http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com Where chaos reigns supreme - Life, love and everything in between. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 20:57:11 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears… What’s in the bag? Ears! A really lame highschool joke, I know but needed to get you attention. I’m moving. Actually have already thanks to Snoskred. (The most patient person in the world)!  If you are so inclined. I’d love you to follow me over to my new ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/19/whats-in-the-bag/ We phoned the paeds rooms to be told once again, in a mocking tone, that there was absolutely NO WAY that we could see him. he was booked out until September…2010! How stupid are we to think that we might actually be able to get in to see the only ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/17/small-people/ It’s been a very big week in our house. Ivy has been incredibly unwell. We went to see a dermatologist about the blistering on her bottom and were sent away with more creams, more blood tests and Ivy, who was still so sick and weak that she could no longer hold ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/17/ivy-update-solicitor-update/ Maddy: Who won the last America’s Next Top Model? Lily: Wasn’t it Kylie Booby? (Australian Princess winner) Immy: (Indignant) No! It was Nicole! Maddy: Nicole who? AJ: Nicole Kidman! Der - er!   Umm… I think they have their TV stars a bit mixed up… *********************************************************** Noah having a tanty, wanting to go in the car… N: Want to ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/17/in-the-madhouse/ Trish over at Little Drummer Boys has linked me to her Thursday Thirteen of twin blogs. Looking back, I don’t really have alot about the twin type things that are done around here and in fact, I would have to say that Ivy and Noah haven’t had alot of twin ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/14/twin-things/ Have you heard about Pediacast? It is podcast for parents, by "Dr Mike" an American based paediatrician. I love it. He talks about alot of different issues. He breaks all the medical jargon down into eaily understood terms. You can find him on itunes or you can go to Pediascribe and click on ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/13/pediacast/ See more Wordless Wednesday here http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/12/wordless-wednesday-its-beginning-to-look-alot-like-christmas/ In the spirit of the Season and to lighten the mood…   Oh Playgroups mom! Oh XBox man! I read your words whenever I can. Oh Childlife and Oh the Joys! I think I am your biggest fan.   Serve the Queens, Sarcastic Mom, Chicken & Cheese, Triplets plus 1! I read you all with such delight, into ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/12/international-linky-love-christmas-to-the-tune-0f-oh-christmas-tree/ I’m working on a fun post. I am I promise you. It’s just that I have my hands full at the moment. I never knew that one little girl could cry so much. Bare with me. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/12/241/ Ok. I’m gonna come clean. She’s sick again. Am I ashamed that I can’t keep my girl well? YES! Do I hate having to call the paed on his week of parental leave? Yes, yes, ok yes. Am I shattered every time she cries that sad, help me cry? Yes, oh Lord Yes. I don’t ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/10/ivy-girl/ Wow. I am truly blessed to be part of this community. It is so giving and encouraging. For a socially inept person, like me, someone who is clumsy and not confident in a crowd, getting positive comments and feedback really boosts the morale and does alot for the self esteem. ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/09/100-days-until-my-blogaversary-and-it-rains-down-with-shiny-bloggy-goodness/     Here we are at the end of another week! Thanks to Sarcastic Mom, I get to show off some more of my favourite photos. Over the course of the last week, I managed to shoot off over 300 photos and it was hard to pick out only a few…   David gave ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/09/238/ Heard in the house recently… 2am wifey to hubby; W: "Have you seen Ivy’s dummy"? (Searching frantically in and around bed) H: "Wah"? (half waking from man sleep ie; not waking at all) "It’ll be around somewhere"… Yeah thanks for that. 5am Wifey sits up from restless dozing with Ivy, something lumpy growing from her back… H: ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/09/235/ My eldest is growing up. FAST. Two minutes older than her sister but oh, so different. Socially, emotionally and physically. I can’t stand it. She’s not allowed to move into that next stage. I feel… old. Last night she was in tears because the dress we bought for her to wear ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/07/i-know-how-she-feels/ In the spirit of the season… A big thank you to all my new friends out there in the Aussie Community. This idea originally came from Sue. Stay tuned for the International linky love Christmas (coming to a blog near you).   T’was the night before Christmas, And all through the house, You could hear the blogger ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/06/linky-love-christmas-aussie-bloggers-to-the-tune-of-the-night-before-christmas/ I told the big kids to put those candy canes up high this year. I did. I told them that any that were put at toddler height would be swiftly devoured by small, ravenous beasts. I did. What I didn’t tell them was that Naughties children are smart…way smart and that if ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/06/never-put-candy-canes-on-the-christmas-tree-and-then-leave-the-toddlers-unattended/ View more Wordless Wednesday here. This is also part of the prompt for December at Wrapped Emotions http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/05/wordless-wednesday-bubbles/ Ours is a sad story. My relationship with him was full of fear and hurt. Don’t get me wrong, there were some good times. Periods in my life when I remember him as a good father. He was a wanderer. My mother did the best she could as an almost single ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/04/228/ I have had severe internet withdrawal for the last three days. We had a storm. There was thunder and scary blue lightening. The lightening blew up my phone line. It blew up my modem and it melted the insides of my laptop, and my computer. Lucky for me I posted my last November ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/12/02/lightening-never-strikes-twice/ Happy Happy Birthday my gorgeous Ivy and Noah! At two Noah can: Speak up to six word sentences. Run. Jump. Dance. Feed himself with a spoon (this is a very messy affair though). Take his own nappy off (and his sister’s). Tease his sisters ( a pre requisite for being male and having sisters, I think). Climb into his own ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/30/happy-2nd-birthday-my-cherubs/ Well, dear readers, it’s the day before my little cherubs turn two. We have had many ups and downs over the last 24 months (most of them chronicled on this blog). My little guy is amazing, social, easy going, talkative, has a gorgeous dimpled smile and a wicked sense of humour, ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/29/birthday-memories/ I know this blog is taking a long time to load for alot of you out there. I’m so sorry and I really do thank you for your patience when it takes ages to load. We can’t work out why. I’m not really sure what to do about it, other than take ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/29/apology-2/   20 weeks in utero   Newborn   1 year old   2 years old on Friday View more Wordless Wednesday here. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/28/wordles-wednesday-from-little-things-big-things-grow/ Ivy and Noah were born on the 30th of November 2005. (Two hours shy of the 1st of December). Our caesarean was originally booked for the 23rd of December and their estimated date of delivery was the 12th of February. They were born at 30 weeks gestation. On this day the Feast ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/28/some-interesting-trivia-for-me-anyway/ I won’t show you the photos but trust me it was bad. So bad that when the paed got the email with said photos attached, he called me straight away. Those who have been reading my blog for a while will know that when our paed calls us before 6pm, ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/27/ack-a-day-in-the-hospitalthe-continuing-saga-of-a-girl-that-has-gone-to-the-dogs/ I don’t have trouble falling asleep. Ever. The days are so busy that by the time I fall into bed, I am exhausted. Insomnia came to visit me when William died. Not at first, not in those first few, grief stricken months, when my body screamed "ENOUGH"! and shut itself down into ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/27/insomnia-when-you-really-want-to-sleep-but-cant/ This has been on my wish list for a while. I love it. I want it. I need it. Today we set about trying to find someone in Australia, ‘the lucky country’, who sells them. Not so lucky, it seems. Nobody does. Gutted am I. No toddler B - double for me. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/26/not-available-in-australiaever/ Okay, breathe. There are still four days to go, five until their party. I’m not ready! I’m not ready! I’m not ready! It’ll be okay. It will all come together. It always does. You’re disorganised for a reason. It’s because you’re not ready for this, for them to turn two. For them to lose ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/26/panic/   This is part of a new bloggy theme, started by Sarcastic Mom. Here are some of my favourite photos for this week;  Ivy and Noah 23 and 3/4 months old  Sisters Spring in the Hunter Valley Naturegirl and Shrekboy A stack of kids! http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/25/weekly-winners/ In the interest of the up and coming season…   Silent Night (Ode to Ivy).     Silent night, yeah right! Mummy’s not calm, Daddy has spite. Round the clock the female child, Wakes the household, the parents are wild! Sleep, for the love of God, Slee -eep Slee - eep, try counting some sheep! Silent night, I’d get a fright if ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/25/silent-night-mummy-style/ Before Noah had his tongue tie snipped, he said very little. He had a few words but not alot was comprehendable. Afterwards he was trying out every sound possible. It was great. Until he pottered up to us one day… He patted the lounge…"sh*t" he said My eyes boggled and my jaw ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/24/holy-sit/ Ivy slept through the night.  Oh. Yes. She. Did. Okay, she woke a couple of times and they said there was one episode of apnoea… maybe. They were very non commital about it all. But for all intensive purposes, she had a great night’s sleep and a great night’s sleep means no tonsilectomy. ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/23/fools-and-liars/   Leading up to the birth of Ivy and Noah (part two). Part one here Wednesday came and I had the infusion. I did feel alot better, in truth but the pain I was complaining about, constantly, had not decreased. I started to niggle on and off after the infusion but it settled. ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/23/29-weeks-and-counting/ After an agressive altercation with a boy and a bus door on Sunday our vacuum cleaner has been on the blink. David has been fixing it as best he can. (He can feel my panic in not being able to clean for the twins’ party). Every morning Noah has come in and pointed ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/22/i-fix-it/ Just when I thought it was never going happen. The Sleep unit called us and Ivy is having  her sleep study tonight! We came to the top of the cancellation list! We are going straight after we see our wayward paed. After two nights of waking up every hour on the hour if she ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/21/sleep-study-finally/ In preparation for their birthday party, Ivy discovered party bag bling for the girls and took a liking to it. ALL of it View more Wordless Wednesday here. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/21/wordless-wednesday-you-can-never-have-too-much-bling/ Even as their birthday approaches, my head is filled with William. The wonders and the what ifs and the guilt for wanting him here and things to be different. I look at them and my whole self swells with love and pride that they are mine. Would they even be here if ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/20/reflections/ In the spirit of the upcoming season… On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a crazy pill and a hot cup of tea. On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two smiling toddlers a crazy pill and hot cup of tea On the third day ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/19/twelve-days-of-christmas-mummy-style/ Oh what a weekend we have had, my friends! On Saturday evening we took part in a fundraiser for Belmont Birthing Service. This is the second year the kids have sung in the choir. It was lovely sitting on the grassed area as the sun slowly set, listening to the beautiful ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/18/singing-and-dancing-the-weekend-away/ Why do babies wait until you’ve put a fresh, clean nappy on them before they do the foulest, sloppiest poo known to man? My babies have worked out how to hold it in. I know this because I have tried waiting it out for their morning defication. I’ve tried waiting until the ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/17/questions-from-the-deep/ I see this alot on some of the blogs I frequent; Ass Hat. What is an ass hat? Can some one tell me? Is it a bonnet worn by a donkey? Is it some sort of outer wear that you place over your backside? Literally a beanie for you bum? Can ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/16/things-i-dont-understand/ Ivy had a hearing test today and passed. That’s the good news. When the audiologist checked her ears out she found: Grommet out on the right side and rip roaring otitis media. (Her ear drum perforated on the way home). Grommet in on the left side but discharging again. Poor baby. The paed is missing, ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/15/update-on-ivy/ * Sorry, rant ahead*.   It’s November people, November! Warm weather, hot actually. So why is Ivy still sick? Why, a mere 36 hours after stopping the antibiotics, is her nose running green and her chest sounding like the old rattling carriage of my school train? Why is her temperature high? Why, Why, ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/15/ivy-and-the-great-appointment-debarcle/ Lily has gone on school camp for three days. It’s her first time to camp and her first time away from us for any length of time. It was bad enough when the big kids went away to Canberra but Lily is on her own. There are no twin sisters or ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/14/little-lily-strikes-out-on-her-own/ The gorgeous Childlife from In The Eyes Of A Child has bestowed upon me this award! It is an award that was started by Chrissy at Chrissy’s This and That to honour wonderful women and was inspired by a post that her husband wrote about her. I am truly honoured. Thank you. If you ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/14/me-a-wonder-woman/ What’s a girl to do? When you are a shoe hound, like Ivy is and you are going on an excursion out into the front yard and you have just too many shoes to choose from. You wear one sandal (to show off your toes) and one gumboot (to splash ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/14/wordless-wednesday-cant-decide/ Something a bit lighter for you after a couple of days of heavy stuff. Noah is your normal rambunctious boy. He likes to run and play with cars. He likes to be outside. He rarely plays with stuffed toys, except for ‘Ted’. He is two this month. (Both Noah and Ted). Of ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/13/a-boy-and-his-bear/ I was reading an interesting post by Dr Rob the other day. He was speculating the possibility of doctors and patients being friends and, in that context, disclosing information when having a particularly bad day. He wondered why patient’s asked how he was and attempted to probe into his life ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/12/can-doctors-and-patients-be-friends/ Before I throw you into Ivy and Noah’s birth, I thought it would be good to give you a bit of history as to how we got to this point. To understand how I was feeling, I guess you need to know William’s story. Read it if you like but basically; I ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/11/some-history-a-birth-story-and-some-facts/   Misc Mum, Karen, my super - blogging hero has tagged me for a meme! I am the new meme queen around these parts, me thinks. Here are the instructions: Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself. Tag 7 ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/10/7-random-facts/ Woohoo peoples! I have been profiled here; On Blogging Australia A little bit of fame for this humbled blogger. Thank you Andrew! http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/10/a-little-fame-can-go-straight-to-ones-head/ The lovely Veronica from Sleepless Nights has tagged me for a meme! These challenges are reasonably new to me, so forgive me if I still get excited. The Big Eight 8 Things I Am Passionate About 1. My children, husband and family. I feel very strongly about this. Keeping connections. making sure they ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/10/the-big-eight-meme/ I was coming up to 28 weeks of pregnancy. I was scared and I was tired. My doctor was optomistic that I would make it to at least 34 weeks, if not 36. My iron levels were very low and I had pain. I was anxious, physically and emotionally drained. My appointment ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/09/2-years-ago/ My toddlers eat really well. Ivy especially. Can you see my tongue pressed firmly on the inside of my cheek? Today I made lunch, which Ivy and Noah pulled apart, smeared over themselves and then threw to the ground. I gave them banana. Noah told me, in no uncertain terms, that banana was ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/08/chocolate-air-and-nilla-shake-shake/ Find more Wordless Wednesday entries here http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/07/wordless-wednesday-he-just-one-of-the-kids/   Early morning risers, kisses and cuddles in bed as the sun breaks over the mountains. That’s what I’m grateful for. Debriefing and discussions about dreams during the night, good or bad. Shiny, clean faces, at the breakfast table. Easy conversation. Laughing at jokes that aren’t quite funny. Great big smiles that show teeth. That’s what ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/06/the-everyday-things/ Ivy is a bit better today and so, I am too. Noah hasn’t deleted any email, tried to post his disgust at the lack of attention he felt he was not getting on my blog or in anyone elses comments section, therefore, I have come to the conclusion that he is feeling ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/05/a-little-better-today/ All I can say is thank goodness I don’t have to listen to that durge anymore. Maybe go here or here for a more enlightening update on the Australian Idol elimination for tonight. So long, Marty, my ears feel better already. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/05/marty-has-left-the-building/ I met him when I was seventeen. I was your classic loud, jolly fat girl. Hiding behind an oversized personality. He saw beyond that. We were friends first. Soon he knew all my secrets. He listened but didn’t try to change things. We talked until the sun came up. He was the first one to ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/05/hes-mine-all-mine-and-no-he-doesnt-have-a-brother/ Oh my goodness today was a big day! Last night Ivy took a backwards slide and decided she would cry all night. I don’t know for sure what was going on but by the morning, her temperature was through the roof again. Come daybreak though she was brighter and I thought ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/04/dance-rehersals-and-dog-day-sunday/ I have discovered a new blog, Wrapped Emotions, through In The Life Of A Child. Each week there is a prompt to do something creative. This week participators were asked to enjoy their family; "Go, spend time with your family. Do one little bitty special thing with your children or your spouse or your mother ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/03/enjoying-time-with-family/ After a few horrible days in the hospital Ivy is home. Re-intergration into the house has not been smooth but we’ll get there. Thank you to everyone who sent their well wishes. It meant alot and helped us to get through. I know I am a little behind but I need to ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/03/home-and-housekeeping/ She sits in the chair of the darkened room, hunched over the small, defeated, ball of her child. She worries over this baby because she is always ill. The day has been a big one. Crying, clinging and high temperatures. After the first convulsion, the child, a girl, has not moved ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/02/she/ By the Threeringcircus Technical Consultant, recently promoted to Sub-editor: Your regular author sends her apologies for being unable to blog today. Aparently it’s been too long since our last hospital admission. Despite our best efforts at managing the situation, we eventually conceded defeat and young Ivy was presented to hospital late yesterday. As of ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/11/01/apology/ Find more Wordless Wednesday here http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/31/wordless-wednesday-thinking-outside-of-the-box/ I have always read Sydney’s Child, for as long as I have had children. Actually, before I had kids because I worked in child care before I became a nurse. I loved the services promoted in it and the articles. However, when we moved up to the Coast and then further ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/31/a-great-read-if-you-live-in-the-hunter-area/ This is part of a writing project from Thailand Girl, Chani. As I often use this blog as a place to air complaints, I thought it would do me good to think about some of the positive things that have happened…   "Don’t you people know what a TV is?" I thought if I ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/30/accentuate-the-positive/ *Thinks to self: I should know not to bag out my paed (ever) because karma has a way of teaching you a lesson.* Ivy is sick again. *sigh*. Will this never end? With a tummy bug and a very sore bottom, my poor little girl, the one who is usually constantly on the go, ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/29/karma-and-what-is-a-potty-for-anyway/ Oh - ho people! I found this in my blogging travels tonight! I want him for our paediatrician, even if he lives in the States and has a moustache! Seriously though, I do like our paed. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/28/straight-from-the-doctors-mouth/ The start of Daylight Savings means you sleep in. Did. You. Hear. Me? Sleep in, ie; sleep past 4am. Not the other way around. It will not make for very personable parents come, say, oh, about midday. *Sob* http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/28/note-to-toddlers-living-under-this-roof/ When I was pregnant with the first set of twins, it was after a struggle with three years of infertility. When I was pregnant with the second set of twins, it was after the loss of our son. The struggle of grief and guilt. When I was pregnant with my first set ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/27/when-i-was-pregnant/ Every year we take photos and make our own Christmas card. We have done it since Immy and Maddy were six months old. Some have been better than others. Some years have been easier to shoot, the kids easier to pose, happier to oblige their photo junky mother. Last year, Ivy ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/27/its-coming-up-to-that-time-again/ This morning I was disorganised. Slow to get moving and generally dragging the chain. I wanted to stay in bed. I wanted to lie in and read. I wanted to pretend that I didn’t have to get up and get the kids moving for school, the babies dressed and fed…it ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/25/early-birthday-gumboots/ The lovely Leigh and the equally lovely Meg have compiled a list of the top 50 Australian women bloggers and I am on it!! I have to say that I am so honoured to be there. Amongst some of the most amazing bloggers. I started blogging in March this year as a ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/25/so-honoured/ Find more Wordless Wednesday participants here. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/24/wordless-wednesday-angel-in-my-garden/ when you try to do your best as a parent and your kids think you are horrible. It hurts when they can’t see that what you are doing for them is so that they grow to be the best they can be. It hurts when they think that they are hard done ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/24/it-huts/ Where are you going,  my little one, little one? Where are you going, my baby, my dear. Turn around and you’re two, turn around and you’re four. Turn around and you’re a young girl walking out of my door… (Lullaby)   When Imogen and Madeline were little, way back in the Summer of ‘97, there was hardly ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/23/thank-heaven-for-little-girls-and-nice-really-does-matter/ For anyone out there who has followed my blog for a while, you know how I feel about doctors, in particular paediatricians (and ENT doctors). I have whinged and whined my way through Winter. Today, though, I have vowed never to complain about the services offered to me by our ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/speechless/   Don’t you all dread that question? No, I’m not talking about the birds and the bees thing. My kids have known about that since they were little. (I guess it’s part of growing up with a midwife for a mother). No, it was nothing so…simple. You know, that question, about the ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/20/the-question-i-have-been-dreading/ He stumbled into the room this morning and crawled into our bed. After some time he started grizzling for his bottle. His father asked him if he would like some milk. Noah sat up and cradled David’s face in his hands, looked directly in to his eyes and said… "No, coffee". Ahh, ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/20/coffee-stinkys/ Trish from My Little Drummer Boys passed along this sweet treat created by Hootin Anni.   The idea is to pass it on to people who have popped in to look at your blog or left a comment for the first time, spread the blogging awards around to new friends but I’m going ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/19/more-blogging-sugar/ over here, at Snoskred’s blog! http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/19/a-chance-to-get-out-of-my-niche/   A friend of ours gave us the toddler property laws when Imogen and Madeline turned one. After a very full on morning with Ivy and Noah, I was reminded of how true they were. 1. If I like it, it’s mine. 2. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine.3. If I ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/19/toddler-property-laws/ At 8am: Some of the kids (Ivy  included) have woken up with colds. Imogen will be staying home because she is too sick for school. I realise that my quest to start the Christmas shopping is not going to happen. It is cooler this morning and the sick children have begged off our ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/17/today/ It’s hot, so hot today and the wind is blowing but it isn’t cooling anything much. Here I am on my verandah though. The washing has long dried and is folded beside me (get up Tiff and put them away) and I am watching Ivy and Noah play in tubs ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/16/ive-got-sunshine/ Ugh! The sunlight breaks through the window of their bedroom. Even though they have been extremely restless all night and kept the Mummy and the Daddy up until midnight,with smatterings of resettling thereafter, even though they are so tired their eyes can barely open a crack, once the sun is ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/16/430-am-is-an-obscene-time-to-wake-up/   I remember the day you were born. The early Autumn sun creeping through the window of the birthing room. My heart full of hope for you, eager to meet you, look into your eyes. I remember the day you were born. The room full with love. Time marched ever onwards ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/15/i-remember/ After my award day it just kept getting better! I was tagged! For a meme! Wow! I’m really getting into this blogging stuff now. I was tagged by Mad Goat Lady for the desktop meme. I have had so much fun looking at new blogs this weekend. There are so ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/14/a-weekend-of-firsts/ The lovely Veronica from Sleepless Nights has given me my first blog award! Isn’t it pretty? It was created by Cellobella over at Sultana Blog I am so excited and I feel very honoured. It’s only been recently that I started to explore blogging communities and I have enjoyed reading new ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/13/my-first-ever-shiny-bloggy-award/ This weekend we are painting Immy and Maddy’s room followed by  AJ and Mal’s. The girls have decided on a dollhouse pink, with purple and green spots and silver swirls! It sounds magical and very pre teen. David does all the block painting and I get to do all the ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/13/budding-artists/ My friend and I have decided we are going to write a book. She and I are both midwives and we are both parents to a large number of children. This is not going to be just any book. It is going to be a text book, directed towards medical ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/12/148/ My friend Tracey has started her blog over here. She has written about amazing moments in her life and has invited people to tell her about their own amazing moments. I hope you’ll pop over there and have a read. She’s just new to blogging and needs a bit of ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/11/amazing-moments-in-my-life/ For weeks Noah has noticed the photo I have of William on my tallboy. Usually he will point to it and call the baby in the picture "No - No" (the name he calls himself). I would correct him and tell him that it was his big brother William. Yesterday he ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/10/he-has-a-big-brother/   See other Wordless Wednesday entries here. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/10/wordless-wednesday-my-dog-doesnt-dig-in-the-garden-like-a-normal-dog/ Hi! Come in, come in! Don’t be shy! Grab a chair and a coffee, grab a biscuit or some chocolate if you like, go on, help yourself. There’s plenty to go around. First time here? Yes, I know there are alot of them, aren’t there? Yes, it’s always busy, sometimes chaotic but each ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/09/144/ Why would you take one husband, five children and two toddlers to Toys R Us when you are severly sleep deprived? Honestly. Did you really think that you would have time to look for birthday presents for the soon to be two year olds? Follow the kids around, making mental notes ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/08/143/ I have always sung to my babies. Even now, when the big kids are feeling fragile they will ask me to sing them a lullaby. Ivy and Noah are no different, although they have taken longer to realise that I am singing to them. Tonight Ivy fell asleep in my ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/07/mummy-sing/ When I was working,there was stress. Worry about how we would find babysitting, stress with working night duty and then staying awake all day to look after the babies, worry about how David could juggle his responsibilities at work and at home but there was no worry about money. Ever. If ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/07/guilt-money/ Yesterday we made a day of going to Sydney. We left at 6am, dropped David at work and then went to Macquarie Centre to do some food shopping for our picnic. I had asked David only one question before we made our way to the shops. Would there be a ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/06/hyperventilating-country-hick-and-the-rouse-hill-rescue/ Imogen amd Madeline have been invited to take part in a research study with the Australian Twin Registry. I mentioned it to them on the way down to Sydney, in the car. They were really excited to participate and I joined in with the conversation readily. From the back of ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/06/lily-in-the-middle/ Just wanted to remind anyone out there who actually reads my rambling that today is Delurk day. Put a mad mother out of her misery and show her some love. Let her know you’re out there and leave a comment… (please?). http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/03/ok-not-quite-a-wordless-wednesday/ See more Wordless Wednesday here http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/03/wordless-wednesday-the-long-haul-home/ Courtesy of Ivy, consumer of all (supposedly) inedible products. *Disclaimer: I have older kids who have repeatedly been told to put their small things away. These have been confiscated, thrown away and/or donated to goodwill shops. I am as vigilant as a mother can be but the girl still manages to ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/02/10-unusual-nappies-ive-changed-or-she-must-be-well-oiled-down-there/ I found a post on Sleepless Nights and Misc Mum about the Great Mofo Delurk on October the 3rd, run by Schmutzie over at Milk Money. (I have NO idea how to get buttons onto my normal page content so you can see it on my side panel). I love getting ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/10/01/delurk-on-october-3/ Over the course of the week we had tried to find somewhere to stay in Coffs Harbour but nobody could accomadate a family as large as ours, without having to book out the whole resort (ok, that might be stretching the truth just a little) so we decided we would stay at ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/30/bye-bye-the-sand/ Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me Happy birthday dear 35 year old, worn out, saggy, baggy mother of way too many children (don’t you know what a television is?), Happy birthday to me. Hip Hip hoorayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/29/happy-birthday-to-me/ Picture this, if you will, five children, two babies two parents and a senior (sorry mum) matriarch lined up on banana chairs. Towels down, sunscreen and swimmers on and a whole world of water before them on a perfectly sunny day. Not too hot and not too cold. Add to this ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/28/wonderful-whitewater-world/ for the comment and to answer your question, yes. AJ was scared at first. He was afraid of the sharks but they had to watch a dvd on do’s and don’t’s  and he learnt that the only sharks in his part of the tank were ones that were deemed not ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/28/thanks-sno/ Monday was our decided vegie day. A day of lounging around the pool, walking on the beach, kids club for the children… a chance to recover and recoop. While Mum, Lily and the boys slept in, The big and little twins came for a walk along the beach with us. As we ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/27/vegie-day-fun-for-the-kids-paradise-for-the-parents/ We needed to be at Seaworld by 9:30 so that we could book AJ in for a surprise! It was busy that Sunday morning and AJ was bubbling with excitement. It was the first time he, Mal and Mum had been. When we  finally got through the gates (David had ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/27/ajs-big-day-out-part-2/ I think we need to talk about what our needs are, regarding Ivy and Noah’s care. I think that you don’t quite understand what our expectations are of you. I want you to know because, I have come to like you, even trust your opinion and I would like to continue ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/27/dear-paediatrician/ Sunday morning came and we woke early to give the birthday boy his presents. He opened them with much anticipation and was pleased with all he saw. Because it was only 6am and because it was a gorgeous morning we decided that a walk along the beach was just what ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/26/ajs-big-day-out-part-1/   I walked down the aisle, held your hand and promised my life and my love to you. 14 years ago we were both so young, babies in this world but it felt as though we had been together for a lifetime, that we were meant to be together. 14 years ago we ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/25/14-years-today/ Sorry for that brief interlude. We just had a major reality check in having to take Noah to hospital, with Ivy riding on his shirt tails, with asthma. (Did I mention I love living in a place that is hot in the day and freezing at night?) Anyway, enough of ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/24/everyday-is-better-when-you-are-on-holidays/ We booked into reception and investigated our space. The kids claimed that the heat and travelling had overcome them and that a swim in one of the three pools would help to rejuvinate their weary bodies. So with barely time for the adults to catch their breath (and oh, how ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/22/that-isnt-what-i-think-it-isis-it/ We packed the bus and made our way to bed. Some settled earlier than others. David went to bed at 8:30, knowing he would be driving the first shift of the trip. I went to bed at 11:45, once everyone was asleep. The first alarm sounded at 1:30 am and ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/21/the-ground-is-loud-at-3am/ Well, we’re home. We did it. Ten people on a week long holiday, travelling in one bus, over nine hundred kilometres to take up residence in three rooms of The Paradise Resort, Surfers Paradise, Queensland… the Queenslanders never knew what hit them! I’m going to try to tell you all about our adventures but there have ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/21/home-sweet-homeis-this-when-the-holiday-starts/ that the Tregenza clan finalised the last arrangements for their first holiday since before Ivy and Noah were born. Bags packed and ready, swimmers, boogie boards and sunscreen. The house is… clean, tidy, I can at least see the floor and the washing is mostly done. The nappy stash is all ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/13/and-so-it-goes/ Can anyone say ’sugar filled car trip to Queensland’?!?!?!?!?!? See more Wordless Wednesday photos here. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/12/wordless-wednesday/ Wow, only four days left until we go on holidays and I think I have totally lost the plot! I seem to be running around in circles and not getting much done at all. With every good intention of leaving the house in a clean state, I think my efforts ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/11/what-am-i-doing/ A friend phoned me last night. She asked me if I imagined my life would be like this, when I met David, when I was 17. She asked me if I ever imagined I would have so many children. The simple answer to that is; no. I knew that I wanted ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/07/ive-learnt-so-much/ For Father’s Day this year, I bought something a little different for Dave from The Dad Shop, this really cool Australian online store that sells things for men only. I found a coffee appreciation course (any man with seven children already appreciates coffee, I know but this was sort of learn ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/06/boys-and-their-toys-and-chivalry-isnt-dead/ Note to self: Never take a toilet break unless there is someone to guard the pantry. see more Wordless Wednesday photos here http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/06/wordless-wednesday-late/ at 4am in the morning is very strange. Noah has learnt alot of his body parts and this morning he was running through them all… N: ‘nose’ (points to nose and makes a kissing motion), Me: ‘nose, that’s right. I kiss the nose’? (kisses nose). N: ‘eyes’ (points and makes kissing noise), Me: ‘eyes, that’s ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/04/a-boys-sense-of-humour/ Happy Father’s Day for yesterday to all the Dads, new and repeat offenders. Hope you all had a lovely day. To my sweet, wonderful Davey, the best father I have had the honour to know. You mean the world to us. David has been a dad for a long time now. ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/03/happy-fathers-day-and-the-big-weekend/ How very softly you tiptoed into my world. Almost silently. Only a moment you stayed, but what an imprint your tiny footprints have left upon my heart…   For Charlotte and her beautiful Mummy. Happy 3rd birthday, sweetheart. Hope you are dancing with all the other angel babies today. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/09/01/softly-softly/ There is horses flu everywhere in NSW. It started up here in the boonies, apparently. Horses all over Australia are being quarantined so as not to infect the rest of the equine community. It leads me to wonder what it would be like if you were standing next to a horse, ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/31/sneezin-seasonone-day-until-spring/ your almost two year old daughter comes out from rummaging in your bedroom, exclaiming, ‘Hat! Hat!’ looking like this: Yes, that is her 21 month sized head inside one of my bra cups. That leads one to hope that she has an exceptionally large head and that I have a small bust but ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/29/you-know-youre-a-big-breasted-woman-when/ 1. Do not feed your babies pumpkin, sweet potato and carrot mix for dinner and then take them out Father’s Day shopping the next day. That is a very bad move. Post - pumpkin - poo is bright orange and runny and will squelch out of nappies and onto the stroller. ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/28/five-things-i-have-learnt-today/ At least, that is what he looked like at 4am this morning when he was in my bed trying to evict my eyeballs from their sockets. Blonde hair, blue eyes, a blue and white striped Bonds suit and the most devilish of grins, dimples included. Why, oh why won’t my ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/28/baby-sleep-lessons-101-and-the-devil-has-blonde-hair/ With every good intention of getting the washing under control on the first full day of being at home in over a week I knuckled down and did this: I found this site http://www.simpsonsmovie.com/ (in between loads, of course) and turned my mug into a Simpsons character. What do you think? Pretty lifelike, ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/27/simpsonised/ More blogs that I’ve discovered that are a really good read… http://twinkies.bastetweb.com/ a blog about life with twins. http://smilingmom.com/   http://whoorl.com/ http://www.aweekinthelifeofaredhead.com/ http://www.notesfromthetrenches.com/ http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/ http://joyunexpected.com/ http://nelsongaggle.blogspot.com/  funny motherhood inspired blogs. A friend of mine (thanks Mel) just sent me this link http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130144061675&ru=http%25. OMG! It is seriously the funniest thing I have ever read but sounds scarily like when we all go shopping! ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/26/more-blog-links/ 20 days to go until we leave for (not so sunny) Queensland. It would be flooding, wouldn’t it? In our choice of destination. UGH. At least there are 20 days for it all to dry up and it WILL dry up or there is going to be trouble! Now I’ve ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/26/20-days-to-go-the-chocolate-junkies-and-tgio/ Today is Poo Day. My most hated of days and probably the most disliked day for most cloth nappy users. Actually, now I think about it,most days are poo days in this home, where one child is forever on antibiotics and number 2s are frequent, to say the very least. ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/23/poo-day-the-modern-cloth-nappy-users-most-hated-of-days/ Well, Immy and Maddy have spent the last two days in heavy rehersal for the perfomances of Star Struck. Maddy is singing in the choir and Immy is in the dancing section. Tomorrow they have to be on the bus into the Entertainment Centre at 6am. They have a technical ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/22/star-struck-hasstruck/ dedicated to people who love to blog! I have been scrolling through different sites this morning, instead of doing the washing and instead of making lycra boots (I know Mum, I’ve left it to the last minute again!). There are awards and things called widgets, that I don’t understand and ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/21/there-is-a-whole-community-out-there/ What is the Noah - ism for glasses? :Eye - ses, of course! He is becoming so aware of his surroundings now, noticing things and naming them. It is really interesting to watch. Maybe it’s because I am older and have a better understanding of the different developmental milestones or ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/20/update-on-the-gastro-house-eye-ses-rainging-and-some-really-cool-links/ When gastro has seeped into the very pores of the house and you fear that there is no light at the end of that proverbial tunnel, who do you call for help? You call the two grandmas, of course.               On Thursday, when I was fearful for my son’s life, my mum, "Gran" ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/17/the-two-grandmas-to-the-rescue-and-your-baby-is-not-sick-enough/ …in this world that is worse than gastro. It is called PMD or Pathetic Male Disease. It only afflicts the men (boys) of the household. What it means is that when they do catch a cold (or in this case gastro) they catch it FAR worse than any woman (girl) ever ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/14/there-is-a-disease/ Today, with the thought of having to transport vomiting children anywhere, I am thankful that I have a bus with vinyl flooring. Also; David’s take on how to effectively establish communication with the paediatrician - "Ring early, ring often!" http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/13/thankful-and-how-to-communicate-with-paeds/   *** WARNING, DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE SICK OF HEARING ABOUT THE SICK*** (hey, I just realised I can use colour on this blog!) It’s very early on Monday morning and I know now that Lily’s vomiting was not just a random act of kindness, in wanting to paint my ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/13/david-and-buster-the-cat/ …until our holiday but who’s counting and wasn’t the weather beautiful today? Today I was supposed to move all my scrapbooking stuff into Ivy’s old room, wash mountains of sheets, make some lycra boots, clean up my room and rearrange the loungeroom. I was supposed to go food shopping, weed the ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/12/34-days-to-go/ "Hartee" means hot tea. How cute! My little man is growing up! http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/10/a-new-word-for-noah/ Immy and Maddy did their first ever tap exam today. I don’t know who was more nervous, them or me. They have practiced hard though and Kelly believes they will do well. I know they will. They try so hard at everything they put their hand to. Knowing that didn’t ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/10/tap-twins-to-the-rescue-shaved-dogs-and-i-really-need-that-holiday/ We have had this book since Imogen and Madeline were babies. The cover has been ripped off several times, pages scrunched, bent, folded in half, partially torn, fully torn from the book. Pages lost and found again were lovingly repaired so that all could enjoy the story of The Very ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/10/goodbye-hungry-caterpillar/ There has been a thread on Belly Belly about songs that truly touch you. For me, music has always been connected to events of my life…there is a song for everything. This song, Nickelback’s Far Away, for various reasons, touches me. I was just thinking about it last night on the ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/10/far-away/ We went to our paed today for a check up following the flu and every ENT infection known to man that attacked Ivy’s little body. He looked her over and declared her …’the best he’s EVER seen her’! Yay for Ivy and yay for the antibiotic. We are going to stay ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/09/the-best-hes-ever-seen-her/ Ivy’s love of shoes continues. With age has come the ability to apply one’s own shoes…or in Ivy’s case, one of hers and one of Noah’s!!! http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/07/had-to-share/ Why oh why are my baby making/carrying/birthing days over? I SO want another baby. I know, I hear you all gasping at the prospect. Don’t worry, I’m neutered. Kelly came around today after we had gone walking, with the beautiful Lexie. Gorgeous little pudding pie! Thought you might all like to see ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/07/cluck-cluck-cluck/ you walk into the loungeroom from a toilet break to find ALL of the videos, scrapbooking magazines, books and DVDs pulled out and strewn around the floor and feel happy because it’s good to see the perpetrators laughing. someone accidently leaves the toilet door open and you find your son in there ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/04/you-know-that-everything-is-going-to-be-alright-when/ The good news? Ivy is getting better!!! Yes, she is on the road to recovery. Finally. It’s all because of my new love…Erythromycin. How can one little antibiotic be SO different from another? Here are the good bits; Normal temperature for 24 hours. Nose is running clear! Left ear is clearing up (with the help of ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/02/more-good-news-good-friends-and-the-new-love-in-my-life/ http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/08/02/83/ I was sent an email tonight, telling me that I have won second prize in the WAHM Naps opening contest! How good is that? Ivy and Noah get (to share) 1 all in one nappy by Weez Awa, 1 fitted nappy by Auntie Michelle’s Nappies and 1 custom hand dyed soaker ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/30/in-the-midst-of-all-the-bad-comes-something-wonderfully-good/ Here it is. I thought this through in the wee hours of this morning as I was cleaning up vomit. Our illnesses all started after I purchased a bottle of Vitamin C. (A super sized bottle for a super sized family). About three or four days AFTER we started taking them actually. My ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/30/it-iswinter-conspiricy-theory/ When I asked David this afternoon what he was going to say to the paed when we called him regarding Ivy tomorrow, his response was "Help". When I said, no, really, what will you say? He said… "Help. Please." http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/29/at-least-someone-has-a-sense-of-humour/ I know all I write about these days is sick kids. Readers, you must be sick of it because I am SO over it. In the infamous words of the paed, yesterday, ‘The Flu Sucks!’ It sure does. I have all the kids home today. Some have it and some don’t but I’m sure they ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/27/flu-season-sucks/ I know I whinge and moan about the medical care up here but I am really very thankful… I am thankful that we have a good, kind, paed, who humours us. Ok, he is not often available but today he called first thing and we are going to see him tomorrow. I ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/25/thankful/ David’s flu has been passed on to Ivy and Noah and Imogen. Yesterday Ivy had a very scary febrile convulsion and my acopia reared it’s ugly head. The paed (with his great plan) went home and was ‘uncontactable’ (is that a word?) according to his receptionist. So we went to the local ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/25/and-so-in-an-instant-things-change/ Electrophobia: The fear of electricity or in Noah’s case, the fear of electrical appliances. To date, Noah is afraid of; The vacuum cleaner, The mix master, The blow heater, The hair dryer, The blower vac and The lawn mower. When any of these machines whir into action, Noah cries and runs to me. He clings to me tightly ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/23/what-is-electrophobia-j4g-photos-and-irresponsible-men/ Just thought I’d share a page I did this morning. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/22/shop-crop-inspired-scrapping/ Oh, just to have one night without a baby in my bed! It would probably feel weird, actually. Last night was the first night that Noah slept through, since his last bout of illness. In absolute contrast to him was his sister and my resident teddy bear, Ivy Hazel. Last ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/22/babies-in-the-bed-grand-openings-and-who-says-gender-specific-play-is-a-learned-thing/ Today it was wet and freezing and the babies and I were stuck inside to slowly go cabin mad. (Like a dog goes chain mad). I did what any person would do and took out my camera. After the babies demolished the kitchen followed quickly by the loungeroom, unrolled a new ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/20/wet-cold-and-oh-so-bored-and-we-need-some-support-up-here/ Maddy came home from dancing and her hair was in a terrible knotted mess, even though it was in a ponytail, so I cut it. That’s right, I did it. I was sick of the knots, tears (hers) and sweat (mine) everytime I had to brush it out, so I ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/19/i-just-did-it/ Today I received some more fluffy mail from Jolmaz. 2 cute covers, some liners and 2 very cute doll nappies. When David and I saw them we both came to the same conclusion at almost the same time. Those little nappies could have fit Ivy and Noah when they were born! The ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/19/fluffy-mail/ Noah decides that he will say his first four word sentence. Here it is… "I got the broom-broom". At the time he was holding up a toy car for my perusal. Oh the joys of having a boy. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/18/just-when-you-thought-there-would-be-no-more-news-today/ Today my Belly Belly friends and  fellow nappy addicts conspired against me. They talked me into checking out a new nappy website called  Blueberry  Admittedly it didn’t take alot of persuasion. I checked it out and what do you know? Four of the spotty minky nappies jumped into my trolley! So much ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/18/i-am-a-naughty-spendthrift/ Ok, I know I said I resigned but I just couldn’t help myself and went and did orientation for a closer hospital. Just for casual work. I thought it could be good, choice, not having to let the team down if I had to take time out for the kids. ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/18/when-hospital-administration-just-get-it-wrong/ I’ve never really talked about our time in the NICU. With Ivy and Noah or with William. There was a new post on Austprem about delayed reaction to having sick and premmie babies. Someone was wondering if it was normal. I agreed that it was. When Ivy and Noah were first in ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/17/66/ In other news, it was - 6 degrees last night! Brrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!! This morning when I left for the doctor’s rooms, there was ice on the windshield and frost all over the ground. The weather forecast for tonight is that it will be colder, OMG, will there be snow? http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/17/it-was-cold-last-nightcold-i-tell-you/ We went back to our ENT doctor today for a follow - up on Ivy’s ears. He was VERY happy to see that they were not discharging. If he were a footballer, he would have done one of those victory dances that they do, after they have scored a goal. He ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/17/ivys-ears-are-in-the-clear/ Just when I thought my love for Scrapping had dried up and all my lovely bits and pieces were good for was baby fodder, along comes some inspiration! Ok, it’s not up to my usual standards but it’s a start! Hopefully this is the end to my creative hole. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/15/the-drought-is-broken/ Pegs are very versatile. They can hang clothes up, they can keep things closed, they can be a form of security as in they can lock cage doors for birds who are doggedly pursued by small black fox terriers who see said bird as a light snack before dinner. Yes, pegs ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/15/pegs-the-best-toddler-toy-and-friends-can-really-make-your-day/ In Noah language Beyope means open. I know that because he has followed me around all day begging me to ‘beyope’ an impulse bottle, ‘beyope’ the lid off the biscuit tin and ‘beyope’ the slow cooker lid so he could partake of the pumpkin soup. He wants me to ‘beyope’ the ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/13/belope-means-open/ We bought these harnesses for Ivy and Noah. They are more like backpacks. Ivy’s is a poodle and Noah’s is a koala. So cute and clever. The animal’s tails are the ‘lead’ part of the harness. Ivy and Noah wear them with pride and think they are the height of ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/13/harnesses-are-in-again-if-they-ever-were-and-i-dont-need-anymore-fluffy-mail-but-i-desperately-want-some/ Go on. I feel it. Yesterday I took the children to the movies to see Harry Potter. Yes, all of them. The first outing I have attempted with all of the children these school holidays. It was a mistake. A big one. According to the general film going public, I am ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/12/call-me-stupid/ My sister in law sent this to me! Very funny, accurate and VERY Ivy. Laugh it up people but this is my reality! Sleep Training  OK, here’s my situation. My Mummy has had me for almost 7 months. The first few months were great–I cried, she picked me up and fed me, anytime, day or night. ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/09/very-funny-not/ Yesterday I went to Westfield at Tuggerah. I transferred some money from our holiday savings account. It was worth it. As much as I hate to dunk into that account, I needed to. We had to go down to pick Lily and Madeline up from a sleepover with Grandma anyway ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/08/new-minky-blanket-for-reasons-that-will-become-known/ There are words that I am hearing over and over. Words that are made up by Ivy and Noah but that I can understand. I want to write them down so I don’t forget… ‘Gubem‘ - this generally means I’m hungry and can see you eating and I’ll have whatever you’re having…NOW! ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/05/he-says-she-says/ you don’t care if your son wears a pink bib to the dinner table… but you DO take photos because it’s kind of cute! http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/04/when-you-have-seven-children/ We had a wonderful day on Sunday! We went to Samuel and Joel’s first birthday. It was lovely being around so many little ones. Sammy and Joel were all smiles all of the time. They took the people and presents in their stride. Gorgeous, happy little guys. I took my ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/07/04/parent-acopia-midwives-the-lucky-nurses-and-is-it-the-wind-or-the-prednisone/ Today we had Lily’s party. Her friends were well behaved, well mannered and lovely. Her party was completely opposite to Imogen and Madeline’s a fortnight ago.  It was a joy to have these girls in our home.The time went so quickly and I felt relaxed and happy. Lily had an ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/30/stark-contrast-and-sammy-and-jojo-turn-one/ Ok, I’m having a bad hair day…month..ok, ok I’m having a bad hair YEAR! For the umpteenth time I am trying to grow my hair out from the short pixie cut style I have had forever. The kids are all encouraging me to do it. David is too. I want to ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/29/everyones-a-critic-and-ivy-hates-hats/ Yesterday my blog site was down and I couldn’t log on. I had all these witty things I wanted to say and lots of funny moments to help lighten the mood of the previous two posts but it was down. Now, due to a severe case of Mummy Brain, I ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/28/blog-withdrawal-and-croup-shall-set-you-free/ Thought I might break it up a bit. So Monday was stressful and all I wanted was for David to stay home for Lily’s birthday. We had an appointment with the ENT which I was reluctant to go to on my own. David had other plans though. After seeing Lily into ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/26/part-two-of-the-week-in-review/ Sorry. This is going to be a long one but I promise I’ll pepper it with lots of photos. First of all, Happy Birthday Lily!  9 today! I can barely believe that my ‘bubba’ is nine. Where do I start to tell you everything that we have been up to in the last week? To ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/26/happy-birthday-lily-the-week-in-review-and-ivy-hates-hats/ Ivy is up down, up down. I am getting sick of it, she must be too. This morning she was good, still had a green nose and a bit of a cough but her ear has been looking better and she has been so much happier in herself. It was ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/21/tis-the-season-and-my-gorgeous-covers/ This morning I got out of my nice warm bed when it was still dark and it WASN’T to get up to Ivy! (She was asleep in my bed already). I got up so that I could see Immy, Maddy and AJ off to Canberra and the Snowy Mountains for ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/19/canberra-bound-big-kids-and-i-think-shes-getting-better/ I put Noah to bed for his morning sleep. I said ‘time for sleep Noah’. He said ‘no’. I said ‘yes, have a good sleep’ and walked away. He called out ‘No!’ and giggled to himself (obviously pleased that he had had the last say). He then proceeded to laugh ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/18/how-many-times-can-you-find-no-funny/ Ha Ha! Boys you have been caught out! All these years women have been fooled into thinking that men cannot multi task. That they are capable of doing only one thing at a time to do anything at all well. Tonight David has admitted that men CAN multi task, so long as ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/17/men-can-multi-task-it-just-goes-by-a-different-name/ When I wrote yesterday that we were partying with a group of 11 year olds, I was foolish. What I SHOULD have written was the girls were going to party and David and I (and Tracey too - we conned her) were going to rock in a corner after pulling all ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/17/ugh-never-take-a-gaggle-of-11-yr-olds-to-the-movies-you-wont-survive/ Well, the mobile phones were a hit! Imogen and Madeline have been begging, pleading and planning for a mobile forever. We kept saying no. Too young, not responsible enough, won’t use it for the right reasons… etc so when their birthday rocked around a phone wasn’t even on the list ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/16/mobile-phone-mania-no-more-cot-and-post-paediatrician-feedback/ Ivy is still sick. My poor sick bubba. Her ear is goopy again, her nose too and she is clingy and crying today. We called the ENT doctor and got our usual phone diagnosis. So, we will start the ear drops AGAIN. Three and a bit weeks of illness and we still can’t ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/13/poor-sick-bubba-and-noah-likes-cranes/ I spoke too soon. About storms. While the hurricane babies were whirring through my house the storms outside were brewing. On Friday it started raining. It was cold and wet and gusty winds whipped around the bus as I drove the kids to school that morning. It was just the beginning ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/12/storms-job-joggas-and-noah-in-the-big-bed/ The Biplane Evermore - Irish Rovers Way out in London Airport, in Hangar Number 4,A lonely little biplane lived whose name was Evermore.His working days were over; no more would he sailUpon his wings above the clouds flying the Royal Mail. Bye bye biplaneOnce upon a sky planeBye byeHushabyeLulla biplane All the mighty ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/07/38/ Beware! There is a hurricane around at the moment. Actually, two. Hurricane Noah and Ivy, collectively, the Tregenza Tornado (ok, I know technically they are different but for descriptive purposes we can consider them one and the same). Watch out! Take cover! They will demolish your home! Especially if you leave ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/06/babies-are-quick-to-demolish-your-house/ Understatement of the Century. I hate Winter. I know I’ve said it before here but just to clarify; I REALLY hate it. I didn’t once upon a long time ago, pre children. Winter was a time to rug up, a time for hot chocolate and blankets on the lounge snuggled up close ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/05/i-know-ive-said-it-before-but-i-hate-winter/ Today I have been busy sewing and painting Abba costumes for Starstruck. I’m unsure as to how I got roped in, with mum, to sew 9 Abba outfits and 8 skirts and ties but I have done two so far with another six items to go. They have to be ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/06/02/abba-costumes-and-never-take-your-eyes-off-a-multi/ My Bubble Bubs nappies are here. How long have I been trying to get my hands on some of these nappies??? I think for as long as we have been using cloth, I have been trying to secure these hard to come by items. Lovely, so nice to touch and ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/05/28/bubblebubs-and-our-bus-has-a-name/ Yesterday was David’s 36th birthday. Happy birthday baby! Only four years until the big 4.0…is that why you seemed a bit flat today? Got a bit of the birthday blues? We’ve seen a few birthdays together. I think the first birthday I celebrated with David was his 19th. A group ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/05/28/happy-birthday-davey-and-i-dont-care-if-its-may-winter-is-here/ It was a busy weekend in this household! On Saturday we all went from room to room and purged our lives of excess! Hooray. Admittedly, I still have to scrub the house down post purge and we didn’t make it to our bedroom (that will take a whole weekend in ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/05/21/clothes-mountain-purging-and-ivy-the-daredevil/ Our bus still has no name. Someone from Belly Belly thought of Betty. I kind of like it, catchy, cute but the kids thought Betty was too old for a spanker like our newbie. AJ thought of BoomBar…don’t ask. It has to be a boy thing. David suggested Nicky Narcolepsy and while I ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/05/20/name-that-bus/ I know alot about Bengal Tigers now. Go on, ask me about them. Lily had an assignment, where she had to pick an animal and research it. Tomorrow she will present the information to the class and be graded. I hope I get an A. Seriously. Lily might be doing the ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/05/17/tigers-kelly-and-the-curse-of-the-broken-bus/ I know this is really, really late but HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the mummies out there. Hope you had a lovely day. Mine was wonderful. I went shopping on Saturday, woke to brekkie in bed and pressies on Sunday then went out to lunch. It was perfect. The best thing ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/05/15/nappies-nappies-and-more-nappies-my-brand-new-bus-pram-pushing-group-and-my-paperbag-album/ Yesterday we made our way back to the ENT doctor for Ivy’s follow up check up for her ears following what is now known in this house as the ‘great ear caper’. The doctor explained that Ivy has some immuno deficiency and neutropaenia and payed her a great deal of attention…finally. ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/05/10/follow-up-for-ivy-messy-houses-and-back-to-work/ Yesterday was the anniversary of my brother’s death. 15 years since he died. I wonder what he would be like now. Whether we would have any kind of relationship. I wonder what my Mum did for the day, she usually cleans. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/05/09/yesterday/ Today is a VERY good day! My beautiful, amazing husband has found a way for us to be able to purchase a NEW bus!!!!! WOOHOO!  I never ever knew that I was living with my very own bus fairy. We went looking on the weekend and found the perfect bus ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/05/07/omg-my-husband-the-bus-fairy/ Mum presented Ivy and Noah’s  knitted longies to me yesterday. They ARE gorgeous! Of course, Ivy and Noah are wearing them today and look very cute as they toddle around. There is just something about handmade stuff that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Alot of love went into those ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/05/03/the-longies-are-in-the-house/ Maddy is fine. Her haemoglobin levels are a little low but otherwise all is good with her. Nothing that some iron tablets can’t fix. PHEW. The lumps are a result of prolonged infection. The Gods were smiling down on this family today. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/05/02/a-good-news-day/ Calling ALL car fairies!!! my bus has broken AGAIN. If you would be so kind as to remove and replace it with a brand spanking new bus (silver or blue for preference but REALLY not fussy at this stage) I would be most appreciative. Thanking you in Advance. ARRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!  Yesterday Noah ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/05/01/calling-all-car-fairies-and-noah-can-stick-his-tongue-out/ There is nowhere else in the world that I can go to the toilet to discover an Action Man staring down at me from a toilet paper pyramid. My kids can really make my day. make me smile, forget my worries with something so simple. Oh to be a child ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/04/28/i-love-my-home-blood-tests-growing-up-and-beanie-bears/ They really do. Yesterday, there was a cancellation at our medical centre to see a new female doctor. She was competent, thorough and on my side! She called the ENT and we are back on treatment for Ivy’s ear. We are going to have tests done to see WHY a little ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/04/25/positive-affirmations-work/ Let’s start this entry off on a happy note. One of my friends brought around an old, blue, plastic, ride in car. I think this car has gone through a few midwives’ children. It’s old and battered and has pieces missing. The steering wheel is wobbly and there is a ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/04/23/another-long-oneim-afraid/ Gee, it’s been a while and so much has happened. Where do I start? Ivy is still unwell and pretty miserable on it today. I feel so sad for her that I can’t get proper care for her ear. David is trying to contact the paed again today, so we’ll see ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/04/16/18/ Ok, Easter is officially over in this house! If I ever see, smell or taste another chocolate egg again, it will be too soon! UGH, chocolate overload, my friends is NOT a pretty sight in a thirty - something woman. OOOOHHHH, my belly. I know, I know, no sympathy for ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/04/09/easter-bathtime-madness-bad-hair-holidays-and-when-is-a-hospital-not-a-hospital/ Today it has been raining. Sometimes hard and sometimes just drizzling. It kind of compliments the day that it is. William’s angel day. The day, three years ago, that we let William go. There were so many highs and lows of the five days surrounding his birth and death. The ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/04/07/angel-day/   To quote the Dixie Chicks; Godspeed, little man, Sweet dreams, little man. Oh, my love will fly To you each night On angels wings. Godspeed, Sweet Dreams.   Oh William. I miss you. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/04/07/godspeed/ So it’s good Friday and we are not supposed to eat meat. That’s good because meat is overrated in my opinion, anyway. Give me chocolate!!!! No! Chocolate is naughty and addictive and fattening! Say no to chocolate (if you can)! What about chocolate in the shape of a fish? If ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/04/06/terrible-nappy-addiction-balloonmania-and-easter-comes-early-to-ellalong/ Last night, my friend and midwife from William and Ivy and Noah’s birth, Carolyn called. I was really happy to hear from her. She always brings a smile to my face and is very happy and open to talking about William. I miss her alot and always feel lighter after I ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/04/04/13/ … when the Terrible Tregenzas make their way into Taronga for the day! I don’t know who was watching who yesterday when we went to the zoo, we went to see the chimps and as I was standing there, with my wild brood of children, it suddenly occured to me ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/04/03/nasty-colds-grommet-girl-and-when-does-the-zoo-go-to-the-zoo/ Happy Birthday William David Tregenza. May you be swaddled in angel hugs and bathed in butterfly kisses. Know that we love you and miss you every single day. There is an empty space in our hearts without you here. http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/04/02/baby-boy/ Yesterday was our last day of Prelude. It was a great morning. Ivy and Noah had fun doing Easter craft. We had cake and I got everyone’s contact details. I am really going to miss Belinda and the group. It was such a positive experience for us but onwards and ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/03/27/grommets-and-the-girl-who-never-sleeps/ Today was a BUSY day. For a start, we all forgot to wind back the clock! So when we left for Newcastle, we thought it was 10:30 but it was actually only 9:30! We had to drop Imogen and Madeline off to St Andrew’s at midday for one last practice ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/03/25/rainy-nappylicious-music-filled-sunday/ My babies are growing up too fast. Ivy is now walking all over the loungeroom and can even corner now. All that in just a few days. Soon they’ll both be running. Noah is taking up to eight steps before he flings himself into whoever’s lap is convenient. This morning we ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/03/24/saturday-morning-blues/ Ugh, I hate night duty. It is so tiring but even more exhausting is coming home to look after Ivy and Noah on no sleep.Especially looking after, Ivy the no sleep wonder girl. At least Noah has himself in a strict sleep routine and I KNOW I’ll get at least ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/03/23/noah-in-a-box-and-night-duty-sucks/ It’s been a few days since the last entry. I guess we’ve been busy with work and school run and the like. Ivy and Noah had their hearing tests on Wednesday and all is well, despite numerous middle ear infections and perferations, Ivy can still hear ok. Noah just wizzed through his ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/03/22/hearing-tests-new-friends-clothes-and-fashion-shoots/ Well, the Iron Chef challenge was a great success. David made Vole vants from scratch and I made Vegie pasties. The kids loved both, going back for seconds and decided that we both won the competition therefore securing another cook off in the not too distant future.(They’re not silly) I was ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/03/19/iron-chef-a-success-and-goodbye-prelude/ Just a short add on to todays post. Ivy Hazel took her first two steps on her own! Born at 30 weeks gestation, I was starting to think that this walking business was a long time coming but we are up and running now, and I’m sure Noah won’t be ... http://threeringcircus.blogsome.com/2007/03/18/ivy-took-two-steps/