but she seemed so little at only 1.85kg. Rochelle was looking great, and very happy to be discharged from hospital after 5 weeks of worry.
Daniel & Rocky, Bill & I and Lenny, and a trailer load of firewood from Daniel's grandparents, headed off to Dunsborough the next day. Lenny traveled well with only one-stop on the way for a feed and a change of nappy.
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Lenny's first weigh at home - not too much flesh on her yet. |
We caught up with Nick & Em and Ophelia later in the day. Em looking great with the twins growing well in her tummy. In the first few weeks of our arrival, there were a few midwife visits. Rocky had her midwife calling in to check on Lenny's weight gains and Em had hers checking on her pregnancy and the Twins growth. We did a lot of walks with Ophelia. Mostly between the 2 houses which took 40 minutes to walk the 1.15 km's. It was lovely listening to her chatting and singing us lots of nursery rhymes. Her other Grandmother, Leelee, has taught her well.
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Biddy having some cuddles. |
We celebrated Rochelle's 36th birthday, a week after our arrival. It was the first time out with Lenny in her pram. Daniel was a bit concerned she would get upset while we were at the restaurant, but she slept the whole time we were out. Good girl Lenny, letting your Mum enjoy her lunch.
Bill did a trip to Perth with Nick for the day (6 hour round trip) to get more furniture for the twins before they arrived. These road trips are great bonding sessions for father and son.
Bill did a trip to Perth with Nick for the day (6 hour round trip) to get more furniture for the twins before they arrived. These road trips are great bonding sessions for father and son.
Four days after Rochelle's birthday, I celebrated another birthday myself - my second one in Australia. Bill and I had lunch in Dunsborough just on our own as it was mid-week and with new baby / babies about to arrive / Dad's still working / and Ophelia still having mid-day naps, this was the easiest way to celebrate. It was lovely to be with two of my children and grandchildren. Sorry, Shannon, it's tough not celebrating with you too.
Bill & I kept busy doing odd jobs / cooking / washing, at the two homes. Trimming vines / painting above N&E's new door that went in on our last visit / re-working R&D's front door for better sealing. It was pretty wet once again, as their winters are, with lots of paddocks with surface flooding. So different to when we left in April where everything was so brown from the drought.
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Hope Lenny is into Dinosaurs like her mother π |
Kathy and Mark came down for the weekend to see their first grandchild, of course both besotted with Lenny. Nice for Mark to have something positive to focus on with all his ongoing health issues.
Two and a half weeks after our arrival, and staying with N&E, Em came out in the morning after lots of back pain through the night. A plan was made for N&E to meet the midwife at Bunbury hospital (an hour away and where the medical professionals prefer the birthing of twins, rather than a home birth)- Em was 35 weeks pregnant. Em was sure she would be back home later that morning. The twins were born just before midday π.
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Proud new Parents |
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The night before Ophelia's sisters arrived - all is calm π |
Two and a half weeks after our arrival, and staying with N&E, Em came out in the morning after lots of back pain through the night. A plan was made for N&E to meet the midwife at Bunbury hospital (an hour away and where the medical professionals prefer the birthing of twins, rather than a home birth)- Em was 35 weeks pregnant. Em was sure she would be back home later that morning. The twins were born just before midday π.
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And then the Twins arrived - Em coping wellπ |
Tulsi George (Tulli) was born at 11:47 - weighing 2.25kg and Lucia Cameron (Lulu) was born at 12:35 - weighing 2.48kg. Bigger than wee Lenny. Em certainly produces big babies but hides them well in her body π. Both babies coped well at birth, Lulu needing a little oxygen to start with. Because they were 5 weeks early, their digestive systems weren't fully formed and needed a little help with nasogastric tube feeding. The twins were bottle feed (Em's breast milk in bottles to see exactly how much the Girls were taking in) but only every second feed as it's very exhausting for them to feed. So nasal feeding was done every other feed. Their little digestive systems are quite fragile, and the feeding regime full on every two hours to get the girls weights up.
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Bill getting ready for his first hold with proud Dad Nick |
We celebrated that evening at N&E's with Leanne & Steve, Rocky & Daniel and Lenny & Ophelia, who wasn't too worried her parents didn't come home. But unfortunately, that first night Ophelia was up all night (along with Biddy) with an ear and eye infection. It was off to the doctors as soon as we could the next morning, both Ophelia and Biddy knackered! And antibiotics for O. Nick returned home that night to give Ophelia some time and look after her that night. All three of us slept well.
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Telling GrandBill a big story |
Em and the twins were doing amazing, so Nick started coming home every second night for Ophelia. The hospital is well set up to have both parents staying, especially with twins. And with two sets of grandparents available, Ophelia coped very well without her Mummy.
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Just checking on R&D's neighbours π |
Bill & I went and visited on day 3, with Ophelia. With the twins a similar size to Lenny, they weren't too much of a surprise to hold.
Em's sister Shanny and partner Oisin, live around the corner, were also dropping in and giving a helping hand with Ophelia. The days were very organised and went very smoothly.
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Relaxing at R&D's - Nick keeping his distance π· |
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Not a lot of room π |
Until! Rocky and I headed out for a walk one morning with me pushing Lenny in her pram, when a dog came up behind and bit Rochelle in the thigh! As we couldn't find anyone home, or any neighbours, Rochelle rang the Dog Ranger. Two hours at A&E that afternoon to make sure Rochelle was not going to have any infection or complications with her recent Cesarean. Thankfully she was all up to date with her immunisations. The Dog Rangers were fantastic and came around the next day for Rochelle and my statements. They take dog attacks very seriously, especially when it's on public land. I was also concerned that it could have been Ophelia attacked as her and I walked past the property many times on our walks. The Rangers then went on to visit the dog owners who were away at the time. They were very concerned and have implemented some safety measures to keep the dog under control. Plus, they received a fine of $400. So hopefully the dog will not be out again. It made Rochelle & I very nervous every time we went for walks past that property.
Leanne & Stephen took Ophelia back to Perth with them a week after the Twins births, to take the pressure off everyone juggling Ophelia and let N&E focus on the Twins and Bill & I help out at R&D's.
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Saturday nights are a bit different now ππ |
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And the transport has changed too! |
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And not just the buggy - but also the car. |
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Cousins catching up π |
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Lenny bored with the conversation. |
But shortly after, Nick came down with COVID! And had to come home from hospital, leaving Em with the Twins in isolation in case they came down with it too. Thankfully they didn't. We visited daily at this stage to help Em with 1 or 2 of the feeds. Nasal and bottle feeds. The Nurses were very good, but like all public health systems, understaffed. Em was very organised and kept routine. She was amazing.
Daniel's sister Carla, visited from Melbourne to see her niece for the first time. She got lots of cuddles and Lenny was given lots of clothes. And I had a night off cooking, thanks Carla.
With Ophelia up in Perth (still not really missing Mum and Dad, but they were certainly missing her), at two weeks old the Twins we're able to come home. With Nick still not allowed back at hospital, and Em more than capable of looking after her babies equally at home, four of the new family of five settled in at home.
Ophelia came home the second night, still unfazed by all the attention of the twins. Quite happy in her own world. Except she did like her little finger to poke them every now and again.
We only had the one day at the beach with Ophelia while we were over this time as it was mostly too wet. The days were quite busy and with Ophelia still having mid-day sleeps, the days just disappeared.
Daniel was trying to fit in his surfing when he could around Lenny, and grandparents being available. I think life will be a little different in that house from now on.
Bill and Nick did another trip to Perth to pick up the new family car. A Kea Carnival, which will easily take 3 children's car seats and the grandparents. Very roomy. Now to sell one of the other two cars. Hopefully not the fun car Nick!
We did a 7 km walk to the lighthouse with Rocky, Daniel, Lenny, Steve, Bill and me. It's a lovely coastal walk, the whole path is sealed. Tried looking for whales, but difficult to see on that blustery afternoon.
We managed an afternoon at the local pub to wet the Twins heads with Steve, his sister, Kelliann, Shanny & Oisin, Rochelle & Daniel with Lenny. It seems a bit of a shame the poor mother can't be at these celebrations, but we tried to enjoy it for her too.
Bill, and I had a trip to Perth, returning with Steve and Leanne to their home to enable us to catch up with Bill's cousin Mark and wife Fiona for dinner. We returned to Dunsborough with the old family car that had been left at Steve and Leanne's. It will now be cleaned up and put on the market. Hope it sells quickly.
Another walk was from Meelup Beach to Eagle Bay and return, a 5 km walk. Rochelle & Daniel with Lenny in the front pack. We managed to see Dolphins, Whales, Seals and Surfers.
Nick always likes a project while we are over there, and I like Bill to be kept busy while I'm happy to cuddle babies and cook. The project this time was a hedge around the front lawn to make a nice area in the afternoon sun. It will make a lovely family front yard in time.
By the 3rd of September, Lenny and Lulu's weights we're identical, with wee Tulli not far behind. All babies were gaining weight well.
Had a quiz night out with Shanny and Oisin at the local pub and the oldies knew a few answers to help come in third place.
We celebrated Ophelia's second birthday at
Meanwhile poor Nick thankfully didn't get too sick but had to stay isolated so felt a bit of an outcast.
The Olympics were full on at this same time, so it was a bit of a distraction from all the baby activities. Daniel had great delight in asking where the NZ medalists were, while watching all the Aussies collecting theirs. Daniel's sister Carla, visited from Melbourne to see her niece for the first time. She got lots of cuddles and Lenny was given lots of clothes. And I had a night off cooking, thanks Carla.
With Ophelia up in Perth (still not really missing Mum and Dad, but they were certainly missing her), at two weeks old the Twins we're able to come home. With Nick still not allowed back at hospital, and Em more than capable of looking after her babies equally at home, four of the new family of five settled in at home.
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An afternoon at the beach - we did see Whales too. |
Ophelia came home the second night, still unfazed by all the attention of the twins. Quite happy in her own world. Except she did like her little finger to poke them every now and again.
We only had the one day at the beach with Ophelia while we were over this time as it was mostly too wet. The days were quite busy and with Ophelia still having mid-day sleeps, the days just disappeared.
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Celebrating Rocky's birthday |
Daniel was trying to fit in his surfing when he could around Lenny, and grandparents being available. I think life will be a little different in that house from now on.
Bill and Nick did another trip to Perth to pick up the new family car. A Kea Carnival, which will easily take 3 children's car seats and the grandparents. Very roomy. Now to sell one of the other two cars. Hopefully not the fun car Nick!
We did a 7 km walk to the lighthouse with Rocky, Daniel, Lenny, Steve, Bill and me. It's a lovely coastal walk, the whole path is sealed. Tried looking for whales, but difficult to see on that blustery afternoon.
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Cape Naturaliste lighthouse walkway |
We managed an afternoon at the local pub to wet the Twins heads with Steve, his sister, Kelliann, Shanny & Oisin, Rochelle & Daniel with Lenny. It seems a bit of a shame the poor mother can't be at these celebrations, but we tried to enjoy it for her too.
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Ophelia with her new gloves helping Biddy |
Bill, and I had a trip to Perth, returning with Steve and Leanne to their home to enable us to catch up with Bill's cousin Mark and wife Fiona for dinner. We returned to Dunsborough with the old family car that had been left at Steve and Leanne's. It will now be cleaned up and put on the market. Hope it sells quickly.
Another walk was from Meelup Beach to Eagle Bay and return, a 5 km walk. Rochelle & Daniel with Lenny in the front pack. We managed to see Dolphins, Whales, Seals and Surfers.
Nick always likes a project while we are over there, and I like Bill to be kept busy while I'm happy to cuddle babies and cook. The project this time was a hedge around the front lawn to make a nice area in the afternoon sun. It will make a lovely family front yard in time.
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Cousins hanging out together - Tulli & Lulu not really interested. |
By the 3rd of September, Lenny and Lulu's weights we're identical, with wee Tulli not far behind. All babies were gaining weight well.
Had a quiz night out with Shanny and Oisin at the local pub and the oldies knew a few answers to help come in third place.
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Happy 2nd birthday Opheliaπ |
We celebrated Ophelia's second birthday at
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With these two granddads looking after Ophelia - what could go wrong!π |
home, which was busy enough with all the family and 3 new babies. Ophelia didn't seem to mind and enjoyed her special day.
Another walk from Canal Rocks to Wyadup Rock - a 5 km return part on the most scenic part of the Cape-to-Cape walkway with Rocky. Daniel stayed home with Lenny for this one.
Another walk from Canal Rocks to Wyadup Rock - a 5 km return part on the most scenic part of the Cape-to-Cape walkway with Rocky. Daniel stayed home with Lenny for this one.
We had a farewell lunch with Steve & Leanne, Nick & Em, Rocky & Daniel and our four granddaughters at Eagle Bay. Thankfully, nobody saw Ophelia's little mishap while under Daniel's supervision. The blood nose was a little giveaway, as was the bruise the next day. But Ophelia got over it pretty quick.
A day in Bunbury for Lenny to get her passport to come and visit New Zealand soon and to have her strawberry birthmark checked out by a pediatrician who said it wasn't of great concern and very common in babies. Hopefully that soothed Rochelle's concerns.
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Lulu and Lenny chatting, while Mum gives Tulli cuddles |
A day in Bunbury for Lenny to get her passport to come and visit New Zealand soon and to have her strawberry birthmark checked out by a pediatrician who said it wasn't of great concern and very common in babies. Hopefully that soothed Rochelle's concerns.
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Ophelia helping plant new front yard with Dad and Grandbill |
Our last night was fish & chips on the beach at Busselton before heading to Perth the next day with Rocky & Daniel and Lenny, ten weeks after our arrival.
We flew direct from Perth to Auckland, and onto Wellington where we had four lovely days to catch up with Shannon & AC. Attending a local show, a Japanese festival, Doctor Who Exhibition, a walk to Marama Peninsular to Double Vision Brewery. A 13.5-kilometer walk and a well-deserved beer.
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Fish & Chips on our last night πͺ |
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Our last morning walk for this trip π |
We flew direct from Perth to Auckland, and onto Wellington where we had four lovely days to catch up with Shannon & AC. Attending a local show, a Japanese festival, Doctor Who Exhibition, a walk to Marama Peninsular to Double Vision Brewery. A 13.5-kilometer walk and a well-deserved beer.
Onto home back in Nelson to wet and blustery conditions and settle back into Tosswill Road to do some gardens and maintenance up at Tahunanui Drive and plan our next adventure. Plus, our return to Dunsborough and our four beautiful Granddaughters. ππππ