Eternal Creation

Ooh.. this will be very bad for my bank balance.. I stumbled across the website Eternal Creation today. They have the most beautiful baby and kids clothing, and the best thing is that they're all hand made by an Australian designer. Here's the story:

After graduating from the East Sydney institute of fashion design in 1994, designer Frances Carrington registered with Australian Volunteers Abroad, hoping to use her skills in a community in Africa. Instead she was sent to India. She was put in charge of the fledgling tailoring department of the Norbulingka Institute in Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile. Her job was to teach newly arrived Tibetan refugees the finer points of tailoring and design. She oversaw the growth of the department from 2 to 15 fulltime staff by the end of her stay.

Falling in love with Indian and Tibetan culture, not to mention the fantastic landscape of the Himalayas, she determined that at the end of her tenure she'd find a way to use her skills to continue to benefit the local community in some way. In 1999, armed with a $5000 loan from her father she started Eternal Creation, with the aim of producing quality womens' sleepwear and accessories.

The early days were difficult. Frances started with only 3 tailors, in association with the Gu-Chu-Sum movement of Tibet, an ex-political-prisoners' organisation based in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala. Gu-Chu-Sum's 200-plus members are all former prisoners of conscience, some of whom have endured terrible privation and torture at the hands of the Chinese authorities. The organisation is dedicated to improving the lives of recently arrived political refugees by providing jobs, training, health care and accommodation.

The small tailoring unit slowly grew, employing several ex-prisoners and battling with fierce monsoons, water shortages and frequent blackouts, often simultaneously! One of the biggest challenges was training people who had previously led a pastoral or nomadic existence, to understand the concept of delivery deadlines and international quality standards.

With the birth of her 2 children, Frances found herself naturally gravitating towards designing children's clothes, and sales of her initial childrens' collection quickly proved that there was a market for her classical look, love of colour and immaculate tailoring.

As the sales of Eternal products grew in Australia, the company was faced with a difficult decision - outsource or expand? Outsourcing would bring with it the ethical dilemma faced by many designers: how do you know your designs are being made under fair labour conditions and not subcontracted to other factories that may not meet these standards?

Frances felt that outsourcing production would ultimately end up betraying the original reasons she started the company. So she decided to increase the capacity of the workshop, which would provide more jobs for the local Tibetan and Indian community as well as ensuring that Eternal Creation's trademark high quality standards were maintained. In 2005, Eternal Creation opened the Himalaya Tailoring Centre in lower Dharamsala, and today is one of the largest private employers in the area. Eternal Creation products are sold in over 200 stores in Australia, Europe and Asia.

I couldn't help myself, and ordered 3 pieces for Carter. Even better, they were all on sale. I can't wait to receive them!

How adorable are the candy coloured rompers. Carter is going to be even more adorable this Summer!

Tuesday Thoughts.

Now that things are starting to settle down with Carter, my passion (corny word, but it's apt to how I feel!) for creating artwork is beginning to awaken.

Ideas are beginning to form in my head. Lots of projects need to begin, and lots still need to be finished. I need to create some blocks as a present for Danielle (sorry they're so late!) and I can't wait to do them. I also HAVE to finish Niccy's paintings, they're so close to being finished!

I didn't want to use oil paints and turps while I was pregnant, but now I can jump back into it with gusto. I'm so happy that these feelings have returned.

I'm beginning to find myself again.

Angst.

I guess I never really understood the emotional angst mums faced about having to formula feed instead of breastfeed, but now I do. Big time.

I know that I've been fighting a losing battle, but I couldn't let it go. I KNOW that I can't produce enough milk for Carter, and that the Motilium isn't working. I can't express after breastfeeding to try and stimulate supply, as by the time I top him with formula, play with him then settle him to sleep, over half an hour has passed and it's too late.

The whole issue is wearing me down, physically and emotionally.

After lots of tears today, I've resigned to the fact that I'll have to formula feed full time now. Carter is drinking around 120ml, and I can only produce about 40 to 60ml.

The biggest thing I'm going to miss is the emotional side- the bonding we have when I'm breastfeeding him. Deon keeps reassuring me that Carter's not going to love me any less, and he'll still be a healthy, thriving baby, but it's going to take a bit for my heart to let it go.

I don't think I can put into words how wretched it makes me feel right now.

My Precious Carter- 1 Month

My precious Carter,

Today, you are one month old.

Daddy and I were saying yesterday how it feels so much longer, and it's hard to remember life before you. We delight every day in the new developments you make, and have made us laugh and smile more than we ever have before. I love how alert you are now, and how your beautiful blue eyes gaze into mine when I'm feeding you. The way you coo and gurgle when we snuggle and play before putting you to bed.

Daddy and I love giving you a bath, and last night for the first time you started splashing around, and kicking the water. You become completely relaxed when we give you a little massage, and I love how you grip my fingers when I massage your hands.

At 2am on Sunday morning, after feeding you (and daddy was lovely enough to stay up for me and keep me company!) we were about to put you to bed when you rewarded us with something that warmed our hearts and gasp with delight- your first smile. How special that moment was.

I'm so proud how well you're settling and sleeping now. Mummy definitely appreciates it, especially at nighttime! Carter, I love your sleepy cuddles when you first wake up, and your rosy little cheeks. I love that I can identify the little noises you make, and how you communicate with us.

I love how you've bought our little family so close, and how you bring so much sunshine to every day.

I love you past the stars. xxoo

Best Dressed Boy on the Block.

Let me tell you, I've missed clothes shopping. I've missed being able to try on the latest fashions (excluding those god awful bodysuits and harem pants!) and having shiny new things hanging in my wardrobe. Right now though, there's no point buying anything until I lose the baby belly (getting there slowly!) so I'm getting my fix by shopping for Carter!

I'm not a fan of a lot of boys clothes. Anything that has slogans, skulls, camouflage or commercial characters is automatically crossed off the list. As the range is so small here, I've been buying online.. I just wish BabyGap would post to Australia!

Here's my latest purchase from Janie and Jack:

Tiger Safari Hoodie

Tiger Safari Bucket hat

Tiger Safari One Piece

Tiger Safari Shortalls

Elephant Beanie

Plus, Carter also has a little pair of Tiger Safari socks to match his outfit. I love looking at this set, all the pieces are just adorable! I can't wait until Summertime so I dress him in his shortalls and bucket hat!

Catnapper.

Yesterday did not go well.

On Monday night, Deon and I decided to move Carter into his cot. The main reason was because Deon is back to work this week, and the combination of early morning starts, a loud restless baby and him being a light sleeper didn't quite work and he found it extremely hard.

So, I moved the monitor to his room on the Monday, placed some airwaves around the side of his cot so he couldn't get any of his little limbs stuck, and crossed my fingers that all would go well that night. I have to admit, when we patted him to sleep and his little tiny body was all curled up in his huge cot I had a bit of a teary, and felt a bit of my own 'separation anxiety'! However, he slept like a champion. I think I got close to 7 hours sleep, which was bliss. Same as last night, where he slept from 7:30pm to 1:30am.. WONDERFUL! Very little time was spent settling him each time too.

Now, the daytime... ARGH!

Yesterday was extremely challenging. From 7:30am, little Carter just would not sleep, and grizzled constantly. He would catnap for about 15 to 30 mins, then wake up crying. By 2pm, at my wits end, I took him for an hour walk around the block so he could get some sleep. At 5:30pm I lost it and rang Deon who came home and took over for me to give me a break.

Today is a new day, and I'm armed with a few new strategies. The blinds are staying shut in the nursery, and we've introduced a dummy to help him sleep. So far so good... I wanted to take a photo of him in his cot, but I'm too scared at the moment that it will wake him up!

Bath Time!

Little Carter just loooves his bath time.

Originally I was bathing him in the morning, just after his feed. However, after changing him and bathing him at night, I found that he was calmer, more relaxed, and slept longer. Last night he slept from 6:30pm to 11pm, how amazing is that!?

I always make sure to put the heat lamps on at least 15 minutes before taking him in the bathroom, to ensure that it's toasty and warm. Once in there, he seems to know that it's bath time, and makes the cutest little happy noises. After placing him in the bath, he'll sit contentedly and look around with those big blue eyes of his. So cute!


After taking him out and rubbing him down, I use Gaia's baby oil to give him a massage. I'm also positive that the lavender scent is what's helping him sleep so blissfully! I love this time of the day with him, as it's a special bonding time for us as well. Lots of kisses and tummy rubs!

Grizzlepuss.

At the moment, it feels like Carter is alternating between good nights, and bad nights.

During Sunday night, he was an angel. He fed every four hours, and only needed to be patted for about 5 minutes before falling asleep with a gorgeous contented look on his face. Bliss. I thought I had it all figured out, and congratulated myself on becoming a supermum. I felt so good the next day, that I managed to make muffins, a quiche, clean the house AND fit in 2 visits from Helen (our nurse) and Sharon (the lactation consultant).

Slightly premature.

Last night, he was a grizzlepuss. It would take about an hour to feed him, then another hour just to settle him. And this morning? He would just not settle at all, and finally after two explosive poos around midday he relaxed and drifted off to sleep. The poor little munchkin was all blocked up, and I'm wondering if it's due to having the combination of breastmilk and formula. Luckily Deon stayed home and looked after him this afternoon so I could get some much needed sleep. I was feeling like a truck had hit me!

I'm finding the whole feeding thing a little difficult lately, as it just take SO LONG! Carter will feed for about 25 minutes on each breast with a nappy change in the middle, then we top him up with formula which can take up to another 20 mins, burp him, settle him (which can take.. how long is a piece of string?!) and then I still have to express for about 15 mins on each side.

I hope this motilion kicks in soon, so I can at least drop the formula feed!

Photos- 15 Days Old.

Just thought I'd post a couple of pics of my little bunny at 15 days old.. I'm a bit biased, but I think he's just gorgeous!

On the Up!

We had a few very positive and promising moments yesterday!

Firstly, Sharon (the lactation consultant) came around to weigh Carter and see how much weight he'd put on in 2 days. My gorgeous little boy had gained 150 grams, which was just wonderful!

The second positive thing to happen was that I managed to express just under 60mls in the morning (and this morning as well!). I only got about 30 for the rest of the day, but that's a start!

Carter's personality is developing more each day. He's begun to do the most adorable thing after having his nappy changed. When we're done and go to pick him up, he throws his arms out wide and does little 'jazz hands'. Deon gets the giggles every time he does it, and it just melts my heart. I can't help but give him big kisses on his soft cheeks and squishy hugs constantly!

I also couldn't help myself and bought him some cute outfits online from Janie and Jack, mainly from the tiger safari range. I love clothes that are knitted or tailored, and these are just beautiful!

Feelings of Inadequacy.

Yesterday was the first day I felt inadequate as a mum.

For the past few days, Carter's sleep time was becoming shorter and shorter, and he was feeding for longer periods of time. It was baffling me how he could feed for 1 to 1 1/2 hours and wake up hungry after only 2 hours during the day and night. It was becoming increasingly harder to settle him as he was crying continuously, and we just couldn't figure out what was wrong.

Helen (our lovely health care nurse) dropped in yesterday for a checkup, and to weigh Carter to see how he was doing. Well. That's when I got that awful sick feeling in my stomach. My poor little baby was actually losing weight, and after trying to express and getting nothing, we established that I had a low milk supply, and he wasn't getting enough during each feed.

I felt awful. My heart broke at the thought of Carter crying because he was so hungry, and I couldn't give him enough.

However, we have a game plan in place. Helen rang the lactation consultant, and she bought out a script for me today for a medication to boost my supply. I'm still feeding him, then topping him with formula, and expressing after to keep everything stimulated. Hopefully, in a couple of weeks I'll be able to breastfeed exclusively again. If not, it's not the end of the world.

So far, since we've begun topping Carter up with formula, he's become more settled, happy, and is sleeping around 3 to 4 hours which is wonderful. In fact, I actually had to wake him up tonight at the nurse advised us to wake Carter if he hadn't fed for more than 4 hours (to ensure weight gain). Let's hope he continues that trend tonight!

On a side note, today was the first day that Deon and I took Carter for a walk around the block in his pram. I'm not sure how impressed he was, as he slept the whole time! It was such a lovely day, (25 degrees in August) and it really gave me a lift. Definitely the best day since being at home with my new little family!

My Two Special Boys...

Right now, even though I'm feeling a little sleep deprived and still fairly sore, I feel more content now than I have in my entire life. Carter was just meant to happen for us. Even though it can take us a while to get him to settle to sleep, when he is asleep I can't wait for him to wake up so I can snuggle with him again.

I have a permanent smile on my face when I see my two favourite boys interact and bond with one another. It's so special, and gives me warm fuzzies all over when I see how besotted Deon is with Carter. Aw, I'm turning into such a sap!