310108 - UK

Mary Ann sat a new record in the night, as she had 200ml of milk! She cried and cried. We tried everything. We then remembered that she hadn’t pooed the last days. So we tried to give her a little lacunose. We hoped that would help and so it did in the evening. Nothing seemed to comfort her. That was unto Neil gave her some more to eat, when she stopped crying. We apologised a lot for not understanding that the deprived child was hungry - again. How could we know after her having more then double the portion?
Once more I have been up since 2am. It is really irritating. It’s a waist of time because Mary Ann is at sleep and so is Neil. The good thing is that my duties can be done in the night. If it was Neil not being able to sleep we would have had a problem. I went to the living room several times in the night to check on Neil and Mary Ann – not necessarily in that order. Oh my, they looked cute. Mary Ann was wrapped in her blanket and Neil lying on a snip of her duvet so she couldn’t roll out. Mary was lying on the middle of the sofa and Neil up in the corner. I laughed. It was easy to see that he didn’t want to move her now she was finally sleeping. Then he rather be uncomfortable.
Mary Ann had an appointment with the house doctor. It’s very strange for me to go there without being the one having a medical problem for the doctor to solve. Mary Ann was going to have her 3 month vaccination. The secretary told me that Mary Ann had to be well when having it. When I booked the time for today I was sure Mary Ann was fine. But then on the way there I was afraid that she had a little cold. I wondered if that meant anything. I decided that I would just tell the doctor when we came – just in case it wouldn’t be advisable for her to have the vaccination then. It was great to introduce our little Mary Ann to my own doctor whom I have known since childhood. Mary Ann took the injection so nicely. She screamed her lungs out for ten seconds and then she didn’t just settle down. No she felt a sleep again. What have we done to deserve such an easy child? The doctor is next door to my old physical therapist whom we also meet.
Neil and I took Mary Ann with us for lunch in town. We were lucky to find a place were I could sit and which had room and motivation to house Mary Ann. In the same time we had the most wonderful sandwich. We need to go back some other day while we have leave.
On our way home we went to see Neil’s colleagues. He had been looking forward for that. I was keen on getting home quickly though since they have forecasted a heavy storm. Windy weather and I don’t go very well together. So if Neil didn’t want me to blow away we had to have a quick visit.
When we came home Cecilie was surprisingly here. I love when she suddenly comes here. I finally felt a sleep for just half an hour with Mary Ann on top of me. That is also something I love. So many things to love and so little time …

By the way I know what we have done to deserve this lovely strong and easy child, we have survived the shattering disheartening heartbreaking time on hospital in her first 2 months and 2 days.

300108 - UK

We tried the new playpen today. Mary Ann is not feeling comfortable in it yet. It is also very big and must be scary for her. She obviously still needs the typical premature screening. I look forward to use it however. I’m sure it will be a great help for me when playing and talking with her. I made a little slide show to give you an idea about the size and comfort.

She has been so cranky again today. She settles down easier when in movement but she is getting heavier so I don’t like her to get in to that routine. I tried my very best with all my computer tasks and rocking her in the baby sling in the same time. I can’t figure out if I should spend the money on a dream machine which can rock her into sleep or I should try to cure her from that rocking idea. The day nursery wouldn’t have time to rock all the kids into sleep, so it could become a problem if I don’t cure her from the habit.

290108 - UK

It was cleaning day today. So we were busy with the different responsibilities. I went out a bit for the grocery shops on my mini crosser with Mary Ann. It has been a calm day since she just has been sleeping the most of the day.
She is getting more difficult to settle down in the evenings. I tease Neil. He complains about it even though he was the one wanting a night person as him self. He got the daughter he wanted and the personality he wanted. Take care what you wish for, you might get it!

280108 - UK

I had to have my weekly blood test today. Neil and Mary Ann went with me. We had such a lovely day in town. We went to different shops and had late lunch there. We wanted to end up with a visit to a café. We finally found one where we could enter with the pram. But in there I couldn’t sit down anywhere since the seats were either very low or high. We found a good café in the end were we had a nice warm cocoa to end a great day.
I guess my new approach was good with Mary Ann. I tried to keep her more awake in the morning, feed her and changed her nappy before we left. That gave us a quiet child the entire time in town. She didn’t wake up at all. I have learnt something from Friday’s experience in the shopping centre.

I did the same in the evening; trying to keep her more awake so she sleeps well in the night. Neil always feels she’s difficult to settle down in the evening. He doesn’t come to bed before round 3 o’clock because of that. I would like him to go to bed in the same time as me, so I will continue to entertain her a bit more in the daytime.

270108 - UK

It has been valuable to have Cath here for many reasons. Besides the obvious as nice to see her and have longer talks, her to met Mary Ann and so. It was also very beneficial to gain from her mother know-how from her three boys. It was nice to hear her say that Mary Ann’s cry was normal and because she was either hungry, needed a clean nappy and a new way to lie. She could differentiate the meaning of her cries. I’m always so afraid that Mary Ann should feel unhappy for some reason. In the other hand, why should she? She must feel the stable life we have here with lots of closeness, love and laughter. I know babies cry for these reasons. I just wanted to be sure it was not for something else, she cried. Cath’s view on Mary Ann’s cry helped me a lot.

Today was Cath’s last day here unfortunately. We stayed in apart from for a walk down to the local Inn. We wanted to check the rooms we have booked for Mary Ann’s christening. Cath and Cecilie went on their own upstairs the horrifying staircase. They said the rooms were okay. It’s in walking distance from our house. So that makes it easy when the family comes over. Neil’s parent will stay there the whole week before the christening. Neil’s oldest brother Rob (Cath’s husband) will come two days before. He is going to be Mary Ann’s Godfather.

Cecilie and I took Cath to the airport. We had a good chat there as well. I enjoy my talks with Cath. Even though it rare that we are together, we always have great talks. I feel, we see eye to eye on many things. We sat in the airport for maybe round an hour. Cecilie is so well behaved. She didn’t say much while Cath and I talked. At least Cecilie didn’t complain or interrupted us while talking. Not many kids behave that well.

We had a nice afternoon and evening with Cecilie before she goes back to her mum’s tomorrow.

260108 - UK

It’s a special feeling having so many people around who love your offspring. Mary Ann was growing inside ME nonetheless she is loved by so many others. That is special for me to realize. Of curse I knew she would be loved by the rest of the family. However it’s a feeling you can’t comprehend before you have the baby and feel it yourself.
I really feel it these days were Cath is here. And I look so much forward to discover that from the whole family when we get to UK in the summer.
Cath and Cecilie have been in the local swimming pool today on their own. The rest of the day was quiet here at home us watching a DVD with Cecilie again.
We tried to have Mary Ann on the table as suggested by the Health Visitor. We were hoping that Mary Ann would feel the ardour to lift her head to follow our moves. She screamed instead. If it was for the reason that she was not ready to lie there on the stomach or because we were laughing loudly while playing paparazzo’s we would never know. However we did remember to remove the poor child from the table again.

250108 - UK

The visit from Auntie Cath has started in a perfect way. I was feeding Mary Ann in the living room she came here from the airport with Neil looking better then ever. She had Mary Ann on her arm shortly after getting in the door. It was easy to tell that Auntie Cath has been looking forward meeting her new niece. Since the whole family in UK only has boys it is special that Neil had yet a daughter. Yes, it’s the Danes who produce the very special baby girls.

We sad up with Mary Ann half the night, Cath and I. When we finally were ready to go to bed we started talking baby clothes. I had to show Cath some of the nice clothes we got for Mary Ann. And then she in return gave us the most lovely clothes from her self and family, from her parents, from Auntie Margaret in Spain, and from her friend Brenda. So thoughtful of them all. Lovely warm set that can turn inside out which give a other colour set, dresses both for now and later and socks. Socks are a great thing to get and not something people normally think of buying.

Cecilie had to go to school, so I needed to get up very early. Cath also woke up to have breakfast with Cecilie. I have never seen Cecilie getting up and dressed that quickly before. Auntie Cath has her uses. Cecilie gave Auntie Cath all her home made presents before her going to school. Cath and I had planned to go back to bed again when Cecilie left the house, but Mary Ann wanted it differently. We feed Mary Ann and then had a couple of hours before we had to get up again. Cath went to bed, but was always when some extra things are going on, I have a problem sleeping.

At noon Cecilie’s mum came for warm toast and tea. I had invited her after asking Cath if she would like to meet her here. It seemed like both enjoy a good chat here. Tina was here for a couple of hours. She brought some clothes from her youngest daughter. I love the fact that all get on so well. I will like to do my best to keep it like that. It’s important for Cecilie and it’s easy to see that Cecilie enjoy our good relation.

When Cecilie came home, I had to leave for my weekly physiotherapy while they stayed here making Mary Ann 3 month footprints. We left for the shopping centre as I returned to the house. It was just us girls; Mary Ann, Cecilie, Cath and I. Neil is sick like having the flu. I have dread for the situation where Neil gets sick. It’s a luck that his first time getting sick after having Mary Ann is while Cath is here.

Cecilie was a happy bunny in the centre. She were running around through the different shops with Auntie Cath. Unfortunately Mary Ann was not as happy. She started crying after the first ten minutes or so. I gave her a bottle while I was thinking how to do this differently. I have to rethink when I plan to go somewhere with Mary Ann. It was way to hard walking around in the centre and not being able to sit any where. The seats were all too low and uncomfortable. That meant what I had to feed Mary Ann either lying on my arm and when she was lying in her pushchair. I have to find a way to bring my mini crosser in the car. It fits in the car but now with the auto chair fasted on it doesn’t. I can’t get it on and of myself. I defiantly need to find a solution.

Neil was waiting us with the most delicious beef roast. I have already asked Neil to make the same for my birthday in May. We had dessert while watching one of the DVD’s Cecilie bought in the centre. I was exhausted after the long day and all the walking and lifting, so I went to bed before the film finished. An early night can cure everything. I just lied down as Cecilie came with a phone call for me. That was Mary Ann’s Godmother Nips, my dear friend Nina from Copenhagen. As always we had a long chat for 1,5 hours. Normally I don’t like talking that long and specially when I needed the rest, but Neil and Cecilie knows it’s different with Nips. If she needs to talk I’m always there and so is she for me. I only hung up because I could hear Mary Ann being unhappy for some time. I knew Neil was there but when she cries for longer time, I have to see her for myself. Neil stayed up with her and I went to bed again.

By the way: It’s official now; Cecilie’s feet are bigger than mine. I feel fragile next to her now. She is so big boned and width over her back. Her leg muscles are at least double my size. She was trying to wrestle me yesterday. She sometimes uses that approach to get close. But just for the record: she still couldn’t beat me!

240108 - UK

Finally the day are here. Auntie Cath will come tonight. I’m just back from water aerobic and Cecilie is in bed. Mary Ann fast a sleep and Neil in the shower. He will pick up Auntie Cath on his own while I stay here with the girls.
Neil has started Danish Course this morning. He will go every Thursday. So I had the morning on my own. I had the opportunity to do a lot of different secretarial things. I have book a place for Mary Ann’s day nursery close by. It’s booked for June 12. I think that will be the actual date. We are not quit sure yet about all rules of our leave. It will not be before then. So we can always push the date a little.

230108 - UK

Mary Ann is still very cranky. Especially round bottle time. She hasn’t poohed the last couple of days. So I hope that’s just why her temper is red-hot.
My friend Alaa couldn’t come today anyway. So the day was quiet but still busy. Hmm I wonder with that.
We have made our self ready to welcome Auntie Cath here tomorrow. We are looking forward seeing her here.

The story about her name

I was sure I was expecting a boy so why bother finding a girl name? We talked about many different names and finally we came up with a good name – for a boy. Girl names were never discussed much even though Neil and Cecilie were pretty sure and desperately hoping that I was expecting a girl.
We talked about the fun in telling Neil’s family that our girl should be called Mary. Neil’s parents call me Mary because Cecilie’s mum is also named Tina.
I would prefer to be called my own name. I know it’s normal for people in England to call people something different. But for me and other Danes it’s a strange thing. In fact for some it seems a little disrespectful. If it was for a short term it would be bearable. But I’m here for keeps.

So we tried to find a solution. Some of the cousins now call me “Faster Tina” as is the Danish name for Auntie. Cecilie’s mum is then still called Auntie Tina. The situation is sorted for the kids. Now we need a solution for the adults.

Neil and I talked. If we called our baby girl Mary, they couldn’t keep on calling me Mary. Then they would have to use my real name. It is also a beautiful name. But it was only for fun, we had that talk. It would be a little too complicated to realize, we agreed.

As you know everything went very fast. Suddenly the baby was born. And to my big surprise, it was a girl. I thought Neil had made the staff tease me. I simply didn’t believe it was a girl. But it was and we didn’t have a name for her. We had to find one for her quickly. Or it became Neil’s job as I was too sick. I couldn’t have a normal conversation or discuses a name for a child I hadn’t seen or understood was here.
Neil got nervous. His Tina couldn’t make any decisions, something must be very wrong then. Amusingly he shook me and asked: “Where is my Tina? Spit her out! I want her back!” Neil had to take some decision about the name on his own. The only name he could remember we had talked about was Mary. So she was called Mary for several days. Neil’s mum often called Neil at home while we were admitted. I’m sure the name Mary was repeatedly discussed. In the end she suggested that we should add an Ann to the name Mary.
Still I couldn’t handle more choices. I was just started to get better but I needed some time and space with my new baby. I had no enthusiasm to make any pronouncement what so ever.
One day I sat with my little baby girl. Everything was relaxed and calm. Neil had the courage to ask me again about the name Mary Ann. I looked down at her and all of a sudden I saw it as a great name. It works fine in DK and UK as well.
Mary is a name for a princess and Ann is the name for a strong person, after my understanding. How could it be any better then that?

Historien om Mary Ann’s navn

Det var faktisk slet ikke meningen, at vi ville kalde vores barn Mary Ann. Jeg følte mig i øvrigt også overbevist om, at det var en dreng. Måske var det efter min sædvanlige devise: Forvent det ”værste”… Ikke forstået på den måde, at det ville være forfærdeligt at få en dreng. Så længe det er et sundt og lykkeligt barn, er det jo top. Men jeg har altid været usikker på, om jeg mon kunne tumle sådan en lille vild dreng. For sådan er drenge jo, ikk? Lige så vel som piger er stille og rolige?

Da jeg lærte Neil at kende, var det da også en stor glæde at vide, at han netop havde en pige og ikke en dreng, der ville tumle, slås, klatre i træer, jeg ikke kunne få hende ned af og spille fodbold, jeg ikke kunne forholde mig til. Når nu det skulle være med den der pakkeløsning mand og barn på én gang. Men jeg bliver jo klogere hele tiden. Jeg måtte også erfare, at nej, piger er ikke altid blot sådan nogle stille og rolige nogle. Cecilie er nok mere i virkeligheden en drengepige. Hun elskede at møffe rundt med mig, da hun var lille. Så skulle vi ”klare hinanden”. Så gik det lystigt for sig. Hun sad fast i et træ, hvor det alligevel lykkedes mig at få hende ned. Jeg har været med til utallige fodboldkampe, hvor hun stolt har vist, hvor dygtig hun er. Og alting er jo gået fint og i virkeligheden ret uproblematisk.

Så at jeg ventede en dreng, var vel også helt okay. Jeg blev aldrig kønsskannet. Jeg synes faktisk, det er noget pjat, at man skal vide alting på forhånd. I øvrigt har jeg oplevet flere, der har været skuffet og overrasket, da det så ikke blevet det forudsagte køn alligevel. Så hvorfor bruge energien på det?
Men et navn skulle vi jo have fundet – til drengen jeg ventede. Så vi snakkede alle mulige drengenavne. Pigenavne diskuterede vi ikke særlig meget. Vi lavede meget sjov med det. Det kunne vel nok være sjovt at kalde hende Mary. Altså hvis nu det skulle blive en pige mod alle ods. Det vil sige mine ods. For Neil og Cecilie har hele tiden regnet og håbet inderligt på, at det blev en pige.

Det sjove ved, at vi ville kalde hende Mary er, fordi Neils forældre kalder mig Mary. Det gør de, fordi Cecilies mor også hedder Tina. Det kan de simpelthen ikke finde ud af. Selvom det tit er ret åbenlyst i sammenhængen, hvem det er, han taler om. Det er irriterende, da jeg gerne vil tiltales med mit navn. Jeg kan forstå, hvis jeg var her midlertidig. Men jeg har ikke tænkt mig at gå nogle steder. Så en brugbar løsning kunne være godt. Vores ene svigerinde fandt så ud af den geniale løsning med sine drenge, at jeg kunne blive kaldt ”Faster Tina” af dem. De kalder Cecilies mor ”Auntie Tina” og så er alle glade. Så langt så godt.
Neil og jeg snakkede så om, at vi ville holde navnet på barnet hemmeligt. Og så ville vi bare sige, at en evt. pige skulle hedde Mary. Sådan for at lave et statement.

Men tingene gik jo slet ikke som planlagt. Pludselig skulle jeg have vores barn under ret dramatiske former. Midt i det hele stod den stakkels Neil og måtte pludselig træffe nogle store beslutninger alene. Jeg var helt væk af medicin og blev jo indlagt på intensiv i nogle dage. Jeg kunne ikke forholde mig til, at jeg havde født overhovedet. Jeg fattede heller ikke, at det så var en pige. Faktisk troede jeg ikke på det, da Neil sagde det til mig. Personalet sagde det så også. Men jeg troede, Neil havde fået dem til at bilde mig ind, at det var en pige. Personalet blev ved med at spørge Neil om et navn. Han har helt sikkert følt, at hun skulle have et navn. Det hele gik så hurtigt. Og ville hun nu overleve? Det eneste han kunne komme i tanke om var, at vi havde talt om Mary.
Han spurgte mange gange, mens jeg var på intensiv allerede og de efterfølgende dage. Jeg sagde bare, at det måtte vi se på. Men lige ind til videre var det et okay navn. Men det duede jo ikke rent praktisk. Der ville det være alt for forvirrende, når hans forældre også kaldte mig Mary.

Neils mor har sikkert også syntes, at det var skørt med det navn. Hun ringede hjem til Neil, mens vi var indlagt mindst én gang dagligt. Så snakken om navnet kom ofte op. Til sidst foreslog hun, om det ikke kunne ende på Mary Ann. Lige i starten Neil præsenterede navne-ideen for mig, var jeg ikke begejstret. Ikke rettere jeg havde stadig ikke nogen holdning. Neil var ved at gå i panik. Hans Tina uden en holdning. Jeg måtte være meget syg så. Han rystede mig for sjov: ”Hvor er min Tina henne? Spyt hende ud! Jeg vil have hende tilbage!”. Der gik et par dage. Der var efterhånden mere ro på det hele. Jeg var ved at være mere frisk. Jeg fik lov til at sidde med min lille baby. Når man sidder der helt afslappet, kan man ofte bedre overskue tingene. Også de store beslutninger. Neil dristede sig til at spørge mig igen om navnet Mary Ann. Tænk sig. Overraskende nok kunne jeg nu se lyset i det navn. Det kunne slet og ret ikke være anderledes, da jeg sad der roligt og kiggede ned på hende. Mary er et prinsesse navn, men navnet Ann er til én stærk person. God blanding som vores lille - Mary Ann jo er.
Folk kender det engelske navn Mary pga. kronprinsessen. Og Ann er jo også et dansk navn. Så det burde være i vinkel. Vi snakkede så lidt frem og tilbage om, det skulle være med eller uden bindestreg. Men vi besluttede os for, at det skulle være uden. Så kan hun altid bruge bare det ene navn, hvis hun vil. Måske kommer der uforudset en masse, der hedder Mary. Så kan hun bruge navnet Ann alene. Men jeg tror, navnet ofte skal staves desværre. Så nu har det stakkels barn et dobbelt navn og et efternavn, der skal staves igennem fra ende til anden. Jeg håber, hun lever godt alligevel trods besværet.

220108 - UK

Mary Ann’s first visit at a coffee shop was today. It was nice to go to town with her and my friend Astrid. Astrid is the one going with me to water aerobic. She is pregnant and very eager to hold babies. That gave me the chance to finish my lunch at the coffee shop.
Must of the time Mary Ann just slept but she woke up when we were almost done. Astrid gave her the bottle. We talked about the good thing with Mary Ann being use to having different nurses feeding her. She doesn’t mind other people giving her the bottle or cuddle her. That make’s it a lot easier to have someone babysit her. Astrid is babysitting Mary Ann the 27 of February were I’m going for a telescope examination which I’m very nervous about. Neil has to go with me since I’m not allowed to drive or be alone afterwards.
We walked quit a bit in town. So when we came home I felt a sleep. Very deeply for 1,5 hours. So deep I didn’t hear the mice fart. It’s a very long time since I have been able to sleep that heavy. It was amazing.
Mary Ann is more demanding now. She cries more. I think it’s because she likes to lie differently and be more entertained now. She is growing up. And we love it!

210108 - UK

The health visitor came again today. We didn’t really have anything to discuss with her. It seems a little as waste of time. She weighted Mary Ann again of curse and that was it. I presume the Health visitor could feel it, because she suggested that she doesn’t come back before in 15 days. That’s fine by us.
It is also a bit of rush for me every Monday since I have to go for the blood test in the morning and then hurry back. She is never on time but we have to be here at the time in case.
Cecilie came back to stay with us today and not even an hour after the Health visitor had left, we left the house. We were going to eat in our friend Hamed’s restaurant.
Later in the evening the strangest thing happened to me. An old old friend suddenly wrote me after being out of contact for round nine years! She was thinking of me still, googled me and then had the courage to write me! So now we write and write.

200108 - UK

Today we visited Grandma. We waited to the afternoon as planned and just as we were ready, Mary Ann was ready to eat again. So we had to come a little later then planned. When we came to see Grandma Mary Ann wanted to eat again. Grandma gave Mary Ann bottle with success. So Neil and I just sat and had our tea and cake which Grandma had ready for us.
Mary Ann is beginning to ask for more food then normal. So that’s great!
After the visit I wanted to invite Neil out for dinner. That was impossible since we were not allowed anywhere with the pram. Luckily I remembered a place where we could buy some nice take out that was a little different then what you normally get fast food wise. So we had a lamb chop.

190108 - UK

It has been a great day with friends coming over today. Gitte and Paul were here in the morning with their kids. We had lunch together. They brought Mary Ann a nice Fischer Price toy. It is fun to reflect about Mary Ann one day playing around in the house.
Anne Dorte came an hour later with her girls. They were invited for dinner. Mary Ann took it all nicely but I also kept her in her own room the most of the time so she didn’t feel all the commotion. Luckily my I was feeling better today. Thus it was a very pleasant day. We took some nice photos of them all.

180108 - UK

Today is Mary Ann’s 3 month birthday. It is still a little funny to think about her birth just few months ago. We will still make her footprint as they did at the hospital.
Today has been all wrong. In the morning with water aerobic I had a lot of exercises I couldn’t do all of a sudden. My physiotherapist did tell me yesterday that I should cut down a bit on the daily water aerobics. I enjoy the exercises so much and normally it helps me quit a bit. It is so difficult to comprehend that I can’t do what I’m normally able to. I feel pain in all my joints, kind of like when you have the flu. I have been feeling tired and edgy the whole day. The same has Mary Ann. So we are a pretty pair the two of us. I never really know how to tell Neil what’s the problem. I don’t like to tell about my pain, but today I had to. I needed him to change Mary Ann while I had her. He was busy with something else with the house. So an explanation was needed today. I do hope I feel better tomorrow where we will have some friends over in the morning and some others in the evening. We have been looking greatly forward having guests.
The good thing about today is that I was still able to do the most with Mary Ann. I found some good ways of doing things.
… Okay, another good thing. In this very moment Neil comes with dinner served here by the computer with a kiss and a smile.

170108 - UK

Mary Ann is still asking for a lot more food and then for something indefinable. She is cranky. I sat with her to try to settle her down.
I tried to go through the rest of the clothes today. But it was very hard. I could feel the bending down and lifting a lot. So I had to take a nap to rest the body and after that I gave up doing it on my own. I will ask my friend Alaa to help when she comes Wednesday.
I got the new special made playpen now. It is as tall as I am. It will be a great help having Mary Ann in there in stead on the floor. In that way I’m able to have eye contacts with her and of curse don’t have to lift her up from the floor. It is safe and functional for her and I. In the same time it is very beautiful craft work. That’s a nice bonus when it has to stand in our living room for years.

160108 - UK

Mary Ann slept from 9pm-8am!
Our bedrooms smell nice of Hamed and Alaa. That’s because of all their clothes, we got for Mary Ann. I tried to go through some of it today. That will take very long since there are tons of clothes.
Mary Ann eats very well today, round double of her normal amount. And we love it! She eats so well even though our friend Lene Lau was here. Amazing. We had a lovely afternoon/evening with Lene who both brought dinner and present for Mary Ann. She got the most charming old-fashioned horse carousel with music.

150108 - UK

We had a wonderful day with our friends Hamed and Alaa this afternoon and evening. Mary Ann slept the most of the time except in the beginning. Which was fine since Alaa was impatient to hold her and talk with her. Suddenly noises can be too much for Mary Ann, but still she is able to eat in the middle of it all. I gave her round 80-90ml formula in the start of our visit. She cried a little in the end of our stay, that was all. Neil and I don’t have Mary Ann out of the house for that long in a row. We would still like to protect her a bit.
Alaa has just been in Germany with her family in 50 long days. So it was great to see them again. They invited us for supper and we stayed there as long as we could. We got home five minutes before my friend Astrid meet me at our house and we left for water aerobic together. Alaa had two gigantic bags of clothes for us to take with us to our house. That means that we have clothes for Mary Ann till she turns two years old! And after that Alaa will have a lot more for us all the way through Mary Ann’s childhood. Their girl Axin is 3 years old. So we can just keep on getting clothes from them. That is so grand.
We made a plan of meeting at my house once a week, Alaa and I. She is also home and when her kids are in the day nursery, she can spend time with me as long as I’m of work. I look so greatly forward for that! We also arranged to meet with Hamed. That will be Monday where he invited us out for a steak in his restaurant. We haven’t been in his new restaurant yet, so it’s about time we go there. That will be a nice break for Cecilie as well. We have to entertain her even more next week for the day to pass. She knows that Auntie Cath is coming from UK Thursday next week, so we better help her spend the days before. She is very eager to se Auntie Cath again – and so are we.

140108 - UK

Today I had to buy a new kind of formula because … she is now 3kg! It’s funny how Mary Ann often lands on hundred something on the scale. The 3kg calls for another kind of formula for normal newborns. The Health Visitor was still pleased with Mary Ann. She assured me that the vomiting didn’t mean anything as long as it’s not after every meal. She would like to come every Monday. That is of curse fine with us.

130108 - UK

It’s going a lot better for Neil with feeding Mary Ann now. The Health Visitor will come again tomorrow. Last Monday he surprised me by talking with her about his feeding problems. I wonder if he will discuses that or something else with her tomorrow. We always have a little brief chat before she comes, if there’s anything united on our minds regarding Mary Ann.
It is a little funny with Neil because he has a tendency to tell other people all his opinions in long explanations. But he had never told me in many words that he liked the ides of this blog. Now I have heard him mentioned it to several people; we write everything in our blog. It was just for my family to keep track of Mary Ann’s life, but so and so many people have read it and they come from all over.
Mary Ann brought up the milk again today and vomit. Why do I mention that, since it a normal thing for babies to spit? Because so many things are not standard with Mary Ann. Nor is vomiting. And this is not what I call spitting. Her first time vomiting was New Year on Cecilie as describe here at the blog. Since then she has done it three times. The last two times in the last two days and once again right now. Is her vomiting linked to feeding problems, such as overfeeding or indigestion? Or because of an allergy to proteins in the formula? I asked the Health Visitor last Monday if we should be alert when she vomits. She said no, but now I feel we should. I will ask her again tomorrow.

120108 - UK

Cecilie melted my heart again today and Mary Ann has found the use of her fingers.

Cecilie suddenly made me this tea cup with the words “worlds best bonus mother” and a little picture of me sleeping in my good chair. Isn’t she cute?

Mary Ann found that fingers can be used to put in your mouth. It was our first time to see her suck on her tomb. She is so much more alert now. She looks and looks at us, Cecilie and just around. Neil thought something was wrong in the night when she was still awake. But I think it’s just because she is getting older. Neil stayed up with her because she was awake. I would have tucked her up, because in the night she should sleep. I don’t want a baby that doesn’t understand that she should sleep in the night. So today I have tried to entertain her more, so she gets sleepy in the night.

Research shows that babies whose parents speak to them extensively have significantly higher IQs and bigger vocabularies when they get older than other children, so interaction is especially important right now. We try to set a solid foundation by exposing Mary Ann to a variety of words.We talk about your surroundings when we take her for a walk, and point to and identify objects. Of curse she can’t repeat these words yet, but she should be able storing all the information in her rapidly developing memory. Since our home is bilingual, we think Mary Ann will benefit from hearing both languages spoken regularly. We heard that some of her verbal skills may seem to lag a bit at first. But she will not only catch up later, but she may also excel in her general language skills. That is our hope. That’s way Neil has spoken English with her since her 5th week.

110108 - UK

I thought Neil blamed me the other day. I should have known better, he never would. But my mother bear brain was not thinking clearly. I carried Mary Ann for about 10-15 minutes but all of a sudden I felt this strong pain. I could carry her, but wanted rather to place her somewhere. There was no place at the hospital to put her and all our things where left on the floor by Neil. He was no where to see. I had no idea what to do. I couldn’t get the things on the floor while holding Mary Ann. I thought about kicking our things down the hall to a place where I could place Mary Ann while waiting for him. When Neil came, he saw in my face something was wrong. I told him that he had to take Mary Ann quickly. He surprised said that I didn’t hold her for that long. That made me sad. I felt that he was blaming me for not being able to hold her for a longer time. That was silly of me. Finally in the evening I told him that made me sad, with the long explanation naturally: I was just trying me very best. I would prefer to be able to do it all with Mary Ann on my very own if I could. But I rather back out if I’m sure I can handle things. And then the sweet guy just says; Yes, I know. I just said you didn’t hold her for long as in we have to remember that you might not be able to hold her that long on your own without server pain. We better plan it differently then in stead of you feeling all this pain.
Then I kick myself and wonder why is it that I suddenly forget what Neil is all about? After all the things we have been through. My conclusion is that it was me acting as a mother bear and not being able to think of anything else but protecting my little bear cub and my own pride as a mother in the same time.

Is their a law that lets you keep what you got if you show you really cherish your treasure?

100108 - UK

Mary Ann has radar that activates every time we are ready to have diner here. Normally that radar belonged to Neil’s mum who always called when we sat down at the table. I guess the ability goes through generations. Today I was lucky to have just some of Neil’s fish dish before I went for the daily water aerobic.
Yet again we had a nice afternoon with Cecilie watching a dvd. We are all very relaxed here. Mary Ann slept the whole night, 8-9 hours.

090108 - UK

Addiction is the key word today. I’m addicted to Neil and Mary Ann, I think. I had an appointment with the rheumatologist today. In the same time Mary Ann and Neil went for a blood test. I could see them 20 metres away through several windows and I wanted badly to be with them. I was wondering if I got addicted to them. At first I found it perfect that they could go to the other side of the hospital in the same time as I had an appointment. But when I sat there looking at them far far away, I just wanted to be there with them. I have to appreciate the idea of Neil being there with her though, because I hate seeing someone sticking Mary Ann. Neil doesn’t mind. He’s just happy it’s not himself having the blood test. I rather have it myself.
Before all this Mary Ann had a heart scan again today. Once again it showed everything was okay. But they would like to make a new one in 6-8 weeks time to make sure that the pressure in both heart cambers are fine as well. Immature babies are often a little slower to adjust these things.
The rheumatologist finally gave me some standard medicine which I hope will help me in the next 3-4 months time. Today I had the answer I already kind of knew. My rheumatism has been server activated. I knew that because I felt it badly. For the last two years I wanted them to understand something is going on with my rheumatism. But it’s not before now after the birth that all the signs have been there. Even though it’s a tough message, it’s also a valuable one. Because when the rheumatism is active I can get medicine to stop it all. The pain is the same of curse not matter the message. But it has given me a hope of a change today. When my rheumatism is stabled with the medicine I can go back to work.
I might be adicted to the new medicine now and not to Neil and Mary Ann ...

080108 - UK

We had a nice time together all four of us. Mary Ann was sleeping with me when Neil, Cecilie and I watched “Police Academy 5” together. We made pop corn and sat in our pyjamas. I love when we do that. It’s a rare occasion because we normally never can find a film, Neil wants to see again. It’s never a matter of finding a film, Neil never has seen. Such movies are not existing, it seems. It was a nice way to show Cecilie we had missed her for the last week where she hasn’t been here.

The big age difference is also calling for a big challenge for me. There’s of curse a huge difference between the needs from Mary Ann and Cecilie. I find it interesting. While I feed Mary Ann who screams like being hit when she’s hungry, I discuss music, perfume and female body changes with Cecilie. The variation of life is so fascinating.
Before then I had been to town for the hairdresser. It was great to be pampered a bit. I got a lot of energy to spend with this wonderful family.

070108 - UK

Mary Ann is acting sicker today. I think it’s her stomach. She is crying a lot. Or not a lot. But a lot more then usually. Typically she only cries when hungry. The Health Visitor, Nina came for the first time. She was pleased with Mary Ann. She gave Neil some ideas for feeding Mary Ann. Mary Ann is now 2850g heavy, 50,5 cm long and her head is now 34,7cm. Nina will be back in a week.
Ssince I'm also sick, I go to bed now already, so it's short today.

060108 - UK

We visited our friend Kis today. It was nice to see her again even though it was hard to see her having problems with her leg all over again. We had such a nice afternoon/evening with her. She held Mary Ann for four hours I think. Mary Ann had 100ml in the middle of it all. It was nice to see that she could concentrate on eating when I gave her the bottle. You could expect that she felt disturb by her new fan ;-) Kis is my old time friend. She is the dearest warmest lady and I felt very blessed with all the kindness she show us and our Mary Ann. She had flags outside her door to celebrate her first time to meet Mary Ann. Kis is so unique. In the end it got too much for Mary Ann. Kis had some other visitors and the commotion made her cry. She still needs to be protected a little extra from the world around her. I could feel it coming, so I had already dressed her before she started screaming loudly.

Nytårshilsen!

Godt nytår! Vi håber, det er forløbet fredeligt og julen blev veloverstået.
Så er vi jo kommet hjem og godt ind i det nye år med Mary Ann. Hun trives godt og vi med hende. Som næsten alle andre forælde, ville vi godt, hvis hun spiste mere. Men jeg tror bare, hun er en små spisende person. Hun har det fint og har flere vågne stunder nu, selvom hun stadig sover det meste af tiden. Hun græder, når hun vil spise, skiftes eller ligge anderledes. Som noget nyt er hun begyndt at spørge/græde lidt efter tæthed. Så kommer hun lidt op, og så snakker vi lidt, og hun falder i søvn igen. Hun er ikke helt så vågen, som andre babyer ville være som knap 3 måneder gamle. På den måde kan man godt mærke, at hun først skulle være født nytårsaften. Vi fejrede ellers terminsdagen med toppen fra vores bryllupskage. Det var lidt tankevækkende for mig. Tænkt alt det der er sket. Jeg er nu også kommet så langt, at jeg ikke kunne ønske mig noget som helst anderledes. Det er en dejlig følelse endelig at være glad og tilfreds efter al dramatikken.
Vi snakkede om vores lykke i går. Jeg spurgte Neil, om han stadig var lykkelig, og om der var noget, han manglede. Det eneste der kunne gøre ham lidt mere lykkelig var nok lige nogle fisk i en bowle. Ak ja, det er selvfølgelig også vigtigt med de mindre ting her i livet. Så jeg må hellere få fat i et lille akvarium til ham. Manden skal da være top lykkelig ;-)
Hun er blevet forkølet. Hun nyser lidt og er lidt snottet. Men nu er hun jo stærk, så det er ikke det store problem. Vi passer dog godt på, at hun ikke bliver syg. Det er nu mere, fordi vi så er bange for, at hun ikke vil spise så godt. Hun har fået et par små strømper på hænderne. Der er desværre lidt koldt her i huset til trods for, at der er skruet godt op. Vi nåede at få efterisoleret huset og ordne radiatorerne, mens hun var indlagt. Det var det gode ved, at hun var indlagt. Hvis man skal se praktisk på det. En anden god ting ved hele den omgang er, at vi følte os godt rustet til at få hende med hjem der op til jul, hvor vi kom hjem på orlov den 20. december. Der havde vi været indlagt med hende i fire dage begge to. Hvor jeg dog var frem og tilbage pga. hunden bl.a. Vi blev så helt udskrevet den 27. december, hvor Mary Ann blev vejet til 2570g. Eneste minus ved, at vi nu ikke skal komme på hospitalet mere er, at vi så ikke kan få hende vejet. Vi skal også prøve at slippe det der med at kontrollere alting. Vi må nu stille os tilfredse med, at hun spiser det, hun kan. Men det kører alligevel i baghovedet, jeg ved, hun spiser ca. halvdelen af, hvad hun burde. Jeg prøver at stille mig til tåls med, at hvis jeg ammede hende, ville vi alligevel ikke ane, hvor meget hun fik. Jeg tror også, at det er mere frustrerende for Neil. Desværre tror jeg også, at hun kan mærke det, når han skal give hende flaske. Jeg får hende så tanket godt op med flasken. Hen ad vejen tror jeg, det hele falder på plads. Vi skal have sundhedsplejersken til at komme, når hun er tilbage fra ferie. Så følger hun jo op på det hele. Jeg er nok mere spændt på at tale med hende om følgevirkningerne af at være så tidligt født. Jeg vil jo helst have kontrol med det hele, og jeg har det træls med, at jeg ikke kan få at vide, om hun vil lide nogle mén. Alle de fysiske test med hjerne, hjerte, øjne osv. går fint. Hun består dem alle. Men langt vigtigere er det mentale og udviklingsmæssige, tænker jeg. Måske er jeg også bare lidt skadet af erfaringer, det er nemmere at gøre noget ved det fysiske, tænker jeg. Alt det andet ved jeg ikke noget om. Jeg skal jo helst vide alt ;-)
Jeg føler, jeg kan langt det meste med Mary Ann. Så det har været en positiv oplevelse. Jeg vil ikke sige overraskelse, for jeg har jo mest forventet, at jeg ville kunne det hele. Men som altid har vi planlagt efter værst tænkelige. Forvent det værste, men håb det bedste. Det fungerer stadig godt.
Vi har for længst fundet en god rytme. Hun sover nu på sit eget værelse. Hun vækker os så en enkelt gang om natten. Det er som regel, Neil der tager den tørn, ligesom han også giver hende mad ret sent på aftenen. Så står jeg så tidligt op, når hun kalder på mad igen. Det kører egentlig rigtig godt. Dvs. jeg bare står lidt tidligere op end normalt, og Neil går i seng lidt senere end normalt. Det passer utroligt godt til, hvordan vi hver især fungerer bedst. Så vi føler ikke, der er noget vi har ofret. Det går helt, som vi havde planlagt det. Indtil videre, men tingene kan jo ikke helt skrives i sten med børn.
Rytmen passer også godt i forhold til Cecilie, der jo er vant til at det er mig, der sender hende i skole. Hun er som altid smadder sød og hjælpsom. Cecilie har også kunnet sove uden forstyrrelser fra Mary Ann på denne her måde. Det er også vigtigt for, at Cecilie kan trives og følge med i skolen. Den eneste ting vi dog nok skal have lavet lidt om på er Mary Ann’s spisning lige før vores aftensmad. Jeg giver hende normal flaske der, fordi Neil laver aftensmaden. Men Neil bør give Mary Ann mad noget tiere for, at han har helt styr på det, inden jeg skal starte på arbejde igen. Dvs. at jeg ak og ve skal til at lave aftensmad.

Neil skal starte efter endt barsel og ferie på arbejde igen mandag d. 11. august, hvor Mary Ann så skal starte op i vuggestue. Jeg er sygemeldt og skal jo i gang med nyt gigtmedicin, som de ikke lige helt har fundet ud af endnu, hvad skal være. Når det nye medicin virker godt, skal jeg på arbejde igen. Jeg forestiller mig, at det bliver omkring marts/april. Jeg tror stadig, det er den eneste rigtige beslutning for os, at Neil har barsel. Med mit halvtidsjob får vi meget mere tid sammen og overskud i hverdagen.
Vi har fået lidt rengøringshjælp, og vi er kommet af med Tiree. Alt sammen giver flere ressourcer. Men det med Tiree er så trist og har været hårdt. Vi har længe talt om, at vi nok blev nød til at komme af med hende. Vi kan ikke aktivere hende nok pga. manglende overskud. Det er synd for hende. Derfor håbede vi på at finde en rigtig sød familie til hende. Vi ville vælge at vente med at skille os af med hende til, vi var sikre på, at vi havde fundet det rette sted til hende. Vi har nu fundet en familie, som vi føler, vil give Tiree alt det, vi overhovedet kan ønske os for hende. Derfor er Tiree nu flyttet med alle sine ting ned til dem på Als. Vi har fået lov til at følge hende via deres hjemmeside. Det er fantastisk at have disse nymoderne muligheder. De er så søde allerede at have skrevet om Tiree, så vi kan sikre os, at hun har det godt langt væk hjemmefra os. Vi har også fået mail fra dem.
Vi har fået mange fine jule- og nytårshilsener. Tusind tak for det! Flere af dem går på, at I tror, vi har for travlt til besøg. Men det har vi slet ikke. Vi vil meget gerne se de af jer, der måtte have lyst til at komme på besøg. Vi går jo begge hjemme, så vi har fin tid.

050108 - UK

Mary Ann is having a cold. Of curse I’m to blame since I have a bad throat these days. Neil doesn’t allow me to kiss her now. So I sneak a kiss on her hair once a while when he doesn’t see it.
We had a quiet day doing nothing. Finally I came around to write on my blog again after many days. Mary Ann was lying here with me. My next project is to write back all the friends who have sent us Christmas cards. I didn’t send any this Christmas. I want to answer back because a lot write as we are to busy to have visitors. But no, we are absolutely not busy. Things are going great. We are relaxed and going in the same routine every day. So we better do something to see some people now.
Neil is so cute, introducing Mary Ann to all his airplanes. When I hear him walking around the house with Mary Ann on his arm telling her all the details about his great passion, I have to smile. He showed her the plain he made and named Mary. He is hoping that she gets interested in this as much as him. "I hope you get as interested as Zabrina who goes with her daddy to model shows", he tells the poor child who rather wants to sleep. Zabrina is the daughter of Neil’s only “model friend”, Jan. "Is my lucky number 3?", he suddenly calls. "No Neil, that’s mine. Your lucky number is 7". My dear husband might be cute - but getting old.

040108 - UK

Mary Ann should know that whatever she turns out to be, we love her this much from the very beginning. And she is only beginning to become the wonderful, powerful person that we can’t wait to get to know even better. But I have a little worry. I can’t shake the feeling off. What if she has some harm later on because she came so early? Neil and I watched a program about preemies. The key in the program was that the harm can come many years later when they are born too early. The earlier the more harm can come to them. I write my worries here but I would not like to discuss it with anyone. So now I mentioned it and that’s it.
Tiree moved out today with all her things. It was sad but the best for her without a doubt. But I miss her so much already. We are invited to come and visit her in the summer. I will look forward for that.
It’s Mary Ann’s great grand mother’s birthday. We didn’t go there because of the whole Tiree situation. I’m sure my grand mother doesn’t even realize it’s her birthday. We will go and see her some other time.

030108 - UK

Cecilie came to say good bye to Tiree. She was such a drama queen about it. Yesterday she called twice because she was so sad that Tiree should move. But when she came here she was busier watching the telly then playing a last time with Tiree. I asked her to go and play in the snow with Tiree.

It’s the first snow in Mary Ann’s life. I wanted to take a picture with her in the first snow. But Mary Ann seems to be getting a cold soon, I think. So I better not. She still eats fine so she can’t be having a hard time. She just sneezes a bit and seems a bit more tired. I have a dilemma. I’m so happy that she is comfy with me and I can get her to eat fine. But in the same time I find it problematic since Neil is on leave with her and not me. I would like him to be more relaxed about giving her the bottle. He still stress about it, wanting her to eat more. I also want her to eat better but I think the frustrations go directly to her. There’s no need for that. She still grows and seems fine. Actually she has grown out of her very first rompers which she got from my colleague Annika. I can tell you this much: it was a big moment for me to put it away. I cleared a whole shelve in my closet in positive mindset: soon there will be a lot more clothes lying here too small for her.
When Cecilie had played here with Tiree, I drove her back to her mum’s house on my way to water aerobics. I’m starting again planning and booked so I can go every day onto I go back to work. It didn’t start well, though. I feel sick. I couldn’t do much so I just enjoyed the warm water since today was in the baby pool. My friend Astrid was also starting out slowly so that suited me very well.

020108 - UK

Mary Ann had to go to the eye specialist today. That will be the last time since they were very pleased with her. I was around town after the specialist because I wanted to find her a body she can fit with long sleeves. Oh my, people looked at this little baby of mine. Some mentioned that she must be brand new. I felt a little embarrassed. Maybe they think I have taken this little brand new baby directly from post-natal ward to January sales?! Never mind. It was great for me to try going to town with Mary Ann. I even tried to feed her in there. I found a nursing room where I could sit with her. I was lucky, there were no one else in the beginning. That meant that I could have my legs up on another chair so she could rest on my lap. It was a little funny. I have always been concerned if it was quiet enough around her when she eat. In town it was not quiet and she had 100ml?! I’m sure she wanted to test if I could sit in an odd chair for an hour without any rest for my bag or legs. I could! So come again Mary Ann!
In town a lot of people came and told me how awful cute Mary Ann was. But you constantly say that a baby is cute. I have always found that odd. Why is it that you never say something else like that’s a nice baby, a quiet baby, a small baby, a healthy looking baby … It’s the same as people always answer back that they are fine when they are not. But besides that; Mary Ann is the cutest baby ever after my opinion :-)
When I came home Neil had talked with a family about Tiree a couple of times. I also called them. It’s two women and their two kids. The couple is vet/nurse and very glad about dogs. They have three dogs from which one is a cavalier like Tiree. They live in south of Jutland in a forest near the beach. They are given their dogs the kind of life I wish for Tiree. They want to buy her and they will come Friday after her. So we had to call Cecilie to tell her the sad news. She will come tomorrow to say goodbye to Tiree and play with her for the last time.
I was very tired when we came home from town. Mary Ann slept in her own room for the first time. When we came to bed time I felt a sleep right a way but still I could wake up when Mary Ann cried and fall into sleep again right away. Neil was annoyed because he couldn’t sleep or wake up just like that. He mumbled something in English about me being able to hear a mouse fart in my sleep and still being able to fall a sleep again before he even came to his side of the bed.

010108 - UK

Today was a very quiet day. I enjoyed a long relaxed day with Mary Ann. It was also a day where I started thinking about old times. I suddenly remembered how I have bottle feed my kid sister. That made me think that it must be more difficult to feed Mary Ann. Because I was round 5 years old when my mum let my bottle feed my sister. And Cecilie can’t feed Mary Ann in an age of 11. So maybe Mary Ann doesn’t eat well enough. Still I’m just glad about every drop of milk she eats. I’m sure it’s important she doesn’t feel any frustrations from me. So I’m relax about it. And why shouldn’t I? If she was breast feed we had absolutely no indications of how much or little she has. Other things on our minds today has been Tiree. We have for months talked about finding another home for Tiree. We can’t cope with her. We don’t exercise her enough. And that’s not a life for a dog. She is such a good dog and should have the very best. We have talked with Cecilie about it so many times. We have given her some ultimatums several times. If Cecilie wants to keep Tiree she should also show some interest in playing with her and walk her. Therefore I had an ad on the Internet hoping to find a good family.
Mary Ann had her first night sleep on her own. Not in her own room since it’s a little cold but in Cecilie’s. That went fine. She woke us up once. Neil gave her a bottle very late last night and I gave her one very early morning. So that is a good routine.

311207 - UK

It is due day today! Mary Ann was supposed to bee born round today.
Mary Ann throw up when Cecilie wanted to give her a good bye and Happy New year hug. Amazing that so much can come out of that little body. That scared me. Onto I remembered once Cecilie throw up as well and with a huge amount. But there’s still a difference on a five year old how can survive with a little less nutrition and then this little preemie that still needs every millilitre. Cecilie when had to change all her clothes and wash her hair and so did Mary Ann few minutes before Cecilie had to go to her cousins and our friends over came over to celebrate the New Year with us. We started our day with them to have the top of our wedding cake. That was kept to celebrate when we have had our first born.
Our friends brought their dog. But that didn’t change anything for Tiree. She still barked as much as ever. We let her in the neighbour’s house. They were not home and had made everything ready for Tiree with high music and covered windows. I hope that made Tiree a little less aware of the fireworks.
It has been a crazy day where I ran out of formula in the same hour as I had to pick up the New Year menu. So Cecilie went with Mary Ann and I to town to four different drug stores while Neil slept after have been up the whole night with Mary Ann.
We had a nice evening with our friends although my rheumatism suddenly went totally insane. I started cutting back on my medicine. I should start taking a little less every second day. That went fine. So I thought I could cut back every day since I don’t normally have to take so much medicine. So why shouldn’t I start having a little less again? I really found that I can’t cut back. For the first time after giving birth I’m not in doubt. The birth has changed something regarding my rheumatism. But no worries I just take a little more medicine onto I can get on some more standard medicine. Then things will be normalized again, I believe. Mary Ann took all the fuss with fireworks and all very well onto Neil popped the cork. Then she screamed like never before. Happy New Year little one!