Of wind and sun

It’s easy to get caught up in the weekly rhythm of city life while the four wheel drive sits dust-free in the garage. We are fortunate to be surrounded by some beautiful national parks a short(ish) drive from the city. So a few days ago we packed up the car with a modest picnic and headed out in to the crisp autumn day.

With windows down and the cool air whipping our faces, we climbed the mountain range, houses becoming more sparse with every kilometer. Before long I started to smell something foreign. Sniffing, trying to place the scent, I asked Troy if he noticed it. He did. Was it brakes? Oil? No, it wasn’t like that. Maybe it’s just a new car smell (which ours isn’t by the way). And then we figured it out. It was the bush. This strange scent was just the smell of trees, and dust, wind and sun and fresh air. Yeah, we are total city-slickers.

Anyway once we decided that the car wasn’t burning and we just needed to get out of the city a little more, we continued on our way. Picnicking by the waterhole, basking in the winter sun like cool-blooded lizards; bushwalking to the lookout; getting a little lost on dirt roads; and finally finishing up with the best $1 scones, jam and cream we ever did have (if you’re ever in Woodford go to the bakery!).

It was amazing to see the influence of the bush on Lachie. Viewing the world with his toddler eyes, everything was fascinating, from the tiniest of flowers to the imaginary fish in the waterhole: all perceived with contagious wonderment. Most days at home, despite my best efforts at entertainment, are scattered with tears and meltdowns. In the bush, the Monster was totally occupies. Happy. And when he is happy, so are we. In fact he was so content he didn’t really want to leave (see the video at the end!).

If you live in a city do you try to get away much? Have you noticed how it affects your child/ren?

10 Things I love about being a mum. (Happy Mothers Day)

1. The biggest and cuddliest of bear hugs, when the Monster wraps his little arms around my neck like an over-sized, wriggly koala.

2. Hearing the words ‘mum, mummy, mum-ma’. After being called ‘dad’ for six months I can’t think of a sweeter sound than the Monsters voice ‘mum, mum, mum-ing’ around the house (ask me again next year and I may have changed my tune).

3. Getting to be a kid again. Making drip sandcastles, playing chase-y, blowing bubbles, popping bubbles, and being amazed at the most inconsequential of things.

4. Kissing the Monsters ridiculously soft, chubby cheeks.

5. Holding Lachie in the quiet of the night as he sleeps in my arms, a rare moment of peace savoured.

6. Witnessing this little person grow and learn, his experience of the world expanding at the most rapid of rates.

7. The laughter (even the laughter through tears).

8. The bad days. Because they make me appreciate the good ones.

9. Teaching the monster about the world and learning so many lessons in love and patience in return.

10. The heart-bursting love. Always.

Wishing all the mummas out there a beautiful mothers day, especially mine. I love you mum. xx

Tell me, what things do you love about being a mum?

(Image from here)

He is everything, all at once. (+ happy weekend!)

There are many aspects of the Monsters temperament and personality that I find challenging, even exasperating at times, never more so than lately. He is loud, persistent, inquisitive, demanding, sensitive, and seems to have boundless energy. Yet I know these same qualities are part of the reason I think he is just the most wonderful child and will, with a little guidance, grow in to a phenomenal adult.

The above photo, to me, just sums up Lachie. Having climbed on to our dining table and being told in no uncertain terms to ‘get down’, he ignores my best serious mumma voice (which I must admit, needs a little work) and instead breaks out his favourite dance moves. Frustrating, yes. Totally loveable, absolutely.

And that, is our life with the Monster. One step away from a breakdown, but laughing all the same.

…..

Have a beautiful sunshine-y weekend!!

Some links from around the traps:

Margarita cupcakes? Yes please.

The Monster absolutely needs one of these capes and masks. The most stylish superhero outfit going.

These DIY plates turn dinnertime in to storytime.

Loving these bright cheery prints from Beneath the Sun

 

Feed the birds

I had lots of posts planned for this week but a bad case of hand, foot and mouth struck the Monster resulting in broken sleep and very little getting done. Last week before the spots arrived we spent an afternoon up in the mountains at O’Reilleys. Troy’s mum, Sheryl, came with us and we had a picnic in the warm autumn sun. Thanks to the Monster the local bush turkeys shared our lunch. The kid is obsessed with feeding birds. From the ducks off our back deck to the cockatoos on Hamilton Island, he’s all about sharing the love with his feathered friends. Even if, sometimes, they aren’t interested in his half chewed up and spat out ham and avocado sandwich.

Although the Monster is normally the one doing the scaring, the flock of Crimson Rosella’s that landed on his head in the bird feeding area definitely turned the tables. To be fair though it does feel a little freaky and a lot scratchy when these eager birds perch on your head. And that’s without considering the fun fact that all the food that they are eating will soon be making its way out the other end.

How about you, do you like birds? Or are you like a few of my friends who find them freaky?

 

Letter to Lachlan: Twenty-two Months

Dear Lachlan,

Saturday last week you turned twenty-two months old (mummy is a bit late, sorry!). I think this last month has been one of our most difficult. Your determination to be independent has reached a new deep-breath-inducing high. Unfortunately the deep breaths don’t always work and I have found myself, on far more occasions than I care to admit, failing to ‘use my words’ and instead just losing my shit. It is of course natural for you to seek demand your independence, although it may not be necessary to do so quite so loudly. We try our best to yield where possible, allowing you some control over the big crazy world.

Some things, however, just aren’t negotiable. Say for example, you can not ‘play’ with the kitchen knives, or swim by yourself (despite thinking that you are somewhat amphibious). And when you don’t get your own way? Well, then we have a Chernoble-esque meltdown complete with tomato-red face, foot stomping and throwing yourself on the ground. Such theatrics are certainly developmentally appropriate but I have a sneaking suspicion that they may also be genetic. Yes, embarrassingly enough I have been known to throw the odd temper-fit and unfortunately I don’t have the excuse of being a frustrated toddler (just a hormonal woman!)!

You seem to have also inherited my love of social interaction. You make friends everywhere you go, even if the other party isn’t quite so interested in the blossoming friendship. Your absolute best friends? That would be your cousins Ethan and Jackson. During the school holidays they came to stay with us and it seemed all your Christmases had come at once. The morning after they left you rushed in to their room yelling ‘boys, boys, Eeee, Jack’ and when the room was empty, immediately started banging on the front door, demanding they come back. I had to work hard at distraction that day!

Despite being a challenging month where all activities seem to be your ‘turn’, there have also been some wonderful memories. You have given the very best of cuddles and laughed the most hilarious of laughs. Your energy continues to both amaze and exhaust us, even if it means needing multiple coffees a day just to keep up.

You may have almost broken me this month but I love more than ever.

mum xx

p.s. looking forward to an ‘easier’ month ahead! (PLEASE!)

You can find my other Letters to Lachlan here: Twenty-one Months & Twenty-months

Time in the Sun (and rain)

The Whitsundays would have to be amongst the most breathtakingly beautiful places in the world. Lush green islands peppered along the crystal blue coast, near white sand, copious sunshine and of course the unparalleled Great Barrier Reef. Last week we were there when our friends Emma and Michael married in the Whitsundays, on Hamilton Island. We also managed to squeeze in some family holiday time in the sun (and rain!).

We filled our island days with lunches by the pool, swimming, sand castle making, zoo visiting, island exploring, and of course a beautifully loved-up wedding. The island’s wildlife zoo saved us on the overcast days when the beach and pool were unappealing. The Monster’s animal obsession reached a new high when faced with only some thin glass separating his face from the imposing jaws of a 500 kilo saltwater croc he attempted to ‘open’ the glass to ‘tickle’ it. Steve Irwin would have been proud. I was just thankful the croc looked well fed.

A trip to Whitehaven beach and the endless miles of pristine white sand proved a great day despite realising five minutes after leaving shore that I had left our backpack full of towels, nappies and food on the back of the golf buggy. Thankfully the tropical north Queensland sun makes towels unnecessary and the Monster obliging enjoyed some nappy-less beach time. We I may have also subjected him to a bright pink ‘stinger-suit’ and much to Troy’s disapproval taken photos to prove it (see below). Hey real men wear pink, right?

Pink stinger-suits aside, the Monster seemed to make friends at every turn. From saying hi to the sweet little blonde girl at Brisbane airport, to playing ‘boo!’ with the French boys on the boat trip, Lachie embraced his lack of social anxieties and engaged with anyone who looked like they might be fun. No-one quite took his eye like the shy little girl at the pool restaurant, literally. As he chased her around the restaurant tables, adults looking on, collectively ‘awwwww-ing’ in their heads, his face met the corner of a table in a rather abrupt manner. The collective ‘awwww-ing’ instantly turned into audible ‘ohhhhh’s’ as I rushed to the Monster, scooping him up in my best mumma-cuddle. I suppressed my natural urge to panic while Troy assessed the damage. Thankfully the table had just missed Lachie’s eye, instead giving him a decent graze which Troy assures me ‘looks tough’.

Tough face scabs and all we arrived at the wedding ceremony. And what a spot to get married! The sweetest little chapel perched innocently on the hill overlooking an endless expanse of deep blue ocean. Storm clouds loomed over the bumpy silhouettes of distant islands but the air was still warm and full of excitement. Inside the chapel, we waited. And when Em finally arrived I watched her from my back-row viewpoint and my eyes filled with tears. In that moment before she started the walk down the aisle, to her best friend and future husband, there was so much honesty. She looked divine of course but it was even more than that, the unbridled emotions that were evident on her face: nervousness; happiness, excitement and most of all love.

Em and Michael were married on Hamilton Island on Thursday April 26, 2012. And we feel fortunate to have been there to share it with them. The day was incredibly joyful. From the serene ceremony to the all-in dancing reception. What I loved most was Em and Michael’s approach to their relationship and now, their marriage, “my friend, my love, my life”. A gorgeous married life lies ahead of them, of that I have no doubt.

Happy Weekend!

Sometimes as a stay at home mum the weekend can seem like any other day. Nappies still need changing, dinners still need cooking, and little one/s still need oodles of attention. So when a weekend shapes up full of plans it’s almost embarrassingly exciting. Tomorrow the Monster and I are catching up with my gorgeous friend Abby. The plan is to wander the West End farmers markets, have some lunch and then, if the Monster is willing, check out the Gallery of Modern Art. On Sunday Troy and I are off to watch the Brisbane Roar in the A-League Grandfinal. I’m just a teency bit excited.

What are you up to this weekend? Do you adore farmers markets, or is it just me?

P.S. A few of my fave links from around the web this week:

Since the Monster broke my sunglasses I’m coveting these (all of them!).

Polenta, Chips? YUM.

A sweet print for the little ones room.

Keep your toddler busy with this DIY bead tray.

15 Meal ideas for toddlers.

{Image found here (original source unknown)}

Dress Ups

Some of my favourite childhood memories are of days spent exploring the dress-up box my mother lovingly filled for my sisters and I. A giant vintage chest brimming with sequined dresses, brightly coloured tulle scarves, 80′s high heels, handbags, hats, trousers and beads. Contained in that box were characters only limited by our wide-open innocent imaginations: from Arabian princesses to flying doctors and chimney sweeps. The dresses may be less-sequined but twenty years later we are still playing dress-ups, our sartorial love story tracing back to those early days.

I’m yet to track down the perfect vintage box but a recent garage sale haul began the start of the Monsters very own dress-up collection. Hats, beads, and handbags. He wanted to wear them ALL, all at once. Sometimes my dear Monster, less is more. On the other hand, sometimes, more is more. So you go, girlfriend Monster!

The Bedtime Wrangle

What is it about five o’clock that makes kids go so totally feral? If the Monster isn’t stretching my dress to within an inch of its elastic he’s incessantly uttering ‘hold, hold, hold’ until I pick him up, trying my best to cook spaghetti bolognaise with one arm. It’s a humorous sight if you’re not covered in tomato paste with a twelve kilo toddler hanging from your hip. Once dinner is done and the clean-up of artistically splattered spaghetti sauce completed, the bed/bath routine commences.

Lately I’ve been sharing a shower with Lachie for the simple fact that it saves time. So after we’re all dry and I’ve managed to wrangle a nappy on him (for the sake of our carpet) I try to encourage some ‘quiet’ time chilling out and reading on our bed. Which to the monster means body-slamming piles of pillows, playing with the totally out of bounds lights, and laughing like a maniac. Oh and intermittently reminding me where my ‘eye’ is by poking his little finger in it. Thank you child, my left eyeball was merely there for show.

I decided a few nights ago to get the camera out to capture the craziness that is the post-bath, pre-bed wrangle. It’s not surprising that when I ask Lachie if he is ready for bed the definite answer is NO.

Favourite Five: Affordable Kids Art

I’m always on the lookout to add to the Monsters art wall. There are so many fabulous artists and illustrators out there. These are five of my recent favourites.

1. I love the vintage feel of this Tiger Poster by Swedish artist and illustrator Ingela P Arrhenius.

2. The perfect quote from my absolute favourite Dr Seuss book, Oh The Places You’ll Go!

3. Have you checked out the Seventy Tree shop? Amazing. Their illustrations just make me smile. I think this print Everyone’s Friend will be finding its way on to the Monsters wall very soon.

4. What a fabulous way to teach your little one the colours of the rainbow with this gorgeous colour chart.

5. Nomuu’s style is beautiful, full of imagined lands and adventures just like this Deer Boy print.