Welcome to the New Year

I don't make New Year's Resolutions as I am so very disappointed when I fail to live up to the resolve by about my birthday (January 4th) so this year I will say that I have made a list of things I would like to achieve and/or change but it is a list that is open to change and adjustment as well. Hopefully this will negate any feelings of failure and disappointment for me.......

We have had a lovely few weeks, spending lots of time together and even getting away for a few nights break at the beach. Our first holiday for three years!!!! The weather was good, not too hot and the kids got to swim and laze about. Tiger enjoyed the pool but was not so keen on the beach and Jed had a little splash in the pool with his Daddy. Jed is turning into a little boy so quickly now and makes sure we all know exactly what it is he wants. He also has learnt to give out kisses and leans in with his mouth wide open and makes ahhhh noises. He will blow a kiss as well, but his favourite thing at the moment is to sing the "Welcome" song we sing at Steiner playgroup each week complete with the actions.... too cute!

Christmas was spent quietly at home, everyone received lots of presents and ate lots of food. We were a little fewer in numbers than we expected as DP's Grandmother fell down her back stairs on Christmas Eve and fractured 5 ribs... she is 88 now and we are still a little concerned for her recovery. She is home though and DP and his Mum went to see her on Christmas Day after lunch and reported that she is in excellent spirits. Nothing ever seems to put her down for long.

Three days after Christmas we celebrated a birthday...yep I am now the mother of a 16 year old!!! Once again I had a few moments of reflection and time thinking back to special moments we shared when it was just him and me! He has grown to become the most amazing kid, so sweet natured and kind to his little brothers and sister and so full of jokes and fun and he likes a lot of the same music that I do.... amazing!!! Anyway I have some photos of cake and candle blowing out but I have to wait for DP to download them before I can post so.. next time. In the meantime I have one of the birthday boy and the littlest little.

Not too sure where the old woman came from!

I also have the promised photos of chairs and aprons to show you...yay!!

See I told you the chairs were the perfect shade of blue!!

My beautiful blue checked apron with Christmas ornaments and lots of other goodies spilling from the pocket. Thank you Cathy!

Here are a couple of quick pics showing the appliqued singlets and felt crowns I made for my nephews for Christmas.

As modelled by Jed!

They seemed to be well received and have been worn and used for dress ups already.

Okay time to dash, see you all in the New Year, stay safe and well however you celebrate!

Formatting

I have no idea why Blogger won't let me insert paragraph breaks.It makes it difficult to read the post. My apologies!!! I have been able to add some links and photos though. It's starting to look more like a proper blog don't you think?

Catching Up

Okay, its been a month since I posted...bet you all thought I wasn't coming back, nooooo dear reader I have returned and intend to catch you all up with what we've been doing!

We have been busy with all our end of year things and trying to keep up with all the normal day to day stuff as well.

My lovely sister and her family visited us from interstate. It was great to meet my youngest nephew for the first time. He is 2 months younger than Jed, her older boy is 5 months younger than Tiger so I can just imagine the worry we will have when they are all teenagers together and getting into all sorts of mischief... Oh my just the thought!!!

I embarked on my dental journey this week, only to discover that I don't need root canal work after all. Yay for me you might say but no. In fact I have to have the tooth removed as it has a crack in it that cannot be repaired. So although I don't have to face weeks of tripping to and from the dentist I do have to have an implant and crown put in, probably sometime around March after my gum has recovered from the removal next week.

Still on the teeth front Jed has gotten his molar on the left through but the one on the right is still working its way out. Luckily though this one doesn't seem to be bothering him any where near as much and he has returned to his normal, placid, happy self (who will sit and play for a short while).

Tiger has hit the three and half stage, he talks non-stop, asks never ending "Why" questions, bounces on and off the furniture , the walls, the baby, and us, and can't amuse himself for more than 30 seconds at a time. He now also voluntarily talks to people at the shops and the library, for example this morning whilst in the checkout queue

Tiger - "Why have you only got one?"

Man - "One?"

Tiger - "Yes, why have you only got one"

Man looks at me, I shrug.

Tiger looks expectantly at the man. At this stage there is no answer for him, seeing this he moves on.

Tiger - "Do you have a baby?"

Man - "No, I don't have a baby but I see that you do"

Tiger - 'Yes, so does Ben have a baby ( friends). You don't have a baby that's why you only have one"

By this time I had worked out that the man was buying one carton of milk, I don't leave the supermarket without 4 or 5 cartons, but as the baby is the only one who doesn't drink milk I still don't get the reasoning.

Three and a half, wow, they turn into different people quite suddenly, literally grow up overnight.

Soon he will be as big as James, the other night, I looked at James and had to say "Who are you and where did you come from?" I remember him sitting in the supermarket trolley and smiling at the checkout girl. Now he still smiles at the checkout girl but he's the one pushing the trolley for me. Amazing!

Very exciting news (for me) is that I have scored a crafting table and area. We have set it up off the lounge room and I have been able to finally organise all my stuff. Now I have a space to sit down and make some Christmas decorations and gifts, and do all my other "making". DP finally bought himself a new office desk so I got the old one..it is fabulous. I didn't have a chair, I wanted an old wooden one that I could paint up to look all crafty and arty, so I was looking at garage sales but hadn't found anything. Then this week on the way to the dentist (an hours drive) we went a different way to usual and there on the side of the road were four old wooden chairs painted the exact blue I was thinking. I was so excited I was bouncing around in my seat. I made DP promise that we would go home the same way. We did. So I am now sitting on the very chair I always wanted for my "Craft Room" lol. Oh, and we managed to fit two in the car so Tiger very proudly sits up to "help" me. They were $5 each. How's that for a frugal/thrifty score lol!!!!! Pics to come next post.

I have to rip out what is left in my veggie patch as it is all starting to bolt. I will plant some new seedlings in the hope of getting some lettuce for the Christmas break. I have been so busy that I haven't been able to get the next lot in quickly enough to have a continuous supply, but they grow so fast here that I should make it if I plant tomorrow as planned. Oh and can anyone tell me why I have only one, solitary tomato on my plants. It is pretty healthy but very lonely!

I still have not finished my Christmas prep, gifts for the 16 year old and DP are the hardest to find. The golden boys are getting some wooden cars and a few other bits and pieces, Mim gets hair stuff and clothes, but I still have to shop arrgh. Every year I say I won't leave it till the last minute and every year I do.

I have been tagged by Lisa for the "Seven Random things" meme. This is the first time I've been tagged so here we go.....

seven random things....the meme rules are:

1- Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog
2- Share 7 random and or weird things about yourself.

3- Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.

4- Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here we go....

1: The thumb on my left hand is shorter than the thumb on my right hand.

2: I never stop hugging first, never.

3: I am scared of snakes and frogs.

4: I didn't drink any coffee until I was in my early twenties and even now I only have the occasional latte when I'm out. But I love coffee flavoured cake.

5: When I was four I told a mother at my nursery school that I had 7 older brothers. My mother could never work out why that woman was always asking her if there was anything she could do to help her as having such a large family must be such hard work etc. It wasn't until years later that I told my mother why. For the record I have one younger sister.

6: I have a "To Do Before I Die" list but only I know what's on it.

7: I am the happiest and most content with everything and everyone in my life right now.

As I am new to blogging I don't have 7 people to tag, so consider yourself tagged if you would like to have a go!

Thanks Lisa, that was fun......

I took part in the apron swap that was organized over at Down to Earth my swap partner was Cathy and she sent me the most gorgeous package with a blue checked apron and some knitted cloths, decorations for our Christmas tree and a lovely address book for me. All so very lovely and much appreciated. You can see the apron I sent Cathy here.

We have been spending some time now and then at a place I truly enjoy.

Our friend who lives here only had the power connected about two years ago. It is a very quirky home tucked quietly away...I really appreciate the peace you feel while there, but with a busy three year old and a baby I have to say I also really appreciate coming home to some more modern comforts. It is beautiful though, especially after rain....

So children are starting to create some havoc...better go and organise dinner and finish this post for now.Will be back soon with photos of blue chairs and aprons.

Molars, Maladies and Mopping

A quick post tonight! Tiger has come down with a cold that has now turned into a cough. He is handling it really well but his (limited at the best of times) impulse control has disappeared. He is currently taking great delight in climbing on all the furniture and in spinning around until he falls over, not at the same time I hasten to add.

Jed is cutting his molars and has decided that he doesn't want to be separated from me at all. Where once it was a good thing to sit and play by himself he now cries constantly for me to pick him up. Yesterday I had to do all the vacuuming and mopping with him in the Ergo on my back. Great exercise for me but is that the real definition of making a rod for your own back I wonder????

It is the garage sale this weekend.... I am still sorting out things to sell but so far I have managed to off load a single bed and a set of cordless phones. Quicker and easier sales than at a garage sale, and no haggling over the price at all lol!!

I have decided to go and shop in the morning when Tiger's at the farm, that way I will have everything done before the weekend and I will be able to swing the meal plan into action and not have to worry about too much cooking. I'm hoping to try these (James' favourites) and probably a BBQ and some pizza or pasta. At least that's the plan, but you know the best laid of mice and men etc......

Things have been a little stressed and 'uncalm' around chez mountain this week, with teething and coughing and sorting. I will certainly be glad when this chapter has passed.

Oh and I can't believe this weather, a couple of days ago I had the air conditioning on and tonight I am sitting here in a jacket and trackies!!! I bought a lovely pair of shorties for Jed today. He needs a pair that fit for summer, but the weather has turned so chilly that he has them on under his pj's tonight lol!

I hope everyone had a lovely day and won some money on the sweeps...

One!

One year ago.....

One year old.....

Jed had a quiet day at home with his big brother and Mama and Daddy. Some presents, some laughter, some napping and some playing. What a lovely way to turn one. Happy Birthday, Jed we will always love you!

My veggie patch has also grown and is starting to produce some things we can eat...I had some just picked, rain washed baby spinach with my scrambled eggs the other morning Yum Yum........ So

from this.....

to this.....

in just over a month. I do need some advice though. How do I control the tiny green caterpillar type bugs organically? They are way too tiny for me to find and pick off one by one, I need some sort of help I'm afraid. I was thinking some sort of garlic type spray but I don't really know if that would be right.

We had a big storm here last night, finally some good rain to help fill the tank. It has been overcast and showery today, so the nappies had to go in the dryer...the pay off for rain I suppose! There are more storms forecast for tonight as well, I love rain but not wind or lightening, plus we often lose power in a storm. We have contemplated a generator, at least we would still be able to shower and flush toilets, if the power is out. Still at thinking about it stage....where it will probably stay.

I will be participating in a combined garage sale early next month. I am quite looking forward to passing on of some of our clutter. There is a reason for my burst of Spring cleaning it seems. Now I'm to be found with my head stuck in a cupboard madly calling have you used this (insert; toy, electronic device,item of clothing) in the last 6 months? Yes I'm fairly ruthless I know the rule of thumb is a year!
Should be lots of fun, and hopefully I will make a little money as well...Jed badly needs some new nappies, he is actually growing faaaaast!

I spoke to the guy who knows everything about drugs and breastfeeding this morning, he said that I have no worries with anything to do with my proposed dental work. Damn! lol I have been putting off speaking to him as I have been a wuss about having the root canal therapy done. No excuses now, I have to make some appointments!

We are supposed to take some cake to Steiner tomorrow to celebrate Jed's birthday, but my scales are broken and I'm hopeless at measuring by eye. So I think we might have to celebrate with fruit only. I did make Tiger some play dough yesterday though (no scales involved). What fun! He actually played with it for about half an hour, by himself...a bit of a record for Tiger!

I am about to go and start dinner, roast chicken with veggies and apple crumble for dessert. We were to have it yesterday for Jed's birthday dinner but DP was called out to help with storm damage so we postponed it till tonight...but he has been gone all day and with more storms predicted he might not be able to enjoy it tonight either! I have to cook the chicken though, so perhaps he will have to enjoy it as chicken sandwiches.

Inspiration: Rain...I'm loving this weather today!
BTW if you find a spare couple of minutes over the next few days please go here and donate some rice.

Bit of a ramble today, please forgive the wanderings but you were warned in the header!

A Spring Clean

Since Jed was born it seems I have been slow to get on with the housework... I know that early on it is always difficult to co-ordinate cleaning and vacuuming around a sleeping baby but I seem to have taken that excuse and run with it.... all the way to his first birthday! So today I have made a start on my Spring Clean... Tiger and I cleaned the bathrooms from top to bottom and vacuumed the entire house, we also dusted and sorted wall units/bookcases and I emptied and cleaned and polished all the crockery kept in the meat safe in the kitchen. Tomorrow morning I will attempt to sort the kitchen cupboards, they are in dire need of it. The pantry is in need of a sort and clean...

We have moved Tiger's blackboard and easel from the kitchen to the deck and he is now able to paint when he wants...also it stops chalk dust from being spread all over the kitchen yay!! I also have to sort out all the boys clothes and decide what I need to get for this season, Jed will have plenty of hand-me-downs but Tiger needs some things. I feel a shopping trip coming on..... Plus I must sort and tidy the wardrobe in our bedroom. Jed shares our room and the drawers and his stuff appears to have taken over. Why is it that clothes always expand to fit the space available?

I love the thought of a cleaned and tidy house, the sense of satisfaction and pleasure in our lovely home, that now I've started I can't wait to finish!!!! I need some before and after photos just to heighten the pleasure of the completed job!!!

Jed had a couple of disturbed nights over the weekend. He had a temperature on Friday night, not too high and it was down by morning but he was awake for about an hour between 3 and 4am. Then on Saturday night he didn't sleep all day and then he refused to go down at night, we ended up going to bed with him at 11pm but he was still awake at midnight...obviously he just got soooo tired he was beyond sleeping. Luckily he finally crashed but Tiger was up at 5, my gorgeous DP took Tiger away and Jed and I ended up napping until 8am. I so owe him for that sleep in :-) Anyway all things considered Jed seems to have gotten back into a bit more of a routine and is now napping in the day, a fairly unusual occurrence.

This afternoon we will be making some biscuits as we have been without any for over a week now, DP is suffering biscuit withdrawal! I also have to grocery shop sometime soon, it seems to have become a fairly major expedition as Jed gets older and Tiger gets bored quicker. Usually by the time we reach the checkout Tiger is throwing shopping from the trolley and Jed is exhausted (as am I). I am also still trying to get organised enough to have done some menu planning... but it still eludes me. Perhaps some help from Lisa will be just what I need!

Okay boys are awake...time to bake!

Disclaimer: I have cleaned the bathrooms and the house in the past year. We even had cleaners for a few months when Jed was newborn. I just haven't done one of those full on bone-aching Spring Cleans!!

We love a good vacuum!!

The Real Rhinoceros

Last night I went (with Jed) to a Sacred Women's Circle. I have been looking forward to going since being invited about a month ago. I have to say I wasn't disappointed, I had a wonderful evening of sharing and meditation with a group of fantastic women. All of them incredibly strong and very centred, it was a real honour to be there with them and to feel a real feminine aura. I think I need a little of the feminine as I am in such a male environment most days. Jed was an angel and went to sleep... it was the first time I had been out at night on my own (as such) since before Tiger was born. It felt quite strange to be driving home in the dark lol......
On a more mundane note I found out yesterday that I need root canal therapy and a crown fairly urgently. I will be researching the effects of Novocaine on breast milk before I sign up, but I need a course of treatment that involves at least 5 visits over the next 10 weeks. This is such a hassle to organise as we all have to go, I can't leave Jed behind whilst I disappear for hours. So DP has to leave work and take the trip with me. On the other hand in a strange way I am actually looking forward to getting my tooth fixed as it was becoming a real pain in the A. The temporary fillings always fell out after a week or so, and I'm over putting up with the hot/cold sensitivity....
Today we went for a play date at a friend's new house, it was a lovely morning and Tiger played well, with only a couple of minor altercations over toys and turns etc... on the way there we drove past a large concrete rhinoceros which is on display outside a business, the conversation went like this....
Tiger - "What's that?"
Me - " It's a pretend rhinoceros."
Tiger - "Ahhh, I saw one of those yesterday!"
Me - "Did you? Where did you see it?"
Tiger - "At The Farm, it was in the avocados, it was eating the leaves, it was okay, 'cos I looked at it but it didn't bite me!"
Me - "Oh good, I'm glad it didn't bite you"
Tiger - "Yes, I don't want a cincerus to bite me, but it would be okay, cos....it get better!"
Me - " Are you sure it was a rhinoceros you saw?"
Tiger - " Mmmmm....... (insert long pause whilst he decides) Yes! I'm going to tell Daddy I saw a real cincerus, I know it was cos it looked at me!"
It is quite possible that what he saw in the avocado orchard yesterday, whilst at The Farm was a cow and not a rhinoceros, but hey, who am I to argue with the three year old??
That little moment set the morning up quite nicely, I love it when their imaginations start to kick in.
We have a quiet weekend coming up and DP has been given a reprieve from working at Indy. Yay!!! I'm looking forward to spending some time together.
Inspiration - Women's stories and rhinos.

Enjoy your weekend....

Bad Blogger

Hi my name is Jen and I am a Bad Blogger...... okay so as usual I have an excuse, I was without my computer for over two weeks. The power cable was frayed and I was worried I would nuke the 'puter if I used it, so I (actually DP) ordered a new one. It took over two weeks to get here, pretty slack service I think.
Anyway so I am back again with fresh ideas and ideals of hoping to post more often. Perhaps I should put our new wake up time of 5am to use and post then. Could be tricky as Jed still wants to sleep even with Tiger bouncing around in the bed with us. Yes Spring has definitely arrived, Tiger now arises with the sun every morning....hey I'm grateful it's not with the birds! But I'm still having trouble even cracking the eyelids at 5.
At the beginning of the month we bid a very sad farewell to our friends who have left us to live in Dubai. Selfishly I'm still a little weepy and Tiger still hopes to see G at Steiner each week ,but we really do wish them a wonderful life in their new home.... the first pictures look gorgeous and the girls look very happy and settled already.
The veggie patch is in, well started... we have lettuce, tomatoes, beetroot, spinach and silver beet as well as some herbs. Everything is growing well so far and I haven't had to do anything much except water them each day. Plus we have had some glorious rain and even some summer type storms... Tiger got to collect his first hail earlier this week, bit of a rite of passage for him.. he had a great time and was soaking by the time he had filled his container, I didn't have to freeze it for him though, so that was a bit of a bonus as my freezer is quite full and I am waiting on the butcher to get some more organic chicken in, which will fill it completely.
The other rite of passage Tiger has had in the last days is that he is now completely toilet trained in the day... did it all himself in just about three days without a single accident...I am so proud of my big boy.
Jed has cut another bottom tooth, he was quite grumpy last week and still hasn't quite recovered his equilibrium, but perhaps that means another tooth is coming. He shares our bed every night now and is the most considerate of bedfellows, he really doesn't move all night! Hope that doesn't change any time soon lol. He has also decided that if he is not able to crawl about then he will just create a loud noise until he can. He doesn't like to sit in his high chair and watch too much lately, not enough doing, going on. He is growing so fast and changing into a little boy now, not the baby he was..we are on the countdown to his birthday well and truly, 16 days to go!
School holidays with the big kids were a blast, we didn't do a lot but just hanging out with them is so much fun now, they have grown into such fabulous people. It is lovely to be able to have real conversations with them and to hear their opinions and ideas.
Not much else to report just busy, busy as usual and trying to fit in some quiet, at home days.
Right now I am enjoying the sounds of two golden boys playing quietly together...so lovely that Jed is now able to interact with Tiger, he makes all the "brumming" noises as Tiger pushes the cars.
Time for dinner...

Choices

Standby for the deep and meaningful post......
Isn't it interesting what people decide to do with their lives! I was watching TV one day a couple of weeks ago and I saw this girl being interviewed. I realised that I had gone to school with her. After a few moments of envy, (I mean the girl lives in France and edits lifestyle/home decorating magazines) I began to think about choices and decisions and the paths we take. I also went to school with this girl and although some of her choices were a little different to some I might have made, she made a huge impact in highlighting the plight of whales.

I haven't become famous for saving whales (or the other thing) nor have I gotten past looking at Lifestyle magazines in the newsagent, but the path I'm walking is wonderful and those I share the journey with even more so. I'm so glad I made the choices I did!

Then Rhonda over at Down-To-Earth wrote this post so my thoughts seemed quite timely really.

Okay back to reality..... so much for my predictions of Spring last post. Following that we had rain in SE Qld. Fantastic, we filled our tank and the garden started to look a little greener. However it is now officially Spring and I can't wait for Springy things to start happening. Better get planting!!

Jed has decided that he will not go to sleep at night until at least 8:30. Which means of course that I get very little me time in the evenings, evident from the lack of posting here, and the lack of anything remotely crafty being completed. I still haven't even begun on Jed's birth sampler, guilt is starting to set in now!!

I have however been baking a lot. DP has declared orange cake to be his favourite, Tiger likes Jam drops, so this afternoon is a baking one. I think we might try something a bit different and make some of these.

We have been celebrating birthdays recently Happy Birthday to our friends Kira and Ben and also to Kira's little sister Imogen who had her very first Birthday and joined us earthside on the 6th of August. Very special (and belated) congratulations to her lovely Mama. More parties next weekend and then soon it will be Jed's turn. Oh my he will have been with us for a year, such a short time and yet I can't remember what it was like without him here. Although I do fondly remember a full night's sleep lol.

Surprisingly I have two napping (at the same time) boys at the moment so I'm off to fit in some me time now. Hope everyone is enjoying the first days of Spring.

Inspiration: Seeing the concentration on Jed's face as he puts the blocks in and out of the container.
Hearing the absolute joy in Tiger's laughter as he was pushed along on the flying fox at the park.
So much delight in discovering the world.

Back on Deck

Ages since I posted. We have been sick with one of the viral gastro bugs that have been rampant. Thankfully it wasn't the flu, but it was pretty horrendous at "Chez Mountain" for a week or so. We all got it one by one, like dominoes falling, the only one to escape was Jed due I'm sure to the wondrous properties of breast milk...

Onto more interesting news..... Tiger is now sleeping in his "Big Bed". We bought bunks so he is now sleeping on the bottom and James is up on the top. So far Tiger has slept through every night no problems at all. He was so excited to be getting a bed. I'm hopeful that toilet training will work in the same way, ie wait until he is ready to do it himself, and we won't have any problems. Have to see about that one!
There has also been a little re-arranging of toys and books in the boys bedroom now that there is no longer a cot in the middle of the room they have heaps of space to play and room to sit and rock in the rocking chair. It is such a lovely bedroom, it gets both morning and afternoon sun and looks out over our pretty back garden, deck and the veggie patch. Tiger says he will keep an eye on the veggies from his window.

We also treated ourselves to a new outdoor setting and BBQ. Although we are yet to christen the BBQ due to illness and general lack of interest in food. I'm looking forward to summer when we can have family time outside with a BBQ.

The veggie patch is due to be planted next week, I have a small plan of what I want to plant and will be visiting the nursery to pick up the seedlings. The weather is starting to warm up during the day now although the nights can still be a little chilly, and I can smell Jasmine flowering already so Spring is definitely on its way. I can't wait to get some Jasmine in a vase....the perfume is so Spring.

Yesterday I was given a huge bag of clothes for Jed, it is always so lovely to receive things that other babies have worn. I remember passing on all of Mim's baby clothes to friends. I felt happy that the clothes would continue to be worn and loved by another little girl. I will be passing these "new" ones on again once Jed has out-grown them.

On the "Getting Myself Organised" front I have done a list of all the food items I buy regularly and will only go to the shop with said list, marked with what I have to buy. Stopping impulse buying will go a long way towards saving time and money. I am trying to plan meals a little more but I am still not sure that this is the right approach for me. Catering for Tiger's appetite is still at the fish and chips stage, not something we can eat every night. Once he starts to eat more family meals it should get a bit easier as I won't be cooking two meals every night.

I have also made a pact with myself that I won't be buying any more packaged biscuits..if I don't bake we don't get. Trans-fats are banished!!! Yes I know about pastry and cakes and other stuff, that has to go too!

I love this time of year, the days are a little longer, it's not as dark at 5am and the warmer weather always helps me to feel that I can achieve all I want for the Golden Boys and my life. Roll on Spring!!

Inspiration..... the smile Jed has for me every morning when he first wakes up.
the way Tiger tip toes into the bedroom every morning and says "Good Morning, Mama".

Happy Birthday

The divine Arki Robert has joined us earth side. He was born at 3 am on the 26th of July.


At about the same time I was feeding Jed and looked up to see a shooting star.


A beautiful moment! A quietly feeding babe in my arms and another taking his first breaths earth side, as a brightly shining star crossed the sky.

We wish Arki a lifetime of sunshine and joy.

Congratulations to the new Mama and family, enjoy your Baby moon!

Here come the Babies

Oh wow, my beautiful friend is in labour.....I have been so looking forward to the arrival earthside of this baby!

I have lit my candle and sent many many birthing vibes, now I'm going to bed and I'm sure I will wake to the wonderful news that she is holding her brand new babe.

I can't wait to hear the full story and meet the new one, all love for the birth of your dreams.

Unveiling

Okay the official unveiling........

It all started with 6 balls of yarn and and big dream that of course I could knit a cardigan for Jed.....

Next we got this.....

and finally after some cursing we ended up with this....

Rather cute baby if I say so myself... the cardigan has plenty of mistakes, but I have to say that the yarn was extremely forgiving and Jed can make pretty much anything look good...maybe we should sign him up for baby modelling lol.

The birthdays have come and gone.....

First Mim.....now a gorgeous 13!

and then Tiger...a fantastic 3

Once again we seem to have been very busy, so much so that I have been seriously guilty about how much I have been resorting to convenience and using packaged biscuits instead of baking. Also as I load another pile of washing into the dryer, I have to realise that there just aren't enough sun hours up here to get the clothes completely dry and a "finish off" in the dryer is acceptable. Especially when you have a 3 year old and an 8 month old with colds at the moment. On top of having his first cold Jed also has been cutting his three top teeth, all at the same time!!

Lately I seem to have lost my inner "eco- warrior" that was born when I was in high school and wanted to go to Tasmania and help with the Franklin River protest. My mother wouldn't let me go but I desperately wanted to go and freeze my butt off and save a river from a dam..... it was also at the same time that I became a real vegetarian, since lapsed.

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I can do to lessen my impact on the planet. I have been getting loads of inspiration from blogs that I am reading at the moment, so many people doing so much better than me... I am feeling really time poor, but I think that a good routine and making some lists might help with that. I have always been completely hopeless at making lists, but possibly at this time in my life I need to think less about what I should be doing next and actually do it, so that I get something achieved. Some routines and meal planning will help lots...at least then I will know what I need at the shops and stop impulse buying.

So my goal for the next week is to write up some routines and try to organize myself a little more. I really need to find some more time though...where to look for that???Look over here Mama.....

Holidays

Firstly I have to say a very big "Thank You" to my wonderful friend for the gorgeous banner I now have adorning the blog. She really is a talent!!


Jed is again in tooth mode and his sleeping has been a bit hit and miss, last night was a difficult one and I think we got about 4 hours, yet the night before he went from 11:00pm till a quick wake up at 2:00am and then back to sleep till 5:00am. This too shall pass!


The school holidays are here and so are the big kids. Mim has started to put to use her birthday present (knitting needles and yarn), she has already knitted herself a beanie and is currently working away on one for Tiger. She and I also made Birthing Fairies this morning, ready to give to two of our friends who will be having Blessingways and births by the end of the month. I am so looking forward to meeting the new little people. I am continuing on with Jed's cardigan, but now I'm worried that the sleeves will be too short. I guess I will have to see how it looks when it is made up, but I suspect he is going to have 3/4 sleeves. Don't know why my tension is good and the body of the cardi is huge!!


Unusually for me I have had a couple of disasters in the kitchen this week. One was a veggie soup that ended up in the bokashi bin. It turned out like a gluey solid mass of tasteless yuck!! The other was a sourdough loaf that I tried to make from scratch. I think I forgot to let it have a second rise, in between changing nappies and dealing with washing I just kneaded it and shoved it in the tin, and baked it after the first rise. Oh well live and learn, I think I might try and follow along with this.


Tiger's 3rd birthday on Thursday, we will be having a little celebration at home but I have decided against anything bigger. I have a copy of the new edition of The Women's Weekly birthday cake book, but at this stage I think it might be a plain sponge...... still haven't decided on a gift for him yet, he already has everything he wanted, as much as you can want things at three!


I am really enjoying being at home with all the children this week, the weather is still crisp and cold at night, but the days are beautifully clear, so far everyone is well and we are having a lovely peaceful winter break. Some baking, crafting and playing outside with bubbles and ride-in cars. It is really calming and soothing for me after a few quite busy weeks. I will just have to try and keep this head space when things start to gear up after the holidays.
Happiness isn't always found somewhere over the rainbow.

Birthdays

We have had a busy few weeks with special birthdays and one more to come.
Mim turned 13 last week. We celebrated with presents and cake. Now Tiger sings "Happy Birthday" to everyone, although he does mix up the words with the welcome song we sing at Steiner and "Twinkle Twinkle" Of course I had a few moments of nostalgia looking at her baby photos and remembering the milestones and firsts...... first bike, when we took the training wheels off her bike, she cried for 2 hours until she realised she could ride on the grass. The Easter that she made me a "fabulous eye egg", it took me hours to work out she meant "Faberge". I still have it hung on my mirror. She really is a wonderful, lovely kid and is growing up to be so beautiful, but it's all happening way too fast. Where has the little baby girl gone? The one I used to put in pretty dresses and who used to hold my hand when we crossed the road. The one with the toothless smile?
Happy Birthday, Darling Mimxx

In two weeks Tiger will be three, it really seems it was just yesterday that we found out he was going to be joining us earthside. He is a joy and and a delight, with such a giving nature and wide open heart, I love him with all of mine.....



Okay... so who isn't jealous of these curls, we have no idea where they came from, but they are pretty amazing aren't they?? He doesn't want to have a haircut, but I guess we might have to do something about it before he starts at school.

Happy Happy three wonderful little manxx

It has turned really cold, we have had the heaters on all day and all night for the last two days. Tiger really felt it up at the farm yesterday, but he had a great time gathering kindling in the avocado orchard. He still loves helping, I just have to find the right way to channel his enthusiasm so that we all benefit.

School holidays start next week, I am looking forward to spending time being able to talk with the kids rather than just chat. We will have to plan some activities that don't cost too much and that Tiger can enjoy as well. Probably a good place to start would be the vegie patch which still has no vegies in it...yay something for all the kids to do and hopefully the bonus will be that Tiger actually eats something other than carbs.. oh well as he is so fond of saying "we'll see".

Oh and DP had a birthday this week as well, Happy Birthdayxx

Update

So far I have been foiled at every turn. I have not done a single thing on my list arrgh!!

Tiger's cold has made things (and him) very difficult! If I say go up he goes down, if I say it's black he says it's white, you get the drift... The weather has turned cold and overcast with no sign of rain to make it okay, just enough cloud to make it a grey day, yucky for the nursery, so no plants today!

Oh well, maybe after a nap Tiger might feel a bit better this afternoon, and we can at least make some biscuits, or a cake. I am thinking of trying a recipe for an orange cake that I found in an old copy of Australian Country Style. I dropped into the library yesterday afternoon and picked up a few mags and a copy of The New Vegan cookbook. We are not vegan but there are some fantastic ideas for vegetable dishes that I want to give a go. I am looking for some inspiration at the moment as I seem to have become stuck in the mashed potato and steamed broccoli rut.

Jed had an fairly good night, after a feed at midnight he slept through until 5, when DP got up to go on his course. Jed and I had a feed and a lovely snuggle and went back to sleep until 7:30. He has only napped for about an hour today though!! I think the second tooth is through, he won't let me feel!

Okay so Tiger is napping and Jed is happy sitting here with me, I think I might use the time to get some knitting done. Today is turning into a lovely peaceful at home day, just me and the golden boys.

Stuff

The last week or so seems to have been busy!!! Parties, ABA, Steiner playgroup, friends to play and the farm.

We went to a birthday party at the park and Tiger now sings the birthday song to Jed and is looking forward to Mim's and Daddy's birthdays in the next couple of weeks. He knows what we have made Mim for her birthday and wants a headband for himself, at least he has hair long enough to use one.... but I've told him I'll make him a beanie instead.

Jed is finally free of gastro and its after effects. He has started to have better sleep patterns and I am getting a little more as well. I took him to the osteo last Wednesday ( DP says I have Munchhausen's by Proxy and that the osteo does nothing) he slept the best he has slept for weeks on Wednesday night lol, shows how much DP knows! I still haven't started him on solids but plan to do something in the coming week! He is the happiest baby still but now he gets upset when you take something from him or don't give him what he wants. He is also cutting the next tooth, it seems to be a little more difficult than the last, he has had a few grumpy days and tonight his sleep has been quite disturbed (been in to re-settle him three times so far).

Tiger has come down with a heavy cold, but he still insisted on playing outside without socks or shoes this morning... pushing his wheelbarrow around the garden, singing happily to himself. Way too cute for words.
I must get a photo of him with the "weeba" soon.

I am hoping to get some seedlings this weekend for the veggie patch, so far I have managed to put in basil and watercress. I don't think it is too late for some winter veggies, maybe some English spinach, silver beet and broccoli will have to see what they have at the nursery.

I have started knitting a bag from a pattern that Simone has lent me, she has also lent me the needles to knit it on, I can't wait to see a few more rows knitted so that I feel I am getting somewhere. Perhaps this weekend whilst DP is away on a first aid course I will be able to get some done. At least Tiger can help with the gardening if he can't help with the knitting. We should also get some baking done... wow I am planning on being quite the earth mother this weekend. Planting, baking, crafting! Possibly it is appropriate as it is the first day of winter today, and a full moon! Will let you know how I go.

A Wedding and a Tooth

I watched as my best friend was married yesterday. Over the many years of our friendship we have shared and supported each other through every facet of life..... births, deaths, marriages, divorces, birthdays, illness, applauded the achievements of children, commiserated the mistakes and laughed, cried and loved through it all. I truly don't remember ever having an angry word between us! I am so happy for her and thrilled to see her re-united with the man she believes to be her one. To my most steadfast and loyal friend I wish you all the joy in the world.

Onto other things, I have re-discovered knitting and am attempting my first project...a headband for Mim's birthday! I have actually knitted the headband part and am now making some felted heart shapes to sew on. I am extremely proud of myself as I was able to cast on and purl and cast off all by my own self!! Once I have finished this I must get back to my cross stitch as I am way behind on a sampler, and I have two birth samplers to start and complete before August.


It might be time to start Jed on solids in the next week or so. He seems ready, he watches us eating with what appears to be interest. Now that he has cut his first tooth (Thurs 10th May, 28 weeks) he seems so very grown up. I will take him for a visit to the osteo first to see if anything can be done for his digestive system and his sleeping. I don't want to overload him. Probably a good idea to wait until he can sit by himself as well, it always seems a little strange to have to prop a baby up in order to feed him!
Also it might be time to think about moving him into a cot. He is starting to look a little cramped in the hammock, and it might be contributing to his sleeplessness. I'm not sure if it is the cramped sleeping quarters, the gastro attack that has put him into a bad sleep pattern or the teething! Whatever the cause, I hope we find an answer soon as I am starting to show the effects of sleep deprivation.

Going to catch some sleep now!

First Post

It is time for me to jump into blogging!
So this blog is to be a journal of my days, living and loving on the Mountain. Growing and learning with two golden boys and my fabulous partner!

I'm looking forward to sharing and journaling our journey. It will serve as a record for the boys (and me) of what they did and achieved throughout the year.

Last Sunday was Mothers Day. I was very spoilt with presents and a lazy day...the big kids were here as well to spend the day with me, and we had a lovely peaceful day, time together, enjoying each other. I don't think I ever saw myself as Mama to four beautiful souls, and I still have difficulty realising how I got here! Here I am though and I am blessed by having them in my life, a part of me and yet so separate from me!! Watching them grow up and become the people they were meant to be is so satisfying. I love Mothers Day as it is the day I get to celebrate my crowning achievements. I am able to reflect that all the hard work and stresses of day to day living are so worthwhile. Now I just have to work on being able to see that all the time.

I'm sure that Tiger is here to teach me patience....I'm just a very slow learner! Ahh roll on understanding and acceptance, which is what Jed is here to teach me. I am starting to realise that the most important lessons that my children are here to teach me is that I have so much to learn from them! I hope the most powerful lessons are those that one learns slowly!

Three of my teachers, so much knowledge behind those eyes.....

My other teacher.

I hope all the other Mamas had as lovely and peaceful a Mothers Day as I did!