Back in town!

Hi everyone. Sorry for the radio silence but we have been in oz since before Christmas and Emma and Cami are still there and coming back next Friday (YAY!!!!) but I have been here alone with Cooba for 2 weeks now. We had a great time in oz catching up with family and showing our precious little Cami off! Em still has the camera so we will post an album when she gets back and you can see how she has developed. For me, being with Cami pretty much 24/7 was just awesome and made the trip so very special for me. I really feel we bonded so much and she is at a stage where she is interacting so much more all the time. I remember Emma telling me about a book she was reading whilst pregnant that some Dads have an instant connection with their baby whilst others grows over time. I think I fit into the latter and that is not taking anything away from the love that is so much there from the start, but I feel that everyday my love for Cami just grows so much that it is hard to know where it is all coming from! Maybe also the fact she is very clearly saying "Daddy" has helped ... poor "Mummy" is beaten by "duck", "bird", "tree" and probably many more words soon! Here is a bit of a quick photo snapshot of some of the things that we got up to. These are only some of the pics on my iPhone so don't get offended if your photo isn't included yet.

Cami became addicted to ice (the healthy variety) and just loved standing at the "esky" sucking on cubes all day long! 

 We visited sim and Clare and had a lovely visit to Flynn's vineyard in Heathcote. I highly recommend the MC Shiraz!

Cute pic of Eliza, Cami and Em in the cubby that Zac put in for the girls.

Cami spent a LOT of time in the car seat traveling around and visiting everyone.

Cute smile again in our apartment kindly lent to us by Kat and Tim (friends of Dicko and Em).

Relaxing at St Kilda beach on a beautiful sunny and warm day.

How babies should eat! Nude and al-fresco!

Cami had her 1st birthday Party 1 mth early in oz, but had a great time with all the kids and adults! here she is with her special birthday balloon from aunty Sam.

With Daddy during lunch at Claypots (Emma's and my favorite restaurant) with aunty Emma as well.

 We headed across to Perth for 3 days at the end of my trip for a work meeting. Here we are at il-lidos in Cottesloe for dinner watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean whilst Cami was babysat by my old boss Joce and her daughter Eloise.

We snuck in a quick visit to Little Creatures brewery in Freo. Had a few pints of their single batch beer Big Dipper which was an amazing hoppy IPA. Took a pic of the description of the LCPA for some good recipe stealing ideas!

My first weekend back in Stavanger and the forecast was pretty good so we organized a quick ski trip into one of the turistforening hytte - Kvinen. Chuck, Blue, Rayray and Rob joined Coobs and me.

Unfortunately Coobs broke his "thumb" claw on the trip back and had to have surgery to remove it and the other one. He has been stuck inside all week with a bucket on his head which is lucky for him as it has snowed quite a bit at home and been very cold this week.

Lots of snow in the mountains. We had to spend a fair bit of time digging out the cabin to get in and the snow was pretty much up to the roof as you can see from this picture of the snow up past the window in one of the bedrooms. 

 This was our fridge. Just open the front door and leave the beers in the wall of snow!

Now the real reason for this blog post! I have been able to get stuck into a little work on my brewing machine in the last week. Mostly working on welding up the gas beam. Here I am leak testing it. Needless to say there were a few pinholes and I needed to grind back a few spots and reweld. I need it to be completely gas tight as Propane will go through this beam (even though it is only at 0.5psi I don't want to risk any leaks)!

Using my beer gas and regulator as the leak testing system and pressure gauge. 

Soapy water checking for leaks.

This was the final leak path and now it is all pressure tested at 40 times the working pressure! Tomorrow I will start with tack welding the whole frame/stand up and then I can start piecing it all together. Good stuff! Nothing better than playing with power tools and having a beer at the same time!

A not so Merry Christmas after all

Well it’s been a bit of radio silence from the Irelands in Norway these last couple of weeks. You last heard from us returned from an amazing trip to Switzerland, and looking forward to a quiet but enjoyable Christmas and a trip to the mountains for New Years.

Well it was a great plan, but unfortunately wasn’t to be. I woke up on Christmas Eve morning experiencing quite a bit of pain. I guess this is a bit of a debrief for me as well just to write down what happened. Maybe I’ll be accused of over-sharing, so be it. I don’t mind sharing what we’ve been through, it’s a bit rare but just goes to show even the most ‘normal’ pregnancy can take a bit of a turn… but as I said it’s all ok in the end so don’t worry! Now if you’re not good with hearing about gory pregnancy details and medical stuff I suggest you skip to the happy ending in the last paragraph!

So yes, pain. Right side abdominal pain. It has been a somewhat reoccurring theme for me in this pregnancy to have some pain – I was hospitalised for 2 days back in October for the same thing and have had a couple of milder doses in between. But then I believe the diagnosis was something many pregnant women experience – constipation. Glamorous isn’t it, this pregnancy caper! During pregnancy the hormones in your system slow down your digestion so that the baby can get as many nutrients as possible from the food you digest, just my luck that my damn system was so good at this that things would grind to a halt every now and then. I was managing it with diet and fluids and exercise (or so I thought) so was quite annoyed when I got this mega pain on the 24th December.

So I just thought, ok I’ll just get through this painful few hours and all will be fine. Problem was the hours turned into a day, turned into 2 days, 3 days and no relief. I was very sick (pain and vomiting) and on Boxing Day we decided it was time to go to the hospital to make sure the baby was ok and to see what was going on. They monitored the baby at hospital and told us he/she was fine, that it probably was constipation again and I should take some pretty simple treatments (I won’t go into details there…!) and it should be ok. By then I had stopped vomiting, and was just feeling drained and still in a lot of pain.

I managed to get my system ‘working’ again, was able to start to eat and drink a bit and thought things were on the improve. But there was still the pain. And the pain if anything got worse. So I soldiered through a few more days at home with paracetamol and hot showers until on 30th December I thought I needed to go to the GP because the pain was terrible and it just wasn’t going away. I was pretty sure this wasn’t just a stubborn poo anymore…

The GP took a simple finger prick blood test which showed some elevated levels of infection/inflammation, so it was over to the hospital for more tests. At the hospital they were thinking along the lines of appendicitis. This wasn’t news to us – it was what they had to rule out back in October during my last hospital visit. Problem was it some of the symptoms didn’t really support it and the stage of my pregnancy complicated it all – everything in the abdomen moves around and changes so much it’s hard to know what is going on. Anyway, they did an ultrasound and found an area of inflammation, and came in on the evening of 30th December and said they wanted to operate on suspected appendicitis.

GETTING EXAMINED IN EMERGENCY ROOM IN HOSPITAL

Joel and I were of course very worried and nervous about the affects of an operation and general anaesthesia on the baby (32 weeks). We were also a little nervous that the particular young surgeon who bowled over to my bedside and announced that they wanted to operate right away seemed a bit scalpel-happy and wasn’t doing the things we asked – ie. To consult with a senior obstetrician and senior anaesthetist (who we would also like to speak to) to get some advice. So to be honest Joel and I were being difficult and asking lots of questions.

Fortunately there was a shift change and the next surgeon who came on duty was a lot more diligent and came and spoke to us at length. He’d sat down with the radiographer who did the ultrasound and his consultant surgeon and discussed what it could be. After much discussion of the ultrasound and my case history (6 days of pain) they felt it was likely that the appendix had already burst and created an abscess and that the best approach would be to treat it with antibiotics overnight and then drain the wound. They could also see if the antibiotics had any affect to shrink it overnight. They/we were cautious about doing any more tests such as a CT scan due to the risk of exposing the baby to harmful radiation. So it was a bit of guesswork and deduction involved.

So I was of course happy that I wasn’t about to be wheeled into surgery, but also not that thrilled with the idea of a burst appendix in my abdomen! The next morning, New Years Eve, they did another ultrasound and Joel, the radiographer and I were joined in the lab by about 4 other radiographers, including we think some pretty senior doctors, and our original radiographer came up with a new theory, that it was actually a twisted ovary, not the appendix after all. There were lots of nods and pats on the back for this switched-on guy as all the pieces seemed to fit that diagnosis, and it was quite left-of-field.

So then I was transferred over to gynaecology, and they advised the only treatment was surgery. Fortunately there was a very experienced laparoscopic gyno surgeon on duty and she would be operating on me. Some calming words from our friend Jonno Evans, an anaesthetist in Melbourne about the surgical risks to the baby (minimal) and I was in the theatre within the hour. I was scared of course but just trying to remain calm for the baby. One of the biggest risks for the pregnancy was that I would go into premature labour, and I knew that I just had to remain calm and composed, I’m quite proud that I managed it. As I was being taken to theatre a surgeon said to me “normally we’d give you some relaxant drugs before you go into theatre but you seem quite calm, I don’t think that you need that”. Our poor baby had already had to put up with more drugs than we’d ever want, so I was pleased that at least I could do that.

So the surgery went very well, they found that my ovary had twisted twice and the tissue had died. There was absolutely no chance to save it so it was removed. Post-op I was moved into a really lovely private room up on the top floor of the hospital with a fantastic view over Stavanger. Joel was with me as we watched the fireworks start to light up the sky on new years eve. We felt quite happy at this point – happy the surgery had gone well, happy the source of my week-long pain had been identified and resolved, happy that I wasn’t in labour! We were happy that we’d worked together and with the doctors to continuously question the diagnosis, the risks and benefits of the plans that were outlined to us, and advocated for ourselves and our baby to ensure we got the best possible care. We also put our faith in the doctors who we know were thorough, diligent and skilled, and who communicated with us about what was going on, including those things they weren’t sure of.

JOEL WITH SMUGGLED IN RED WINE TO HOSPITAL ON NEW YEARS EVE (7th FLOOR WITH GREAT VIEW OF FIREWORKS ALL OVER THE CITY)

JOEL SMUGGLED IN SOME SWEETS AND TREATS (INCLUDING S&V CHIPS) TO HELP ME RECUPERATE

So now I’m into day 3 post-op and although I have some normal post operative pain, I can’t say how relieved I am to have the original pain gone. The focus now is just to rest, get moving again (physio Joel has me on a pretty good rehab plan!), eat well and recuperate. Joel has been an absolute solid rock of support over the 10 days, I couldn’t imagine going through this with anyone else, he is just amazing. He’s been running around after a wife in pain, keeping family informed, talking with doctors, taking care of Cooba. He has spent almost every minute with me at the hospital just going home to feed Cooba and sleep. I am so lucky to have the most wonderful husband in the world. So now we’re just looking forward to a completely uneventful next 7 weeks or so until the baby arrives. We are also hugely looking forward to the arrival in a few weeks of Mari and Kev’s second child, a little brother or sister for my god son Oscar. So much to be thankful for.

Happy New Year everyone!

A Month of Pre-Baby Travel

This month is a month of travel. Joel has spent a week with 3 mates in Iceland on a bit of an adventure holiday. I had 5 days away at the European Resuscitation Council conference in Porto, Portugal. We’re about to hop onto a plane this week to go and see Bec, Terry, Jade, Diane, Rene and all Bec’s lovely Swiss friends for their wedding in Solothurn! It’s so exciting, one of the biggest bummers about living overseas and so far away is missing out on some of those big occasions in the lives of our friends and families. We’ve missed out on heaps of weddings. So when we found out that there’d be one in Europe, and especially for our lovely Bec who was one of my beautiful bridesmaids, well there’s no way in the world we’d miss it! We’ll be sure to upload some pics.

Late last month Joel and I also celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary. We made the most of the excuse to get away for a  romantic pre-baby long weekend in Italy. We flew into Milan, took a train about an hour north to Lake Como and spent 2 lovely nights there in the little town of Torno on the lake. We spent the days just meandering around, eating well, drinking well, shopping, and taking in the sights. We then went to Milan for a night where we did more of the same. It was a wonderful trip, we talked a lot about our wedding 12 months before and how special it was.  He

We are so blessed and lucky to be living this amazing life together. 12 months on and marriage has been a blast! In many ways not much has changed, but for us our wedding was really a milestone in our relationship. It signalled for us a commitment to each other and was a way I guess of cementing that we’re moving ahead together in the same direction. For us, that also meant wanting to start a family. We’re making our preparations, practically and mentally, for our much anticipated new arrival in February.

Pregnancy is a weird and wonderful thing. I’m now up to 30 weeks, only 10(ish) more to go. I’m definitely into the third trimester now and have to say I’m really feeling rather pregnant! I hear that in the next 10 weeks the baby’s weight will double. Given that I’m already feeling pretty big in the tummy, struggling to lean over to tie up shoe laces, need some help to get up if I have to squat down or kneel down or something, the thought of doubling the size of my baby bump (which I actually think is a bit cute just at the moment!) seems a little daunting! My latest trick, squatting down to do something (today it was to put paper into the paper basket) and falling straight onto my bum. Seems my centre of gravity has changed a little these days and my brain is yet to catch on!

The baby’s movements have changed in the last few weeks from being fairly indecipherable wriggles and kicks to something quite different. Now you can really feel that the baby is in there and you can feel very distinct movements under the skin, little limbs pushing against the outside of the uterus. I really am enjoying being pregnant and for the most part have felt really well. I think I’ll need to slow down a bit now though, I get a bit tired these days and my body doesn’t react well to ‘overdoing it’. So I’m going to take the hint and ensure I get enough down time.

In other news, our friends Aud Trude and Kristian (who you may remember from our wedding) had a beautiful little boy Oliver a few weeks ago. Aud Trude is already showing her super mum skills and is managing beautifully. Mari and Kev are next with their second baby due Jan 19th, then it’s our turn!

We’re planning a pretty quiet Christmas at home, probably focussing on ‘feathering the nest’ for the baby’s arrival. Joel is planning to continue the renovation plan and tear down the walls and ceiling in what used to be our study and will become the nursery. Personally I think a coat of paint would do the job, but he’s insistent, only the best will do! I plan to leave him to it and instead focus on reupholstering the rocking chair I bought second hand, reading up about birthing techniques and pondering on baby names. Until next time, Merry Christmas!

Some pics from Joel's recent trip to Iceland:

A White Christmas!

What a difference a fortnight can make! This time two weeks ago we were living it up at the Cook Islands enjoying high 20's temperatures and the most amazing beaches you can imagine. Today we are experiencing below zero temperatures and around 40cm of snow in the last 24 hours! It is really quite amazing, probably the most snow we have seen around our home since we moved here. And the timing is perfect - it looks like we're set for our first ever white christmas! Here are a few snaps! Click on the album to view in larger format.

We will be receiving our professional photos soon and will of course make a few blogs covering our amazing wedding and honeymoon, watch this space!

Pre-Christmas Family Visit & A Big Surprise

We have had the most busy and fun past month. So much has happened, it’s hard to summarise it in just one blog. I will try to be brief and include lots of photos. Well it all began just after our renovation. The reason (which we couldn’t say at the time) for the big rush to finish was that we had Joel’s family come to stay with us for a couple of weeks. Joel’s brother Zac, his wife Fraze and baby Eliza came to stay with us from around 16th December. Then together with Simon, Joel’s brother who also flew in from Melbourne, we flew to Paris and north into the countryside to stay at a farmhouse that Joel’s dad John and his family had rented for a week. This was a huge surprise to Joel’s sisters Em and Bec, and was in honour of Emma’s 21st Birthday. We spent a night at the farm and then drove down to Paris where we stayed a few nights.

Paris was beautiful, especially as it was just before Christmas so the place was lit up with lights and decorations, and there was definitely a buzz in the air. Joel and I finished some last minute Christmas shopping and enjoyed seeing some of the sights with the others. A particular highlight was visiting Notre Dame during a Carols Concert and hearing the organ in action with a choir. It was absolutely packed, standing room only.

One very special treat for us having all the family visit was that we got to meet our little niece Eliza for the first time. She was born while we were living over here in Norway, so we were so excited and thrilled to meet our little 18 month old darling. She is just a delight, a really happy, fun little girl with a beautiful face and a cheeky grin. We adored getting to know her and miss her already now that we are back.

After a few nights in Paris we all flew back together to Stavanger on 23rd December. Joel took an expedition of those that were game up to Pulpit Rock, not an easy climb at the best of times but even more treacherous in the middle of winter with snow and ice everywhere (just ask Sally!). We also showed everyone around Stavanger including some trips to town and around Mosvanet, the lake near our house. The Oil Museum was also fun, and Joely loves to get everyone involved in a bit of oil industry propaganda!

Christmas Day was a big family affair with 9 of us plus the baby all helping with the preparations and serving a big lunch. It was a really lovely day and so special for us to have everyone here at our home.

All too soon it was all over and everyone was flying back to Melbourne or continuing their holiday in Europe. So then Joel’s and my thoughts turned to our trip home to Melbourne.

renovation madness & The Christmas Table

It seems that most people have spent the past weekend doing Christmas shopping, putting up the christmas tree, filling the fridge and pantry with food and going to christmas parties. But such fun-filled relaxation (yes, even christmas shopping sounds relaxing to me right now) is a far off memory for Joel and I.

We’ve been working solidly day and night for over a week to get our bedroom finished in record time. Finally, tonight, we will finish!!!! And we couldn’t be happier! We have a fabulous new bedroom with taupe/latte coloured walls and a dark aubergine coloured feature wall. It is looking fantastic and we can’t wait to move back in! Gone is the circa 1979 dim wooden light fitting, and in it’s place halogen downlights, I’m certain I’m going to rediscover all kinds of clothes in by cupboard simply by being able to see them now!

Poor little Cooba has been so neglected that after we finally downed-tools last night at about 9.30pm dead on our feet we just had to take him for a walk. He certainly enjoyed the break from boarder patrol in our back yard which he had been doing for the past week!

Over a week ago just after Joel returned from offshore we both had our ‘Julebord’ (literally translated Christmas Table) Christmas parties. Unfortunately they were on the same night otherwise I could have gone to Joel’s as partners are invited. Our department were doing part of the entertainment. Here is a pic of everyone in the ‘green room’ getting ready for our performance (I’m not in this one as I was taking the photo).

It was a version of ‘Yellow Submarine’ with different lyrics. After our show I caught a cab to Joel’s party and joined him for an hour or so. It was a fun night, although we were home before midnight and up early the next morning installing plaster board...! Such a glamorous life we lead. I will post some pics of our finished bedroom very soon.

Hope your christmas preparations are going well!

Emma.