A day at the beach

Footprint of life

with my big truck
mmm tastes good
pretty good arnt I
this is fun
watch those waves

The pram was loaded with towels, sun screen, togs, a ball, a truck, drink, food, umbrella, hats and anything else we could fit. Oh, and Reyes.

We were off to the beach, would you believe for the first time since we had moved to Spain. It was a lovely day, not too hot and not much wind. The mountains in the distance still had a dash of snow atop, which felt a bit weird considering we were sitting on the beach.

We found a great possie about 20mtrs back from the water. The sand was dry and the water was cold. Daddy took Reyes down to the waters edge, where Reyes dug his hands into the wet sand and proceeded to eat and wipe the sand all over himself and Daddy, to Daddy's concern. Once back up to our little area Reyes started to play in the sand- Then he was off, scuttling down towards the water (is that a word- he was commando crawling anyway, looked like a crab). He got all the way to the water, the waves were not big at all, you could not even call them waves, although one managed to engulf Reyes up to his waist, it was cold and he was scuttling off, which he thought was away from the icy cold water but instead he was going alongside it. Very funny. By this time sand was everywhere you could imagine. Needless to say, we stayed for a hour and enjoyed every minute. A quick pint and a tinto verana for Mum was on the cards so off we trotted.

Recovering from childbirth in a Spanish hospital

sleeping soundly
what big feet you have
ready to go home
precious angel


After my husband left the hospital and Reyes was in his crib beside me asleep, I was in and out of a fairly peaceful sleep.

I was lucky to have a room on my own, so the only interruptions were the nurses coming in to change my drip or check on some other tube that was coming out of me.

My luck with my own room was short lived. At about 10.30pm when the constant buzz outside my room was lowered to a soft buzz and I was just about out- A Spanish family arrived. My bed was nearer the door so the entourage had to walk past me to get to the other side of the room.

Let me explain the room. 2 beds, 2 chairs, 2 beside tables, 2 cupboards, 1 window and 1 toilet/ shower- so your typical 2 bed hospital room.

Well imagine 12 people crammed into it. Including me and Reyes, there was the pregnant wife, her husband, the mother, the grandmother, the 2 sisters and 2 friends.

As soon as they were all settled, 10 euros in coins was put into the television that was between both beds. This equated to 10 hours of non stop Spanish television. The grandmother was plonked in a chair in front of it and the rest of the entourage went off to have coffee and a cigarette.

I was now awake. On their return, there was much conversation going on. Between all 8 of them, all together, at the same time. After about an hour, the pregnant lady started to get bad contractions. She was sitting on her bed with 6 of the others, including her husband who was in deep conversation with one of the friends. No one, and I mean no one was taking any notice of her- except me- listening to someone going through contractions a short time after you have just gone through it is not something I recommend. It brings it ALL back. Anyway, after each contraction she was rushing to the toilet to be sick, clean herself up again, come out and wait for next one. Finally she must have said to her husband to call a nurse. They had her on a stretcher and off to a birthing by 2am. Now sleep.

At 5am, guess what, they were ALL back. A lovely little girl was born. Finally everyone left.

My room mate and I managed to communicate, sort of over the next 5 days as we both had to stay in for that long. She was lovely. Her husband stayed most nights. Snoring, farting and unwrapping to eat lollies till all hours of the night. Needless to say, I was pleased when they finally said I could go home.

That afternoon, 5 days after Reyes was born, we left the hospital as one family. It was great. He does sleep through anything, which is good.

Things I like on my plate

Love the Broccoli
My Favourite- Vegemite toast


It has been difficult to get Reyes to eat vegetables, although he does love Broccoli. Over the last couple of weeks I have been trialing new foods.

I blended up some cooked chicken breast the other day and to make the texture easy for him to eat, I mashed up a spoon full of baked beans with it. Not only did he like the beans but he seems to love the flavour of tomato.

From then on, I have been putting a spoonful of mashed baked beans or tomato paste in his vegetables and even in fish for him. Although he does love tuna and fish fingers.

We have given him small pieces of cooked beef and he really loves it. At first he would just suck at it, but now with most finger foods, he actually bites little bits off, chews with what teeth he has and swallows.

Vegemite toast for breakfast is his favourite. If I put strawberry jam or cheese on toast, he may not eat it all and the cheese ends up all over the floor.

Yogurt is the favourite dessert and also fruit, especially banana and nectarines are good at the moment. He also loves strawberries.

We have brought these Spanish style long crackers which are made of all grains and cereals. They are a handy snack.

I can pretty much mash up most of what we eat for Reyes, so it is getting easier. He enjoys most foods. I cant really think of anything that he wont eat.

Most meal times Reyes will stick out his tongue to a little taste before he opens his mouth for the spoon though, so you could say he is a bit fussy.

Skype chat to my mum the night before I had Reyes

Index: BLB- means bye-love-bye

Patsy Robinson says: Hi, how you going, did MJ give you the email thankyou for the flowers.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: Starting to get early labor pains- really sore lower back and front

Loretta and Michael McGill says: yes he did

Loretta and Michael McGill says: Got your email- I am glad you liked the suprise, your explanation made me cry!!

Patsy Robinson says: Gee! I wonder if you're going to come early or are they Braxton Hicks pains. I had them for three months with all of you. Mj said it made him laugh I told him I cried and laughed. Its nice to know you've married a man with a good sense of humour

Patsy Robinson says: The bit about MJ was about the email not your pains

Loretta and Michael McGill says: I have had BHs since week 20, they have never been painful just makes my belly go hard and a funny shape for a min or 2. If the are BHs they are more intense now and painful and longer....

Loretta and Michael McGill says: I figured that!!

Patsy Robinson says: Do they usually come at the same time everyday and go away at the same time, the pains I mean. Because I think mine would get stronger everyday as I was getting closer but then they would just stop later on in the day or night and then start up again the next day and I never knew what I was doing, that's why I always turned up at the hospital too early, fortunately I was never sent home again so I was still pretty much on the button.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: Really just started getting intense the last couple of days. I feel worse in the morning and then at night, but tonight I should already be at home with my feet up. Did that yesterday and felt good but sore this morning. Today could not get comfy, then since at bar have been busy and cleaning which i know I have overdone it but you know how you just feel like keep going, then it kills you!!

Loretta and Michael McGill says: When you have a contraction what is it supossed to feel like?? Patsy Robinson says: Yep! I do. Keep your feet up as much as possible, that's important. Where's your back pain, mine used to ache like mad even when I was sitting down but it was just at the top of the buttock.

Patsy Robinson says: Contractions varied with me but kind of like you've got wind

Loretta and Michael McGill says: Yeh, top of bum..... Like wind in your belly??

Patsy Robinson says: Yeah! that sounds pretty right but could still be BH. It's not until you go into a later labour that the pain can feel like really severe tummy cramps spreading right across your whole tummy, then they start to last longer and longer each time, you can't get comfortable and you think they're never going to go away, then all of a sudden it goes, you take a deep sigh of relief and wait for the next one, because you know it's going to happen.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: Cool- pretty painful but Im sure worse to come---- going home now to put feet up and try and get comfy........... Love you BLB.. (angel)

Patsy Robinson says: Wait a minute, I haven't finished yet. I've really forgotten just how severe they are because that's what happens to every woman, the joy and the glory of holding that little baby in your arms seems to erase all the pain form your memory. We believe God planned it that way when he said to Eve henceforth you shall bare all children in pain but then gave us the ultimate privilege of womanhood. Now I'll let you go BLB, God bless and keep me informed, you know you're getting closer and it's very exciting. Love you.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: she missed that one, but i will show it to her, she is in a cab, and on her way home, chat later xx blb MJ

Patsy Robinson says: Thanks MJ, I thought I might have missed her but it doesn't matter because I think I know how she feels. Tell her I love her and you and Reyes. BLB

Loretta and Michael McGill says: no probemo, will do, i will be going home in about an hour, she would not leave tonight, kept cleaning every thing

Patsy Robinson says: Sometimes wanting to keep on cleaning is a sign, keep an eye on her. Oh! my gosh, maybe I should get an earlier flight but don't panic it could just be a false alarm, no one ever knows with those little darlings.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: very true, we will see, i am pretty chilled, so all will be well

Patsy Robinson says: Good on you, catch you later, unless you want to keep chatting because no one ever really knows what the husbands are going through at times like this they only care about the mother to be. BLB

Loretta and Michael McGill says: well i am finally sitting here with a cold beer, relaxing, catching up on emails and world sport on the net, .... so I feel relaxed, but yes I agree we husbands dont get much of a say!!! i am fine, thanks for asking, all well,and waiting for the big day!!!!

Patsy Robinson says: If I'm excited, I can only try to imagine how much more-so you and Rett are, although I have been blessed with a very deep empathetic nature that I can almost feel what another person is feeling, so I don't know whether it's yours and Retts feelings I'm experiencing or my own. So kepp on trying to relax and you're going to need a lot more cold beers between now and then. Gosh! I'm all bubbling over inside, I just can't wait.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: ha ha, on that note, one more cold pint for me and I am off home to my lovely wife

Patsy Robinson says: BLB darling, cheers, all my love, God bless.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: rett just rang, are the fluids water or what are they

Loretta and Michael McGill says: she may have broken?

Patsy Robinson says: Just like water, what does she mean, have her waters broken, it's like you wee yourself. Got your other message I'm with you. Hec! yes she might have.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: so not a discharge? just water?

Patsy Robinson says: Yes, just water, another sign is called "a show" which is a small show blood as if you're about to get a period.

Patsy Robinson says: Not you, I mean her.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: cool xxxx

Patsy Robinson says: What does that mean, what's going on , has she had a show, are her waters broken or is everything OK. Talk to me.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: she had a scare, just a show!

Patsy Robinson says: If you mean a show of blood then that's what I'm talking about, it's another sign that she's ready.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: ok, will tell her

Patsy Robinson says: Yes, please tell her and then get back to me, it m ight be time to ring the hospital. The three major signs are contractions, a show and waters breaking. It could be one or all

Loretta and Michael McGill says: ok!!!!!!!!!!

Patsy Robinson says: Thanks

Patsy Robinson says: MJ what's happening, I'm panicking here.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: nothing...she is at home, i am here, nothing hapening

Patsy Robinson says: Sorry I panicked, I thought you said she had a show, presumably of blood, if she did then she's ready. Please clarify and then I'll leave you alone and get my story through to Amber before I get the sack.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: no blood

Patsy Robinson says: Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, sorry I was just a panic merchant and ruined your last beer, so have another one on me. See you soon BLB.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: no prob, 4 drinkers in now

Patsy Robinson says: You're kidding, you'll never get home but its all good for business. Have a good night and I'll have a good day.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: rett wants to know, when you were pregnant, how many days before you were in labour did you have contractions that were 4 to 5 mins apart?

Patsy Robinson says: That varied but if they're that close tell her to keep timing and be aware of the severity of the pains. The trouble is you never really know how bad they can feel until it really happens but all my labours were different. But Catherine was ten days late and I went through what Rett's going through for those ten days and more. Tell her to explain more about that discharge. It might be time, she's just got to keep checking the pains and possibly phone the hospital for further advice.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: i am going home right now to make sure!!!!!!!

Loretta and Michael McGill says: cant phone hospital , they are spanish!!!

Patsy Robinson says: Good on you, somehow or other keep in touch, it could be a false alarm or the real thing.

Loretta and Michael McGill says: ok, off now over and out!!!

Patsy Robinson says: BLB

Loretta and Michael McGill says: blb xx

Patsy Robinson says: I'm staying on-line even when I go to bed, so please send me a message I'll keep checking throughout the night. Please contact me.

Patsy Robinson says: Disregard previous message, I sent it before Ret rang me, however I still don't know how to contact either of you.

Needless to say, the next time we spoke to mum was May 15th once Reyes was born. Mum and my niece Emily arrived in Spain on May 29th as mum wanted to be here for the birth, alas Reyes came early and she missed out. She enjoyed her 3 weeks here with her new grandchild.

First Easter

No Chocolate but eggs on toast was the brerakfast for the day. Daddy has gone off to the bar.

May 14th 2007

Went to the bar as normal, you were due on May 30th so we were still 2 weeks away from thinking anything was going suprise us. We had a good day business wise and there were a few returners in town, we had organised dinner a couple for Friday (it was Monday). Staying late in the bar was not my thing lately as I was getting tired alot. But this day I stayed to see friends. It was around 9pm and I decided to go and clean the kitchen, I felt like I needed to just clean. I started to feel really tired and sort of different within an hour. It was early morning in Australia so with the communication world, I skyped mum to have a chat.

The chat from this night is worthy of its own post- it will follow shortly.

Well the rest of the story speaks for itself. Michael headed home promptly after running past all the other bars shouting out that I was having you. I was having contractions but Michael and I tried to get some sleep. It wasnt working as they became 3 minutes apart, so I decided to have a shower to make e feel a bit better, as my back was very sore.

I had a show as I got out of the shower and then my waters started to break. We called a ouple of friends that said they would get us to the hospital, as we did not have a car. Being that it was 2am in the morning, we had no luck. Michael called our friends Michael and Michael. They got into a cab straight away and headed up to our apartment. On the way to the cab my waters were still leaking. The Michaels bid us good luck and we were on our way. The hospital was about 20mins away, it seemed like forever for me as the contractions were getting more severe.

I was examined and we were put into a birthing suite. From this point on until I was all tubed up and wisked off for an emergency c- section, for me was all a bit blurry. It seemed like days, it was 6 hours. I was in pain most of the time, while around me Michael was taking photos, everyone and I mean everyone wanted a look. Not pretty, but the pain seemed to make me not care about all that.

By 9am they had decided a c- section was the only option as my pelvis was too small to push you out, and as my waters had broke earlier, you were in a bit a stress. Michael was ushered out another door and I was taken into theatre. Not being up with the language, Michael was out of the know asto what was going on. He wasnt allowed to come into the operating room.

My experience was one of fear (epedural in) bliss (starting to work) curious (no feeling what so ever from waist down, someone cutting me opn and you being born) AMAZING.

So at 10.16am you were born.

While I was being stitched up, a nurse bought you to me. You were all wrapped up so I could only see your little face and a bit of your hair. Lots of hair and RED. What, where did that come from? The nurse lowered your face down to touch mine and I kissed you. It was the most fulfilling state I had ever been in.

I was wheeled out of the theatre and on the way to recovery Michael was there. He looked distressed and upset. I felt for him but the state I was in, could not show my full emotions for what I was feeling for him. I was taken to recovery where I stayed for 2 hours till I could start to feel my legs again. I arrived into a ward at about 1pm where Michael was waiting.

He began by relaying the last 4 hours of his life to me.
This will be posted separatly- so keep an eye out for it.
It as not until 4pm that afternoon, you were brought into us.

And the story continues

As Reyes is now 10 months old, there is much that has happened between when he made his way into the world and to present day.

Over the next couple of days/ weeks, I will endeavour to catch up on the life of Reyes and the bonds and love between a mother and son and a happy family. I will also go back into the lives of Michael and Loretta Mcgill (me) who are the proud parents of Reyes Anthony McGill. Born 15th May 2007.

Where it all began

Pregnancy Diary for Loretta and Michael McGill.

September 6th 2006
Michaels Birthday and also the day we believe our little bundle was conceived. At this time we had left our jobs, gotten married in Italy, bought a bar in Spain and had been living between our mums places as we also moved out of our apartment. We were due to fly to Spain in a week and a half. Having been off the pill for 3 months, we were not really trying but letting nature take its course, and it did this day. My last period was 20.8.06. 1 week exactly before our big party in Aus with all our family and friends.

September 15th 2006
After a teary day at the airport we flew out of Sydney, on our way to Spain- via Perth and England.

September 18th 2006
After spending 3 great days with Matt and Karla in Perth, we left Australia for a long time and headed to England.

September 20th 2006
Ready to spend a few days with Family, we arrived in England then onto Spain.

September 24th 2006
After a delayed flight from England and a really long day, we touched down in Malaga and headed straight to our hotel. Ready to start our new life in Spain.


September 26th 2006
I had been late with my period but was not sure if it was just from the excitement and changes we had had over the last couple of weeks. I had a pregnancy test with me as I had bought 2 back in Aus and had used 1 at Reseys when we both got too excited one day and tried it. I wasn’t then but this morning I did a test while Michael was still in bed. Both stripes came up, I was very excited but a waited a few minutes to make sure it was right then went out to Michael and asked him if he wanted to be a daddy. He was so happy and said yes straight away. We were both very excited and after working back through the dates we knew we were nearly 6 weeks. This was very early for us to spread our great news but we ended up being so excited we decided to tell the grandparents in a couple of days as we knew all would be fine.

September 28th 2006
Today we text Grandpa and Nana, Grandma and Anka. They were all very happy. This started a chain of message across the world as everyone was finding out that our little bundle of joy was on its way.
I had stopped drinking alcohol a couple of weeks prior and had not had much before then as well. Giving up smoking when I first met Michael has done the world of good as well. So I felt really good and we were on the way to making a perfect little baby.

October 01st 2006
Today we are 6 weeks pregnant, and also today is the day we opened “Kangaroo Bar” on the Costa Del Sol in Spain.

October 8th 2006
7 weeks- I have no morning sickness or any sickness for that matter as yet, so I am feeling good. I have not had any weird cravings but always seem to want Pizza and Ice cream too.
We are busy in the bar but I am feeling fine with the hours we are doing. I am not feeling tired as we sleep enough at the moment.

October 15th 2006
8 weeks- This week I have started to have a siesta in the afternoons for a couple of hours as I am starting to get tired and emotional. I seem to be crying at the littlest things or nothing at all really and am feeling tired a lot.

October 22nd 2006
9 weeks- Much the same as week 8. No sickness but still tired and a bit emotional.

October 29th 2006
10 weeks- This week we had our first appointment with the clinic. Because we do not know much of the language, it was hard to communicate and I was getting very upset as no one was willing to help. Michael finally asked a group of people sitting in the waiting room if anyone knew how to speak English. A lovely Spanish lady Rosie said she could help. She came with us to the consultation and translated. At this time we booked an Ultra sound and a blood test.

November 05th 2006
11 weeks- We are doing long days and late nights in the bar as business is great so I still need a siesta in the afternoon. My emotions are back in check but I still have a moment hear and there. Being away from Family could be also hard for us both.
Had blood tests this week and all was fine.

November 12th 2006
12 weeks- I have found a web site that gives us a weekly update as to what is going on inside me. All seems fine. I am still not sick or having any pain, which is great. Emotions are fine now too.
We had an Ultra sound this week. They spoke OK English so it was a wonderful day. We finally got to see our little bundle of joy rolling about having a great time inside my belly. We both could not take our eyes off the screen, it was amazing. He/ she measured at 6.51cm long (head and body)
After seeing with my own 2 eyes, I felt then I was truly caring an angel. At times it hadn’t even felt like I was pregnant, as I am still not really showing. From this point on both Michael and I were really just amazed at what we had done.

November 19th 2006
13 weeks- Working from 12-12 with Fridays off. I am not as tired now and do not need siesta. My emotions are fine now too. I am eating heaps though as my appetite is huge. I am really enjoying fruit and all the good stuff.
We had our first appointment with our GP this week. Rosie came with us which was good as she does not speak much English. We are learning more though and I was able to understand many of the words. My blood pressure was normal and all was well. As yet they could not hear the heartbeat.

November 26th 2006
14 weeks- It has started to get colder, so we are rugging up more now.
Another blood test this week, which tests for Down Syndrome. I felt a bit funny for a few days hoping that all would be well. If there were any problems I am sure they would call us. No calls and no appointment till 8.1.07. Feeling OK about it and all will be fine.
Getting a bit more tired when walking up the hill to home. Only doing 12-6pm in the bar as the nights are colder and not many people around. We are relaxing at home, having meals at home and reading lots of books.

December 03 2006
15 weeks- My best past time now that we are spending more time at home is to put my hands on my belly and feel our little one moving around. It is very faint but I can feel movement.
This week I had a very bad migrane on Friday. I had to lie down for a few hours. My belly went really hard at one point when my head was worst. I felt a bit worried and not sure what was happening. I told myself all was fine and our little one was fine. It didn’t last long and my migrane was gone the next day. I felt a lot better.
We have bought a couple of outfits and are starting to look at baby things that we will need.



January- 28th- Sunday 2007

Unfortunately when our computer hard drive crashed we lost the weekly diary I was keeping. I had printed out up to week 16, so I am going to try and go back over the last 8 weeks and put everything together. From this week, it will be in weekly format again.

By week 16 I was feeling Braxton Hicks contractions and faint movements.
Over the next few weeks we had a couple of tests and clinic visits which were all positive, the tests all came back OK and we got to hear the heart beat which was amazing. I was putting on the right weight and all is good.
By week 19 I was showing a bit and defiantly looked pregnant and feeling great.
On New years day I got a bit worried because I hadn’t felt movement for a couple of days. After speaking to Resey I felt better and the little one made up for it over the next couple of weeks, letting me know he was there.
From week 20 I had popped right out and Michael could feel kicks now. Because we were finishing early and going home to relax on the lounge and have dinner at home, we were feeling lots of movement at this time, then when we would go to bed and when I finally settled and began to sleep, he would wake and kick heaps. I would press on my belly where the kick was and he would kick back, amazing!!
He can hear from week 20 and we have started to sing every morning and night to him. "You are my sunshine".

Week 23- start of 24
We had our second scan this week. Watching the pictures on the screen was amazing. The doctor showed us your head, belly, feet, hands, all your organs and then let us know that we were having a Spanish boy, we both had tears of joy, daddy especially as he had said all along you were a boy. I was happy that all was well and the doctor said also that you are a big boy.
We sing to you every day and will start telling you about your family out in the big world from this week.
We Love to play games with you when you kick out. We softly push you back and you kick back, it is really cool. We are starting to look at little boy outfits and are very excited and cant wait till you come into the world. All the family and friends are excited too.
Even before you were on your way, we looked up Spanish names for a boy and girl so you will be called Reyes Anthony McGill. Reyes means King in Spanish and Anthony is named after your Uncle Anthony who you will never meet on earth but will know all about him while you are growing up.
We Love you Reyes. Mummy and Daddy.

Week 24- start of 25- 4th February 2007
This week I really started to enjoy a sleep in and be less active- although the walk to and from the bar is still great and good exercise for me. Daddy leaves early and I meet him down there later. At night in bed my legs are a bit painful down the sides as I have to lie on my side, and my back is a bit sore. It is because you are getting bigger and your weight presses on my nerves and gives me some pain, but this is all a part of bringing a special little one into the world so I am loving being pregnant and Daddy looks after me too. We love still feeling you move around inside me and can even see the movement now. Getting bigger every week, can not do my jacket up now, so it is good that the whether is getting warmer.

Week 25- start of 26- 11th February 2007
Suffered from more sore legs at night then for 3 nights had the worst back ache. As quickly as it appeared- it went, what a relief.
Still enjoying getting bigger by the week and feeling the even stronger kicks now and you moving around in my belly.
Having days at a time where I am very tired and enjoy a sleep in and laze about all day. Daddy lets me stay at home from the bar. I walk down and see him later in the day to walk home with him. Then I have one day of being really active . It only last a day as I wear myself out then need to rest again.

Week 26- start of 27- 18th February 2007
Now that the weather is getting warmer we are eating lots of fruit and have had salad which will now be a bigger part of our diet. You seem to enjoy whatever I eat.
Valentines Day this week, Daddy and I went out with friends to a bar up in Torremolinos- it was loud as there was Karioke on- you were kicking a bit and I can imagine trying to turn away from the noise. Daddy sung “Down Under”. We had a yummy dinner then went home. The next morning I was lying on the lounge- you started to kick so I had my hand where you were kicking- I pushed back and you kicked again. Then you did something that brought happy tears to my eyes. You moved about slowly and it felt like you were snuggling right into my hand- it was amazing. You seemed to go a bit quite by the end of the week, and then it felt like you had a growth spurt as I am defiantly bigger again.
Love you Little Reyes
Mummy and Daddy.

Week 27- start of 28- 25th February 2007
We had an appointment this week at the doctors. We heard your little heart beating, you were measured and I was checked out with blood pressure and weight. In the last 2 months I have put on 6kgs. You are apparently a big boy. Everything is well with both you and Mummy. We are now at 6months, only 3 to go. I am really enjoying being pregnant and still everything is fine. I am getting enough rest in the day and go and help Daddy in the afternoon. We are getting a lot busier now so it is good. We have picked out what we want to buy for you to sleep in and a stroller for you also. Your Anka has bought you lots of goodies too in Australia. Everyone cannot wait to see you, especially me and Daddy. You will meet Grandma and cousin Emily first as they are coming over for you to be born then Anka, then your Uncle Michael and Aunty Lianna. In December we will get on a plane when you are about 7 months and fly to Australia which is 24 hours away, to visit all the other relatives.


Week 28- start of 29- 4th March 2007
Seem to be getting bigger every week still. You are about half your weight that you will be once you are born now, so we have still got a bit more growing to do. You have filled out my belly quiet well. I feel your every move. When you are old enough to read this, and look at the photos of me while you are in my belly, you will see, I am all Reyes.

Week 29- start of 30- 11th March 2007
Week 30- start of 31- 18th March 2007
It was my Birthday this week on the 15th and we had a lunch BBQ with some friends at the Michaels Bar.
Nothing much has changed, you are getting bigger inside me every day it seems. Some days you are more active than others. Mainly at night when I sit and relax on the lounge or go to bed you start to squirm around. Daddy can feel you move really well now. I find it a bit more tiresome to walk up the hill to home now. I have to stop a few times. Other than that, all is well and we are both healthy.

Week 31- start of 32- 25th March 2007
Another week of growing for you, and my belly. It is really starting to stretch tight to fit you all in. I use a special cream every day on my belly so it doesn’t itch. You have started to drop down a bit which I am sure means you are getting into position ready to join us into the world. Everyone around town and all our customers ask when you are due and are very happy for us. Most of the customers want to come back to see you once you are born. You will get to meet many people from all over the world, you might not remember it but we will get photos so we can show you later when you are older.

Week 32- start of 33- 1st April 2007
Having a bit of a sore back lately, but Daddy rubs it for me and makes me feel better. You seem to like it when I have a shower. The water running over my belly must feel good, then when I rub the cream on my belly, you move about because it would be like as massage for you. We have met another lady who had a baby last September, his name is George, maybe you will be friends when you are older. She let us know when we go to the hospital what happens. I am not even nervous, but know it will be painful. I am going to be so happy that you are coming into the world that hopefully I will not feel it as much. Mummy and Daddy Love you little Reyes.

Week 33- start of 34- 8th April 2007
All going well. It is Easter this week so you are really enjoying the chocolate easter eggs. Walking about is getting a bit slower and I have to rest more often. I am working at the Bar from 12 with Daddy now then having dinner by 8pm and I walk home while it is still light. At the moment I am relaxing by watching TV or reading a book. Daddy gets home by 1am and we go to bed. We are looking after Sammy the dog for John and Lynne as they are in Africa for a holiday. He is a little white ball of fluff, and very cute. We have a friend staying for a few months, Bec and she is helping out around the place. She has felt and seen you move around in my belly. Sleeping is still uncomfortable a bit as I move from side to side all night. You let me know if you were more comfortable on the other side though. When I change sides you start to kick and get in a good position again. It feels really cool. We still sing to you at night, so I hope you are hearing us and can remember once you arrive. We are organizing your bed and pram to be shipped from America by uncle Daryl next week. Also a friend of ours is making you a cupboard so I can put all your bits in. I cant wait for it all to arrive so we can set it all up and be ready for you arrive. Loving you Reyes- Mummy and Daddy.

Week 34- start of 35- 15th April 2007
This week I have probably worked too long each day down the bar, though I have been feeling really good. It must be me getting ready for you to arrive. I gave the apartment a big spring clean on Monday. On Tuesday we had a final scan to make sure all is fine. We have a little picture of you with your hands together up under your chin. It is so cute. Everyone that comes in the bar has seen it. On Wednesday I was down the bar all day, washing windows and writing signs as we are doing some renovations and have got new signage ready for summer. We have been really busy with customers and the weather is nice and hot.
You are getting bigger and moving often. Your calculated weight is 2.6kg which is about 6pounds at the moment, so I would expect you to be around 8 pounds when you are born. Daddy was 9.6 pounds, which is very big.

Week 35- start of 36- 22nd April 2007
I am feeling really good right now and looking great. A couple of weeks ago I felt puffy and tired. I still feel tired and my legs are really sore at night and when I am walking but I feel as though I have more energy. Again this week I have been busy. Last Friday we went and bought all your bits. A cot, pram, bouncer and our friend made your cabinet, which I have filled with all your goodies that we have bought or from friends. If there is one thing that I have had to do with pregnancy that I have had to deal with is pimples on my back and shoulders. From about week 20 I was getting a pimple every day and I felt a bit yukky. But from last week they seem to be clearing and all in good time as it is getting warmer and I can wear clothes that show my back and not be bothered. My face and hair I think are the best they have been, and I am told by my Hairdresser, it is thanks to you growing inside me. Not long to go now. If you were born anytime from now, all would be fine as you are fully together, all you are doing now is growing bigger and filling out my stomach. I can feel you pushing on my ribs now as you grow, and we still play games where you move and I touch you and you move back.

Week 36- start of 37- 29th April 2007
Started a book this week at the Bar to pick what day you are born. I have felt that you will come early all along. I have picked the 24th and Daddy has picked the 25th. The odds are against us of course because most first babies come later. I just feel it. We will know soon enough. You have seemed to drop lower, some days more than others. I really don’t mind when you come but I cant wait to see you. Getting more and more tired. Cant last too long at the bar now. Do have bursts of energy but they don’t last long. Turning from one side to another all night and having to put 2 big pillows behind me early morning and sleep half sitting up as it is more comfortable. Everyone is having their say as to how I am looking and when you are going to come, its quiet funny, everyone is interested. It is beginning to get very warm, but our apartment stays cool all day, which will be good for you so you don’t get too hot. Still want to buy a fan though just in case. My belly button has popped out so it must be right that the doctors are saying you are big boy. All is well out here and I feel all is well with you in there, so Loving you, Bye for now, Mummy and Daddy.

Week 37- start of 38- 6th May 2007


Week 38- start of 39- 13th May 2007

Week 39- start of 40- 20th May 2007

Week 40- Due 27th May 2007