World Traveller - Amsterdam and the home stretch

Well, what can we say, Amsterdam is one of our favourite European destinations. Obviously things were different travelling with the little man in tow but it still rates highly. We decided to rent an apartment on the outskirts of the centre - close to parks, good cafes and restaurants. We spent our days walking the streets and canals, watching the autumn leaves fall and stopping regularly for food, coffee and beer. We ventured into the centre once, which was also the only day where Jed developed a little cold. He had the runny nose, red eye look going on, blending in quite well with all those seedy coffee shop punters.

Vondelpark was a real treat. Massive, beautiful, parklands that takes hours to walk around with a great cafe (although we got attacked by pigeons - much to Jed's amusement). We definitely relaxed but it wasn't too long until we were back on a plane, heading to London for the weekend before the flight home.

It was definitely not as smooth sailing as the flight over. I have a little tradition at Heathrow. Every time I'm there, I head to the seafood bar for a glass of bubbles, some of the freshest salmon around and sit back and recap on my fabulous holiday. And this is exactly what we did. Jed was asleep in the pram, we drank, ate, reminisced and possibly got ourselves a little too relaxed before the flight home. We had to wake Jed up to board, only to be delayed for 2 hours. Just like his parents, the little man does not like a delay. And this was only the beginning. We were pretty much delayed every leg of the trip, totalling around an extra 6 hours of travel. Jed managed to sleep for about 8hrs of the total 28hrs travel time - he was exhausted the poor little tacker. To add to his crankness, I had not packed much food for him for the flight. On the way over, I had brought all his meals on board, but he was supplied with a delicious array of fine canned and jarred baby foods which came with the price of the ticket. So I thought I might have overkilled on the pre-packed food and decided only to bring a few jars - big mistake. After waking from his night-time sleep, when we were all enjoying a not so delicious eggs and mini sausage breakfast, Jed was supplied with a can of chicken hot pot and a can of chocolate egg custard - both of these things he had never tasted before and was certainly not interested in doing so at breakfast time on a plane.

Upon arriving in Melbourne and waiting 1 1/2hrs for our luggage, we headed home - delirious and kinda wide awake. It took us all around a week to get back our southern hemisphere body clock but it was certainly worth it. What a wonderful, fun filled, sometimes challenging holiday we just had! Thank you to all who so generously looked after us. We hope we can do the same to you if you're ever in Melbourne.

World Traveller - Sweden

After saying farewell to Mops and Pops in the UK, we flew over to Sweden to visit the gorgeous, most hospitable of friends - John, Sal and Arjun. We caught an evening flight, which again was totally out of the norm for the little man, but once again he just went with it and was totally chilled. My only small complaint would be that on take off, I breastfed Jed (helps clear his ears) and he fell asleep, but not before doing the most hugest poo (tennis ball size) just before. So here I have this beautiful rare moment where my gorgeous son is calmly and so cutely asleep in my arms but with this nasty stench warming my lap - I guess thems the breaks!

The major highlight for Jed would have to be that he found first gear! Yep - little man is crawling and crawling forwards! After a couple of months of backward commando moves, it was pure pleasure to see him finally move forward. We'd been in training for weeks - placing tantalizing objects (beer bottles being his favourite) in front of him hoping to lure him forward, only to see him shuffle himself backwards, further away from the object. A few times I've taken my eyes off him for a second to find him reversed under the couch with only his head and arms sticking out. He didn't seem frustrated (attention span is still extremely short) but he was certainly looking pretty happy with himself when he finally got the moves right.

Jed also indulged in some traditional Swedish cuisine. While travelling, he certainly had his fair share of jar baby foods (to my disgust but what are you going to do?). Being in a country where ingredients on labels are not in English, Jed was introduced to a variety of new flavours. I'd generally go for the jars with vegetables displayed on the label but we thought we'd see if he'd like a little fish. The jar had some fish meat, potatoes and herbs on the label - looked pretty good to me. Sal tells us that it was a very traditional Swedish dish and hey, we were in Sweden after all.... Jed didn't mind it either, the only problem was, it left the most intense after smell on his little breath! Very fishy and very dilly - ugh.. And unfortunately little man is too young for toothpaste or mouthwash so we just had to sit it out.

We also just want to say a massive thank you to our fabulous hosts - you guys are the best and it was absolutely lovely to see you all again. We miss you all xxxxxoooo

World Traveller - England

Jed's first overseas trip! Off to England, Sweden and Amsterdam we go! We boarded the plane to London in Sydney with many of our fellow passengers giving us that look - 'damn, I'm sitting near a baby - you better not be a cryer' and fortunately for them, Jed was the best behaved baby one could hope for. He slept most of the way to Singapore and when he was awake, he played happily with the complimentary toothbrush provided. We'd spent quite a while at home deciding what toys to take on the trip, something for each mood etc. If only we had known a simple toothbrush would help him pass the hours! Upon arriving in London, we were approached by many passengers congratulating us on such a well behaved little man. There were even some applauses when disembarking the airplane. Jed certainly knows how to put on the charm. Coy little smiles and giggles - it'll make anyone go ga-ga.

England was fantastic. Lots of family time with relatives that we unfortunately don't get to see very often. In London, Jed met his cousins (or 2nd or 3rd cousins?) George (3) , Otis and Frankie (the gorgeous twins, 3 months) for the first time which was a real treat. Jed spent lots of time looking up at his older cousin George, playing (and almost swallowing!) his Lego; they even managed a couple of baths together. I totally get why our parents did it to us - put us all in the bath - save a bit of water and what a great photo opportunity! See family photos for pics...

Then it was 10 days in the north with the famous Mops and Pops. Jed met his great Mops Frieda for the first time - another very special family moment as well as many 'Crazy Carter' and Boagey relatives. Again, Jed put on the charms with each and everyone – there was plenty of cheek pulling and cuddles. We also took a few day road trips to the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moores, where we dined at our first Michelin star pub in the beautiful little country town, Herome. Again, Jed on his best behaviour - good little man. And speaking of culinary delights, Jed had his first taste of ice-cream. You see Redcar, where my father grew up and where we were staying is famous for it's Pacito’s ice-cream. Every time we would visit as kids, there was always a mad dash to Pacito’s (my dad in the lead) where we would all indulge. I was very excited to give Jed his first taste. So, after his lunch (avocado, yoghurt and apple) I slipped a little taste of the creamy goodness in his mouth. Unfortunately, this didn't go down too well at all. Jed dry reached, then projectile vomited his entire lunch all over the floor and me - poor little guy! I felt awful!

London was crazy. So many people to see and not much time to do it in. Jed was a real trooper though, particularly on the tube. Trying to navigate a pram up and down stairs is always a challenge but surprisingly, somebody would always offer some assistance. And at the end of each day, Jed required assistance with clearing out black snot from his nose - dirty, dirty tube.

Jed versus Godzilla

First there was Sylvester Stallone in Rambo, then Bruce Willis in Die Hard now there is a new action hero on the block. Check out Jed Gurtman starring in this Summer's biggest action flick: Jed versus Godzilla!!

ROUND 1 - Godzilla dominates early


ROUND 2 - Jed fights back


ROUND 3 - Godzilla fights back


ROUND 4 - Jed goes for the kill


ROUND 5 - Jed wins!!


Words and pictures from the newest dad on the block - Mr J Gold Roberts: father of Jed's new playmate, Caspar Dylan Roberts

Mirror mirror on the wall....

Who's the cutest of them all?

Two Teeth

Yep - little man grew 2 teeth! Bottom row, middle section. Unfortunately it's been very hard to even get a glimpse of his new pearly whites, let alone snap them up on camera. They have only just broken through the gum so I'm sure we'll capture the magic with one of those gorgeous smiles when they grow a bit more. And so far, so good (touch wood) no biting on the breast - one of my worst nightmares. He loves having a gnaw on his teething rings, spoons, pretty much anything that he can get into his mouth. Lots of dribble, lots of fun.

Food Glorious Food

Jed has been introduced to solids recently. Well, the books call it solids - it's really sloppy jollopy mashed up food. He adores pear, apple, carrot, pumpkin and can even handle pureed zucchini but he presses his tiny little lips together on swede. And who can blame him? Steamed, then pureed swede. Does that sound like a treat? I think not.
For the first few days Jed was offered many kinds of distractions in the form of entertainment to help him open sesame for the pureed goodness. Luke shaked his ass to Magoo and Timbaland, I sang 10000 green bottles, even Rudi participated sitting in front of the high chair, trying to keep the little man amused (and at the same time, licking any slops that fell to the floor).
Jed is completely mesmerized by Rudi. He's become his favourite toy. Doggy rides, ear and tail pulling and Rudi has become the official poo detector. A little sniff near Jed's butt and you can be sure there's a little something in there for you..

We can't believe it's been almost 6 months since the arrival of the little man. He's growing up so quickly and everyday brings something new. This week he's loving the sound of scrunching newspapers, gargling saliva in his throat with different tones and has just started doing the most gorgeous cackles where he closes his eyes with laughter, cackling away, sometimes for no other reason than somebody smiling at him - it is truly beautiful.

A Beary Cold Week

Not much to report this week. It's been pretty cold so we've been indoors heaps - hence the many staged fashion shoots you'll see in family photos. It was 3 degrees the other morning! Brrrrrrr winter is a comin'..
Jed's been enjoying swims at the pool; we've introduce the jolly jumper which brings stitches of laughter to all of us and he's been a chicken (for Elija's 3rd birthday) and a bear (just for fun). We've been to mums and bubs gym classes (try using a 7.5kg baby as a weight when doing lunges - ouchy!), mothers group (where he held hands with Maggie for the first time - without crying and unstaged!) and we had some lovely walks around Merri Creek.

Jed's First Swim

We took Jed to Northcote Aquatic Centre this weekend for his first swim and full immersion in water (sounds like a baptism or something doesn't it?). We set off quite early in the morn as the pool can get very noisy with the sound of squealing kiddies. (early on, you just have the old nonas doing their hydrotherapy and the occasional freak who wakes at 7am on a Sunday morning).
Jed loved it. We popped him on a kick board and he kicked his little chubby legs about the pool. He was a little confused about getting dunked though. He didn't cry but had this very shocked look on his face. Good little man. I think we're going to be frequent visitors of the pool - lots of fun!!

Mean Mr Mustard

Luke and I have re-named Jed's poo Mr Mustard. It's pretty self explanatory really. Same consistency - sometimes Hot English, sometimes Dijon. And sometimes Mr Mustard can be mean. We have recently overcome a poo drought. 9 days with no poo. Usually Jed is a once every 2-3 days kind of guy so you can imagine our relief when Mr Mustard finally arrived. I was in a meeting at work when the text came through from Luke - "I saw Jed make mustard with my own eyes" - hilarious. I was so glad Luke was on the receiving end of this one. He can often go a couple of weeks without having to change a mustardy nappy. But this time, Jed saved his best for dad. Well done son. And it certainly was a ripper with Luke also describing the action as soft serve like. HA!

And how's this for a scale of what is 'normal' for a breastfed baby to poo. From 10 times a day to once every 3 weeks! I mean really! We know a few bubs that have gone the distance (Cash did 2 weeks, Coco, 3 weeks) and sometimes bubs apparently require 'assistance'. We haven't had to go there with yet, but everyone seems to have their own little technique ranging from the pinkie finger to some vas on the end of a cotton tip. Something to look forward to I guess - ain't parenthood grand!

Mops and Pops

Jed and I visited my parents (Mops and Pops) in Brisbane last week. We had our first plane ride together which went quite smoothly considering the horror stories I've heard. Apparently my brother screamed from Melbourne to London with my dad literally walking the aisles for 24hrs. (Look forward to that one in September!) This time around, Jed didn't seemed phased at all. I think it had something to do with the extra feeds during take off and landing - the greedy little monster.

Brisbane was warm and sunny and Jed got a little bit more wear out of his summer wardrobe. Mops was in heaven. Jed pretty much spent an entire week in her arms while she google and gaggled. He of course, loves a little attention so he was in heaven too. Lots of fun times were had - hanging out with mops and pops in bed in the mornings, nudie time in the afternoons, aeroplane rides (with dribble trails) all around the house - Jed hardly ever touched the ground.

Luke flew up for my first Mothers Day. I got a little sleep in and the boys cooked up a seafood storm for dinner. Jed bought me a beautiful dress. He's got such good taste already - very advanced for his age!
Luke and I went out to dinner by ourselves for the first time since the little man arrived. It felt very strange to be without him. 3 wines later, it was like old times. 4 wines later, it was nigh nigh time for Rachel.

Man Boobs, Baby Boobs

Spot the baby nestled within the woolly mammoth.

Hand Eye Co-ordination

Jed is developing hand eye co-ordination. The little man is growing up so fast! It's very exciting. So far, he can manouvere a rattle towards his mouth, using his fists. Occasionally he'll grab hold of it and shake it in the air, however, he doesn't really know he's doing it.
He knows he has hands, because he can suck on his fingers, but he hasn't quite worked out that they are connected his arms, which will work as a human crane, assisting to place the rattle in his mouth. It's extremely amusing, yet somewhat frustrating watching the little fella have a go. Also, this week fart noises are the funniest thing in the world.

Jed and his 12DD's

My boobs are temporarily on loan to Jed. They are his to suckle on at least 5-6 times a day. It's been one of the most challenging things about being a new mum.

Considering they leak continuously and I have to wear a bra pretty much 24 hours a day, I thought I'd shout myself some more of those very sexy maternity bras. So off to Myers we went for a fitting. Luckily, we got one of those older lady attendants. You know the ones - they've been there for years, boobs and bras are their life. And low and behold, after been poked and prodded around, I've been informed I am now a 12DD. A 12DD!!! It's just ridiculous really....

Jed and Sian

I love a staged photo shoot - I just can't help myself. This is Jed and his lady friend Sian, daughter of Sam and Damian. She's 2 days younger than the little man and is just gorgeous. I was trying to get them to hold hands and smile at the camera. This is as close as I got. How cheeky does Jed look? With such a shortage of baby girls amongst our friends, we were quick to baggs young Sian - she's a little keeper!

Jed's First Road Trip

Nothing like a bit of fresh air. We took the little man on his first road trip. Across to Hamilton for a few days, then along the Great Ocean Road to Anglesea. He pretty much slept through all the sites and delights, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It wasn't like our usual road trips which involve lots of sleep ins, getting drunken in local pubs but nevertheless, it was nice to have a change of scenery. Check out family phtos for more pics...

PS - we need roof racks for future trips - the little man has so much baggage!

Public Poos

Sorry, another poo story.

So, I had to go to Northcote Plaza a couple of days ago to get a few groceries. It was that 38 degree stinking hot day so I decided to drive up with Jed. Just as we were about to leave the house, there was some 'thunder down under' sounds coming from Jed. I thanked him for being so thoughtful and pooping before we left the house. After a quick nappy change we were on our way.

In the carpark, as I reached down to grab Jed, I heard some more 'rumbles in the jungle'. Damn it! I would usually change him in the boot but it was so hot and windy so after checking for leakages, I decided to pop him in the strap on (baby bjorn) and change him in the 'parent room' in the Plaza.

On our way to the parent room I noticed a wet feeling on my tummy. I looked down at Jed and he had his poo face on. (refer to Poocano story for picture of 'I've just done a poo' face). There it was - yellowy, slimy poo leaking through his clothes, dribbling down his legs, finally making it's way through to my clothes.
I began to walk at a faster pace, not wanting to draw attention to myself. There was more thunder and rumbles. Stuff the Plaza people, I made a run for it. Jed's poo continued to dribble, even leaving a trail of poo drops through the Plaza as we bolted for the change room.

Finally, the parent room. My saviour! Not. It was most disgusting change room to date. I've been visiting lots of parent rooms around town and most are pretty good. Other than the obvious change table, you'll often find a comfy couch or nice arm chair for feeding and a sink with soap to wash pooey hands. Some even have microwaves. Not this one.

To start with, it totally stank. And not of little baby poo but of big adult poo - totally gross, I almost gagged. The change table itself, looked ancient and like it hadn't been cleaned like, ever. There was no way I was putting my pooey baby's body on that. I almost headed to Centre Management to complain but I had other issues to deal with first.
Good thing I carry a change mat with me, bad thing I only had one singular baby wipe to clean up so much poo!!!! I almost wanted to do the 'dunk in the sink' clean but even the sink that was totally gross. Thankfully I did have a spare cloth nappy handy to help with the mess.

Did I mention, all the while this was going on, Jed was making the cutest coo-ing and caa-ing noises ever? Like he was totally enjoying himself watching me in such a chaotic state. Gotta love a guy with a sense of humour...

First smile caught on camera

This picture was half staged with Luke waving a piece of toast to get Rudi to look at the camera. Then what do you know - little Jed cracks a smile! His first smile for the camera. How smart and cute is he!!

A dog's perspective

There seems to be a new leader of the pack - Master Jedrek.

It was always a concern to us as to how Rudi would react to a new addition to the family. Could he be trusted? Would he salivate at the bassinet? Would he eat our baby? Maybe would he suffer from an accute case of the doggy blues? Thankfully, Rudi has been a well behaved pup.

What has changed, is the pecking order. The pre baby order of status was as follows -
1. Rachel - top dog
2. Luke - second in command (it was a hardfought battle for this position between Luke and Rudi, but in the end, Lukey won)
3. Rudi - dog

Now with little Jed on the scene, he has taken the role as top dog. From Rudi's perspective, this mini human now has the highest status within our pack. He seems quite astonished that such a little guy could have such control over us with little more than a cry, wriggle or squirm - we are at his beck and call.

We are all very thankful Rudi has adapted so well (although we haven't all taken a trip in the car together yet - this could be very interesting).

Here's a pic of the formerly known 2IC and rudi aka, bucket dog - don't even ask - it's a long story..

Poocanos

You may not like to read on if you are in anyway disturbed by the topic of "poo". When you have a newborn, there isn't much that they really do in the early stages other than sleep, suckle ones breast and deposit from down below.

I was quite disturbed to see our son's first poo. It was black, sticky consistancy - quite similar to tar. How could such a revolting substance come out of our absolutely gorgeous baby? The black poos continued for a couple of nappy changes, slowly turning a dark green, then dark brown and now currently, a lovely dijon mustard colour.

Apparently when I was a wee baby, I had a reputation of doing Poocanos - you know, poos that shoot up the back of the nappy, similar to a volcano erupting. Well, it seems that little Jed is well and truly on the way to taking after his mother. His poocanos are currently erupting out the sides of the nappy, covering his legs in a mustardy lava-like substance. Give him a couple of weeks and they will be erupting vertically; covering neck, shoulders and hair.

It also seems that Jed loves the cool, fresh air on his little cute butt. He is developing a habit of pooing and weeing inbetween a nappy change when all is exposed to air. We need to invest in a splashback flooring solution. The little tacker has quite the distance in his projecto wees and even the occasional squirting poo.

And by the way, did you know that a baby's fart is just as loud as yours? Not as loud as Luke's however. His could be used as an alarmclock to wake the entire neighbourhood.

Here's a picture of Jed's "I've just done a poo" face. This poo was done post bath, in the fluffiest of white towels. Just lovely.

The arrival of baby Jedrek Frank Gurtman

On Tuesday 30th January 2007, Mr Jedrek Frank Gurtman entered the world at 3.43pm, weighing in at 3290g (7.25 pounds). The whole labour experience was very much the most intense, frightening, amazing experience of my life to date. I ended up having to be induced as I had a hind rupture. They allowed me 24hrs to naturally go into labour but unfortunately my contractions would not come regular or strong enough (even after eating curry for breakfast, lunch and tea and walking around the block in my PJ’s one million times!). So on the Tuesday morning, we went to the hospital, I asked for the ‘package’ - the oxytocin and the epidural as I’d heard that the oxytocin brings on the contractions extremely fast and strong and we were already exhausted after not sleeping for 2 days. 3 hours later, I’d painlessly, fully dilated and we were ready to push. I pushed, pushed and pushed for almost 2 hours til my head resembled a tomato, then his heart beat started dropping and they wanted to get him out pretty quick so we had to have a little help with the vacuum. Then out he plopped, with a full head of ash blonde hair - the cutest little guy in the world!