Spring weather?

It's been such a wet and cold Spring so far. I couldn't believe what I saw when I got up this morning:

So much hail that it settled? In Spring? What next I wonder?

Quick Holiday download

  

Perth.

It was sunny. Oh, how it was sunny. It was warm. So lovely and warm. The water sparkled, the skies were big and blue. The breeze was warm and welcomed. The food was fresh,delicious and eaten in restaurants many times (ie. not too much cooking for me!). We celebrated the 70th birthday of my father in law in style.

These are the highlights.

We stayed in four places in eight days. Felt an underlying apprehension with each move as to whether my kids would actually sleep in these four different beds in different abodes for eight days (needn't have worried, they were great!). Had to juggle two bored young ones during the fresh and delicious meals eaten in said restaurants. Had our flight cancelled as we were about to board the flight home. Had to rehire our car for double the price that we'd just dropped it off at. Had to find accommodation for the night. Dodged as much family politics as I possibly could until I...well lets just say that imploding is not my style. 

These were the lowlights.

I don't like to be negative, but its not in me to only give you half the story. So with that,  I will leave it up to you to deduce how much fun you think was had. 

Now I am all thawed out and ready for spring in Melbourne. It's so good to be home. x 



Staying present

Today's date has significance for me - my dad died on this date. I can honestly say it's not front of mind for me anymore. I actually realised the date once I downloaded the pics I took of my girls. It passed unnoticed until then.

If he was here today he'd get to meet these girls of mine. How could you not die all over again from the cuteness of those butts? Excuse the pun but seriously - who wouldn't?

Incidently, this was the first time Is has stood up at the bath. She's getting so big! x

Urgh...

Nearly a month has passed since my birthday. How time flies! I'd love to say its because I was having fun...but its boring...I've been sick. For nearly a month. Its been through us all. Me, 3 times. So I do plan on blogging again soon...I'm just sick. Urgh.

I fly to Perth for a family holiday on Thursday. We'll be there for 8 days. I'm hoping the sunshine will seep into my soul and replenish me so I can come home refreshed, healthy and ready to spring clean my house...and perhaps my life. If I have any left over energy.

Holiday pics to come. The pic above is of a quilt I'm trying to finish. Slowly, slowly. It's really quite relaxing work and about as much as I can handle right now. x

Father's Day 2010

We read through the book several times. S was captivated by all the possible reasons that she could love her Daddy. By the fifth re-read request she was reciting it with me.

Then we wrapped Daddy's gift in a piece of her artwork. Well, she wrapped it...with me hovering like a control freak.

We snuck into our bedroom to wake up Daddy (they were too excited to allow a sleep in) and he sleepily enjoyed our squeals and hugs and kisses.

S helped him unwrap his present and then proceeded to read it to him using the pictures as cues for why she loves her daddy. The Big Fella was astonished and I, just a little bit proud.

Is crawled up for some kisses too. 

We then headed to my brothers house to celebrate my nephews 6th birthday. All my family were there which makes for a happy me.

  

Happy fathers day to you my love. You know what you mean to us - we told you all the why's of loving you in the book S read to you. Happy Days. x

Getting into the swing...

...of spring. Starting with a spring fair. Hurstbridge put on a show.

Fun was had by all.

34

I am 34 today.

I know it's been said a thousand times by countless others - but how did I get here so fast? Where did that time go? Am I really in my mid thirties already?

I'm not saying I'm old. I'm just amazed that I'm here already. But when I do a few sums in my head the numbers add up and it makes sense.

I've been with my man for 16 years :: I've studied and obtained a degree :: I've gotten married :: I've lived overseas :: I've travelled extensively :: I've worked 3 jobs in 3 different industries :: I've bought a house ::
I've had 2 kids

These things don't happen within a couple of years. It took time to get here. And so, here I am. 34.

I've always felt so young and I have no reason to feel any different on this birthday, but I do. I feel different. I feel like it's time for me to grow up. Be an adult. Suck it up. Do what I have to do to get where I want to go. Be authentic. Be myself. Like myself. Stop apologising for who I am. Stake my claim in this life. Say no when I feel I need to. Say yes when I mean it. Love more. Fear Less. Now.

So today I have cleansed, toned & moisturised my neglected face. My dry hands have been moisturised several times. I have gone to the toilet as soon as I need to go, instead of holding til my kidneys ache because I'm busy with other things. I discarded my breastfeeding bra and put on something lacey. I took my vitamins. I included myself in my list of people to care for today and I think I could make a habit of this. It's not half bad. It actually feels quite good.

I would never relive my youth but I don't regret a minute of my past. It's got me exactly where I am today. 34. Alive. Loved. Blessed.

Happy birthday to me. x

8 months

On the eve of your 9 month milestone I'd like to thank you for this eighth month. You have been an absolute joy and the growing and developing you've done in one single month has been so exciting and fun to witness.

In your eighth month you:

• learnt to crawl
• learnt to sit up
• say "Mama"
• say "Dada"
• wave goodbye whilst saying "Ba-ba"
• Put your blanket up to your face, remove it quickly and exclaim "Aaah Berr!" (that's Ah Boo!)
• Slept through the night 3 times!

I tell you it's been one busy month of growing and I'm watching my baby girl grow up before my eyes on a daily basis.

I still love our morning feeds together. You're so warm, peaceful and cuddly. After having your milk you nuzzle into my chest, suck your thumb and stay there until you're ready to face the day...or you fall into a peaceful slumber. It's such a nice way to start the day with you.

You are a constant source of delight for all of our family. Your gummy smiles provide endless photo opportunities and moments of joy. There is not a tooth to be seen as yet - just heavy, white gums just waiting to crack a tooth...any day now? I'm loving your gums and your sweet milky breath for more months than I expected. How lucky I am!

I can't imagine what your 9th month will bring. More growing and movement I'm sure. You are loved beyond measure. Your happiness is contagious. Thank you again for choosing us. x

Well, hello there!

Can you see? In the mirror? The Canon EOS 550D.

Hello there, it was so nice to meet you. I think I fell in love with you the moment I took you out of the box. Does that make you uncomfortable? Oh well, you'll get over it and I'm sure I'll get over you one day...

Until then it's good news for my neglected blog. I think you may be seeing a bit more of me around these parts. Have new toy, will take pics. Have pics, will blog.

And just like that, I'm back in the saddle. x

It's oh so quiet...

Everything is a bit slow around here at the moment. Low on energy. Low on motivation. Don't have alot of words.

I'm well. I'm happy. I'm just quiet. For a change.

Hope all is well with you. x