Fri - October 27, 2006
Puppy Update
I can't believe that its been a week since I've
updated you about my new little
family!!
The herbal remedy for boosting Skye's milk came on Monday. I think it has worked a little, to be honest. As Alan said tonight, he really doesn't put any faith in these sorts of miracle cures, but has to admit that she has more milk now than she had at the start of the week. The pups are still going to their mum, but it is hard to know how much they are getting from her. Nothing can be measured, and there was a day during the week (when Alan was off work) that he thought he'd "test" how they were without lots of feeds from him. However, once I arrived home, they were desperate to feed with me, so Alan thought he'd totally screwed up, by not persevering with the replacement milk.
Its been a good week, all in all, as the scales would testify. My "wee" bitch is now almost 1 pound in weight! Yes, that's real cause for celebration. She's been putting weight on steadily over the past few days. At the start of the week, feeding time was a real nightmare, as it took longer keeping her awake over the course of a feed. Now, however, she storms through 10 ml - the current feed amount - like a real wee trooper. She's so sweet!
The larger bitch has also been steadily growing in weight. She's 1 pound 1 ounce today, and is feeding really well - sometimes, too well as she forces the milk down her little throat, and at times, nearly chokes in the process. Its a really difficult spell when this happens. If the pups weren't strong enough, then the fluid could almost certainly go down into their lungs, and that would be so dangerous. Slowing her down is the hardest part of her feeds.
The wee boy has been feeding excellently well all week. However, today has not been so good for him, and earlier on, he had really soft motions, which was more yellow than brown. I'm hoping he's not got the start of diarrhoea. So, I've popped a little live yogurt into his and the other pups' tummies, and also given some to Skye.
As we've been through so much with them, since their birth 2 weeks ago exactly, any little change, however small, always seems so major. The next feed is at 10 pm, and I really hope that he'll take his quota on his own. At the last feed session, Alan had to drop the milk into his mouth, drop by drop, to ensure he had enough milk.
And what about feeding? Well, we're now up to 3 hours, 8 times a day. Each feed can take up to 45 minutes. The last 2 nights have been really good and I've managed to get to bed for an hour or more sleep time between these feeds. I managed to get 2 days off work yesterday and today, to spend at home looking after the pups. It was just as well. I've been absolutely shattered, and have done nothing today except try to get a wee bit of sleep between puppy watching. Mind you, since the wee boy decided to give me a worry, I can't really rest. If the 10 pm feed goes well, then I'll probably manage a few hours before the next one at 1 am.
Let's hope for the best, eh?
The herbal remedy for boosting Skye's milk came on Monday. I think it has worked a little, to be honest. As Alan said tonight, he really doesn't put any faith in these sorts of miracle cures, but has to admit that she has more milk now than she had at the start of the week. The pups are still going to their mum, but it is hard to know how much they are getting from her. Nothing can be measured, and there was a day during the week (when Alan was off work) that he thought he'd "test" how they were without lots of feeds from him. However, once I arrived home, they were desperate to feed with me, so Alan thought he'd totally screwed up, by not persevering with the replacement milk.
Its been a good week, all in all, as the scales would testify. My "wee" bitch is now almost 1 pound in weight! Yes, that's real cause for celebration. She's been putting weight on steadily over the past few days. At the start of the week, feeding time was a real nightmare, as it took longer keeping her awake over the course of a feed. Now, however, she storms through 10 ml - the current feed amount - like a real wee trooper. She's so sweet!
The larger bitch has also been steadily growing in weight. She's 1 pound 1 ounce today, and is feeding really well - sometimes, too well as she forces the milk down her little throat, and at times, nearly chokes in the process. Its a really difficult spell when this happens. If the pups weren't strong enough, then the fluid could almost certainly go down into their lungs, and that would be so dangerous. Slowing her down is the hardest part of her feeds.
The wee boy has been feeding excellently well all week. However, today has not been so good for him, and earlier on, he had really soft motions, which was more yellow than brown. I'm hoping he's not got the start of diarrhoea. So, I've popped a little live yogurt into his and the other pups' tummies, and also given some to Skye.
As we've been through so much with them, since their birth 2 weeks ago exactly, any little change, however small, always seems so major. The next feed is at 10 pm, and I really hope that he'll take his quota on his own. At the last feed session, Alan had to drop the milk into his mouth, drop by drop, to ensure he had enough milk.
And what about feeding? Well, we're now up to 3 hours, 8 times a day. Each feed can take up to 45 minutes. The last 2 nights have been really good and I've managed to get to bed for an hour or more sleep time between these feeds. I managed to get 2 days off work yesterday and today, to spend at home looking after the pups. It was just as well. I've been absolutely shattered, and have done nothing today except try to get a wee bit of sleep between puppy watching. Mind you, since the wee boy decided to give me a worry, I can't really rest. If the 10 pm feed goes well, then I'll probably manage a few hours before the next one at 1 am.
Let's hope for the best, eh?
Posted at 09:30 PM
Sun - October 22, 2006
Puppy Update – Friday and Saturday
Yes, I know – I am very much behind in my
updates. As it is, its now nearly 4.30 am on Sunday morning and this is me
getting round to the last few
days.
Thankfully, things have been steadily improving. Changing the feeds to hourly really made a difference through the day on Friday. Yes, it is challenging. Sometimes, it can take the best part of an hour to administer the feeds, and then its time to have the items sterilised before making up the next feed. But to see them taking their milk is a real bonus.
Skye still hasn’t developed any huge milk supplies. But, she still has a little, and it seems that this is replenishing itself each feed. The pups wouldn’t waste their energies on her nipples if they weren’t getting any nourishment at all. My herbal remedy was shipped on Thursday, and there’s a chance it will be here on Monday, courtesy of FedEx. It would be a huge miracle if it were to help – even a little.
So what of the pups then? Well, they are starting, little by little, to put on weight.
The dog is the best feeder of all. He’s now nice and strong, and almost recognisable from the poorly wee mite we were trying to revive last weekend and the other evening.
The bigger of the 2 bitches has now developed a really good feeding technique. She’s using the same principle as she would when she feeds from her mum and I was only saying to her yesterday that she should run a masterclass to show off her achievements!
The wee bitch – well, she was always going to be hard work. She’s smaller, and not as strong as the other 2. She’ll be playing catch up (God willing) for a long time to come. She’s not drinking as much as her siblings each feed, but is holding her own. It takes more time to feed her (much more!) than it does to feed the other 2 combined. But I don’t mind at all – as long as she eventually gets there in the end.
We moved from hourly feeds, adding a little longer each time in between until the stage we’re at just now. We feed them every 105 minutes, and hopefully, that will be up to 120 minutes in a day or so. I’m off to do my next feed soon and I hope it takes less time than the last one – which took just over an hour! Some feeds are quicker than others – it all depends on how hungry they feel at that particular time. Their stomachs are still so small, that 5ml fills them up to the brim with milky happiness. When you next get a teaspoon out, look at the size of it, and think that it takes me an hour to get this amount into the mouths of 3 little charmers. Its amazing, isn’t it?
And me – how am I doing? Well, I’m still very emotionally challenged right now. Every so often, I look a them, get all tearful and emotional (for good reasons as well as bad), then eventually recover. The lack of sleep isn’t helping at all. But, seeing as though Alan was home longer this weekend (although working both days), I got a chance to have some wee sleeps, and even though I’ve been up since midnight, I’m feeling rather good. Yesterday afternoon, I managed just over an hour, and last night, I got about 3 hours until I relieved Alan from duty. This is something that I was never able to do – grab 40 winks here and there. However, I’ve had to adapt, and make the most of each time I get to close my eyes and actually be in bed at the same time!
I’ve to go back to work on Monday and I don’t know how I’ll be. Thankfully, Alan will be off work for a few days – otherwise the pups wouldn’t survive the day. It’s a sobering thought, that although I’m looking in the box right now to see Mum lying sleeping and the pups stretched out on the heating pad, enjoying the most fabulous of milky dreams, that if it weren’t for what we’ve been doing for a week now that they just would not be here. Right now, I can’t contemplate life without them – they’ve just got into my heart and into my head so much.
I only hope that they’ll continue to do well, and that they can consistently improve in their feeding habits, which will benefit them greatly. The better they are at feeding, the more they can take, therefore the stronger they will become.
I am so deeply grateful for each of their wee lives. More than they’ll ever know, perhaps???
Thankfully, things have been steadily improving. Changing the feeds to hourly really made a difference through the day on Friday. Yes, it is challenging. Sometimes, it can take the best part of an hour to administer the feeds, and then its time to have the items sterilised before making up the next feed. But to see them taking their milk is a real bonus.
Skye still hasn’t developed any huge milk supplies. But, she still has a little, and it seems that this is replenishing itself each feed. The pups wouldn’t waste their energies on her nipples if they weren’t getting any nourishment at all. My herbal remedy was shipped on Thursday, and there’s a chance it will be here on Monday, courtesy of FedEx. It would be a huge miracle if it were to help – even a little.
So what of the pups then? Well, they are starting, little by little, to put on weight.
The dog is the best feeder of all. He’s now nice and strong, and almost recognisable from the poorly wee mite we were trying to revive last weekend and the other evening.
The bigger of the 2 bitches has now developed a really good feeding technique. She’s using the same principle as she would when she feeds from her mum and I was only saying to her yesterday that she should run a masterclass to show off her achievements!
The wee bitch – well, she was always going to be hard work. She’s smaller, and not as strong as the other 2. She’ll be playing catch up (God willing) for a long time to come. She’s not drinking as much as her siblings each feed, but is holding her own. It takes more time to feed her (much more!) than it does to feed the other 2 combined. But I don’t mind at all – as long as she eventually gets there in the end.
We moved from hourly feeds, adding a little longer each time in between until the stage we’re at just now. We feed them every 105 minutes, and hopefully, that will be up to 120 minutes in a day or so. I’m off to do my next feed soon and I hope it takes less time than the last one – which took just over an hour! Some feeds are quicker than others – it all depends on how hungry they feel at that particular time. Their stomachs are still so small, that 5ml fills them up to the brim with milky happiness. When you next get a teaspoon out, look at the size of it, and think that it takes me an hour to get this amount into the mouths of 3 little charmers. Its amazing, isn’t it?
And me – how am I doing? Well, I’m still very emotionally challenged right now. Every so often, I look a them, get all tearful and emotional (for good reasons as well as bad), then eventually recover. The lack of sleep isn’t helping at all. But, seeing as though Alan was home longer this weekend (although working both days), I got a chance to have some wee sleeps, and even though I’ve been up since midnight, I’m feeling rather good. Yesterday afternoon, I managed just over an hour, and last night, I got about 3 hours until I relieved Alan from duty. This is something that I was never able to do – grab 40 winks here and there. However, I’ve had to adapt, and make the most of each time I get to close my eyes and actually be in bed at the same time!
I’ve to go back to work on Monday and I don’t know how I’ll be. Thankfully, Alan will be off work for a few days – otherwise the pups wouldn’t survive the day. It’s a sobering thought, that although I’m looking in the box right now to see Mum lying sleeping and the pups stretched out on the heating pad, enjoying the most fabulous of milky dreams, that if it weren’t for what we’ve been doing for a week now that they just would not be here. Right now, I can’t contemplate life without them – they’ve just got into my heart and into my head so much.
I only hope that they’ll continue to do well, and that they can consistently improve in their feeding habits, which will benefit them greatly. The better they are at feeding, the more they can take, therefore the stronger they will become.
I am so deeply grateful for each of their wee lives. More than they’ll ever know, perhaps???
Posted at 06:17 AM
Fri - October 20, 2006
Puppy Update - Thursday
Well, its now Friday and its 4 am. My update from
Thursday is long overdue, but when you read it, you’ll probably
understand…
Things weren’t going well through the night on Wednesday. Although the pups were keen to feed from Mum, I sensed that they weren’t getting enough nourishment, due to the number of times they would return, over and over again. Also, Skye’s milk seemed to be in very short supply indeed. Just as in the human process the bitch (or dam) will need stimulation of the milk glands (puppies sucking on a nipple) in order to produce milk. It’s a Demand and Supply concept: as long as the pups are continuing to feed from Mum, then she’ll continue to produce the milk. This isn’t happening, so, what was going on?! When its late at night, and you’ve not been to bed for nearly a week (apart from a snatched hour or so), you do start to panic.
During Wednesday night, in between feeds, I’d been checking online about ways in which to encourage the milk production in Skye. Most of the methods, through food, we already use. Its important to have a diet which is protein-rich with added calcium. She needs to be fed quality grub, little and often. So right now, Skye is enjoying mince, cottage cheese, porridge oats, chicken, raw egg (shell and all!), fish, warm milk and honey. Some other ideas were mashed carrots (though I don’t know if she’d eat that), and some herbal remedies. There was one such remedy I spotted, which comes from the US. I’ve ordered it, but it may take too long to arrive to be of benefit. I can only try it.
Added to this problem, was that the pups weren’t feeding too well on an individual basis with me. The wee bitch (yes, her again!) wasn’t doing well again and I was starting to get really concerned. The dog wasn’t feeding brilliantly either and both were complaining loudly whenever I tried to introduce the teat into their little tiny mouths. They were getting frustrated, and me, well, by this stage I didn’t have a clue. Another major nightmare was Skye. She’s been so good since giving birth – lovingly cleaning, comforting and feeding her puppies. However, during the night (and for some time today), it was difficult to get her to stay in the whelping box with her babies. She was always wanting to go outside, probably not always to relieve herself. On one occasion yesterday, Dad took her and Kira out to the garden, just to do the necessary, but Skye was having such a rare old time, running after Kira that she didn’t want to come in at all. Was she losing interest? Or did she know something about the health of these pups that we didn’t?
It got to 8 am, and things were no better. I decided to phone Alan at work so he would come home – I was really in no fit state to think straight or to sort anything out. He got home around 9 am and I went through all my concerns. I phoned the Vet and they suggested bringing everyone in again. I was worrying that Skye’s lack of interest was due to some underlying medical problem so really wanted that checked out – in addition to the milk saga.
The journey was fine on the way there. I brought along a little bottle of whelpi so I could feed the pups on route.
We didn’t have long to wait to see the vet. She was pleased that the pups had lived this long, under the circumstances. Skye seemed fine to her, but she really felt that the milk supply was certainly not enough for a family of 3 – my worries exactly. So, the hand rearing would have to continue for the foreseeable future and to help in that regard, she suggested moving to hourly rather than 2/3 hourly feeds. It will be more work, but that doesn’t matter as long as the pups are healthy and well-fed.
I fed the pups on the way home with my milk bottle. I was trying so hard to keep them well covered up to avoid draughts etc, that they were all I could think of. I haven’t cried since Sunday – I’ve been too busy to be honest. But there and then, I started sobbing and I couldn’t stop. I was so inconsolable in the back that Alan thought something had happened to the pups. The reality was all slipping into place. The past week had been full of one hurdle after another, and I had to let all my emotions go. The only thing that lifted me a little was looking down at the bag where the pups were all snuggled up. The dog and big bitch knew that there was a way out of this cocoon I had placed them in and their wee heads kept popping out round the side of the towels. Seeing their gorgeous wee faces did make me cry more, but I knew then that it was certainly worth all my tears, and all the hard work – just to keep going.
We ventured into our new feeding programme, after sorting out teats, bottles – you name it.We had lots of screaming, crying and wriggly puppies to contend with. Some feeds were good, some were atrocious. Some feeds took almost 45 minutes. Then you’ve got to start all over again. The pups were feeding from us, but would always go and check out the contents of Skye’s milk bar. This is the second time ever that we’ve had a bitch who didn’t produce enough milk for her family. On that occasion, we lost both pups within 5 days. You never think that these sort of things will happen again, but it all adds up now. Why they were so weak to start with, and the difficulties they had with the hard-packed milk. But onwards and upwards – or so we thought…
After getting a takeaway – the day had been so traumatic that no one was thinking of cooking food, we were ready to continue their feeding. Alan was on duty and when I went through to see what was happening, he was panicking. The dog had been so lively all day, and suddenly, he was limp, lethargic and floppy. I picked him up and got such a fright at how he was. We couldn’t understand it – things had gone well with him since returning from the Vet. So, into revival mode I went. A dab of alcohol, a quick fix of sugar from a wee bit of honey, and then a mix of water, sugar and salt to get some fluids into him. Thankfully he was sucking reasonably well, so I was also able to give him some milk which he took quite readily. He recovered again, after about half an hour. We reckon he’d got really dehydrated, perhaps with the heat in the room? Who knows? But it was another panic we didn’t need…
On the plus side, though, Skye is now worthy of her nomination for Supermum 2006. It must have been the anxiety in my voice and behaviour, which made her so restless. Dogs sense everything which goes on!!!
The rest of the night went well. Feeding every hour, burping and placing back with mum. Alan let me have a couple of hours sleep while he stood guard, and then it was my turn again from about 11 pm.
So tonight I’ve been feeding every hour, which takes about 30 minutes or so – we’ve got it down a bit! In between times, I’ve had a wee look at a couple of Christmas catalogues and keyed in this diary entry. Its nearly 7 am, and I’m about to read it over, just before the next feed. Its only taken me 3 hours to finish it! So, if it doesn’t make sense, please forgive me!
Let’s hope today is a much better one!
Things weren’t going well through the night on Wednesday. Although the pups were keen to feed from Mum, I sensed that they weren’t getting enough nourishment, due to the number of times they would return, over and over again. Also, Skye’s milk seemed to be in very short supply indeed. Just as in the human process the bitch (or dam) will need stimulation of the milk glands (puppies sucking on a nipple) in order to produce milk. It’s a Demand and Supply concept: as long as the pups are continuing to feed from Mum, then she’ll continue to produce the milk. This isn’t happening, so, what was going on?! When its late at night, and you’ve not been to bed for nearly a week (apart from a snatched hour or so), you do start to panic.
During Wednesday night, in between feeds, I’d been checking online about ways in which to encourage the milk production in Skye. Most of the methods, through food, we already use. Its important to have a diet which is protein-rich with added calcium. She needs to be fed quality grub, little and often. So right now, Skye is enjoying mince, cottage cheese, porridge oats, chicken, raw egg (shell and all!), fish, warm milk and honey. Some other ideas were mashed carrots (though I don’t know if she’d eat that), and some herbal remedies. There was one such remedy I spotted, which comes from the US. I’ve ordered it, but it may take too long to arrive to be of benefit. I can only try it.
Added to this problem, was that the pups weren’t feeding too well on an individual basis with me. The wee bitch (yes, her again!) wasn’t doing well again and I was starting to get really concerned. The dog wasn’t feeding brilliantly either and both were complaining loudly whenever I tried to introduce the teat into their little tiny mouths. They were getting frustrated, and me, well, by this stage I didn’t have a clue. Another major nightmare was Skye. She’s been so good since giving birth – lovingly cleaning, comforting and feeding her puppies. However, during the night (and for some time today), it was difficult to get her to stay in the whelping box with her babies. She was always wanting to go outside, probably not always to relieve herself. On one occasion yesterday, Dad took her and Kira out to the garden, just to do the necessary, but Skye was having such a rare old time, running after Kira that she didn’t want to come in at all. Was she losing interest? Or did she know something about the health of these pups that we didn’t?
It got to 8 am, and things were no better. I decided to phone Alan at work so he would come home – I was really in no fit state to think straight or to sort anything out. He got home around 9 am and I went through all my concerns. I phoned the Vet and they suggested bringing everyone in again. I was worrying that Skye’s lack of interest was due to some underlying medical problem so really wanted that checked out – in addition to the milk saga.
The journey was fine on the way there. I brought along a little bottle of whelpi so I could feed the pups on route.
We didn’t have long to wait to see the vet. She was pleased that the pups had lived this long, under the circumstances. Skye seemed fine to her, but she really felt that the milk supply was certainly not enough for a family of 3 – my worries exactly. So, the hand rearing would have to continue for the foreseeable future and to help in that regard, she suggested moving to hourly rather than 2/3 hourly feeds. It will be more work, but that doesn’t matter as long as the pups are healthy and well-fed.
I fed the pups on the way home with my milk bottle. I was trying so hard to keep them well covered up to avoid draughts etc, that they were all I could think of. I haven’t cried since Sunday – I’ve been too busy to be honest. But there and then, I started sobbing and I couldn’t stop. I was so inconsolable in the back that Alan thought something had happened to the pups. The reality was all slipping into place. The past week had been full of one hurdle after another, and I had to let all my emotions go. The only thing that lifted me a little was looking down at the bag where the pups were all snuggled up. The dog and big bitch knew that there was a way out of this cocoon I had placed them in and their wee heads kept popping out round the side of the towels. Seeing their gorgeous wee faces did make me cry more, but I knew then that it was certainly worth all my tears, and all the hard work – just to keep going.
We ventured into our new feeding programme, after sorting out teats, bottles – you name it.We had lots of screaming, crying and wriggly puppies to contend with. Some feeds were good, some were atrocious. Some feeds took almost 45 minutes. Then you’ve got to start all over again. The pups were feeding from us, but would always go and check out the contents of Skye’s milk bar. This is the second time ever that we’ve had a bitch who didn’t produce enough milk for her family. On that occasion, we lost both pups within 5 days. You never think that these sort of things will happen again, but it all adds up now. Why they were so weak to start with, and the difficulties they had with the hard-packed milk. But onwards and upwards – or so we thought…
After getting a takeaway – the day had been so traumatic that no one was thinking of cooking food, we were ready to continue their feeding. Alan was on duty and when I went through to see what was happening, he was panicking. The dog had been so lively all day, and suddenly, he was limp, lethargic and floppy. I picked him up and got such a fright at how he was. We couldn’t understand it – things had gone well with him since returning from the Vet. So, into revival mode I went. A dab of alcohol, a quick fix of sugar from a wee bit of honey, and then a mix of water, sugar and salt to get some fluids into him. Thankfully he was sucking reasonably well, so I was also able to give him some milk which he took quite readily. He recovered again, after about half an hour. We reckon he’d got really dehydrated, perhaps with the heat in the room? Who knows? But it was another panic we didn’t need…
On the plus side, though, Skye is now worthy of her nomination for Supermum 2006. It must have been the anxiety in my voice and behaviour, which made her so restless. Dogs sense everything which goes on!!!
The rest of the night went well. Feeding every hour, burping and placing back with mum. Alan let me have a couple of hours sleep while he stood guard, and then it was my turn again from about 11 pm.
So tonight I’ve been feeding every hour, which takes about 30 minutes or so – we’ve got it down a bit! In between times, I’ve had a wee look at a couple of Christmas catalogues and keyed in this diary entry. Its nearly 7 am, and I’m about to read it over, just before the next feed. Its only taken me 3 hours to finish it! So, if it doesn’t make sense, please forgive me!
Let’s hope today is a much better one!
Posted at 09:03 AM
Wed - October 18, 2006
Puppy Update - Wednesday
It hasn't been the best of days
today.
I was a bit concerned about the wee bitch. She felt much stronger yesterday, and so thought she was slipping back the way again. Today, therefore, she had to get all of my attention, and thoughts of having a sleep during the day were far from my mind.
I lay most of the night in the whelping box again. I was absolutely shattered, so I thought that if I were to drop off, then I wouldn't be too far away from the wee whimpering sounds now expected when the new-born pups are cold, hungry or needing comfort. If I slept at all, it would have been 10 minutes here and there - all during the night.
Deciding to move to 3-hourly feeds today, to supplement Mum's milk, I also added a few extra feeds for one ml or so for the wee bitch. Tonight, I would say that she now looks a bit better from earlier on today, but there is a real change in all 3 of them. The first-born bitch, is much stronger and bigger than the other 2 - even the dog. I'm just off to weigh them now that Alan is in and is giving me a wee rest period.
Dad's been great since he got here last Tuesday. But these past few days, I really don't know what I would've done without him! He's been head cook and bottle washer. He sorts the washing, makes the lunches, cups of tea, the dinner, in between sorting out all my milk feeds - all so I can concentrate on the pups. He comes in and helps out by watching the pups to let me get a bit of a rest too. Mind you, as I've said, I was so concerned with the wee bitch today, that I only took an hour's sleep in the morning. Dad's been a real star so far and he's so willing and eager to help.
Its so true what I was saying the other day - you never know how things may change, and although I'm over the moon that we've got to Day 5 after the start we got last weekend, they're not out the woods yet. I may sound like a total pessimist but there are quite a few infections or illnesses they can pick up, so its vital that they are as strong as can be, and when you're only now 5.5 ounces in weight, then that's pretty hard to do!
Pups tend to double their weight in the first week. However, that's pretty unlikely for Skye's pups, given their problems on Saturday and Sunday. So we'll wait and see and hopefully, I'll post a wee weight gain chart to let you know what's happening.
Anyway, I'm totally bushed now, so I'm off for a lie on the bed!
Sweet dreams tonight, everyone!!
I was a bit concerned about the wee bitch. She felt much stronger yesterday, and so thought she was slipping back the way again. Today, therefore, she had to get all of my attention, and thoughts of having a sleep during the day were far from my mind.
I lay most of the night in the whelping box again. I was absolutely shattered, so I thought that if I were to drop off, then I wouldn't be too far away from the wee whimpering sounds now expected when the new-born pups are cold, hungry or needing comfort. If I slept at all, it would have been 10 minutes here and there - all during the night.
Deciding to move to 3-hourly feeds today, to supplement Mum's milk, I also added a few extra feeds for one ml or so for the wee bitch. Tonight, I would say that she now looks a bit better from earlier on today, but there is a real change in all 3 of them. The first-born bitch, is much stronger and bigger than the other 2 - even the dog. I'm just off to weigh them now that Alan is in and is giving me a wee rest period.
Dad's been great since he got here last Tuesday. But these past few days, I really don't know what I would've done without him! He's been head cook and bottle washer. He sorts the washing, makes the lunches, cups of tea, the dinner, in between sorting out all my milk feeds - all so I can concentrate on the pups. He comes in and helps out by watching the pups to let me get a bit of a rest too. Mind you, as I've said, I was so concerned with the wee bitch today, that I only took an hour's sleep in the morning. Dad's been a real star so far and he's so willing and eager to help.
Its so true what I was saying the other day - you never know how things may change, and although I'm over the moon that we've got to Day 5 after the start we got last weekend, they're not out the woods yet. I may sound like a total pessimist but there are quite a few infections or illnesses they can pick up, so its vital that they are as strong as can be, and when you're only now 5.5 ounces in weight, then that's pretty hard to do!
Pups tend to double their weight in the first week. However, that's pretty unlikely for Skye's pups, given their problems on Saturday and Sunday. So we'll wait and see and hopefully, I'll post a wee weight gain chart to let you know what's happening.
Anyway, I'm totally bushed now, so I'm off for a lie on the bed!
Sweet dreams tonight, everyone!!
Posted at 08:48 PM
Tue - October 17, 2006
Puppy Update - Tuesday
I’d like to thank everyone for their good
wishes and messages of support. Its really nice to know that people really do
care for our wee puppies.
Well, today – Day 4 – can you believe brings better news. To be honest with you, if you’d told me I’d have been writing this on Day 4, I’d have found it hard to believe. But animals, rather like children, have the amazing ability to jump from illness to good health, and sadly vice-versa…
Anyway, back to the present. Last night was a better one again. I got a bit of a kip from about 8 pm, off and on until about midnight. We decided to try a different method of feeding yesterday. The pups were still too weak to suck properly, so we used a small eye dropper with a teat fitted. This meant that with a hole in the teat, they wouldn’t have to do as much work to get the end result. This proved very successful all yeyesterday afternoon, evening and night. However, I noticed that as they gained strength, they also forced the milk out, causing a bit of liquid going down the wrong way. Obviously, this leads to a great concern also, as liquid could then easily go into the wee soul’s lungs. So, during the night, I worked out a plan of action which I planned to start during the new day.
They were much quieter last night, and didn’t take as long to comfort after feeding them. Again, this was a really good sign, and one I was really grateful for. When you’re on a 90 minute cycle of feeding, then the night goes by pretty quickly. So it wasn’t long before Alan was up for work this morning just after 5 am.
I again managed to have them feed from Skye for a short while before giving them the extra supplement. With all of our other litters, the mother’s milk would have been enough. However, as they virtually missed out on enough nourishment a few days ago, I’m certainly not taking any chances, and the extras will carry on (God willing) until we think they are unnecessary.
My new plan of action seems to be working well. I made a new teat with many small holes, rather than one decently sized one. This means that the pups now have to work for their milk, but it also will slow down their consumption, hopefully eliminating their inhalation of liquid. I’ve been increasing their supplements to 3ml per feed. Yes, it sounds a pitiful amount doesn’t it, but at the moment, that’s what their stomachs can bear. The good thing is that each feed time, they’re getting this and a decent feed from Mum, so their strength is building, each hour.
I’ve just finished the 2.30 pm feed. The small bitch takes an eternity to go through her quota. It didn’t help, mind you, that today she kept falling asleep on the job! Again, another lovely sign that they are falling asleep rapidly, and enjoying milky dreams on some wonderful doggy paradise. I joked with her today that I wouldn’t like to go for a pint with her! Yes, I’m obviously feeling better – as you can probably tell by my tone, but again, I’m not becoming over confident. I’m looking to the next feed only, and hoping that as I can see them each time growing in strength and weight, then I’ll be happy. I think they quite like their surrogate Mum – as I call myself. When I snuggle into the whelping box – when Skye is outside relieving herself or getting her glands massaged, they instantly find me and cuddle in. Today, 2 were almost right down the front of my top – maybe rather hopefully, eh?!
Anyway, I do hope that I’ll have some more good news to report tomorrow.
Meantime, thanks for reading!
Well, today – Day 4 – can you believe brings better news. To be honest with you, if you’d told me I’d have been writing this on Day 4, I’d have found it hard to believe. But animals, rather like children, have the amazing ability to jump from illness to good health, and sadly vice-versa…
Anyway, back to the present. Last night was a better one again. I got a bit of a kip from about 8 pm, off and on until about midnight. We decided to try a different method of feeding yesterday. The pups were still too weak to suck properly, so we used a small eye dropper with a teat fitted. This meant that with a hole in the teat, they wouldn’t have to do as much work to get the end result. This proved very successful all yeyesterday afternoon, evening and night. However, I noticed that as they gained strength, they also forced the milk out, causing a bit of liquid going down the wrong way. Obviously, this leads to a great concern also, as liquid could then easily go into the wee soul’s lungs. So, during the night, I worked out a plan of action which I planned to start during the new day.
They were much quieter last night, and didn’t take as long to comfort after feeding them. Again, this was a really good sign, and one I was really grateful for. When you’re on a 90 minute cycle of feeding, then the night goes by pretty quickly. So it wasn’t long before Alan was up for work this morning just after 5 am.
I again managed to have them feed from Skye for a short while before giving them the extra supplement. With all of our other litters, the mother’s milk would have been enough. However, as they virtually missed out on enough nourishment a few days ago, I’m certainly not taking any chances, and the extras will carry on (God willing) until we think they are unnecessary.
My new plan of action seems to be working well. I made a new teat with many small holes, rather than one decently sized one. This means that the pups now have to work for their milk, but it also will slow down their consumption, hopefully eliminating their inhalation of liquid. I’ve been increasing their supplements to 3ml per feed. Yes, it sounds a pitiful amount doesn’t it, but at the moment, that’s what their stomachs can bear. The good thing is that each feed time, they’re getting this and a decent feed from Mum, so their strength is building, each hour.
I’ve just finished the 2.30 pm feed. The small bitch takes an eternity to go through her quota. It didn’t help, mind you, that today she kept falling asleep on the job! Again, another lovely sign that they are falling asleep rapidly, and enjoying milky dreams on some wonderful doggy paradise. I joked with her today that I wouldn’t like to go for a pint with her! Yes, I’m obviously feeling better – as you can probably tell by my tone, but again, I’m not becoming over confident. I’m looking to the next feed only, and hoping that as I can see them each time growing in strength and weight, then I’ll be happy. I think they quite like their surrogate Mum – as I call myself. When I snuggle into the whelping box – when Skye is outside relieving herself or getting her glands massaged, they instantly find me and cuddle in. Today, 2 were almost right down the front of my top – maybe rather hopefully, eh?!
Anyway, I do hope that I’ll have some more good news to report tomorrow.
Meantime, thanks for reading!
Posted at 03:42 PM
Mon - October 16, 2006
Puppy Update - Monday
Well, I’m so glad that the last 48 hours are
now over.
The journey to the vet yesterday (Sunday) wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Skye was pretty settled next to me, with her pups in a nice bag complete with hot water bottle and plenty of towels. Every so often, she’d pop her nose inside to check all was well – it was actually quite cute.
Mary, our vet, saw us straight away – we had arrived 30 minutes before surgery was open. She felt that, as they had survived the night, it might not be Fading Puppy Syndrome. With this condition, no matter what you do for the wee mites, doesn’t usually work at all. Yes, they were very thin, dehydrated, and weak, but on the plus side, she was delighted that they were nice and warm and reasonably lively when she picked each one up in turn to examine them. Skye looked okay too, though by this time, her glands had hard packed milk all around them and there was a danger of contracting Mastitis. We knew we had a problem with Skye’s glands, but to be honest, on Saturday, this was the least of our worries. So Skye’s now on antibiotics and we’ve to work hard with her nipples to enable a better milk flow for the time (hopefully) that the pups are feeding completely independently from us.
With milk replacement, feeders and tablets, we made our way back home. I was feeling slightly better after seeing Mary. I was most glad that Skye was okay. We thought she may have been unwell, but it was probably the fact that she knew her pups were in distress the previous night.
However, my less anxious attitude changed suddenly about 15 minutes from home, as when I made my every 30 second check inside the box, the wee boy had gone stiff again as he had done the previous night. Mary thought that it had been some sort of seizure, as I had thought, and that it had put him into shock. I tried for what seemed like an eternity to revive him. Skye by this time was beside herself and it was difficult to stop her from jumping in the box. All this while, Alan motored along, at top speed as he was trying to get home all the sooner. Finally, I got him revived, only to find the little girl in the same state in the box. What was happening here??!! Thankfully, I had got her slightly sooner, and she was able to be revived again. I had brought some of my saline solution so tried to get some of this into both of them. The bigger girl had started to go the same way, but thankfully I intervened again. I didn’t know if I was going to get home. In fact, we had parked in the driveway with Alan speeding off to make up some milk supplement, and I didn’t leave the car until I was sure that all 3 were out of danger.
Once home and the trauma over, we started feeding the pups each hour. They are only getting about 2.5 ml each time, but that’s a real start. I’m trying to ensure they still try to feed from Mum, but these extra supplements are far more important right now.
It was such a busy day yesterday. Apart from my visit to the vet and back, I never was outside of my bedroom for more than 20 minutes during the whole day. I managed to get a few hours in the afternoon while Alan was in charge. That was quite good as I felt a bit normal then. Again, I was up all night, and this time I resorted to making a wee bed in the whelping box next to Skye and her pups. It makes total sense other than being in bed or on the chair. Now, at least, I can be right beside them, and can see how they are from minute to minute. Happy and contented puppies are quiet puppies. They have vivid dreams and will fidget while asleep. Thankfully last night was totally different from the one before.
Clearing Skye’s glands hasn’t been easy. With them being blocked, there is less and less chance of her pups feeding on their own. Alan has done a great job though, and her glands are starting to soften up nicely – enough to encourage the pups each and every feeding time.
All our breeder friends were most concerned. Even though these folks have a wealth of knowledge with close to 100 whelpings under their belt, episodes like ours can still happen. As Michael, (Skye’s breeder) said last night on the phone, “it can all change between feeds”. That’s the attitude we’re taking right now. Yes, they’ve put on a little weight since yesterday (around a half ounce each), and yes they’re feeding well from us, and have started feeding a little from Skye, but its all far from over.
I’m still not sure what God’s plan is for us and our new gorgeous pets, but while there’s life there’s hope, and I really want to do what I can over these next crucial few days.
Thanks for the words of encouragement I’ve received so far.
The journey to the vet yesterday (Sunday) wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Skye was pretty settled next to me, with her pups in a nice bag complete with hot water bottle and plenty of towels. Every so often, she’d pop her nose inside to check all was well – it was actually quite cute.
Mary, our vet, saw us straight away – we had arrived 30 minutes before surgery was open. She felt that, as they had survived the night, it might not be Fading Puppy Syndrome. With this condition, no matter what you do for the wee mites, doesn’t usually work at all. Yes, they were very thin, dehydrated, and weak, but on the plus side, she was delighted that they were nice and warm and reasonably lively when she picked each one up in turn to examine them. Skye looked okay too, though by this time, her glands had hard packed milk all around them and there was a danger of contracting Mastitis. We knew we had a problem with Skye’s glands, but to be honest, on Saturday, this was the least of our worries. So Skye’s now on antibiotics and we’ve to work hard with her nipples to enable a better milk flow for the time (hopefully) that the pups are feeding completely independently from us.
With milk replacement, feeders and tablets, we made our way back home. I was feeling slightly better after seeing Mary. I was most glad that Skye was okay. We thought she may have been unwell, but it was probably the fact that she knew her pups were in distress the previous night.
However, my less anxious attitude changed suddenly about 15 minutes from home, as when I made my every 30 second check inside the box, the wee boy had gone stiff again as he had done the previous night. Mary thought that it had been some sort of seizure, as I had thought, and that it had put him into shock. I tried for what seemed like an eternity to revive him. Skye by this time was beside herself and it was difficult to stop her from jumping in the box. All this while, Alan motored along, at top speed as he was trying to get home all the sooner. Finally, I got him revived, only to find the little girl in the same state in the box. What was happening here??!! Thankfully, I had got her slightly sooner, and she was able to be revived again. I had brought some of my saline solution so tried to get some of this into both of them. The bigger girl had started to go the same way, but thankfully I intervened again. I didn’t know if I was going to get home. In fact, we had parked in the driveway with Alan speeding off to make up some milk supplement, and I didn’t leave the car until I was sure that all 3 were out of danger.
Once home and the trauma over, we started feeding the pups each hour. They are only getting about 2.5 ml each time, but that’s a real start. I’m trying to ensure they still try to feed from Mum, but these extra supplements are far more important right now.
It was such a busy day yesterday. Apart from my visit to the vet and back, I never was outside of my bedroom for more than 20 minutes during the whole day. I managed to get a few hours in the afternoon while Alan was in charge. That was quite good as I felt a bit normal then. Again, I was up all night, and this time I resorted to making a wee bed in the whelping box next to Skye and her pups. It makes total sense other than being in bed or on the chair. Now, at least, I can be right beside them, and can see how they are from minute to minute. Happy and contented puppies are quiet puppies. They have vivid dreams and will fidget while asleep. Thankfully last night was totally different from the one before.
Clearing Skye’s glands hasn’t been easy. With them being blocked, there is less and less chance of her pups feeding on their own. Alan has done a great job though, and her glands are starting to soften up nicely – enough to encourage the pups each and every feeding time.
All our breeder friends were most concerned. Even though these folks have a wealth of knowledge with close to 100 whelpings under their belt, episodes like ours can still happen. As Michael, (Skye’s breeder) said last night on the phone, “it can all change between feeds”. That’s the attitude we’re taking right now. Yes, they’ve put on a little weight since yesterday (around a half ounce each), and yes they’re feeding well from us, and have started feeding a little from Skye, but its all far from over.
I’m still not sure what God’s plan is for us and our new gorgeous pets, but while there’s life there’s hope, and I really want to do what I can over these next crucial few days.
Thanks for the words of encouragement I’ve received so far.
Posted at 02:35 PM
Sun - October 15, 2006
Lots of Trauma
If you were reading my diary last time, you'll know
I mentioned Skye was due to give birth
soon?
Well, here's a copy of an email I sent out today (Sunday).
Hi all
Well, as most of you know, Skye haed 3 puppies on Friday afternoon. The birth went without complications even though Alan was on his own for the 2 wee girls arriving. I was home in time to see the little boy born. Things were going really well, but I did notice yesterday that the smaller of the 2 bitches looked a wee bit dehydrated. However, I worked hard to ensure that she had plenty of milk and by around 5.30 yesterday (Saturday) she was doing as well as her bigger siblings.
Mind you, when you're only 4-5 oz in weight, a few hours makes all the difference, and by 7.30 last night, Alan and I were on high alert. The pups had stopped feeding as much and as often. We were at a bit of a loss as to why, but deep down we feared that they would start to "fade away" - its called Fading Puppy Syndrome.
We worked all night to try to keep them hydrated - through water, sugar and salt mixtures fed by hand to supplement their milk. Alan had gone off to make up some more solution, when the wee bitch had a fit and went totally stiff. I panicked greatly, but somehow I managed to revive the wee lamb. All night we stayed up and thought they were getting stronger. But by 2 am, we were back to square one - this time the wee boy had a fit and did the same as before. Again, I was able to revive him, but you can guess how we've both been since.
We phoned our vet through the night - she really suspects Fading Puppy and hoped they'd make it through the night and told us to expect the worst - which realistically, we now are.
However, its now 9.45 and we're all still here. The pups have almost stopped feeding from Skye, and are relying totally on me. Its really hard. To be honest, I'm trying so hard not to look at their wee faces when I'm feeding them - they look so gorgeous and its really upsetting me. I'm in tears now, as you can imagine.
Everyone has been so kind to me with messages of congratulations that I wanted to tell you all the story up to now. If you have a faith, please pray for my wee pups. I'm not sure if its their time or not, but I'd appreciate them getting stronger by the minute.
We're off to the vet in about an hour's time - a journey I'm not looking forward to. Its the last thing you want to do with tiny pups. To be honest, I'd have preferred a house call, but Mary (our vet) really feels that if they can make it this far, then they can make the car journey too.
I think a few things:
Skye's milk may be acidic (which can happen)
the pups going stiff is a sign of low blood sugar - there's a chance that's coming from the milk
they are not crying incessantly - that's a really good sign and one we should be happy about
Skye hasn't given up on them - mums have this sixth sense about these things
It may be that I'll have to hand rear them for a few days - if not for good. But I really hope not. But I'll do what I can.
In case you're thinking how did I get the time to do all this - well my night has been nothing but time. I've wished for the morning to come, and every minute of every hour has dragged through. I'm watching Skye and her beautiful puppies while keying this in, and I really do honestly hope that you're able to see them one day...
Thanks for your thoughts - I'll probably not be able to get back to anyone today.
Well, here's a copy of an email I sent out today (Sunday).
Hi all
Well, as most of you know, Skye haed 3 puppies on Friday afternoon. The birth went without complications even though Alan was on his own for the 2 wee girls arriving. I was home in time to see the little boy born. Things were going really well, but I did notice yesterday that the smaller of the 2 bitches looked a wee bit dehydrated. However, I worked hard to ensure that she had plenty of milk and by around 5.30 yesterday (Saturday) she was doing as well as her bigger siblings.
Mind you, when you're only 4-5 oz in weight, a few hours makes all the difference, and by 7.30 last night, Alan and I were on high alert. The pups had stopped feeding as much and as often. We were at a bit of a loss as to why, but deep down we feared that they would start to "fade away" - its called Fading Puppy Syndrome.
We worked all night to try to keep them hydrated - through water, sugar and salt mixtures fed by hand to supplement their milk. Alan had gone off to make up some more solution, when the wee bitch had a fit and went totally stiff. I panicked greatly, but somehow I managed to revive the wee lamb. All night we stayed up and thought they were getting stronger. But by 2 am, we were back to square one - this time the wee boy had a fit and did the same as before. Again, I was able to revive him, but you can guess how we've both been since.
We phoned our vet through the night - she really suspects Fading Puppy and hoped they'd make it through the night and told us to expect the worst - which realistically, we now are.
However, its now 9.45 and we're all still here. The pups have almost stopped feeding from Skye, and are relying totally on me. Its really hard. To be honest, I'm trying so hard not to look at their wee faces when I'm feeding them - they look so gorgeous and its really upsetting me. I'm in tears now, as you can imagine.
Everyone has been so kind to me with messages of congratulations that I wanted to tell you all the story up to now. If you have a faith, please pray for my wee pups. I'm not sure if its their time or not, but I'd appreciate them getting stronger by the minute.
We're off to the vet in about an hour's time - a journey I'm not looking forward to. Its the last thing you want to do with tiny pups. To be honest, I'd have preferred a house call, but Mary (our vet) really feels that if they can make it this far, then they can make the car journey too.
I think a few things:
Skye's milk may be acidic (which can happen)
the pups going stiff is a sign of low blood sugar - there's a chance that's coming from the milk
they are not crying incessantly - that's a really good sign and one we should be happy about
Skye hasn't given up on them - mums have this sixth sense about these things
It may be that I'll have to hand rear them for a few days - if not for good. But I really hope not. But I'll do what I can.
In case you're thinking how did I get the time to do all this - well my night has been nothing but time. I've wished for the morning to come, and every minute of every hour has dragged through. I'm watching Skye and her beautiful puppies while keying this in, and I really do honestly hope that you're able to see them one day...
Thanks for your thoughts - I'll probably not be able to get back to anyone today.
Posted at 02:33 PM
Sun - October 8, 2006
Hi... I'm back!
Can you believe its me
again???!!!
No, I've not been in Fuerteventura all this time - but since I've come home (from a fantastic holiday, I must say), I've been, well in holiday mode, then unfortunately in working mode with little time to do anything else!!
However, I do want to get back to my online diary, knowing that some (well, a few anyway!) good friends read up to see how life is shaping up with little old me.
My goodness, where to start?
Well, this is only a quick entry to get me back and organised. I've got loads to talk about - the holiday, John and Wendy's wedding, getting back to work, Skye having puppies (well not yet, but very, very, very soon!)
I think to get me back into the way of things, I'll just post some photos over the next week or so, and then that will make me feel happy that you're sharing in some lovely news and hopefully enjoying the piccies!!
So, I'll start with the holiday - it was utterly magnificent, in every way possible. We had a lovely time - chilling in the sun (well in a shady spot anyhow), eating, drinking, eating, eating, and having lots of fun. Did I mention that we were eating while away? Anyway, I think I must have put on a stone while there - it felt like it anyway. But did I care? No, not at all. I was enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, the sleeping on the sunbed, the reading of some fab chick-lit and listening to the iPod. The iPod story is quite a good one actually. I spent hours putting together loads of great playlists, cramming every MP3 possible onto my player so I'd get full benefit. Well, over the course of the 2 weeks, I only managed to listen to one solitary playlist! I'll know next time.
So, to conclude this return to diary entries, here's a wee look at our pad for the fortnight!
Will write again soon and thanks for all the encouragement to get back to it!!
This
is the main pool area, where we used to play volleyball and try to beat the top
score of the day! Here is the Internet corner in one of the many lounges in
the main part of the hotel. A few times, we'd catch up on some goss from home
and let some friends and family know how we were
doing.
Here is the Internet corner in one of the many lounges in the main part of the hotel. A few times, we'd catch up on some goss from home and let some friends and family know how we were doing.
Hope you liked the photos and that you've had a great weekend!
No, I've not been in Fuerteventura all this time - but since I've come home (from a fantastic holiday, I must say), I've been, well in holiday mode, then unfortunately in working mode with little time to do anything else!!
However, I do want to get back to my online diary, knowing that some (well, a few anyway!) good friends read up to see how life is shaping up with little old me.
My goodness, where to start?
Well, this is only a quick entry to get me back and organised. I've got loads to talk about - the holiday, John and Wendy's wedding, getting back to work, Skye having puppies (well not yet, but very, very, very soon!)
I think to get me back into the way of things, I'll just post some photos over the next week or so, and then that will make me feel happy that you're sharing in some lovely news and hopefully enjoying the piccies!!
So, I'll start with the holiday - it was utterly magnificent, in every way possible. We had a lovely time - chilling in the sun (well in a shady spot anyhow), eating, drinking, eating, eating, and having lots of fun. Did I mention that we were eating while away? Anyway, I think I must have put on a stone while there - it felt like it anyway. But did I care? No, not at all. I was enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, the sleeping on the sunbed, the reading of some fab chick-lit and listening to the iPod. The iPod story is quite a good one actually. I spent hours putting together loads of great playlists, cramming every MP3 possible onto my player so I'd get full benefit. Well, over the course of the 2 weeks, I only managed to listen to one solitary playlist! I'll know next time.
So, to conclude this return to diary entries, here's a wee look at our pad for the fortnight!
Will write again soon and thanks for all the encouragement to get back to it!!
This
is the main pool area, where we used to play volleyball and try to beat the top
score of the day! Here is the Internet corner in one of the many lounges in
the main part of the hotel. A few times, we'd catch up on some goss from home
and let some friends and family know how we were
doing.Here is the Internet corner in one of the many lounges in the main part of the hotel. A few times, we'd catch up on some goss from home and let some friends and family know how we were doing.
Hope you liked the photos and that you've had a great weekend!
Posted at 09:12 PM
Tue - July 11, 2006
Two Days We should not worry
This is a last little thought to share with you all
before I head off on my hols.
I hope you really enjoy it - I certainly found the words so amazing!!
There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.
One of these days is Yesterday with all its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back Yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone forever.
The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow with all its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and its poor performance. Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise, either in splendour or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise.Until it does, we have no stake in Tomorrow, for it is yet to be born.
This leaves only one day, Today. Any person can fight the battle of just one day. It is when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities Yesterday and Tomorrow that we break down. It is not the experience of Today that drives a person mad, it is the remorse or bitterness of something which happened Yesterday and the dread of what Tomorrow may bring.
Let us, therefore, live but one day at a time.
I hope you really enjoy it - I certainly found the words so amazing!!
There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.
One of these days is Yesterday with all its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back Yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone forever.
The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow with all its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and its poor performance. Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise, either in splendour or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise.Until it does, we have no stake in Tomorrow, for it is yet to be born.
This leaves only one day, Today. Any person can fight the battle of just one day. It is when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities Yesterday and Tomorrow that we break down. It is not the experience of Today that drives a person mad, it is the remorse or bitterness of something which happened Yesterday and the dread of what Tomorrow may bring.
Let us, therefore, live but one day at a time.
Posted at 10:01 PM
See you all soon...!
Well, the cases are packed, the dogs are at my
dad's and we're just about to get to bed - the holiday has come and yes, I
suppose now I'm pretty much looking forward to
it!!
We're both pretty shattered, but we're looking for a chance to chill, unwind, and get lots of rest, reading books and listening to our fully-stocked iPods! In fact, we might both look a bit like this...
I'll be back before you all know it, with pictures and videos to bore you through and through!
Thanks for reading and thanks for being there - it wouldn't have been the same without you!!!
We're both pretty shattered, but we're looking for a chance to chill, unwind, and get lots of rest, reading books and listening to our fully-stocked iPods! In fact, we might both look a bit like this...
I'll be back before you all know it, with pictures and videos to bore you through and through!
Thanks for reading and thanks for being there - it wouldn't have been the same without you!!!
Posted at 09:59 PM
Mon - July 10, 2006
If I could...
I received this from Kerry today - cheers honey!
The words are so beautiful, and I hope I can offer them as my own to others I care for greatly.
If I could catch a rainbow, I'd do it just for you,
And share with you its beauty, on the days you're feeling blue.
If I could build a mountain, you could call your very own,
A place to find serenity, a place to be alone.
If I could take your troubles, and toss them in the sea,
But all these things I'm finding, are impossible for me.
I cannot build a mountain, or catch a rainbow fair,
But let me be what I know best,
A friend who'll always care.
The words are so beautiful, and I hope I can offer them as my own to others I care for greatly.
If I could catch a rainbow, I'd do it just for you,
And share with you its beauty, on the days you're feeling blue.
If I could build a mountain, you could call your very own,
A place to find serenity, a place to be alone.
If I could take your troubles, and toss them in the sea,
But all these things I'm finding, are impossible for me.
I cannot build a mountain, or catch a rainbow fair,
But let me be what I know best,
A friend who'll always care.
Posted at 10:05 PM
Sun - July 9, 2006
Forget outdoor planning!
There must be something about me really. I'm never
able to plan an outdoor event at all! Whenever I plan anything which needs to
take place outside, then the weather always lets me down, I assure
you.
The best barbecues I've ever had are the ones where I look out the window at 2 pm and decide to do all things culinary outside a few hours later. This means that the best barbecues are usually only guested by me and Al.
Whenever, it would seem, I plan an outdoor event, the weather is notoriously bad - wild, wet and windy. In fact, 2 years ago, I invited lots of chums from work for a "Garden Party", and we ended up having the fire on - in the middle of July! It was the worst Saturday that whole summer. Yes, my planning instincts aren't good!!
So yesterday was no exception. We go away on Wednesday, and I'd decided to have my Dad, John and Wendy up for a bite to eat and to show off all Dad's hard work in my garden. To be honest, I'm not feeling great either. The absolute soaking I got on Thursday has given me a real head cold and yesterday and today have left me feeling very weak and lethargic - which is not what I was really wanting right before going away, you know? Anyway, the weather was so bad yesterday, that we had to cancel. I'm actually thinking that I was maybe supposed to do this, and rest instead. Well, I'll never know. But I'm full up with Echinacea, honey and lemon today, and I'm hoping that another good night's sleep and a further rest tomorrow will do the trick.
Jules and Liam were coming to visit tomorrow too, but I felt I had to cancel on them too - its getting a bit of a habit at the moment! The last thing I want to do is to pass on any germs to a wee babe in arms. Plus, I do think that rest, rest, and more rest is the order of the day.
Today, I've finished packing our clothes. They were all mostly ready to go into the case, so I took my time and got more or less everything popped away. How they'll be at the other end I don't know, but I won't be able to do much about it anyway, so that's fine.
This last week, I've felt really lacking in energy. I think the last few weeks at school have taken their toll on my body more than I thought they would. I suppose getting this cold was the culmination of feeling quite vulnerable inside. So I'm hoping that once we get away, we get the rest we both so badly need and after a few days, I may well feel energised (or as energised as I get right now!)
I'm very behind with lots of posts. I didn't post anything about the Life of Jesus play, nor have I posted Lorna's limo video and birthday pictures.
So here's a wee summary:
the play was really great. We wandered round Kelvingrove Park following the actors at 4 or 5 different scenes. For an outdoor production the sound was excellent, and the weather did actually stay dry - surprise, surprise! (Obviously, I hadn't booked the theatre company for the night!) I found loads of the scenes very moving, as they were very well acted out. Being outside with the actors gave you a fresh insight into the Gospel of Luke, and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole event. It was starting to get chilly towards the end, but seeing the Crucifixion the way it was portrayed took my mind off my temperature totally.
Lorna's birthday treat with her mates turned out really well indeed. All her friends are really lovely; chatty, pretty and out-going. They were also all very thankful and grateful for their Pizza Hut take-out and yummy birthday cake.
They all loved the ride in the Limo to get to the Club that night. Iain, Lorna's Dad, managed to get them all passes into the Club which meant no queuing and no entrance fee - result! Seven happy and satisfied teenagers who all had a great night!
Here's a non-edited video of them all in their Limo.
I'll pop the pictures in another time.
Don't they all look so happy!!!!!
The best barbecues I've ever had are the ones where I look out the window at 2 pm and decide to do all things culinary outside a few hours later. This means that the best barbecues are usually only guested by me and Al.
Whenever, it would seem, I plan an outdoor event, the weather is notoriously bad - wild, wet and windy. In fact, 2 years ago, I invited lots of chums from work for a "Garden Party", and we ended up having the fire on - in the middle of July! It was the worst Saturday that whole summer. Yes, my planning instincts aren't good!!
So yesterday was no exception. We go away on Wednesday, and I'd decided to have my Dad, John and Wendy up for a bite to eat and to show off all Dad's hard work in my garden. To be honest, I'm not feeling great either. The absolute soaking I got on Thursday has given me a real head cold and yesterday and today have left me feeling very weak and lethargic - which is not what I was really wanting right before going away, you know? Anyway, the weather was so bad yesterday, that we had to cancel. I'm actually thinking that I was maybe supposed to do this, and rest instead. Well, I'll never know. But I'm full up with Echinacea, honey and lemon today, and I'm hoping that another good night's sleep and a further rest tomorrow will do the trick.
Jules and Liam were coming to visit tomorrow too, but I felt I had to cancel on them too - its getting a bit of a habit at the moment! The last thing I want to do is to pass on any germs to a wee babe in arms. Plus, I do think that rest, rest, and more rest is the order of the day.
Today, I've finished packing our clothes. They were all mostly ready to go into the case, so I took my time and got more or less everything popped away. How they'll be at the other end I don't know, but I won't be able to do much about it anyway, so that's fine.
This last week, I've felt really lacking in energy. I think the last few weeks at school have taken their toll on my body more than I thought they would. I suppose getting this cold was the culmination of feeling quite vulnerable inside. So I'm hoping that once we get away, we get the rest we both so badly need and after a few days, I may well feel energised (or as energised as I get right now!)
I'm very behind with lots of posts. I didn't post anything about the Life of Jesus play, nor have I posted Lorna's limo video and birthday pictures.
So here's a wee summary:
the play was really great. We wandered round Kelvingrove Park following the actors at 4 or 5 different scenes. For an outdoor production the sound was excellent, and the weather did actually stay dry - surprise, surprise! (Obviously, I hadn't booked the theatre company for the night!) I found loads of the scenes very moving, as they were very well acted out. Being outside with the actors gave you a fresh insight into the Gospel of Luke, and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole event. It was starting to get chilly towards the end, but seeing the Crucifixion the way it was portrayed took my mind off my temperature totally.
Lorna's birthday treat with her mates turned out really well indeed. All her friends are really lovely; chatty, pretty and out-going. They were also all very thankful and grateful for their Pizza Hut take-out and yummy birthday cake.
They all loved the ride in the Limo to get to the Club that night. Iain, Lorna's Dad, managed to get them all passes into the Club which meant no queuing and no entrance fee - result! Seven happy and satisfied teenagers who all had a great night!
Here's a non-edited video of them all in their Limo.
I'll pop the pictures in another time.
Don't they all look so happy!!!!!
Posted at 09:38 PM
Fri - July 7, 2006
Thu - July 6, 2006
Scotland the Brave!!
Okay, so the following is a little out of date
since England's crash from the World Cup, but most entertaining nonetheless! It
is rather weird to have so much sunshine, during the summer in Scotland, as this
piece refers!!
Thanks again to Wendy for sending it to me!!
40 degrees - Californians shiver uncontrollably.
People in Scotland sunbathe.
35 degrees - Italian cars won't start.
People in Scotland drive with the windows down.
20 degrees - Floridians wear coats, gloves and woolly hats
People in Scotland throw on shorts and a t-shirt.
15 degrees - Californians begin to evacuate the state
People in Scotland go swimming in the sea.
0 degrees - New York landlords turn the heating up.
People in Scotland have a last barbi before it gets cold.
-10 degrees - People in Miami are extinct.
People in Scotland lick flagpoles.
-20 degrees - Californians now all live in Mexico.
People in Scotland throw on a light jacket.
-80 degrees - Polar bears begin to evacuate the arctic.
Scottish boy scouts postpone winter survival exercises until it gets cold enough.
-100 degrees - Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
People in Scotland wear a vest and pull their earflaps down.
-173 degrees - Ethyl alcohol freezes.
People in Scotland get angry because they can't thaw their whisky.
-297 degrees - microbial life grinds to a halt.
Scottish cows complain about farmers with cold hands.
-460 degrees - ALL atomic motion stops.
People in Scotland start saying "a bit hill billy, eh?"
-500 degrees - Hell freezes over.
People in Scotland still won't support England in the World Cup.
Thanks again to Wendy for sending it to me!!
40 degrees - Californians shiver uncontrollably.
People in Scotland sunbathe.
35 degrees - Italian cars won't start.
People in Scotland drive with the windows down.
20 degrees - Floridians wear coats, gloves and woolly hats
People in Scotland throw on shorts and a t-shirt.
15 degrees - Californians begin to evacuate the state
People in Scotland go swimming in the sea.
0 degrees - New York landlords turn the heating up.
People in Scotland have a last barbi before it gets cold.
-10 degrees - People in Miami are extinct.
People in Scotland lick flagpoles.
-20 degrees - Californians now all live in Mexico.
People in Scotland throw on a light jacket.
-80 degrees - Polar bears begin to evacuate the arctic.
Scottish boy scouts postpone winter survival exercises until it gets cold enough.
-100 degrees - Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
People in Scotland wear a vest and pull their earflaps down.
-173 degrees - Ethyl alcohol freezes.
People in Scotland get angry because they can't thaw their whisky.
-297 degrees - microbial life grinds to a halt.
Scottish cows complain about farmers with cold hands.
-460 degrees - ALL atomic motion stops.
People in Scotland start saying "a bit hill billy, eh?"
-500 degrees - Hell freezes over.
People in Scotland still won't support England in the World Cup.
Posted at 06:56 PM
Soaking in the rain...
I was popping out today to get some final items for
the holidays, and to pick up the foreign cash from the bank. It had been so
beautiful, if a little warm, that I was happy enough to come in from the garden
and get ready to go out.
Once I'd been in the car for about 10 minutes, there were a few large raindrops on my windscreen. Gradually, the rain built up, and once I'd parked the car, it was chucking it down!! What to do - should I stay in the warmth and dry shelter of the car, or should I make a break for it, run across the road to the safety of the bank?? I decided it was only rain and gave it a go.
Once I got into the bank, I felt absolutely soaked! Water was running off my head and hair down my nose. My leg fronts were soaking and my sandals were so wet, it was difficult to walk in them without my feet slipping out. Thankfully, it wasn't too busy and the teller quite enjoyed seeing me so wet, I reckon!
The way back to the car was much worse. The rain was even stronger than before, and walking was now downright dangerous. I was so wet, it was getting difficult to breathe, and I was so relieved when I found the car and could sit in the seat. However, I was wringing wet, and could do nothing else except go home and dive back into the shower.
The weather is so changeable right now, eh? Somehow, I think I should be better prepared next time!!
Once I'd been in the car for about 10 minutes, there were a few large raindrops on my windscreen. Gradually, the rain built up, and once I'd parked the car, it was chucking it down!! What to do - should I stay in the warmth and dry shelter of the car, or should I make a break for it, run across the road to the safety of the bank?? I decided it was only rain and gave it a go.
Once I got into the bank, I felt absolutely soaked! Water was running off my head and hair down my nose. My leg fronts were soaking and my sandals were so wet, it was difficult to walk in them without my feet slipping out. Thankfully, it wasn't too busy and the teller quite enjoyed seeing me so wet, I reckon!
The way back to the car was much worse. The rain was even stronger than before, and walking was now downright dangerous. I was so wet, it was getting difficult to breathe, and I was so relieved when I found the car and could sit in the seat. However, I was wringing wet, and could do nothing else except go home and dive back into the shower.
The weather is so changeable right now, eh? Somehow, I think I should be better prepared next time!!
Posted at 06:30 PM
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Published On: Oct 27, 2006 09:30 PM
Published On: Oct 27, 2006 09:30 PM