Karen's Journey

Hi

Wow another week gone by and another week closer to me going back to work! God I so don't want to go back to work but no matter how hard we try to rework the budget there is no way that we can manage on just Steph's income. We were initially thinking that I could go back part time but even then it wouldn't help us get out of the red so its back full time for me to help get us back on our feet and then perhaps I can look at part time work further down track.

Have had a good week so far - been out on 3 walks but it sure has been hard work in the heat we have been having lately so have been working up a good sweat!

Wednesday was a nice day with Mum celebrating her birthday. We went out to a brilliant cafe (180 degrees) in Paraparaumu Beach and I had a lovely tandorri chicken salad. My nephew who has been doing work for mum around the place before he moves to Aussie also came along (it was his birthday last Saturday) and then with it being my birthday tomorrow, the three of us were all enjoying our combined last minute birthday lunch on the beach front!

Before we left for Mums on Wednesday, I had a phone call from Plunket reminding me that I had an appt with the Karitane nurse but I knew nothing about it whatsoever! The next appt according to the book was the 31st Jan but as we had been having feeding issues with young Rachel, we popped down to see them before going to Mums. The nurse showed me a different way of holding the bottle which assists her drinking so that has been great. Rachel was also weighed and in the last 3 weeks has gained 700gms so is now weighing in at 5.84 kilos! We are getting more and more smiles and she chats away to herself when laying on the floor playing so all going well there.

Wednesday night, there was a group of us that got together to have a toast to Jude on the first anniversary of her passing! It seems just like yesterday that we were laughing, joking, chatting and having lots of fun times together! I still can't believe its been a whole year! I talk to Rachel about her "Aunty" Jude every day and I just know that Jude is watching over us as Rachel grows.

My arm is getting a lot better - still a bit tender and warm to touch but the swelling and redness has more or less gone! Just have the black circles left on there which looks funny when I am wearing t-shirts which is all the time at the moment!

Long weekend here in Wellington this weekend due to it being anniversary day on Monday. Not a lot planned really with Steph being at his parents for at least two days helping his father (and sisters) paint the roof of their house so guess Rachel and I will just have quiet time at home. Then on Monday, some of us Wgtn chicks are getting together for lunch at Mega Mitre 10 so that will be great to catch up with them for the New Year.

Anyway, best I get moving and organise a bottle for Rachel for when she wakes (due to wake any minute). Hope you all have a good weekend and I will catch ya later