{Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real} - Baby Edition:)

I am a day late getting on board Like Mother, Like Daughter's weekly catch-up but we had a few minor domestic disasters yesterday afternoon which held me up:)

 {Pretty}

 I love pink and grey galahs.  They are pretty ubiquitous around here but this is the first time one has actually visited our bird feeder.

{Happy}

I am so happy I can finally share our baby news!  We had the 12 week scan on Saturday and all looks well.  It has been killing me keeping it a secret for the last 8 weeks:)

Another April baby, which means another baby we have to change obstetricians for mid-term because of postings.  Thankfully I have a supportive blogging community and another Australian Army Wife blogger - Posie Patchwork - was able to clue me in on my choice of Darwin obstetricians.

That would be a capital city with only three private obstetricians!  When I rang the obstetrician Posie (aka Jennie) had recommended his April quota was full.  But, thankfully his receptionist was lovely and when I explained my army wife situation and that our current obstetrician had scanned (at 9 weeks) and put the due date at April 30, she negotiated with the obstetrician - while I frantically offered prayers up heavenward - and he agreed to take me on.  

The relief!  

Relief which was somewhat tempered when we got the fee schedule and found out his fees were three times what it cost us to have Ginger here - but you can not a price on quality pregnancy and delivery care!  And, anyway I think that his fees reflect supply and demand for medical care in the Northern Territory - a growing population with few doctors willing to brave the working conditions.

{Funny}

Ginger dragged the dog's bed out last week.  

Apparently it makes a pretty comfy seat.

{Real}

Ah, morning sickness my old friend.

It explains my lack of posting the last 2 months.

It also explains the state of little Ashwin's (see update below*) quilt! 

I started the quilt six weeks ago when we learned he would be very early; it is still in pieces!  I went and bought a little outfit this week and posted it off. If my morning sickness with Ginger is guide I have another four weeks of this. So, Ashwin may be waiting some time for his quilt.  

On the upside I have not been anywhere near as non-functioning sick as I was with Ginger.  I just don't have the energy or inclination to do any more than I have to.  But, at least the house is tidy if not actually clean and I have  been capable of preparing some meals.:)

We just won't talk about the preparations for moving out in six weeks time;)

My own meals have been dominated by this goodie - Vegemite.  Manufactured in Australia since 1923, it is a yeast extract product. 

You really have to grow up with it to like it, but Australians generally love it.  It is salty as anything but, importantly, it is the world's richest known source of vitamin B and vitamin B is known to aid in controlling morning sickness. 

*An update with regards Ashwin.  The hospital he is in practices Kangaroo Care - as Leila has posted on before - so my cousin got to give him a Kangaroo cuddle on the second day after he was born.  And, on Sunday (4 days after he was born) she was able to breastfeed him for the first time (he still had his sucking reflex), and then he slept on her chest for 2 hours.  What great news!