Christmas

Roast Lamb, Pork and a Turkey - oh my!! 

A day full of decadence, wonder and lots of laughter - Matilda surrounded by so much love, adoring Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles on both sides spoiling her completely rotten!

Tilly quickly became an expert and ripping off the wrappings, taking a quick peek at the surprise inside, before quickly turning her attention to the next mysterious parcel waiting in the pile...The thrill of taring up those papers and ribbons was definitely her favourite part, and so funny to watch!

With so much activity and 'newness' to absorb, she completely wore herself out by 10am - she slept right through Christmas lunch, and well in to the afternoon...
Truthfully it felt amazing to be able to indulge in a leisurely and decadent feast bub-free - meals were eaten while still hot, nothing ended up down my front, and an extra bottle of wine was consumed and savoured...
Tils did gobble down her share of roast vege upon waking, quickly revived for Round 2 at the in law's.

We are so lucky to have both our families here with us in Canberra, making it possible to share Christmas Day with all our loved ones.  Last year's routine of Breaky at home (just Tils, the Boy and I), then Lunch at my Mum's, followed by Dinner at the In Law's worked a treat this time round, and I think will continue as the itinerary from here on in... Tilly certainly found it all very exciting, as all her favourite people kept appearing throughout the day, each baring more treats and affection.

As was the tradition in my family growing up, we also lit candles, sipped on champas and watched Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve - I loved this as a child, clutching my candle votive and singing along, feeling the excitement build for what would follow in the morning.. I hope Tilly too will be hooked.

What a magical Christmas it was...hope yours was too x

Stills: a weekly collection

1. Summer frolic @ NGA Sculpture Gardens
2. These two...wearing each other out @ NGA
3. Balmy afternoon, dear friends, summer feast and French champagne to celebrate a special Birthday Girl
4. Summer fruits rule... Cake Topper a wonderful advent gift from my very thoughtful partner x
5. Finally getting to those bare walls - our To Do List for the Xmas break is underway!

Wishing everyone a beautiful Christmas - full of fun, family, friends and frivolity!

tenderness

Lately I've spoken a lot about the many remarkable and rapid leaps in Tilly's development, mainly in relation to movement & motor skills, as well as the recent life-changing ability to self-sooth and settle herself to sleep. 
These are all milestones as a parent I have been anticipating - little graduations all the books prepare you for and encourage...signals that your little one is becoming less little by the day.

So lots of boxes have been ticked these past couple of months, and of course I could not be more proud... I am ever awestruck at how truly amazing these wee creatures are - the most curious of sponges; observing, absorbing, contemplating and learning from absolutely everything around them, and all that we as their companions do.

This is why the latest revelation has really taken me by surprise, in the most lovely way - a change in Tilly's behaviour I wasn't expecting, a gift that has nourished me as a mama more than she will ever know...

Affection. 

Over the past couple of weeks, this little lady has become quite the little nurturer.  She lunges at me unexpectedly for big, bear-hug cuddles, strokes my back tenderly when I carry her on my hip, leans in of her own accord to plant delicate mmmmming-kisses on my cheek.  
Just today, I hurt my back and had lie down on the floor to rest a while - without a word, she curled up beside me, rested her head on my tummy and patted my hand - almost in sympathy. 

The funny thing is, after sharing my experiences with friends, it seems as though their little people too began showering them with affection around this age... What a monumental leap the books have neglected here!

As a mamas we are forever giving and showing love to our children, partners, families...we are nurturers instinctively.

I didn't realise how much I was in need of affection until Matilda began to show me.  Sweet tokens of appreciation expressed in her own way - simple but beautiful gestures that revive and fulfil me beyond measure.

So thank you darling girl, for loving me as I love you.

*photo taken when Tilly was 3 weeks old - newborn skin so delicate, touch her strongest sense

Stills: a weekly collection

1. unconditional love, reciprocated
2. anticipation
3. prankster
4. mould can be pretty
5. approval of our arvo activity - the kiddie pool

Stills: a weekly collection

I've decided to join this lovely lady on the Stills: a weekly collection series - I've been lazy taking photos of late, so hope this will give me the nudge I need!

1. alfresco lunch with friends on Saturday

2. please some cold weather so she can actually wear this while it still fits!

3. reaping the rewards from the previous owner's gardening prowess

4. delicious afternoon sun

5. tucking in to my Advent Swap from this lovely lady

breakthrough

I am over the moon to be writing this post... It's something I've been waiting for, wishing for, all year... sleep - glorious, uninterrupted, deep-enough-to-actually-dream kinda sleep... for more than a couple of hours at a time.

At the risk of jinxing it, I've held off sharing my excitement until now - but after 10 days straight, I think it's safe (fingers crossed) to say my little darling has finally mastered it.. oh joy!!

Such a big change - one day I have to feed and rock her to sleep, until she is totally out cold before lifting her in to the cot as gently as possible, often taking a few attempts - the next, I am miraculously able to sit her in her cot, wide awake, and walk out of her room without protest (sometimes even with a smile and little wave)...A few loving strokes to her cheek, a kiss good night and a reassuring whisper "sleepy time" is all that is needed, before she curls up contentedly, settling herself to sleep within only a couple of minutes.

Gob. Smacked.

I can only assume she has taken an almighty developmental leap - she suddenly understands that I am not abandoning her, and in place of that awful separation anxiety she now feels safe and secure, able to drift off peacefully on her own.  Something has clicked in that sprouting mind of hers, and we both are benefiting immensely.

As thrilled as I am though, there is a small part of me that is sad to see the end of this chapter - I have really treasured the quiet, closeness of nursing and comforting Matilda during the night, just she and I cosied up in the darkness of her room.   As much as I have hoped, wished for this miracle of sleep to arrive, it's also hard to accept in some ways that my baby doesn't need me that way she once did.
They grow too fast!!

Matilda is happier, more confident and curious as ever, so the quality sleep is obviously doing her the world of good.  Next mission is to tackle that fussy aversion to breakfast in the morning, and she will officially be perfect!

*photo taken this morning at breaky...lately eggs are normally thrown on the floor in an instant - however I've discovered that if I leave the egg whole, and give her a container to place it in between bites, she'll happily devour the entire thing!! everything has to be a game I guess??

busy bees

It's been 2 weeks since my last post, and boy has it been a busy fortnight!  Little poppet has been fighting off a summer cold this past week, so I will have to relay our happenings quickly while she naps - so much to say, so little time!

Firstly, I can't neglect to mention a fantastic play date with her bestie to a newly discovered gem - MiniQ at Questacon, you were a total winner!
The folks behind this ingenious exhibition have truly thought of everything.. From the water play centre (with bath temperature water to combat the chills), to interactive displays on magnetics/sound/motion (where the children can touch and explore freely) - the poppets were in absolute baby heaven, all their senses stimulated and curiosity peaked.
We will most definitely be making this a regular haunt, a great one for using up all that excess energy and guarantee a lengthy day sleep at the end.

Lots of new tricks learnt by Tils this past couple of weeks too - most notably, Little Miss has mastered the walk! And it is THE cutest thing her Dad and I have seen to date - the wobbly steps with arms raised for balance, her cheeky smile as she proudly demonstrates her new swagger.  I honestly can't get enough of it - and neither can she apparently..a good part of the day now spent doing simple laps of the house, the joy of simply walking enough to keep her happily occupied for what seems like hours at a time. 
It has increased the stealth factor though I have to say - not only much faster than crawling, but without the tell-tale sound of knees shuffling across carpet, she's been able to reach those forbidden corners on several occasions unnoticed, much to her delight. 
It'll really be game on when that walk turns in to a run, fingers crossed a couple more weeks yet!

And some exciting news for me this past week also... After an impromptu visit to a beautiful and admired local shop, I was very lucky to be offered the opportunity to put my Florist hat back on for a few hours each week.
I was a full-time Florist before becoming pregnant, something I really loved, but have to give up temporarily due to all the heavy lifting involved in the job.
I won't lie, I was very nervous before arriving at my first shift on the weekend - worried it had been too long, that I'd be clumsy and awkward.  But to my great relief, it all came flooding back so naturally - and it was so lovely.  Lovely to be working with my hands again, doing something creative and organic.  Lovely to be surrounded by beautiful things and smells.  Lovely to be experiencing a slice of the me I was before I became a Mama.
And what I mean by that is, that whilst being a Mum is most definitely the best thing I have ever done, and brings me more joy than I ever thought possible - it feels good to take time out, and thrive in doing something just for me, something unique to me.

Yep, it's definitely happy days around these parts of late - with end of year celebrations and preparations beginning to gear up, it's assured to be the best Summer yet!

sunny days

 

We have been taking it pretty easy around these parts the past couple of weeks.  With the new house almost all unpacked now (I can't bring myself to sort those last few boxes stacked in the corner, they can wait), we've been making the most of quiet days close to home, exploring the area and enjoying the novelty of fresh surroundings.

With the weather finally starting to warm up, it's been lovely to laze about in the sunshine, delighting in simple rituals like watering the pot plants, or even hanging the washing on the line.  Tilly has become quite the little helper, easily excited by the task of handing me the pegs or gathering up the piles of swept leaves.  Being outside pottering in the garden is a whole new World of games for her, and I'm loving sitting back and observing her discover things for the first time.  Visiting parrots are welcomed with squeals of delight, and nothing sparks her curiosity more than a trail of ants going about their business across the courtyard.

Water has also become a source of great happiness this past week - whether from the muddy waters of a freshly drenched flower pot, the dog's water bowl she will just not stay away from(!), or a playful paddle with her bestie.  Think we will have to invest in a little pool of her own, as these two had a blast splashing about this morning - the perfect distraction when teething woes set in. 

This little pair have really grown quite fond of each other - Saskia always greeted with a hilarious and exuberant 'fist pump', a reaction so far reserved only for her.  Play dates with her little pal are often the highlight of our week - seeing the constant changes in how these two interact is so fascinating, as they master new tricks, continually learning from each other.  They chatter animatedly, share toys openly (for the most part!) and play follow-the-leader around and around and around...While Tilly hasn't quite mastered walking on her own yet, I am bracing myself for when she does - these two will be unstoppable on two legs.  They can be very stealthy when they want to, sudden quietness always a sign they have succeeded in reaching the forbidden stairwell or tempting power points.  As a Team they are quite the crafty pair!

As Tils becomes more mobile each day, I am dreaming of a fun-filled Summer ahead.  Picnics in the park, her first dip in the ocean perhaps, and evening strolls round our neighbourhood enjoying those extra precious hours of sunlight.. It's set to be a beauty, I can't wait.

New Digs

We have emerged from the whirlwind of moving...definitely looking a little worse for wear, our relationship tested to the utmost... we survived the week, but just barely. 

But I want to leave all that behind and focus on the happy ending - our heavenly, peaceful, very-own-Home! 

Although the spare bedroom remains full to the brim with unpacked boxes, it feels wonderful.  Tilly is exploring the new digs with gusto - she actually took her first steps across the lounge room floor the morning after we moved in! 
Mia, our beloved Schnoodle, seems content patrolling the courtyards, fascinated by the King Parrots that come to visit each day at dusk.  Fantastic pathways that wind through the spaghetti streets of our Hill are also proving a hit with the pooch - she can run along ahead off lead much to her delight, while we three mosey behind, snooping at other people's gardens and homes.

It is such a cosy little abode, surrounded by a beautiful canopy of trees - banksias, gums and elms cocoon us from neighbouring houses and roads, creating the peaceful little oasis we have sought for so long.

We have plans for a BBQ, twinkle lights and citronella lanterns to complete the scene - a summer ahead of family and friends who are all well overdue our hospitality!  Living in a rental without a working oven or a usable outdoor space has meant we've seriously been lacking in the entertaining department.

After only a few short days I've already discovered some lovely quirks and favourite corners - the sunny balcony nestled amongst the trees will be perfect for quiet cuppas while Tilly naps; heavenly bathing in our ensuite under the mammoth shower head, water like soft, warm rain on your skin; potted herbs kindly left behind by the previous owners, an instant harvest inspiring me to cook again; the before-mentioned walkways that weave through our neighbourhood, leading to playgrounds and grassy knolls for Tilly to explore. 

Yes, she has many charms already this new little space of ours - we are settling in just fine...

Treasure Hunting

Amidst all the madness of moving preparations, I am managing to have some fun hunting for treasure - seeking out special little treats for upcoming celebrations and gifts.

I recently signed up for this Advent Swap, and am delighting in the mission to collect a mix of bought, thrifted and hand-made goodies for my swap partner. 

There is something really quite lovely about preparing a package of surprises for a complete stranger - it calls for extra thought and imagination when selecting or creating each daily treat.  When you can't visualise the kitchen windowsill a little ornament might rest upon, or be familiar with the receiver's daily rituals or routines, it adds an extra sense of intrigue when dreaming up my shopping list.  I am loving it!

Tomorrow is also the 1st Birthday of a very special little lady - and Tilly's bestie.  Such a milestone this turning 1 business (for bubba and parents), calling for a few special mementos, wrapped up with lots of love*.  After a little road-testing with Matilda, I am happy that Birthday Girl will approve.

Lastly, there is also a secret gifting mission underway for another dear friend - but I can't speak too much about that, as little birdies might give it all away!!

Needless to say I am in shopping/thrifting/crafting heaven right now - feeling very smug at the current present seeking genius at play.  The only hard part is the agonising wait until I can actually hand them all over, and receive that wonderful reward of delight spread across some very deserving faces.

*I say wrapped with love, however it was really wrapped with recyclables - I stupidly packed all my supplies prematurely for the move! Sorry Little One!

Preparations...

We have a lot to do over the next 2 weeks... fragiles need to be wrapped, boxes need to be filled, and surfaces need to be scrubbed.

It's been a long wait, but we are finally preparing to make the move in to a home of our very own - a cosy little abode that ticked all the boxes, and felt like home the instant we first visited.

So this week will see me de-cluttering, donating and packing up all our bits and bobs - making my way through each cupboard and drawer carefully, the ritual cleanse of each prior move.
It always feels good to shed the excess, and makes unpacking at the other end all the more tolerable. I actually find the methodical rhythm of packing itself quite enjoyable, calming...this time though, I will have a curious and determined Toddler hovering around my ankles, who will no doubt attempt to unpack boxes as quickly as I fill them.

The added horror that is vacating a rental though, is the dreaded final clean before inspection - when you are so exhausted from the move itself, but have to return to the empty nest and dust out every nook and cranny.
We are neat people the Boy and I, but the house is old and the yard is wild, so we are bracing ourselves for a mammoth task ahead - and what is sure to be a painfully tedious inspection with the Agent, who to date seems insistent on making the whole process as inconvenient as possible.

When moments of fatigue and frustration appear, I will just have to remind myself to pause, take a deep breath, and look toward the golden prize waiting at the other end - Home. 
I already have a few little projects dreamt up for the new space - plans for making our mark.  There will be trips to Pialligo for Jasmine, Bunnings for sample pots  - and what better reason to visit the new Ikea @ Tempe?! 
I'm also really looking forward to setting up Tilly's nursery all over again - being able to hang pictures exactly where I want them (as opposed to wherever the previous tenant had already nailed the wall), erect some shelves and finally string some twinkle lights to keep her company in the dark.  Possibilities, possibilities...

Yes, lots to look forward to once the Big Move is done.

Wish me luck!

a little bit of magic...

Weekend before last, my wonderful Mum took my sister, Matilda and I on a little day trip - an expedition in to the countryside, to invest in some quality Christmas decorations for the upcoming festive season.

My Mum has always been big on Christmas - not only being extremely generous in the gifting department, but on all the magic and whimsy that comes with it.  For as long as I can remember, it has always the tradition to watch Carols by Candlelight together as a family on Christmas Eve - we light the candles, cosy up the couch and munch on a feast of naughty treats, enjoying each others company and the merriment of the show.  Even as a child, Christmas Eve was my favourite part - no doubt because of all those special and loving touches Mum would create, building excitement and wonder at what lay ahead the coming morning. We were spoilt rotten that is for sure...

This year, Mum is determined to ensure that sense of Christmas magic and tradition is passed on to her grandchildren - so she bustled us up in the car, and we set off to her favourite destination for all things Christmassy...Christmas Barn - located in the small, country town of Bredbo, a leisurely 45 minute drive from Canberra toward Cooma.

I must admit, I was sceptical setting out - the name Christmas Barn conjured up images of flashing neon lights, nasty spray-on snow, and gaudy decorations on mass...I was expecting racks of cheap and garish ornaments, and bargain bins of baubles - predicted I would be digging through mounds of tinsel, trying to find something unoffensive to take home and awkwardly display.

I could not have been more wrong.

What I found was nothing short of spectacular.  Truly - this place was magical, like nothing I had ever seen before...here in Australia, that is.
From the moment I entered the doors, basket in hand, I was absolutely blown away - and the expression of wonder on Matilda's face was just priceless.

The exceptionally clever people at Christmas Barn have worked wonders in that shop - displaying the ornate decorations in colour-schemed sections, or by theme - woodland creatures, lolly-land, white Christmas... Every available space was utilised - over-sized baubles dangled from the ceilings, the branches of every tree heavy with exquisitely detailed ornaments - and not a shred of tinsel in sight!

I went in desiring simple, neutral decos - nothing too bright or fancy.  I walked out with a basket of glitter - and I was tickled pink, just like a child on Christmas morning.

We spent over an hour perusing the displays, and carefully selecting pieces from the amazing collection - Matilda all the while sitting back in the pram, her eyes exploring each and every surface in amazement.

This is such a special place, it really is - and I fully intend to go back again before it gets too busy.. this time just for a peek, to see Matilda marvel at all that magic once more.

what's in a name?

When I decided to start up this little space, I must admit, picking a name really stumped me for a time...Choosing a title that not only depicts what my musings will be about, is true to me and my world, and has a cute, catchy ring to it - but also hasn't been nabbed by someone else already!!!

So I thought about it, and decided that honesty really is the best policy...

One of my dearest friends, many years ago, affectionately gave me the nickname of Bubble Girl.  This was her way of summing up the fact that I am an eternal optimist - a hopeless romantic who lives in a shiny bubble, where there are only happy endings and sunny thoughts.

At first I found this personal analysis a little insulting, as I took it to mean I was totally naive - silly even. When I was younger, my dearest friends sometimes sheltered me from controversial news, fearing I just wouldn't be able to handle it - that my perceived child-like sensitivity would be quashed.  This was hurtful at the time, frustrating that those who new me best thought I was incapable of processing some of life's more ugly obstacles.

Now that I am older, I know better... I embrace the idealist within, and feel lucky even that my natural instinct is to discard the what if worries, and skip straight to imagining those delicious possibilities.  Ignorance really is bliss most of the time.

Don't get me wrong, this doesn't mean that I am totally unconcerned by the struggles of loved ones, or the many injustices in the World, or my own inadequacies - quite the opposite in fact.  It is more about choosing to focus on things that are going well in my life, and spending less time agonising over those inevitably frustrating bumps in the road we all have to endure from time to time.

More often than not this works for me, despite the fact that I am married to a devoted pessimist, the King of Worry Town.  Such a combination can be very challenging at times, polar opposites are we in so many ways.  No doubt we manage to happily co-exist by balancing each others reactions, reeling the other in when one gets a little too far ahead.

I do hope that my daughter inherits the positivity gene from me, as I believe that happy kids make for confident kids.  I hope she is a Dreamer, a Hopeless Romantic, an Unyielding Optimist - for even though things might not always work out like she'd hoped, at least her days will be sunnier along the way.

(photo taken in Selcuk, Turkey - the dreamiest sunset, shared with The Boy and She who calls me Bubble Girl back in 2006, on the adventure of a lifetime)

Birthday Girl x

Yesterday, surrounded by wonderful friends and our loving families, we celebrated our baby Matilda turning 1, and a magical first year of parenthood.  Despite the wicked wind, we all gathered at a sweet country Teahouse for a birthday brunch and bubbly, and an afternoon frolic in the pretty garden.

It was a lovely, casual affair, allowing us time to catch up with treasured friends and marvel at how much our Little Miss has grown over the past 12 months - all of a sudden we have a real little girl tugging at our trouser legs, with a strong will and fierce determination (this one is all her Daddy!)...

I think she knew it was Her Day - after the initial overwhelming greetings as our guests arrived, Matilda quickly relaxed and busied herself with her baby mates, before swiftly turning her attention to the mountain of gifts with their enticing ribbons and rustling papers.

The wooden 'activity cube' from Grandma proved a crowd pleaser, as the bubbas tousled for prime position - and the new Teepee, from Daddy and I, became a hot spot for play and peek-a-boos.

Despite my doubts, Matilda beamed as everyone sang her "Happy Birthday", and clapped her hands with delight as we all cheered Hooray!  She showed her appreciation of my wonky, mumma-made cake by swiftly nabbing a cheeky marshmallow off the top, her Daddy helping her blow out the candle.

My heart was full as her Daddy did his best to deliver a little speech - he was so choked up with sudden emotion, the words getting stuck in his throat and his eyes glassy with tears.  We were both taken by surprise at just how emotional the day became for us - from reminiscing about our Birth journey a year earlier, to observing this perfect little person playing happily and confidently with her pals - happy tears welled in our eyes numerous times, and we squeezed each others hands more than once in recognition of precious moments we were sharing.
Witnessing so much love in the room for our daughter from all who were there, really filled us with such immense gratitude and joy - for we know that she will be shaped by all these people in some small way, and no doubt they by her...

So again, Happy Birthday to my darling daughter, Matilda - there is no greater gift than you my angel.  Thank you for the most incredibly magical, dizzying, wondrous adventure this past 12 months - I can't wait to see what the next chapter entails, as you officially become.... a Toddler - eep!!!

PS i love you

Over the past few weeks we have been making the tricky transition from 2 day sleeps to 1 long afternoon siesta... Some days with great success, Little Miss sleeping soundly for a whole 3 glorious hours - granting me not only the luxury of eating lunch at actual lunch time, but also enough time to blast through a few neglected chores and relax a precious while...Other days, particularly after a restless night, stretching out that morning play session or outting can be tricky - on come the cranky pants, and nothing I do seems to please...

On days such as these, I have only found one tried-and-true remedy, guaranteed to calm her down and chase away that evil twin within... Play School.
Like every guilt-struck mumma, I am ever conscious of not allowing too much screen time throughout the day - but I have to admit, the wholesome, crafty, sing-song loving folks on PS really are quite alluring... Matilda just LOVES it, and both the Boy and I are actually becoming quite addicted ourselves.
When the opening tune, "There's a bear in there..." starts up, her litle arms begin flapping expectantly, head starts bopping up and down in typical happy-dance fashion - the immediate transition from shreaking banchee to joyful cherub is truly amazing, and totally priceless.

I record episodes whenever I remember, so that a stash of fresh material is at the ready when the baby blues arrise and nothing else from my bag of tricks will suffice - a 25 minute episode is often all that is needed to really turn it all around, and give us weery parents time to regroup. 

So thank you Play School for coming to our rescue many times these past few rocky weeks - in particular to Justine, who seems to posess extra magical powers in the baby-cheering department.
We love you x


*special shout out to The Boy today on Father's Day...I am so proud and grateful for the wonderful Daddy you have grown to be - it all came so naturally, and the love I witness between you and Tilly makes my heart swell beyond measure. Thank you for ALL you do for us, your girls are very lucky ladies*