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Mon, Oct 5, 2009 9:31 PM
2 months today Matthew and what a handsome little man we've got! His most favourite thing right now is staring at faces and if you hold still long enough he rewards your time with beautiful smiles and lots of stories. He's even managed to keep Gabrielle still long enough to enjoy a few of her own. He's discovered his hands (everything to his mouth already) and enjoys kicking his feet on his playmat.

He is a contender in the noisiest sleeper category. He manages to grunt and groan for at least 10 minutes before he drifts off in his touch down pose of deep sleep.

Feeding is going much better now, though he still has a hard time with burping so gas build up seems to interrupt his happy go lucky demeanor. You know something is up when you can't get him to return your smile. For those Mom's out there that didn't have any luck with breast feeding - it's not all it's cracked up to be. After going through what we did with Gabrielle with latching, and still having milk supply issues again this time around - I enjoy our quiet time with the bottle just as much as as the "boob time" and the best image is watching Daddy have the opportunity for those same quiet moments.

We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow to see how much more he's gain from his 9lbs 10.5oz
and unfortuneately our first set of needles. Let's keep our fingers crossed he's as tough a cookie as his big sister who didn't cry for any of the needles she had to endure.

Gabrielle is growing like a weed and we're not sure if it's our perspective with Matthew being so small, but she seems to grow inches in front of our eyes. We've almost convinced her that "poopy" can go in the potty and that diapers are no longer needed. She loves to explore and talk though all of the new things she's learned that day. She's also exploring how far she can push Mommy and Daddy and has spent some time on the time out step. She totally awed us with the ability to read one of her Sandra Boyton book - Red hat Green hat - I'll try and get it on video for all to enjoy too.

Wishing everyone a wonderful fall - we've got lots of visitors coming up and loving every minute of it. Can't wait to see everyone! xo

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Tue, Sep 1, 2009 9:15 PM
Our first family vacation didn't quite go as originally planned. Everyone said we were nuts to drive to NB with a 2.5 year old and a 2 week old, but Mommy didn't listen to them. Matthew was so laid back and with so many activities planned with Gabrielle, by taking our time, and setting no specific agenda, we thought we'd make out just fine. Unfortunately we ended up driving 40 hours there and back within 3 days. Here is the full story:

Prior to leaving, Matthew was throwing up 1-2x per day but we thought it was due to us overfeeding or not quite getting all the burps out prior to putting him down. So we really didn't think anything of it. On Saturday morning of the 15th we set out on our first family vacation. Throughout the drive Matthew became sicker and sicker. We assumed it was due to motion sickness or possibly he caught a bug. We arrived at Granny's house on Sunday and the day didn't progress very well. We tried solely breast feeding to see if it was the formula that was causing him to be sick. When that didn't work, we tried just formula feeding and again, Matthew continued to projectile vomit with every feeding.

Thanks to Granny's work connections, we were able to see Dr. Perly on Monday morning at 9am. He scheduled an ultrasound right away to check out his tummy but based on his exam he suspected a condition called - pyloric stenosis - which hits 1-2% of boys betweeen the ages of 2-4 weeks where the phyloric muscle found between the stomach and intestines becomes elongated and enlarged and closes off the opening between the two therefore causing food not to be able to pass through and ends up coming right back up. The radiologist was not confident due to little exposure to this condition so he asked for a second opinion. A pediatrician from Fredericton was consulted by phone but really needed to perform the ultrasound herself before confirming the condition. We were informed that if surgery was needed, that it was only performed in Halifax or Toronto.

At this time, Joe and I immediately made the decision to head back home. AT 4;00pm on Monday afternoon, we all piled back into the car to make it back home as quickly as we could. Joe was pushing as much as he could to get us home as quickly as possible and I was pushed to stop as many times as we could to keep Matthew fed and not become dehydrated. Throughout this whole trip, Gabrielle was a super hero. She watched more TV in this trip than she has in her whole 2.5 years. The makers of portable DVD players, Doodlebops and the Max and Ruby cartoon, all deserve an award for recognition. We made it to our family doctor's office at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon who advised us to immediately make our way to Sick Kids Hospital in downtown Toronto.

I have to take a pause in our story at thi s point to say a huge thank you to Michelle and
Doug. It was at this point in our story that Doug and Michelle took our call for help and
cared for Gabrielle in our absence. Having Gabrielle with you allowed us to concentrate on
Matthew and his illness with little worry knowing her needs were met. We can't come up with the words to thank you enough for the care, patience, putting Gabrielle's needs first (ie
staying overnight at the house so G could sleep in her own bed) and the time it took away
from your own family activities. Going from 2 small kids to 3 had to be a lot of work and
we truly appreciate everything that you did. Gabrielle still talks about her baths with
Owen, Tish the pussycat and asks where Doug and Michelle are everyday (though I can't say
she asked about us all that often when we were away from her) so you left an everlasting
impression on us all. Thank you for everything!

Sick Kids Hospital lived up to it's reputation. From the janitor who stopped to help us find
the emergency department to the caring nurses and calming surgeons, we felt well taken care
of considering the circumstances we were under with a 3 week old baby. We were pushed
through the 6 hour wait at emergency due to Matthew's small size and age. We were given a
room glassed in where we waited for the doctor to order another ultrasound to confirm his
condition. At 12:30am on Wednesdsay, the doctor finally confirmed it was indeed phyloric
stenosis and Matthew was put on the surgery list. At 11:00am, they took Matthew into
surgery and at 1:00 pm they came to tell us everything was successfully completed. The
surgery entailed a small incision through his belly button to gain access to the phyloric
muscle which they cut through to release the pressure. They put in three small stitches and
some steri tape on his belly button and he was ready to go back to the recovery room.

We got to see Matthew again at 2:30 at which time we were informed that to be discharged, we needed to successfully complete 3 feedings at 60ml each. We started with 30ml of sugar water to test things out and it stayed down, but the next feeding of 30ml of milk didn't. We remained positive though as the projectile had stopped so something was different. The surgeons informed us that the stomach muscles were still swollen which was probably causing the opening to remain shut. After giving it some time, we had our first successful feeding of 30 ml on Thursday at 2:00pm, 24 hours post surgery. Slowly but surely we increased Matthew's milk intake by 5ml at a time and had our first successful 60ml feeding on Friday and were greatful to be discharged on Saturday morning.

There are no worries for follow-up or anyt hing to be concerned with in the future. Once the
surgery is complete, there is no need for concern that it will reoccur or complications will arise later on. We can visit with the surgery team a month post his operation, but any
follow-up needed at this point can be done through our family doctor.

So to all the future Curnew and Moran baby's - please note that this condition is hereditary. Somewhere along the lines this condition can be found and we need to share with everyone that it could show up in the future in particular in our boys. This condition is so common that Sick Kids performs the operation on average once a week and there actually was another little 2 week old boy who arrived the same night we did in emergency with the same problem and was discharged the same day as Matthew.

Matthew, over the next few weeks, we look forward to seeing you fill in all of your
wrinkles. After 2 days of a full belly, your smiles and coos on Monday morning were enough
to melt any last lingering worries that we had concerning your health. We love you to bits!

We end this story with words from one of the surgeon's: After all this trouble he's gone
through so early in life, Matthew won't give you any trouble from here on out - no taking
the car out without permission, no past curfew nights or any other trouble teenagers seem to
find themselves into!

A few key messages to those we love - Uncle Jeff, thank you for coming out Thursday night to
stay with Gabrielle to allow Joe and I to change shifts at the hospital. To Uncle Jamie and
Aunt Chrissy, we hope that your special day was full of ever lasting memories and so sorry
we didn't make it, we were so close! Lots of love to all who called with their kind words,
worries and prayers - we love you!

Comments:
Brenda: Wow, I am so so sorry to hear of all the you have been through with little Matthew. I am so happy to hear that all is going better for ALL of you. Plse give the little man and Gabrielle a hug and kiss from Me ok hun. And give each other a hug from me as well. I look forward to hearing back that all is continuing to go well. Hugs and Love to ALL of you.

GrGrammy,Grampy D.: MY DARLINGS. so sorry to hear you both and baby went through so much .you all have been in our prayers.we are so glad to hear all is going well kissesto all .xoxoxoxo

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Tue, Sep 1, 2009 1:40 PM
4 weeks old today Matthew and you've already been through so much. Let's start with your birth story as all future mommy's need to hear about silent labour!

Our due date of Aug 1st came and went with very little excitement. We had a few nights of discomfort but dismissed the pains as they were not consistent and went away as soon as I ate something. I had one night where it felt like a hot knife up my side, but again dismissed it as once I had breakfast it went away again. On Tuesday the 4th, I went in for my scheduled stress test at 8:40 am at which time an internal exam was done and the doctor declared me 5cms dialated! Holy moly we were going to have a baby today and I didn't feel like I had one contraction yet. Doc said it was the joys of silent labour. I didn't even know such a thing existed. Again a very busy day in labour and delivery so he sent me home with instructions to come back at 1 unless contractions started up as this baby was going to be delivered fairly quickly once he was ready to arrive. At 1:00 we made our way back to the hospital - Granny's nerves might have been on edge while we were home that short period of time - We finally got settled in the delivery area at 3:00 pm. At 3:10 the Doctor broke my water and after a short few hours, Matthew arrived in our arms at 5:45pm. Please note, never say to a labouring women that the epidural is an hour away due to the doctor being in surgery, it doesn't sit well at all. Though I can't say that it did much for me as the pressure was more painful than the actual contractions and the epidural doesn't take that pain away!

A huge thank you to so many who truly helped out all of us during this exciting time. We owe so many thank you's to all the grandparents (Granny, Grampy, Gramps, Nana, Poppy and Nanny), uncles (Steve, Larry, Jeff) and friends (Doug and Michelle). Your help through our transition to a family of 4 was truly appreciated - THANK YOU! And to Big Sister - you've been amazing through all of this and such a big help to Mommy and Daddy too! We love you all...

Welcome to the world Baby Matthew! We are so excited to watch you love, laugh and grow. We all love you to bits! Watching our family expand the way that it has and the different dynamics that play out is truly amazing and can't wait to see what happens next in the Curnew Family story book!

Our love and thanks to all!

Comments:
Gr Grammy,Grampy D.: Welcome Baby Matthew.we are so please to here you have arrived.big sister will help love and care for you .lots of love &kisses Gr Grammy & Grampy.xoxo

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Tue, Jul 28, 2009 9:27 AM
Wow, 4 days left until our due date arrives...every little pressure and pain is now being examined to death to see if this is the moment that our little man wants to join us and turn us into a family of 4! Mommy is both excited and nervous and Daddy's word is anxious but still thrilled to meet baby M.

Gabrielle seems to kind of know what's going on, lots of kisses for Mommy's belly, she's told everyone she's going to be a big sister, mommy's having a baby boy and his name is Matthew, but expect she will still be in shock once he arrives I'm sure of it!

She's such a big girl now who has no more soothies at night as the big man in the garbage truck took them away (both at school and at home) and as she'll tell you "Only babies use soothies and she's a big girl!"

A big CONGRATS to the Hutchinson's with the arrival of cousin Emma Mae. Gabrielle is so excite to have a baby girl as there are too many boys around her already! Time to even things out!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. You can blame the cooler, wet weather on me...who wants to see me suffer through 35 degree heat and be 9 months pregnant! Lots of love to all! xo

Comments:
Brenda: Wow, boy does time go by quickly. Gabrielle, I am so proud of you being a BIG GIRL now with no more soothies...Mommy is so lucky that she has YOU GABRIELLE to help her with Baby Matthew when he comes along...You are a sweetheart Gabrielle & to your parents, I will you ALL the very best and can't wait to see new pics...hugs and love to you all....your cousin...Brenda from Windsor,Ontario Canada

Grammy& Grampy D.: what a big girl you are Gabrielle!soon you will be able to help mommy.we are anxious to see your little baby brother.huggs & kisses lots of Love.

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Wed, Jun 17, 2009 3:12 PM
So sorry to everyone that I've been neglecting this site - it's been a combination of time and frustration with the service provider but we're back on track now!

The Curnew family is expanding if you haven't heard the news already. Baby C is planned to arrive on Aug 1st and please put your word in that he, that's right it's a boy, is either early or at least on time! Mommy can't take much more of this summertime heat! Stay tuned for site name changes to accommodate both Curnew kiddies!

Gabrielle is growing like a weed and talking up a storm. She knows her numbers up to 20, colours are a cinch and her favourite songs include Bah Bah Black Sheep, ABC's, Twinkle Twinkle, and her all time favourite Happy Birthday! She loves the new house, as we all do, and the backyard has been a big hit! New pics for May and June are up and two new videos too if you'd like to check them out!

Hope all is well with everyone back home! It's wedding season this summer and want to express lots of love and happy wedding planning to both Uncle Jamie C and Aunt Kristi and Uncle Jamie M and Aunt Chrissy! We love you all...

Comments:
Natasha: Hey Amy,
They grow really fast!!!!!!!! We have a new baby girl Joy Eileen on May 4th.

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Sun, Feb 1, 2009 9:41 PM
Tonight's the night 2 years ago when we we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our sweet "Baby G". 5:55am and we finally got to meet you and it's been a ride ever since!

This year will bring lots of changes, including: a new home, a new baby sister or brother and hopefully no more diapers for a little while at least. Potty training is going...and going...and going. We suspect we're at the beginning stages of the last molars to come in, though we secretly think she's just preparing us for sleepless nights again.

New words are discovered everyday and it's becoming quite the comic relief to decipher some of the stuff.

Gabrielle: Your hugs and kisses melt all of us to puddles and your smile brightens the entire room. Every day you bring home something new and we can't wait until tomorrow to see what's next.

We all love you very much Gabrielle - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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Wed, Aug 13, 2008 8:12 AM
A year and a half is upon us and all the baby in Gabrielle is gone and we're left with a beautiful, fun loving toddler!

We had a wonderful July and Aug ending the summer with a great trip to NB. Not only has she discovered the taste for sausage (breakfast, lunch and dinner) but she's talking up a storm.

Her favourite line of the day is "What's dat?" and lots of other sentences that will some day make sense to Mommy and Daddy. In the meantime, signing is helping us avoid some of the misunderstandings and hopefully avoid the full blown temper tantrums.

We have a doc appointment next week, but unofficially she's 25.5 lbs and has 13 teeth (one eye tooth has popped through and waiting for the other 3 to finish their way up - wish us all luck over the next two weeks)

School is going well. She comes home with lots of pretty artwork and loves to play outdoors. We're having a few biting incidents (associated with teething we are guessing) that we're trying to overcome, but someone is a little pushy when it comes to the chaulk board and play stairs. She moves to the toddler room in Sept, so it should be interesting to see what she learns from the bigger kids in her class.

Thanks to everyone for our great holidays this summer to both NL and NB. We miss you all and hope that you can visit us soon (We've got the warmer weather to offer!)xo

Comments:
Brenda: Just a note to say that it does NOT seem possible that she is already a year and a half old. She is growing so fast and as cute as a button. It is so much fun to see them try new things and to hear them trying new words. You both have so much to be proud about. Give the little one a hug and kiss from me plse. Huggs and love to all of you....Brenda

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Wed, Jul 2, 2008 8:03 AM
17 months is here and someone is getting bigger and more independent every day! She is full of giggles and squeals as all little girls are.

She is truly enjoying school. Joey drops her off in the morning and she's beaming in the parking lot as she knows exactly where she is going. Picking her up is even more fun, but there have been days she's had to choose between the chalk board and mommy and how she can have both at the same time.

We've had lots of great visitors this month. Nana and Gramps were up for the weekend. Gabrielle got to skip school for 2 days and spend some one on one time while Mommy and Daddy went off to work. I'm not sure who had more fun, Gabrielle or Nana, but I'm guessing there was lots of play time for everyone.

Molars or eye teeth are still trying to come through. We can't quite get a good peak in to see without danger pay. One night in particular while on vacation in NL, I think we put Nanny and Poppy through their paces (definitely Mommy and Daddy). It's tough to see her so upset and uncomfortable and not be able to do a thing about it.

We're enjoying ourself tremendously in NL. The plan ride was awesome and we had the best little girl there in a very full plane. Lots of quality time spent with Nanny and Poppy and she absolutely loves playing with her cousins: Zach, Kylie and Cameron. Between the sand box at cousin Cameron's and the 4 wheelers at cousin Zach and Kylie's, things have been full of fun.

The weather is warming up and the pool is looking pretty good right now. Enjoying the summer and hope everyone else is too. Will miss everyone in NL, it was so much fun and see everyone in NB pretty soon....xoxo

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Mon, Jun 2, 2008 8:05 PM
16 months - and still rocking! Gabrielle entertains us everyday not only with the new stuff she learns at school but the rate she explores the world around her. Everything is new, has to be touched, climbed or experienced by herself and you can see her absorbing every minute of it.

She's still only got a few words - but she definitely understands them all. Sign language has been fun ... check out the video to see some of them. They include: Please, Thank you, More, Eat, All Done, Phone, Hat, Fish, Dog, Cat, ... and probably others we haven't figured out yet.

She loves to dance and sing and if you're not singing the right song, she'll let you know it! Our song list has had to increase (and Daddy's made up a few that have been a hit too!) It's cute to see her doing the action of 5 little monkeys jumping on the bed.

She's had lots of doc appts this month trying to get her in to get her chicken pox vaccine. Between the fevers (4 molars coming in at the same time will do that) a couple of colds and an ear infection, we finally got it done only to have her completely break out 2 days later which looked an awful lot like chicken pox, but found out it was hives. She's a tough cookie though - no tears!

Happy Father's Day to a very special Daddy who we love to bits and to all the Grampy's out there, love you too! We are so looking forward to the summer and the vacation back East! NL the first week of July and NB the first week in August. Can't wait to see everyone! Love ya lots...xo

Comments:
GrGrammy lily &Grgrampy Gabe: we are so anxious to see your actions at the Lodge we love you sweetheart.Gr Grammy&Grampyxoxo lots of love.

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Fri, May 2, 2008 7:57 AM
15 months and what a handful! Gabrielle makes us laugh every day between the conversations, smiles and expeditions, it's truly amazing how much they absorb in a day.

She understands so much of what's going on around her and you can start to see her testing the limits. She's completely explored the house, and now ready to take on the outdoors. She brings over her shoes and hat the moment the front door is open. She loves it outside and points at everything to learn it's name.

She has two brand new molars upper and lower on the right hand side. We had about 3 days of fever, diarrhea and long nights, and were not quite sure what was going on. Assuming once these were found(and that proves to be challenging as who likes to have someone else check out their teeth)that they were the reason for her discomfort.

We had two birthday celebrations this month with Nana and Daddy and she had a great time with both cakes and enjoying the highs of the sugar rush!

Books and Daddy are now in competition with being outside as her favourite things. Opening the fridge to get her own yogurt is up on the list as well.

Loving her more every day and really look forward to the summer months! Summer vacations are coming, see everyone soon! xox

Comments:
Brenda: I cannot believe how much she is growing. She is absolutely precious. I so love looking at the updates ... dont they grow up fast. I can see that you are both enjoying taking lots of pictures and that is definately the thing to do, cause before you know it, Mommy will be shopping with Gabrielle for her wedding day and Daddy will be walking her down the isle. Be sure and savor EVERY moment with her. Thank you so much for the updates of how Gabrielle is growing. Huggs and love to all of you, but one special hug and kiss for Gabrielle.

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