Conklin Family

Wedding pics

2010-03-15T22:15:00.003+11:00

New Blog

2009-12-24T15:15:00.003+11:00

As you can see, I haven't written on this blog for ages, but I've started another blog

www.kateconklindesigns.blogspot.com

have a look

Love ya

Purple rash

2008-09-27T08:35:00.002+10:00

We've all been sick for the last few weeks. Dane and I had chest x-rays to check for pneumonia. We also had conjunctivitis, coughs, vomitting etc. But the icing on the cake was when Sarah came out with a purple rash on Wednesday. I took her to the local doctor and he told me to get her to hospital immediately. Although she didn't have any of the other symptoms of meningococcal we didn't want to take any chances. At the hospital the doctors didn't waste any time getting a drip into her and pumping her full of anti-biotics just in case. It was a little scary, but a priesthood blessing gave me confidence it was nothing serious. The hardest part was trying to keep Sarah occupied. She was in isolation, so she couldn't play with the other children in the play room, and she was attached 24 hours a day to the drip (she had to take her 'puppy' with her around the room). Poor Todd had the task of staying overnight with her and got a grand total of 2 hours sleep.

At one point Sarah grabbed her drip stand and declared in front of the nurses "I want to go to another party!" Another time she performed stomach rolls for the doctor. She cracks me up sometimes.
The doctors finally worked out that she had an allergic reaction to the virus and some of the blood vessels had leaked and caused purple bruising that looked like a rash. We were so relieved when allowed to go home. Does that face look sick to you?

Weaning

2008-08-31T12:43:00.006+10:00

This week Sarah enjoyed her last breastfeed. It was time. She's two and two months. She's started one day a week at preschool. She's done her first wee on the potty. She can say the alphabet and count to 10 and put on her pyjama bottoms.

I feel grateful that she breastfed for so long and we could share that special time together. Its the one time she would melt in my arms and gaze into my eyes and tuck her cold little hand in my soft bosom. She was still my little baby.

I thought it was would be an impossibly heart wrenching fight to wean her. When given the choice of nuggles or chocolate she always chose the former. My morning greeting was not 'hello mummy' it was 'can I have some nuggles?'. I asked her recently what 'nuggles' tastes like and she said 'yummy!'.

So I prayed for widsom and guidance. The next morning she didn't ask for any of the good stuff, and was quite satisfied later when I explained that only little babies have nuggles. Big girls get to eat all sorts of yummy things that babies can't have. The next day Sarah told me that Dane wanted some nuggles because he couldn't have strawberries.

I'm surprised she's taken it so well. A little too well. Where did my little baby go? The sad thing is I can't even remember her last feed because I didn't know at the time it would be the last.

I feel like life is going by too fast. I want to remember all the little moments. I try to take photos and video and write in three journals but it just doesn't cut it. I look at my babies and think 'I want to remember this moment', but there's so many of them I know I can't possibly do it.

Mind you, some moments will stay with me for a while, such as the 'take nappy off and poo in cot right before church' moment. It might even get better with time.

Sometimes I wonder who is being weaned, Sarah or me. I love you my little cherubs. Don't grow up too quickly.

I get to fall in love over and over ...

2008-08-17T13:04:00.003+10:00

with these growing little people that I get to keep for a while

Finally using some of our wheat

2008-08-17T12:54:00.002+10:00

Todd actually ground the wheat to make the flour to make the dough to make the bread - isn't he a clever cookie - and it tasted so yummy warm with lots of butter. While in Adelaide I made this little raggy quilt for my friend Kellie, who had a baby girl the same age as Dane. I'm going through a blanket phase at the moment - I just can't resist buying more and more material. I made a little blanket for Sarah for preschool (she's just started 1 day a week). Somehow I thought that if I put lots of love into a blanket for her, she would feel it while away from me for 5 hours. It seemed to work. She had a great time.

2 already?

2008-07-14T15:48:00.004+10:00

We had a little celebration with Todd's family a couple of weeks ago and I just had to post some of the pictures. She is so beautiful and funny and clever and determined, and even when she's driving me crazy I love her to bits.

Tender mercies

2008-07-14T14:56:00.003+10:00

This week I had a tooth pulled out. That may not seem like a tender mercy, but I have put up with this bad tooth for almost 3 years now, only eating on one side of my mouth. A part of it broke off just after I became pregnant with Sarah and it was never the same. Although I went to 3 dentists, had numerous xrays, and had the tooth filled and strenthened, none of them could figure out why it was troubling me.

I finally decided enough was enough, there were more important things to worry about in life. What was the point in having teeth anyway, if I never used them? So after a blessing from Todd and numerous prayers I headed off to the dentist with faith that it would all work out.

Although the dentist didn't want to, I insisted that the offending tooth be pulled right there and then. Even though I enjoyed the happy gas for a while, I had to tell them to turn it down when the dentist started insulting my shoes and all I could do was giggle.

Anyway, as soon as the dentist took out the tooth (it was really quick) he said "that was definitely the right decision". He showed me a rather large absess on the side of the root and said that nothing would have fixed it, and for some reason it wouldn't show up on the xray. I was so relieved, and knew that it was yet another blessing from a loving Heavenly Father. A tender mercy that reminds me he is watching out for me and my family.

Local beach

2008-06-29T22:36:00.003+10:00

This is our local beach. We're close enough to walk, so I'm looking forward to summer when I can pitch the cancer council tent and let Sarah dig to her heart's content. Sarah was absolutely mesmorised by the water and it took us about half an hour to walk back up to the car as she had to point out every shell along the way.

4th Anniversary

2008-06-29T22:03:00.003+10:00

Todd and I had the most perfect, relaxing time away. We took Dane and left Sarah with doting grandma Cyndy. We just sat by the fire and read and ate and napped. We went for a relaxing stroll and dreamed about the future and how healthy we were going to be when we got around to being healthy. Technically we weren't getting presents for each other, but I bought myself a non-stick saucepan. This is a present for both of us, as we will both be the recipient of non-stuck meals. I love Todd. He puts up with so much.

Snuggle bunnies

2008-06-02T15:39:00.001+10:00

Gliding adventures

2008-06-02T15:25:00.005+10:00

We had a wonderful family day out watching the gliders come and go. Sarah loved them. The pilots kept calling her a boy even though she was wearing pink! Todd finally used the voucher I bought him for Christmas 2005 (its hard finding time for ourselves these days). The glider was attached to a 1.5 km long cable and he was up in the clouds for about 20 minutes. I went about 10 years ago and it was such a peaceful experience being up there with no noise.

Dane's Baby Blessing

2008-06-01T21:43:00.004+10:00

Today Dane was blessed by his dad. He slept peacefully through the blessing, while Sarah cried out loudly for a breastfeed. We had a wonderful afternoon at Todd's parents' house with lots of the extended family. Cyndy and Jeff are such supportive grandparents and go above and beyond the call of duty. I'm so glad Rebecca and Morgan and the kids could make it, and especially Granny Smylie, who flew over from Adelaide yesterday. Most of all, I'm grateful that I'm part of an eternal family.

My hero

2008-05-10T11:55:00.004+10:00

That's my mum standing on grandad's hand and I wish I could hold her up like that because she deserves to be on a pedestal. Mum knows pretty much everything about anything that's important - like family, faith and loving others. She taught me to be a strong woman who can do anything if I work hard enough. She taught me how to work quickly and then take time to enjoy life. She taught me to be thrifty and not to keep up with the Jones. She taught me to go the extra mile, invite the stranger to dinner, to think of others before yourself. She taught me to cook tuna mornay and clean behind the toilet. She taught me integrity and love, and to value people above things. I ring her when I'm feeling down and when I'm excited, when my children are sick and when they do something hilarious, when my calling is hard and when I've learned something new. My mum is kind and generous and everyone loves her. She takes genuine interest in others and makes them feel important. She has a rosy smile and her hugs are the real deal. I feel incredibly lucky to have her as my mother. I love you mum. xxx

Mastitis

2008-05-08T20:39:00.002+10:00

...is the enemy. Its the kind of thing that comes out of nowhere and hits you like a bus. Sunday night I went to bed early feeling a little tired and slightly emotional, but nothing out of the ordinary. Monday morning I lay in bed shivering next to Dane hoping Todd would wake up soon (he was in Sarah's bed) so that he could turn the heater on and bring me pain killers and make it all better. I can't believe a little blockage in your breast can cause your whole body, inside and out, to ache and your head to pound. The receptionist at the doctors office copped a trembling lip and then an avalanche of tears when she told me to come back in a hour to see the doctor. I was so grateful for my Todd's mum, Cyndy, who looked after Dane and Sarah so I could get some rest. I was grateful for Sarah for helping out so willingly with feeding. And I was the most grateful for penicillin for conquering the enemy. It was amazing how much better I felt only 24 hours later. Thanks Mr Florey.

I just have to tell you - I think when you have mastitis your milk tastes abit sour. Anyway, when I put Sarah on to feed towards the end of the day, she didn't drink. I urged her along, 'suck' and then she came off and said "zee uzzer one?", hoping it might be a bit sweeter. My poor baby!

As requested..

2008-05-02T08:47:00.003+10:00

a picture of Dane. Mum thinks he looks like one of ours, whereas Sarah was definately Todd's child. I can't tell. To me he's just beautiful. Often he'll just sit on my lap craning his neck so he can look up at me with those adorable eyes. I think he'll have light eyes, but we'll see. He has chubby arms and long toes and fingers. Dane has a tongue tie, but this hasn't stopped him feeding well. It just may mean that he wont be able to stick his tongue out to lick an ice cream. Pick me up!
For mother's day Todd is building me a picket fence so I can sit out on the front porch and watch the world go by as Sarah and Dane play. He's such a good man.

Daddy's little helper with peanut butter lips.

A moments peace

2008-04-30T15:56:00.006+10:00

Why oh why did I not wean Sarah while I had the chance? Because she's my baby and she loves it and it gives me a chance to sit for a moment. Just call me Jersey.

Dane has decided he would rather be held than put in his bassinet thankyou very much. I'm hoping the honeymoon isn't over and he will one day sleep at night. He was grizzly for quite a bit of last night, and thankfully Todd held him while dozing on the couch for a good part of the night. He seems to have a lot of wind - maybe something I ate. I'm really hoping its not the chocolate, because I don't want to have to choose between him and the chocolate.

The only thing better than a spoon, is a wipe and a spoon. I have to ration the wipes as Sarah loves cleaning, and also wrapping things up. She's such a good little helper.

Precious moments

2008-04-28T15:43:00.002+10:00

On Saturday night I wasn't up to cooking dinner (in fact I have avoided cooked since Dane was born 3 weeks ago) Todd made a little fire pit on our back deck and cooked ham, cheese and tomato toasted sandwiches in the fire. They were delicious, and we felt like we were camping without all the hassle. Afterwards Sarah was cuddling on my lap and we were looking at the stars (Sarah rarely cuddles for more than a few seconds, so it was a lovely moment) and then out of the blue she said "love you". I was so touched that she would think to say that all on her own.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but as you would appreciate, its hard to find the time. Some evenings I have been going to bed at 8:30pm, which is definately not like me. But I'm doing great. Todd is taking a couple of days off a week to help out at home and I have wonderful family and friends that have made meals and babysat Sarah. I'm easing back into Relief Society stuff, and I ventured out with Dane and Sarah on my own for the first time today. It didn't go too badly. Dane loved being tucked away in the sling, and Sarah was happy enough in the pram as long as she had some chips to eat. Dane only pooed up his back once - so its been a great day.

Meet Dane Jeffrey

2008-04-10T14:52:00.004+10:00

Born Sunday 6th April 2008 at 1:20am. He weighed 3450 grams, which is 7 pounds 9.5 ounces, 51cm long and 36cm head circ. We got to the hospital 11pm Saturday night, and fortunately we got the room with the bath. He was born in the water a couple of hours later. Todd was right behind me the whole time letting me crush his fingers. It all went so smoothly. Such a contrast from Sarah's birth. When he was born the midwife said I had the biggest grin on my face. It was so wonderful to hold him in my arms. So far he has been the cruisiest baby ever. Hardly ever cries (didn't even wimper when he had the heel prick test), happy to just lie on you lap and look around, feeds beautifully (we've even mastered feeding lying down in bed) and is happy to go off to sleep without any jiggling. We're in heaven. Mum flew over from Adelaide yesterday and its so good to have her here to share the joy. Sarah's been great with Dane too - very gentle (most of the time) and loves to talk about what he's doing "Baby sleeping" "Baby sucking" - that's about it. Anyway, I'm in love all over again.

Sarah's testing out the bassinet

2008-04-05T11:15:00.001+11:00

This is my baby. I can't believe she's going to be my big girl soon.

Bad photo

2008-04-05T10:59:00.003+11:00

but this might be my last opportunity to take a photo of me pregnant. I've bee avoiding any photos as I've put on more weight with this pregnancy than with Sarah. My midwife said it might be fluid retention, but I said "no, just chocolate". I'm counting on breastfeeding to help me out here. Isn't it incredible that there's a fully formed little baby tucked away in there that could be in my arms at any time now.

4 days overdue

2008-04-05T09:04:00.002+11:00

This is not working out as planned. I cleaned the house from top to bottom, but now its dusty again. I wanted our new baby to come home to a sparkling house, but its proving tricky as he's a little tardy and so he'll just have to get what he's given. I've been having more painful contractions last night and this morning, and I'm starting to remember what I'm in for. Todd's gone off to run an auction and would prefer that I didn't have the baby between 11 and 11:30 this morning, so I'll do my best. Sarah and I made some chocolate brownies this morning. You know how most people make meals and freeze them, so they don't have to cook when the baby arrives - well I can survive on brownies for atleast a week, so we should be okay now.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know where we were up to for those who were wondering. Mum comes over to visit in 4 days, so hopefully I have a new grand-baby for her to cuddle when she gets here. Can't wait.

Not long now

2008-03-17T04:59:00.004+11:00

The nesting instinct has kicked in. I've spent this last week sorting out cupboards, washing floors, uncluttering bookshelves and surfaces (like the top of the fridge), and removing cobwebs. Todd's been busy too, making the yard secure for Sarah (who has just started to run) and our dog, fixing the front door, and answering my endless question "what shall I do with this" to which he almost always replies "Chuck it". Todd's loving this burst of enthusiastic cleaning and decluttering and he even dislocated his shoulder helping me clean places under the bed I couldn't reach. I think he's hoping I'm a changed woman - I doubt it. But I must admit, it feels so good to know that the top of the extractor fan in the kitchen is clean. I've finished work now, and am due in just over 2 weeks. I've packed my bag for hospital, and have set up the bassinet in our room. I have washed his tiny little clothes and sewn a couple of blankets. I've practiced relaxation breathing, and Todd and I have practiced acupressure points for labour. I'm ready to meet our son ... I think. I've heard second births are much easier. And don't anyone tell me otherwise. Now its time to relax and enjoy Sarah as my little baby, and savour quiet evenings with Todd. Who knows how long it will be before the fun begins, but one thing I do know - By hook or by crook he's coming ...

Soininen Beauties

2008-03-05T05:13:00.004+11:00

These photos were taken just over a year ago on a family holiday in Tasmania. I know they are a bit old, but its pretty rare to get us all together - all 23 of us. I chose this 1st shot as it was the only one where everyone was looking pretty normal at the same time (hard to do with such a big group)

I love you mum and dad. You are both amazing.

Rebecca, Morgan, Hannah, Sam, Mark and Elizabeth Kelly, David, James, Ethan, Ben, Elijah and Matti
Kate, Todd and Sarah
Amelia and Andre
Erin
Matt

EllenI love Matt's expression here. So cool.

Poor boy, how did he manage with 6 sisters?

Midnight capers

2008-03-01T10:57:00.000+11:00

This week Sarah has been sick again. She has another virus and this is a nasty one. Temperature, blisters in her mouth, sore bleeding gums, aches and pains (not to mention interesting breath). Anyway, the other night she woke up screaming at 12:30am. Todd and I both got up and didn't know what to do as she wasn't settling in our arms, or with distraction. Todd suggested going for a walk, and it worked a treat. So there we were at midnight in our dressing gowns and slippers walking down the street. Every time we tried to take Sarah home though she started screaming again, so it was a rather long walk. I wonder what the cars thought as they drove past.

Recent Pictures

2008-03-01T10:31:00.004+11:00

I just had to post some recent snapshots of Sarah. At the moment she is standing at her door instead of going to sleep and I am pretending not to notice her so I can get this done.

She loves to help mum cook, and mum likes to cook chocolately things.

There they are - the loves of my life.

That cheeky face again. Sorry Dad - I tried to sweep it up.

She makes it easy for us and opens really really wide.
This photo looks a lot like Todd when he was a baby. Couldn't you just kiss those lips.

Getting to know Sarah

2008-02-26T12:30:00.003+11:00

I am loving getting to know our little Sarah. Its wonderful that as she grows she shows more of her personality - the cute and the frustrating. Some of the things that I've noticed so far:

Sarah must always have a spoon in her hand. It used to be anything hard like a block, car or hard toy, but now it is definately a spoon. There is NO WAY she is going to be without a spoon. When she wants to play with something, she hands me the spoon for safe keeping, or she somehow plays with the toy while still holding the spoon. Todd is out at the moment buying more spoons. Luckily she likes the cheap disposable kind and is not fussed on the colour.
She is very good at communicating. As a speech pathologist I'm particularly proud of this trait. She always emphasises the ends of her words, especially words like 'cook', 'come', 'book', 'don't' and 'walk'. Sarah has figured out that although she can only say one word at a time, people talk in sentences, so she goes something like this "da da da da walk" or "la la la la cook".
Sarah loves water. She loves the bath and beach and being outdoors. She loves dolphin rides on Dad's back at the pool. But she doesn't like going under water. Sarah loves splashing in the dog's water and spilling water at every opportunity. She doesn't seem to get the fact that mum doesn't like this.
Sarah's favourite toy is a book. Often I'll see her climb on the couch and flick through a book by herself. Every night before bed we read no more than three books, otherwise it would definately get out of control.

Although Sarah's determined spirit can be trying at times, I definately see that she has enormous potential, and its my job to help her find what she loves. I'm looking forward to meeting our little boy, only about 5 weeks to go now!

Nothing could be more adorable

2008-02-26T11:57:00.002+11:00

These photos are a bit old (September 2007) but I just had to post them. My cousin's wife, Sarah Smylie, took them at her place in Salt Lake City and inspired Todd and I to splash out and buy an SLR camera. Anyway, as you can see they are just beautiful.

Sarah has the most adorable dimples in her shoulders. I've never seen this in another baby before. She's had them right from birth and still has them.

She had just learned to fold her arms for prayer, and she sometimes even reminds us to say a prayer on the food. After each prayer we always have a little kiss.

I love that concentration dribble.

Whinge-fest

2008-02-07T08:44:00.000+11:00

I've been meaning to post again since I made that grand entrance a couple of weeks ago, but its been a shocker of a week, and I didn't want this to be a whinge-fest. But we're all family right? Sarah's been sick. Now for those of you without kids (probably not many of you) you might think that's not a big deal ... but she's been sick for about a month now. Cough, runny nose, temperature and rash on and off, and very grumpy. She goes from cuddly sweet sick cherub to raging little monster in the time it takes to say "no more chips". All I can do is wait for her frustration to subside and for her to crash on me again (sometime offering grapes, blueberries or breast milk helps). Yes, that's correct - I've started breastfeeding her again. I feel like that's some sort of confession "Its only once a day, and not for very long ...". Its just so handy. It gives me a few minutes of peace, and I love to see her snuggle in, her little body relaxing on mine and her eyes rolling back in her head as she drinks in 'the good stuff'. I was planning on weaning before the new baby arrives, but one thing I've learned as a mother is expect plans to change. Ah well, it might come in handy when my milk comes in an the cold cabbage leaves aren't working.
Anyway, while caring for a sick child I've also started a new contract (for speech pathology) with a private school down the road, plan and run a visiting teaching workshop (as I'm Relief Society President), attended numerous meetings, taught a lesson, cooked and cleaned (well, intended to anyway), all the while my body has been completing my 32 week old baby's developing lungs. Talk about multi-tasking. Thank goodness for my sweet husband, who rang my mother-in-law, Cyndy and 'suggested' she take Sarah for an afternoon, to let me have a nap. I don't know what I'd do without family around. I slept all afternoon and felt like a new woman (but still one with a massive belly).
I figure life can't get much more busy, but I can hear you mothers out there saying 'wait until you have a couple of children'. It reminds me of when I was in early labour with Sarah saying to Cyndy "The contractions can't get any worse, just a bit longer and closer together" - boy, was I wrong! I admire my sister Kelly with 5 boys, Rebecca with her 4 kids and especially mum with 7! How did you do it?
Now I've got that off my chest - Life is full, but I really am so blessed.

Family holiday in USA

2008-01-26T07:16:00.000+11:00

We had a wonderful time on our family holiday to the USA in September, especially catching up with family and friends

Should be called mundane Conklins

2008-01-25T10:21:00.000+11:00

Hi Sarah Smylie. At your bidding I have started this blog. I must admit I have wanted to do a blog for a while, but every time I read yours I feel that I could never come close to matching your wit, poetry and beautiful photos, so I think its best not to try. But, that's probably a bit of a cop out. So, I'm going to have a go of it. I'll post some photos of Sarah (they are really the only photos I take nowadays), I'll let you know how the pregnancy is coming along (can't believe I'm over 30 weeks already), and I might even mention Todd once in a while (when I'm not talking about baby names, labour pains, or what Sarah's latest trick is). Our life really isn't that exciting, but I must admit - I love it - so maybe I'll share some of the mundane things that happen in our family that make me smile (or gasp). Be kind.