two pixies

Fifty Two on Fridays - Simple

2012-01-27T10:46:00.000+11:00

Taken with my new 60mm 2.8US...simply a flower...weed actually.

365 Days Ago

2012-01-23T12:56:00.000+11:00

This little guy came into the world...

countless sleepless nights later

he is our very loud, walking, still not sleeping toddler.

you enrich our lives, and we love you madly.

Fifty Two on Fridays - Joy

2012-01-20T21:27:00.000+11:00

Does anything really compare to the unreserved joy of a toddler...I guess I can call him that now.

This photo is not just a representation of his obvious joy, but also of the absolute joy that he brings into our lives every single day.

Next weeks word is simple...I shall have to think on that one.

Fifty Two on Fridays - Black and White

2012-01-13T18:20:00.001+11:00

The theme for this week is Black and White, and whilst I may have considered just choosing a great photo of my girls and converting it, I was trying to think outside the box a little...maybe a little too simplistic and easy...my kitchen tiles.

Short on Words.

2012-01-12T12:29:00.000+11:00

Cindy..

Fifty Two on Fridays

2012-01-06T15:03:00.002+11:00

In a moment of madness I decided that it would be a good idea to set myself a photography challenge this year.

In the spirit of trying to not set the bar too high, I decided to borrow this little idea that I stumbled on last year.

A photo every Friday...my interpretation of the challenge word.

Of course the first was the most uncomfortable of all for me...A Self Portrait, ick!!

I am very uncomfortable in front of the camera, I always feel awkward, I can't manage to get my smile right, my face is sun damaged and really doesn't photograph well.
Here it is, my self portrait.

Writing this down just now makes me think about how few photos there are of me, alone, with my kids, with Sam...I won't have anything to look back on in fifty years. So with this in mind I also pledge to take a self portrait every month, for all of 2012.

Wish me luck on my photo challenges, feel free to join in...I'm certainly going to need encouragement to stay on track.

Happy New Year to all...may your 2012 be full of love, laughter, good health and mountains upon mountains of photos!!

Hello there

2011-12-30T12:32:00.002+11:00

Merry Christmas To All

2011-12-27T16:22:00.000+11:00

We hope your Christmas was filled with good company, lots of laughs, lots of kisses, and fantastic food.

See you in the New Year.

Time Marches On..

2011-12-12T14:20:00.000+11:00

This little pixie turned THREE last week...oh how the time just flies by!

We had Gran over for Dinner and Tinkerbell cupcakes on her birthday proper. Then Mr Pixies and I had to go off to Miss S's school info night, so we left Gran to bath the three pixies (thank you Gran, I don't know where we would be without you).

Then we had proper cake with her cousins on Sunday morning.

So Charlotte is now the proud mummy of a Baby Alive, Bullseye and Jessie, 3 Barbies and Ken, and some Smurfs.What more could a girly three year old ask for? I guess she could ask her sister not to covet her birthday presents!! Of course what's yours is mine and what's mine is mine to Miss Five and a half.

I guess we can put the Christmas Tree up now :)

Cindy.

Without Fail

2011-12-10T01:07:00.002+11:00

They dress up...every single day.

When I let the five year old...

2011-11-08T12:55:00.001+11:00

borrow the kitchen scissors to cut out her drawings!!

Then I forgot she had them and I put Mr D to bed...it was unusually quiet when I returned!!

I know you're thinking..uh oh!! they cut their hair...

Thankfully NOT!! But 3 barbies have a new short do.

And Harley, the favourite bear of one small girl had a trim around the ears...

I didn't yell at them...but when I explained that the toys hair doesn't grow back like theirs does we had a waterfall of tears!! One more lesson learnt (for mumma and girls!).

Ain't I a meanie...taking photos of my pixies when they are upset!

Such cute photos though.

Nine Months

2011-11-05T15:34:00.000+11:00

So I've been MIA for quite a while now...bathroom renovation totally to blame for that one. It's a time sapper, and an energy sapper, and a sanity sapper. It's functional now, with just a few bits and pieces to finish off. I still have to patch the walls and paint, but I have been avoiding the bathroom like the plague except to have a lovely hot shower...at this rate it might be finished before Christmas. HA!!

In the midst of all the chaos this little boy turned nine months old...and now I have to say "It's totally crazy trying to renovate with an ~~eight~~ nine month old".

He has the sweetest dispostion...lots of smiling, lots of giggling. He gives the best cuddles. He will crawl up to me and lay his head on my shoulder or leg...cute, heart melting.

He has the crawl totally mastered now and has been pulling himself up on the furniture and cruising around for a good month. It's a constant battle to keep him out of trouble...he pulled a timber frame over on himself two days ago and squished his pinkie finger...which is now black. Ouch!! We have far too many stairs in our house...not a huge staircase, but steps at the back and at the front and into my sewing room.

He Loves the sound of his own voice...mamma, dadda, pa, and I swear he said hot today.

He has just recovered from a 3 day fever caused by an ear infection...certainly gave me an appreciation for how happy he normally is when he was so miserable for a week.

Day time sleeps have certainly been an area of great improvement...2 naps, usually one hour in the morning and two in the afternoon. Night time sleeps...don't ask!!

Look at those crazy curls...he totally looks like his Pa now...

He amazes me every single day...

Will blog about the bathroom renovation soon!!

Cindy.

Spitting's a dirty habit...

2011-10-28T21:23:00.002+11:00

I know a worse one...

Trying new Flavours

2011-10-24T16:37:00.000+11:00

can be tricky...

Just a Reminder that Sometimes they are Cute!!

2011-10-03T17:46:00.002+11:00

Look out

2011-09-21T17:09:00.000+10:00

he's officially crawling...

as of Monday evening...this little monster figured out how to coordinate those big chubbie legs and crawled across the loungeroom floor.

He will be eight months old on Friday...where on earth does the time go?

He gives lovely open mouth smooches...and leaves a great wet patch behind, champion drooler that he is.

He gives gorgeous snuggles, and is going through a mean period of separation anxiety...at least now he can follow me when I move more than a metre from him :)

He is getting over his man cold at last and is beginning to sleep a little better...although you know it's messed up when your idea of better sleep is when your baby only wakes up every two or three hours instead of every 40 minutes.

Miss Charlotte is officially day time toilet trained three months before she turns three...but boy is she pushing the boundaries...obstinate is probably the best word to describe her at the moment. She sat herself down next to the postbox when we went for a walk yesterday and wouldn't budge...even when I walked half a block away from her.

Miss Sophia is more than ready for school...and is very excited. Her attitude at the moment however is deplorable. Not exactly sure where she is picking this up from but it's always worse after Kinder...hmmm!! I have no doubt that some of it comes from me though...here's to brilliant parenting.

Me...I feel like I'm swimming upriver at the moment. I can't seem to get anything done. I'm trying to get the house in order for a newly crawling babe, and organise the renovation of our only bathroom...the thought of two weeks without a bathroom is freaking me out a little. I am excited about gyproking and tiling and decorating though.

I haven't even started on Christmas present creating yet, although I do have a few ideas in mind for my girls...don't know what to make for the boy yet, but I'm sure I'll figure it out....

Now if I could just find the time to make up a to do list!!!

Hello to some beautiful spring weather, may it not get too hot too soon :)

Just a catch up...

2011-09-13T16:34:00.000+10:00

The days and weeks have been flying by for me...where does the time go?

I've been busy in my sewing room and in the kitchen...I've also been busy ringing tradesmen. The bathroom Reno is happening at last. I've picked all the elements (except paint colour...which will most likely be one of the thousands of shades of white). Mr Pixies has put in for holidays in mid October and I have my dad on board for all the difficult stuff and for the experience he will bring.

I'm super excited but unbearably nervous all at the same time...you know something is on your mind when it carries over into your dreams...and lately I have been dreaming about putting up wallboard and waterproofing and tiling...it's a little disturbing to tell the honest truth.

I've been less than enthusiastic with the camera these past couple of months...the weather hasn't been brilliant. We had a taste of early Spring and some lovely sunny days, but lately we are back to the depths of winter with wind squalls and hailstones and overcast freezing cold, stick your butt in the heater and only move with great reluctance kind of days. Certainly not inspiring me to capture anything specific.

Sophia received a letter in the mail from her Primary School yesterday telling her that a place has been reserved for her in Prep next year...she's growing up so fast now and can't wait for the school year to begin.

Charlotte is toilet training, and things are looking good for a nappy free existence for her in the immediate future.

Darcy is now seven and a half months old and his sleeping has barley improved. He wakes at least every 2 hours during the night looking for a cuddle or a boobie. He is very busy trying to crawl, but is only managing reverse gear at the moment. He can however get to a sitting position from laying down and has pulled himself to standing against the couch and me.

Fathers Day was lovely...Sams coffee mug is now in circulation at work...all the ladies think it's gorgeous and all the fellas, well they think "meh!!".

I did manage to make a little something for my little fella...here he is modelling it with the serious face!

The Mo Tee

Christmas is only 3 months away now...Shhhh!!

I have lots to do...I want to make handmade gifts for the girls and their cousins again this year.

At least this time around I'm not heavy with an eight pound baby...I just have a clingy Velcro baby to contend with.

Wish me luck.

I LOVE this...

2011-09-06T16:37:00.001+10:00

photo of my Nanna and Pa with my Dad (in the middle) and his brother and sister...

It has an awful lot of scratches in it, but I think it looks pretty good for a 55 year old photo.

This one is going on my wall soon.

Shhh!! Don't Tell...

2011-08-23T14:34:00.000+10:00

this is what their Dad is getting on a coffee mug for Fathers Day...and boy was it difficult to get these shots.

Of course I put myself under pressure and took them 10 minutes before we were due to be at a birthday party...Miss middle child is the MOST uncooperative...'sigh'.

Do you think he'll like it?

Lazy Blogger...

2011-08-17T11:54:00.001+10:00

I've been rather neglectful of my blog lately...too tired, too busy, nothing good to report...I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel a little bit now and am functioning much better than a week ago.

We went for a very very long overdue visit to my nanna last friday...Darcy is nearly seven months old and this is the first time she has seen him...very bad granddaughter I am...

My Nanna turned 91 in April this year, and she still lives on her own in a house on a bush block 15 minutes from town...she's stubborn and independent...now I know where my children get that from.

I was lucky enough to be able to sort through some old photos while I was out there...I have brought some home to scan and keep for myself...the originals will be going back to Nanna. These photos are so very important and precious...I have found photos of my Pa when he was a toddler, when he was a child and photos of him from his army days in the jungle taken with a box brownie. There are also gorgeous photos of my Nan and photos of my dad and his brother and sister.

My Nanna also gave me this gorgeous tin that I have been coveting for the longest time...

she has 2 more...I have wonderful memories of Milo biscuits and Aktivite when I see this tin...it will be taking pride of place on a shelf in my sewing room.

While we were out there we also took a wander around the property...everyone had a turn sitting on the tractor...we went down to the dam and took some photos.

As I was driving home I had a little cry remembering my Pa, so many memories came flooding back being out there. Even thinking about it now I can remember the smell of the kitchen and how Pa would never let me leave without some veggies from his garden. He's been gone for 7 years now. Miss him.

There's no place like home...there's no place like home...

2011-08-09T16:11:00.000+10:00

It's dress up day at Kinder tomorrow!!

She wanted to go as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz...a particular obsession of my girls of late.

So with barely a weeks notice...I managed to throw together this little ensemble.

I made the dress, which is actually 2 dresses (fabric + zip $14)...the ruby slippers are from Kmart ($12 not too bad)...the basket from the op shop ($1 can't go wrong)...alaskan malamute as Toto (found in the toybox).

She couldn't wait to try it all on and have a little photo shoot...until she started to freeze her butt off on the front doorstep.

Tomorrow we will need to add a long sleeve top underneath and some white tights...cold cold cold here.

We're off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz :)

He's half a year old!

2011-08-05T20:42:00.000+10:00

Here's my cheeky little boy...

we had a little bit of a photo shoot to commemorate him turning six months old.

It didn't go so well, he wouldn't play nice...this is the best...

oh well!! that is the story of our lives at the moment.

At six months he is:

sitting up unassisted and rarely falling

reaching forward to get onto his tummy...and then protesting very loudly that he can't move any further

grabbing everything within reach and putting it in his mouth (including my toes)

biting the boob that feeds him (no teeth yet though)

a very very happy little soul...lots of giggles and smiles

a big mummy sook

trying to climb me

eating solids like a machine

sleeping in our bed, or should that be keeping us awake in our bed

waking lots and lots during the night

dropping back to two daytime sleeps

drooling less

"talking" very loudly and alot

putting his arms out for me (and sometimes others)

sitting up in a supermarket trolley (usually loves this)

still being swaddled

showing intense excitement at new toys and familiar people

loving to pat the cats (even the mean one)

weighing seven and a half kilos

and is 66cm long

Gorgeous boy...so much like Miss C...looks and temperament...and sleeping trouble...oh no!!! we are in for some interesting times.

It doesn't last forever though...

Enjoying my last baby while he is still a baby...

LOVE him.

One Word Wednesday

2011-07-27T09:47:00.001+10:00

Daybook Monday

2011-07-25T21:38:00.000+10:00

FOR TODAY...25th of July 2011

Outside My Window...Dark, raining, empty garage.

I am thinking...that I should be doing something other than blogging...but this is the least strenuous thing on my list at the moment.

I am thankful for...peace and quiet...don't get to experience it very often, but when I do I am so very very thankful for it :)

From the kitchen...Homemade soup, homemade sausage rolls, yummy Ciabatta from Aussie Farmers.

I am wearing...Pjyamas already...may as well be comfortable when I'm not expecting any visitors.

I am creating...Bibs for the drooly baby...I can't believe the amount of liquid that comes out of this boys mouth...I've never been a big fan of the permanently attached bib, but so many extra changes of clothing is making me think very seriously about it. My girls NEVER drooled like this.

I am going...to be listing some furniture on ebay...we have an overabundance of cupboards...how can one declutter a house when the clutter is so BIG??

I am hearing...the tap tap tap of the keyboard as I type...silence is golden:)

Around the house...Little darlings sleeping peacefully. Mr Pixies out, clean folded washing trying to eat my dining table.

One of my favourite things...My oldest girl telling me she loves me...alot...and often.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Rearrange some furniture, get some sewing done, clean that sewing room AGAIN, why does it not stay tidy???

A photo to share...been a little bit lite on photos recently, dark dreary weather, everyone being sick, getting back into the Kinder run all thwarting me at every turn.

Who is this??

Cindy

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T09:52:00.002+10:00

She's two and a half years old...

2011-07-14T15:32:00.000+10:00

and the strangest little kid...

I wanted to write a piece about all her little idiosyncrasies...she has many...but I'm sleep deprived and my head hurts, so I thought I would just share the photos...

Maybe I will be thinking straight again by the time she is three!!

Cindy..

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T05:00:00.001+10:00

Daybook Monday

2011-07-11T16:48:00.000+10:00

FOR TODAY...11th of July 2011

Outside My Window...My neighbour warming up his stupid WRX...It makes my windows shake, and he insists on letting it sit and run for at least 5 minutes before he drives it anywhere...at all times of the day and night...multiple times a day.

I am thinking...That my kids have WAY TOO MANY clothes...the washing basket is full within half a day of doing all the washing...and the clothes sure aren't mine (I am lacking in clothes at the moment)

I am thankful for...my heater...although affording the gas to run it could become an issue before too long...Thanks Joolya!!

From the kitchen...Homemade baby food...I never in a million years would have thought I would be giving my baby boy solids before six months...but he's a hungry one. Opens his mouth for the spoon like a hungry little bird. I can tell by the pitch of his grumpy squealing when he is wanting solid food...he's growing up too fast, can't we freeze time? PLEASE??

I am wearing...Moccasins on my feet...I'm allowed to be a westie in my own home...my feet are warm, it's not like I'm going to wear them to the supermarket or anything.

I am creating...a much tidier sewing room

I am going...to try and get to Geelong one day this week...doesn't seem likely at this stage.

I am hearing...The Sound of Music...again.

Around the house...baby sleeping, C watching DVD, S practicing her writing, washing put away at last, dishwasher waiting for me, cats being weird??

One of my favourite things...putting my feet in the heater at night and reading the days paper brought home from work by Mr Pixies.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Stay sane with Kinder holidays on...

A photo to share...Just what I have most recently photographed...for Mr Pixies, to go on ebay...not this particular shot, this one I took for me...weird I know

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T04:42:00.000+10:00

Daybook Monday

2011-07-04T17:44:00.001+10:00

FOR TODAY...4th of July 2011

Outside My Window...Grey skies, then sunshine, then grey skies...this is Ballarat.

I am thinking...hello is there anybody out there??

I am thankful for...a sleeping baby.

From the kitchen...Homemade Pumpking Soup...pumkpin currently roasting in my now working oven ($300 later). I don't think a day has gone by since the oven was repaired that I haven't used it.

I am wearing...something comfortable.

I am creating...I have been drafting patterns and cutting out fabric...but it's so bloody freezing in my sewing room I wouldn't even dream of venturing out there at the moment.

I am going...to stop wasting so much time on facebook this week...an hour goes by in the blink of an eye...wish I'd never joined back up. Of course I could delete my account.

I am hoping...to get some more photos up in frames and onto the wall. I have a ridiculous amount of frames in my buffet and almost bare walls. Just need to find the time to sort out what I want on the walls.

I am hearing...Miss C pretending to be an elephant...totally annoying, but cute at the same time, how it doesn't wake the baby up I don't know.

Around the house...clothes all washed, folded and put in there appropriate places...kitchen almost clean...new standard lamp in the lounge room...TV on ABC4kids (so what's new)...heater going...

curtains closed against the chill.

One of my favourite things...Listening to Miss 5 talk about something she is excited about...her facial expressions and her tone of voice almost remind me of what it is like to be young and remind me to find wonder in the small things.

A few plans for the rest of the week...No Kinder, make playdough and pikelets and do some paintings with the pixies. Try to wramgle some time for myself. Photograph some stuff to list on eBay. Meet my Mum for a coffee.

A photo to share...a little cliche, and he's a bit old now...but I still had the fluff from his newborn photo shoot and I never got any of the basket photos that I wanted...so here we are...a "baby" in a basket.

Have a good week...if there's anybody out there actually reading :)

Cindy

This Little Girl...

2011-06-27T21:25:00.001+10:00

...turned FIVE yesterday

She opened a present to find just what she wanted...

We partook in a spot of brunch at Gran and Grumbles followed by cake...

made by mumma...and guaranteed to give you a sugar buzz.

The boys wondered why on earth they turned up to the party in the same outfit...how could such a thing happen???

We went on a little impromptu photo shoot...just the two of us...it was COLD...

Then it was Birthday Girls choice for dinner...homemade pizza...with lots of olives (more got eaten than made it to the pizza). They even got to roll out their own base...can you tell??

and to finish the day in style...

blue goo bath.

followed perhaps by a little pre bed tantrum...big day, big emotions.

What more could a five year old want?

Better go...I have a gazillion tiny little cupcakes to ice for Kinder tomorrow...

Cindy.

A letter to my 5 month old

2011-06-24T23:13:00.001+10:00

Dear Mr D,
My oh my how quickly the last five months have flown by. How much you have changed and learnt. I would never have imagined that you would be rolling and sitting up on your own at four and a half months. Very clever of you really.
Unfortunately your not so clever when it comes to sleeping. Don't you think it's time you started sleeping more than 45 minutes at a stretch during the day? (Even if you do wake up happy on most occasions). Or perhaps you could think about sleeping longer than 2 hours during the night...I must admit that although you do tend to wake often in the night, you barely ever wake up completely. It's just the kind of awake where I can roll over and give you what you need to drift back off. Which isn't to say that it's not exhausting, because it is.
For all your catnapping, you are a remarkably happy little bubba...I love the way your sisters can set you off into mad giggling like no one else can.
I love that you are happy to sit on the floor and play with your toys for a while now.
I love that you breastfeed to sleep (could cause problems later, but it's lovely to live in the moment).
I love that you are right there next to me every night...so I can hear you breathe and feel you reach out for me. I wasn't so happy when you started screaming every time I swaddles you, so I think graduating to the sleeping bag was a good move. It hasn't made you sleep any worse...nor any better.
I love laying in bed and watching you sleep when I have the opportunity, not that your sisters afford me that opportunity very often.
I love your gorgeous blue eyes, and those divine eyelashes...not so keen on the constant dribble.
I love that you have been cold free for two weeks now...yay!! (knocks on wood so as not to jinx it!!).
I am so glad that you are in our lives, that you make our family complete.
Of course it hasn't all been sunshine and roses...there have been some very dark days for me, but I think at last that the fog is lifting. It's time to focus on raising you to be a good man. To raise your sisters to be good women, to be respectful, to dream big.
I look forward to watching you grow, to being a family...to being the best we can be...looking forward.
Love you more than you can ever imagine,
Mumma.

Soon to be...

2011-06-16T21:43:00.000+10:00

I can't quite believe that this little girl is turning five in just 10 days...

Five is such a big thing...it means she will be starting school next year.

She has Sass...she throws a mean tantrum...she does the sweetest things...she loves her brother and sister, but also torments them no end...she's bossy...she doesn't do as she is asked...

Why is it that I can only remember her dark side traits and not her good ones??

She is a fabulous sleeper...she likes to help me out (when it suits her), she usually doesn't disturb me when I am trying to get the baby down for a sleep...

She's been wandering around the house singing songs from The Sound of Music...love that...love that she loves one of my favourite movies.

She wants a party!! When I said no, she said "I just want Nanna and Pa, and Gran and Grumbles and Celeste"...so cute that she wants a family get together...that's what we were planning.

Love her to bits...frustrated unbelievably by her...I just know we are going to clash when she is a teenager (way too far in the future. Isn't it??? Tell me she won't grow up too fast!)

Cindy

Daybook Monday

2011-06-13T21:27:00.000+10:00

FOR TODAY...13th of June, 2011

Outside My Window...It's Dark! Approaching the winter solstice...and although we had sunshine today it was very cold.

I am thinking...that I should be doing something far more productive than blogging...

I am thankful for...a man who does the washing (my only part generally is to put it away)...and loads and unloads the dishwasher...and cleans the cat litter. It's almost enough to forgive the fact that he very rarely gets out of bed before me to get the girls breakfast and let me have a sleep in (even on mothers day).

From the kitchen...bagels from aussie farmers...they are a regular for us now. Bit naughty all that white bread.

I am wearing...pyjamas already, and it's only 8:30...

I am creating...a cute little cushion that I have had in my mind for a while...details soon

I am hearing...sweet blessed silence...all the pixies are in bed sound asleep (touch wood).

Around the house...all the washing is clean folded and put away. Kitchen is half tidy, dining table is a disaster, laundry is half way through a big cleanup and my rug needs a vacuum.

One of my favourite things...When all the kids are in bed and Mr Pixies is out and I can have some ME time...even if I just sit at the computer or watch TV...it is time when I don't have someone hanging off me and I can just breath.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Birthday dinner for Mr Pixies, more cleaning, more sewing (was so very gratifying to get a project finished), looking forward to some respite care on Friday morning (suggested by my MCHN and quickly agreed to by me).

A photo to share...Party at Hungry Jacks today for a friend of Miss S...here is Miss C hamming it up for the camera...pardon the snot, it's perpetual around here at the moment.

Until next time

Cindy

Final Installment At Last

2011-06-10T21:29:00.000+10:00

Finally...here is the last instalment of my Photo a Day in May (and a little bit of June).

I really don't know how people do the 365 thing!!

I found it really difficult to stick with this...even with a gorgeous subject. Maybe that was the problem though...maybe a bit of variety in what I could shoot would have stirred my enthusiasm a bit more. Or perhaps it's just the fact that we've all been dealing with illness. Two days respite between colds is not pleasant for a 4 month old...or a 2 and a half year old...or even for Mumma.

Heres to a more healthy June...

I may make another attempt at this later in the year...with a set theme for every day...or some photo scavenger hunts...something to keep me interested...anyone want to join me??

Cindy

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T07:35:00.000+10:00

Hello Old Friend...Daybook Monday

2011-06-06T14:34:00.000+10:00

FOR TODAY...6th June 2011

Outside My Window...COLD!!

I am thinking...I wish I knew how to get Mr D to sleep through more than one sleep cycle during the day...it's driving me nuts. The only successful way so far is to hold him while he sleeps. TOTALLY impractical. Once he opens his eyes he's totally awake...point of no return.

I am thankful for...A return to better night time sleeping...hallelujah. 3 hour stretch of sleep is BLISS.

From the kitchen...An oven waiting for an expensive repair job!!!How long can one live without an oven?? Not much longer would be my thought...2 birthdays coming up in the next 3 weeks...can't bake cakes without an oven :(

I am wearing...something comfortable and warm...NOT one of these..although that's looking pretty darn tempting!

I am creating...still working on photo books for the kids first year! Miss C is almost done, Mr D's is started (not yet up to date though), and Miss S...well I'm dreading looking through all those pre-SLR photos. Monumental task...bit of perfectionism going on here.

I am reading...Japanese sewing book...well obviously I'm not "reading" it considering I can't read Japanese...but it has pretty easy to follow pictorial instructions. Clothes for the pixies to be made in the near future.

I am hearing...the 2 pixies playing the electric organ that was my late grandpa's. We get it out occasionally and they have fun with it for about an hour before they get bored with it (and the noise gets to be too much).

Around the house...my toilet is in a disgusting state...and I don't want to go near it. I can't avoid it for much longer...

One of my favourite things...fresh dates...

A few plans for the rest of the week...I need to sew...desperately...clean the oven, make a cake hopefully, get my hair cut (wishful thinking on that one). Try to train the boy to sleep a longer stretch during the day (wishful thinking on that one also).

A photo to share... how cold??

Have a good week

Cindy

4 months

2011-06-04T00:30:00.002+10:00

At four months he is...

rolling both directions

sleeping terribly

distracted while breastfeeding

sitting up momentarily by himself

bouncing when held in a standing position

recovering from a nasty cold

grabbing everything within reach

mouthing everything

fighting being swaddled

catnapping

"talking"...such cute noises

six and a half kilos

wearing mostly 00 clothes

drooling...this boy can soak a t-sirt through in a matter of minutes

loving attention from his sisters

loving getting out and about

staying awake longer between sleeps

growing way too fast

being a pill

being a delight

asleep on me at 12:30pm following waking up screaming (immunisations??)

Time for bed....zzzzz

Cindy

Penultimate Installment

2011-06-03T21:19:00.000+10:00

Starting to lose my interest in Photo a Day in May by now...With all the kids being sick and Mr D not sleeping very well I asked Mr Pixies to take a week off work to help me out...and bless him he did just that. Things are on the improve now and I'm feeling slightly more human and more on top of things (less out of control at least). D also had his 4 month immunisations yesterday...strangely we had the best night sleep in 3 weeks...go figure.

5 more days of photos to go. Didn't get a photo today...we went for a drive to check out some display homes...I've been keen to have a look for a while, and it just confirmed for us that this is what we want in our next house...we particularly like this one.

Back soon with the final installment.

Cindy

Photo A Day

2011-06-02T07:12:00.000+10:00

Still going with the photo a day in May...(and June, 3 days to go).

Struggling to stay with it...alot going on here at the moment.

Final 2 installments to come soon.

He's changed so much in the past 30 days.

Cindy.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-01T23:04:00.000+10:00

Cindyx

Photo Book Woes

2011-05-27T22:52:00.002+10:00

I am really struggling with my Photo Book for Miss C, so I thought I would make a start on one for the little man. These photos are all fresh and on my computer after all.

I have decided to make his really simple and tell a bit more of a story, while the stories are relatively fresh in my mind.

I will be using these fab album templates from Vol. 25 throughout his book...with a few adjustments obviously.

That's a very abreviated birth story...

What do you think??

Cindy

The Next Installment

2011-05-26T15:46:00.001+10:00

Of Photo a Day in May

Really struggling here with poor light and lack of sleep. We had a day from hell on Monday...MCHN and doctor on the same day. He couldn't have his 4 month vaccines because of his rattly chest...and we didn't get a photo:(

Mr D's sleeping has been absolutely atrocious and his sisters hasn't been much better. Miss C that is! She gets up at 4 in the morning and turns on the lights in the lounge room...ready to start the day. We put her back to bed and she gets up repeatedly. Solution?? Have her sleep in our bed. 4 in a Queen bed is a little crowded, especially when Mr Pixies sleeps diagonally (grrrr!).

Anyhow...hoping the days and nights will start to improve. Winter has hit with a vengeance around here and I got drenched picking S up from Kinder on Tuesday. Hoping for more of those glorious Autumn days before real winter sets in...not likely to happen.

Until next time

Cindyxx

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T18:00:00.000+10:00

Cindyxx

Photo A Day in May...

2011-05-20T13:53:00.000+10:00

The daily photos continue...under very trying circumstances.

The little fella went on a boobie strike that lasted 3 days and nights...yikes!

He just refused to feed unless he was super hungry and well rested. He also refused to feed during the night...but woke up at 11.30, 2.30, 3.30, 4.30, 5.30 and 6.00 on Tuesday night/morning. Every time he woke up screaming like somone was trying to murder him...he arched his back, he escaped his swaddle, he sucked on his hands...he had to be rocked and patted back to sleep.

Wednesday night was better...but only just. He started feeding properly again on Wednesday and last night was a huge improvement. Now his nose is running like a tap and he has a rattly chest and a cough...poor little mite. He wakes himself up during the day coughing and will only catnap. Hoping this cold (which his sister so generously shared) is not long lived.

I don't like being this sleep deprived...

Cindyxx

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T07:23:00.000+10:00

Cindyxx

Oh My!! Too Soon

2011-05-17T13:52:00.000+10:00

My little man rolled from his back to his tummy.

He wasn't happy about it..

He's been out of sorts for the last couple of days...lots of crying, not feeding to sleep, only wanting to feed when he's truly hungry (hello full boobs), only happy when being held constantly....sigh

I put him on the floor for just a minute to do something and he threw himself over effortlessly..What The! Not once but twice. That's a week earlier than his sister rolled...and I thought she was early.

Stop moving so fast little fella...you need to be my baby for a while yet.

Cindyxx

Daybook Monday

2011-05-16T11:45:00.002+10:00

FOR TODAY...16th May 2011

Outside My Window...It's grey and dreary, I forget how much I dislike winter until it arrives (technically it isn't even winter yet, just feels like it).

I am thinking...what was I thinking!! Oh! and that I need to move my photo files to my external hard drive...so many photos...haven't done it since about November, very naughty.

I am thankful for...an improving relationship with my parents. Things are quite often tenses between us because of my older brother who still lives at home with them who for one reason or another we don't get along with. They have been visiting more often...it's nice to see more of them.

From the kitchen...homemade vegetable and lentil soup...my kids love this (my mums recipe of course)...I love it too, even better with a smoked ham hock cooked in it.

I am wearing...a baby...he slept on me alot yesterday (think way overtired screaming baby in much need of a long sleep which only ever happens in mums arms), and now he thinks its the status quo. At least it gives me a chance to blog, even if it is one handed.

I am creating...Some winter clothes for Miss C, since the wintery weather has hit with a vengeance she requires something warm to walk to Kinder in the mornings. Will be making this pattern out of some thrifted fabrics that Mr Pixies lovely Nana gave me.

I am going...for a walk with my 3 pixies later. We need fresh air and an escape from the house. If I can manage to convince them to get dressed.

I am reading...through some old daybook posts...reminiscing, reflecting.

I am hoping...that the little cough that Miss C has doesn't spread to the rest of the family. I'm over the cold season already and it's only just beginning. Of course we can expect to be sick more with S being at Kinder.

I am hearing...what else but ABC4Kids...oh and a baby gently snoring next to my ear...gorgeous boy.

Around the house...washing all clean, folded and put away...piles and piles of it on the dining room table yesterday, pink and blue. Dishwasher waiting to be unloaded. Coffee machine waiting to be used. Kitchen bench waiting to be wiped. Heater on.

One of my favourite things...smiles from my baby, especially in the morning when he has just woken, even though he has spent the night right next to me sleeping peacefully.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Kinder run which will hopefully go smoothly this week. Start looking for a birthday present for Miss S who is turning 5 and wants a Jessie (from Toy Story). Do some de-cluttering, especially of my sewing room (not that I want to work out there when it's freezing...need a heater out there).

A photo to share... My little man in a hat knitted by his Nanna...I only had to mention in passing that he needed hats for winter and she had one knitted in an afternoon.

Hope everyone has a good week

Cindyxx

Photo A Day in May!!

2011-05-14T11:03:00.000+10:00

So!! I started late (on the 5th) but I haven't missed a day since :)

There are only so many different looks for a 3 month old baby...but I will continue until the 5th of June anyway...it will be interesting to see how much he grows and changes over a 30 day period.

Miss S has a birthday at the end of June, and if May goes well I may consider taking a photo a day of her for the month of June.

My blogger went on holidays on Monday so I didn't get to post my Daybook...and then I lost interest when it returned on Tuesday afternoon...and then I unfortunately exceeded my download limit for this month, so I'm on dial up speed for the next few days...so sloooooowwww!!! Certainly makes posting here a marathon rather than a sprint.

Will be back with more Photo A Day In May soon!!

Cindyxx

3 months

2011-05-06T10:22:00.000+10:00

Wow!! How quickly 3 months goes by.

I looked at him today and thought "he doesn't look like a tiny baby anymore"

Well, he was never really tiny...but you know what I mean.

He's lost that new look.

His eyes are focused, his cheeks are full, his skin is smooth, his hair is growing.

At 3 months he is

Growing rapidly

Feeding 4 hourly

Sleeping in the family bed

Waking at least twice in the night for a feed

Catnapping

Giggling

Smiling

Drooling

Likes his new mode of transport

Being smothered with love by his sisters

Asleep on me right now

Loving nappy free time

Happy to lay on his play mat...for a little while

Adores his Pa

Grasping things and bringing them to his mouth

Still being swaddled

Rolling from tummy to back

Trying to roll from back to front

Loving to shower with mummy or daddy

It makes me sad that he is growing so quickly...and I really miss this

but it fills me with joy that he is learning and changing and engaging.

Life with 3 is hectic and sometimes chaotic, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Cindy xx

Oops!!

2011-05-05T11:27:00.001+10:00

I was planning on doing a "photo a day in May" (of my boy) cos is rhymes so nicely hehe!! But here we are on the 5th day of the month already and I have failed miserably...I didn't even remember I had promised myself I would do this until yesterday.! Not so good with the remembering at the moment. Baby Brain!!!

There's no reason I can't start from today though...although it does offend my sense of order to start something like this 5 days in, if I don't do it now my boy will be 10 years old before I know it :)

I could just fudge it and pretend that I started on the 1st...but I would know...I would feel guilt...I will do my best to remember...I will write it on a post it and stick it on the bathroom mirror!!

I did manage to get a pirate outfit finished for Miss S in time for Kinder on Tuesday morning...and I took photos...shock horror!

Everyone looked fantastic...Pirate Pete came to visit and they sang songs, danced and had a treasure hunt to while away a 3 hour Kinder session...she had a great time, and was so pleased that she received a bag of gold chocolate coins to bring home...lovely girl shared them with Mum, Dad and little Sister.

Can you believe how much smaller Miss S is next to her bestie...S is only 13 days younger...

I so love that top I made her that I plan to make one out of some nice vintage floral fabric...but with buttons and some more shaping...will make a nice little winter tunic.

Wish me luck on my sewing and photo taking adventures this month...

Cindyxx

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T14:11:00.001+10:00

Daybook Monday

2011-05-02T12:09:00.001+10:00

Outside My Window...grey skies, grass that hasn't been mown and a cat meowing to come in out of the rain.

I am thinking...about how much the pixies are going to miss our good friend Jake who is moving to Perth for work...they love him and he is so good to them...hopefully we will keep in touch.

I am thankful for...Mister D sleeping brilliantly in the car on our Easter getaway...it would have been much more traumatic if he had cried in the car.

From the kitchen...mouldy fruit and jelly, and a stinky off chicken in my coles online order ewww!! I have made a phone call and they are happy enough to credit me for these items...but I have decided to only buy non perishable items on line from now on. I'm a bit fussy about use by dates and such with meat.

I am going...to try and get out of the house more now that Mister D is a little older. I feel sooo much better when I can get out and do something, even if it is only the grocery shopping (as long as it runs smoothly)...hopefully he will take to the idea of a pram and we can go walking.

I am hoping...to get a pirate outfit finished for Miss S for Kinder before she goes to bed tonight...it's needed for the morning and I don't want to be adjusting it at 7am.

I am hearing...Children complaining they are hungry even though they each just had a big bowl of weetbix for breakfast...I know they want a chocolate egg from the huge Easter haul...but it's only 9:30am.

Around the house...the "door fairy" came to visit while we were away...I now have a lovely new door and frame...not painted yet, but we'll get to that.

A few plans for the rest of the week...pirate day at Kinder tomorrow, make a name cushion for a little girl turning 1, try out my new purchase by taking Mr D for a walk (Steelcraft Strider Pram), clean my kitchen, take more photos, return the tent and airbed we borrowed (big thank you).

A photo to share...my clever boy is starting to reach out and grasp things now...photo taken when he was 11 weeks old.

Road Trip Easter

2011-04-28T22:50:00.000+10:00

Expectations Exceeded...

The little man was an absolute dream in the car...there and back.

He did however wake up the neighbours at 4:30am...but I made no apologies for him.

The girls had great fun on a very very cold Easter Sunday morning...hunting for eggs around the caravan and tent...

They gathered their share of an obscene amount of chocolate eggs...

All in all the trip went far better than I anticipated...even with a sick Miss C and an unsettled Mr D.

We did all come home with a nasty cough and sleep deprivation and a sugar buzz...but it's worth it to enjoy Easter with family.

Bring on Easter 2012.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T07:01:00.001+10:00

Faux Chenille

2011-04-21T04:57:00.000+10:00

A balnket for my little man...made using this tutorial from the ever talented Dana at MADE

Managed to sew all the rows of stitching in one sitting while Mr D slept.

A slight interruption in the midst of sewing however!! A possum fried itself right in front of me. I saw a shower of sparks and heard a tremendous bang...and the power went out (I thought I was fried).

3 fire trucks turned up...the possum was still alive, sitting at the top of the pole licking itself...tough little bugger.

Then I cut the rows the following night, again while he slept.

I want to make another one now...with white on the top...using poplin instead of flannelette.

Wasn't that labour intensive...

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-20T07:04:00.001+10:00

Daybook Monday

2011-04-18T16:20:00.001+10:00

Outside My Window...The sky is beginning to cloud over and the street is relatively quiet...school rush must be over (uh! no school...it's holidays...oops!), home from work rush yet to start.

I am thinking...that I am a terrible mother. The 12 week old won't sleep for more than an hour at a stretch, the two year old screams every time she doesn't get her own way, and the four and a half year old antagonises her sister and doesn't have an 'indoor voice'. I am going slowly mad and wondering what it is about my parenting style that has generated this result and what I can do to rectify it.

I am thankful for...Miss S being able to get Mr D to giggle madly...she's roaring like a dinosaur...apparently he loves it.

From the kitchen...fairy bread...a healthy and nutritious snack for the pixies and I...far from it, but I don't have the energy to argue

I am going...to tidy the house while Mr Pixies is at cricket tonight...what ridiculous sort of time is 9:20 for a game of indoor cricket?

I am hoping...to get some more sleep. Sleep dep is a nasty nasty menace...It makes me grumpy mumma.

I am hearing...Mr D just beginning to grump again. He has a 10 minute window when I can put him down on the floor. Classic Velcro baby.

Around the house...Miss C has pulled a pile of magazines out of the bookshelf in my craft room, the tent and airbeds are waiting in there for Easter weekend, small pieces of paper everywhere thanks to Miss S who I have allowed to use scissors again, dining table is tidy,

A few plans for the rest of the week...get organised for our Easter trip, remain calm, don't lose my patience with my children or my (non)husband. Clean the house before we go away so I have a nice shiny house to return to...something to make me smile.

A photo to share...she is turning 5 in less than 10 weeks...and is now officialy enrolled in Primary school, oh my...I thought that was something I would never get to do. She is lovely and exasperating and polite and demanding and LOUD!! Love her. Do you think I will miss her when she is at school every week day??

Have a good week!!

Cindy

Working On

2011-04-17T20:09:00.000+10:00

An album to document the first year of each pixies life, in photos!

Using these gorgeous overlays from Vol 25.

Very girly...

taking up most of my time in front of the computer...

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T07:11:00.001+10:00

Daybook Monday on a Tuesday

2011-04-12T10:59:00.001+10:00

Outside My Window...cold and wet...my backyard is the tidiest "room" in the house following a major cleanup operation.

I am thinking...that Miss S was an angel toddler compared to her sister...C is the epitomy of a terrible two year old...I won't deny that it's due to lack of discipline on my part, trying to get her back into line now that Mr D is a bit more manageable...bound to be a monumental task.

I am thankful for...clothes...from Celeste...very very thankful.

From the kitchen...Bagels with sesame seeds! Yummo! Thanks to Aussie Farmers Direct. It's so nice to have food delivered to your doorstep, and I love that on my bank statement it says "payment to stay in bed". CUTE!

I am going...to write sticky notes and put them up around the house to remind me of the things I need to do...my pixies haven't had their hair washed in too long...I keep forgetting bad mumma

I am hoping...that our Easter getaway to Yarrawonga goes far more smoothly than I am anticipating it will. I have set my expectations for a 4 hour drive with a 4 year old, 2 year old and 12 week old very low in the hopes that they will be exceeded.

I am hearing...coos and gurgles and giggles from my little man. Oh so sweet...can't believe he is 11 weeks old already.

Around the house...Girls playing (arguing) in their room, baby boy awake and happily sitting next to me in his bouncy, TV on ABC2, heater on, washing Mr D's new blanket, curtains all open to let the light in, polenta on the floor (thankyou Miss C).

A few plans for the rest of the week...Buy kids sleeping bags, organise 60th Birthday party, organise mothers day presents...and birthday presents, make to do lists, remember to make to do lists!!

A photo to share...a very cute outtake from our mini photo shoot...couldn't decide between colour or black and white!!

Who came up with the great idea...

2011-04-07T15:40:00.000+10:00

...of Daylight Savings?

Whoever it was obviously didn't have small children!

Ever since we put the clocks back 1 hour on Sunday morning, the girls have been out of bed at the crack of dawn...6am...and the boy sleeps well (waking every 3 hours) until around 4am, then wakes every 30 minutes or so until 7...at which time we give up and get out of bed.

Ugghh!! I hate it.

Little ones don't understand the concept of time...and resetting the body clock is a bit of a longer process for them. I think Mr D may even still be confused about night and day at this stage. He was sleeping well before though!!

Makes for a very tired mumma and dadda...and a cranky 2 and a bit year old too :)

On a completely different subject...

We staged a little photo shoot yesterday to try and get a decent photo of the 3 for my mums mothers day present...OH BOY! How difficult is it to get at least 2 kiddos to look at the camera at the same time?

I don't really expect the 10 week old to cooperate, but his biggest sister...well she should know better.

We had a bit of a moment there...we butted heads...we are both as stubborn as each other!

This is the best we could do!

One of these photos will be going on a coffee mug for her to use at work...because that's what she wanted.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T07:17:00.001+10:00

Daybook Monday

2011-04-04T13:13:00.002+10:00

Outside My Window...It looks awfully cold for early autumn...a giant orb spider has taken us residence in our potato creeper, it spins a huge web every night and catches moths. It's getting so big that it is starting to creep me out a bit. I won't go out there at night to put a nappy in the bin for fear of walking into it's web.

I am thinking...that everything is just a little bit more difficult with 3...and that a bigger gap between 2 and 3 like I planned would have been better...but then we probably wouldn't have our handsome boy!!

I am thankful for...co-sleeping, because even though Mr D woke up every hour last night, he was right beside me and I didn't have to get out of bed in the cold.

From the kitchen...Chocolate Waffles, YUM! S asked for waffles for lunch so that's what we are having. It's been so long since I made these that I actually had to consult the recipe.

I am going...to walk to the supermarket if I can time it right. Hoping for a sunny spell when Mr D is due for a sleep so he can go in the hug a bub for a snooze.

I am reading...blogs, gathering ideas for future projects...when Velcro Baby is not quite as sticky :)

I am hoping...to create a photo book for each of my girls for the first year of their lives. I'm struggling to find photos of Miss S that are good quality. Am learning that my photography has certainly evolved in the the past 5 years, and making me glad I now have a DSLR and a better lens.

I am hearing...Miss S singing 'the opposite song' from this DVD (a new favourite), while she cuts and pastes (she's making a monster).

Around the house...dishes to be washed; floor to be vacuumed; clothes all washed, dried and put away; baby asleep.

A few plans for the rest of the week...finish washing the windows, do some gardening, enjoy my children, do some sewing (making one of these for Master DS)

A photo to share...my babies...

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-30T07:37:00.002+11:00

Smile

2011-03-29T18:08:00.000+11:00

It has taken me a good 2 weeks to capture this little grin...
his cheeks are so chubby his eyes close when he smiles...precious...

Daybook Monday

2011-03-28T16:24:00.000+11:00

Outside My Window...It's a lovely autumn day, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, giant locusts are flying about (icky) and Miss C's car seat is drying in the sunshine (after she vomited strawberry milk all over herself yesterday in the car...double icky)

I am thinking...how lucky I am to have my little man...I have been reflecting on his birth (which was a really frightening experience) quite a bit recently and thinking I should really get the details written down.

I am thankful for...Kindergarten being a five minute walk away...it's easy to put Mr D in the hug a bub and stroll up there and back with the two pixies...even in the rain. We often walk to the supermarket after dropping Miss S off while Mr D sleeps.

From the kitchen...a small child asking for "me somefeen to eat" for the 100th time today. (slight exaggeration, but they are never satiated...they always want something more. If I could get the craft/sewing room organised they wouldn't get so bored...but it takes 3 people to move my sewing machine...haven't had any volunteers to help me.)

I am wearing...a baby...who feels like he is getting heavier by the second (which strictly speaking would be true.)

I am going...to sit here for as long as he sleeps if I can, and not care one iota about the fact that I'm not getting any housework done. I just want to soak in his little sighs and wriggles and sleep smiles. I want to enjoy this time with my last babe and I don't care what anyone else says.

I am reading...Information about enrolling Miss S in Primary school (yikes!! I never thought I would be doing that)...and bathroom brochures...My Dad has offered to help us renovate the bathroom (bless him).

I am hoping...not to yell at the pixies today, I've been a bit off the past week or so and have been very impatient with, and frustrated by my noisy girls.

I am hearing...NO Television...we are cutting right back on TV time for the pixies. They are camping out in the yard in the Disney princess tent with pencils and paper.

Around the house...mess mess mess mess mess inside...slightly better outside (lots of work to do out there)

A few plans for the rest of the week...Put Mr D's cot together...he is growing way too fast and won't fit in his cradle soon (not that he sleeps in it, but you never know, I may actually go hardball and make him sleep in the cot...ahh! who am I kidding). Other than that I'm taking it one day at a time. Working in 30-45 minute intervals (which is generally what I get from Mr Catnap when he is not asleep on me.) Hoping to get the windows cleaned...

A photo to share...numbers 2 & 3...makes me smile

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T14:24:00.001+11:00

At 8 weeks...

2011-03-22T10:58:00.000+11:00

my not so little man is 5.6kg (that's 12pound 5oz for those of you who like imperial measurements) and 57cm (22.5inches) long.

He's like a little beachball baby...almost as heavy as Miss C was at 4 months old...good grief!

He is...

smiling and cooing

rolling consistently from front to back (frustrating when mummy wants him to have tummy time)

staying awake for an hour and a half

catnapping

sometimes having a long day sleep in bed (mine, not his)

waking 2 or 3 times in the night to feed (not that I can really keep track when I just roll over, feed him and go back to sleep myself)
interacting more
drooling
sucking his fists
kicking his legs (alot)
preferring to be held upright
a champion farter
being smothered by his adoring sisters
crying if anyone raises their voice
not very fond of strangers
almost growing out of his 000 clothes already (I still can't believe how big he is)

Daybook Monday

2011-03-21T11:08:00.001+11:00

Outside My Window...the sun is just beginning to peek through the clouds and shine down on my freshly mown lawn.

I am thinking...that I should really be getting my girls dressed and ready to go out...we have an appointment with the MCHN...Mr D is due for his 8 week immunisations today.

I am thankful for...my Dad...he has put in some very hard work to help us get the garden under some control, there's still tons more work to do which will be difficult with a tiny baby and a reluctant partner but we'll get there.

From the kitchen...a box of fruit and vegetables from Aussie Farmers Direct delivered to my door...so yummy

I am wearing...comfortable clothes...I think my belly is growing rather than shrinking...maybe I should stop eating so much chocolate.

I am going...to the MCHN later today, and try to visit Mr Pixies at work...they haven't seen Mr D since he was 2 weeks old and the owners very generously bought him a huge present...so I need to take them a thank you card and visit.

I am reading...The latest Donna Hay magazine...it's all summery with salads and ice creams. We didn't have much of a summer here so we haven't really been eating salads. We have been eating ice creams though, they're good for all year round aren't they :)

I am hoping...that little Mr D sleeps better today than he did yesterday...or I shall rename him the "cat napper"!

I am hearing...Birds chirping in my tree outside, buzz lightyear on the TV in the sewing room, and silence from a sleeping babe

Around the house...we have bare floorboards in the lounge...Miss C spilt an entire large McCafe coffe (one that I had been ~~craving~~ needing ALL Day) on the rug. Said rug had to be cleaned out in the yard, which gave me a blister on the inside of my knuckle OUCH!! and made for a very cranky mummy on Saturday afternoon...the rug is still drying.

A few plans for the rest of the week...eat sleep change nappies feed the baby feed the kids walk to kinder rock the baby pat the baby get frustrated get cabin fever prune a rose bush spray some weeds do the washing do the dishes clean my dining table tell my children I love them walk to the supermarket and hope it doesn't rain too much

A photo to share...

We picniked at Lal Lal Falls last Sunday...just the 5 of us...it was lovely and peaceful and the falls have water going over them again...

So there you have it, a Daybook Monday post as promised...albeit slightly abbreviated...it may take me a while to work myself back into it, and I may revise some of the questions.

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend...

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-03-16T09:11:00.002+11:00

I Miss...

2011-03-15T16:47:00.000+11:00

My Daybook Posts

I spent some time yesterday reading back through my blog posts and it made me realise how much I miss my Daybook Monday posts.

I miss taking the time to think about those questions...

To come up with answers...

To set goals for the week, however trivial they may be...

I miss the venting...

I miss the glimpse back at my life...

So, with all this in mind I will endeavour to religiously complete a Daybook post every Monday.

Another challenge that I am thinking of taking on is a photo of my kids every day for the month of April...

Think I might need some encouragement with that one...wish me luck.

One thing that will make it easier...I am now the proud owner of a new (used) lens...thank you to Celeste who generously loaned this lens to me when babe number 3 was due so I could get some nice pics of him in hospital.

It has hardly been off the camera since...and today I deposited some money into her bank account for the purchase of it.

I have a feeling that it was her intention for me to fall in love with the lens so that I would buy it...It was a very good intention and it is now my early Mothers Day present.

Not the lens I really want, but so much better than a kit lens and far less expensive.

Just 4 weeks ago...

2011-03-11T14:31:00.002+11:00

...this is what he looked like.
Growing and changing way too fast...

Beautiful photo taken by Celeste...this is one of my absolute faves...on my Pa's army trunk.

I wish my Pa could be here to meet his great grandchildren.
He's been gone 7 years next month...miss him ever more as time goes by.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-09T12:57:00.000+11:00

6 Weeks...

2011-03-06T09:00:00.002+11:00

how time flies when you're ~~having fun~~ sleep deprived...

My little man is six weeks old

He is...

awake more

smiling

vocalising (as in cooing)

vocalising more (as in crying)

waking every 2 to 3 hours in the night for a feed

cat napping during the day

rolling from his tummy to his back

insisting on being held

learning to like the car

still pooing, ALL the time

co-sleeping

going through a growth spurt (feeding LOTS)

learning to like nappy free time

making his mummy fall in love with him a little bit more every day.

Spoke Too Soon

2011-02-27T16:57:00.000+11:00

Isn't it always the way...

No sooner had I finished saying how much of an angel this one was while her sister was at Kinder, than she turned into the devil incarnate...

Pick up that lip...before you trip over it.

We have had screaming, squealing, tantrums, defiance, the removal of poo nappies, the throwing of food, the destruction of my sewing room, the refusal to get dressed, the refusal to do anything mum asks her to, crying, crying, crying, more squealing (mostly at her sister).

Life is just too tough for one little 2 year old at the moment. Big changes...but she has been given far too much freedom and not enough discipline.

Life is tough for mumma too, but we just take one day at a time and enjoy the good moments that we do get.

Because before I know it they will be all grown up.

Who's That Girl

2011-02-24T10:27:00.001+11:00

Who is this quite well behaved little girl????

This is a new incarnation of the 2 year old Pixie that I haven't really witnessed previously.

I'm sure you can guess the reason for this!!

This is the little girl I have while her big sister is at Kinder...of course.

She's pleasant (most of the time) and quiet and loving.

Here she is giving her baby doll a booby feed followed of course by a burp...adorable, and a perfect case of modelling her mama (not too sure about her positioning...that's not where my boobs are!!!) .

I have been getting the little Pixie more opportunities to get involved in tasks that I am undertaking as well...here she is helping me prepare the corn for dinner. It takes a little longer but it's so worth it for the smiles and satisfaction and pride that I can see in her.

It's tough on her having a new baby brother. It's so nice to spend some one on one time with her when I can.

Of course as soon as her sister comes home from Kinder the pleasant nature tends to disappear...and the squealing and arguing returns.

The big Pixie is loving Kinder

Here she is enjoying a special treat after a long day at Kinder...5 hours away from mum is a lot for this 4 year old!!

My big little man...he's 10 pound 5oz at 4 weeks old. Huge shock to the system!! He's growing so fast.
Miss C was the same weight at 8 weeks. He's reached that age where he is more difficult to get off the sleep and likes to cry just for the hell of it...usually just after the girls have gone to bed and I am looking forward to some peace and quiet. Oh well!! It will pass all too quickly.

It's so nice to be able to do a little post...without a baby on me.

He is in bed...asleep!!

It sure beats doing the housework...

A Little Sleepy Boy Photo Shoot

2011-02-10T17:24:00.001+11:00

It is incredibly difficult to get nice photos of your own newborn...which is why we had a shoot with the lovely Celeste last week.

However, I couldn't resist having a little photo shoot of my own...at 17 days old and with a 4 year old and a 2 year old hanging around it was all false starts and interruptions.

I ended up feeding him to sleep on the blanket I wanted to take photos on...I wish he was nudie, but that was just way too big of an ask. It's not his favourite pastime, hanging out in the breeze!!

These are just a few of what I got...

Isn't he just divine...

look at that blonde hair...

I am hoping to do more of these mini sessions with him...

I know it's ambitious but I would also like to get some photos of him with his sisters.

They are so out of control at the moment...they make my hair stand on end and my teeth clench with their noise...like fingernails down a chalkboard.

Not so little

2011-02-07T22:17:00.000+11:00

Little Man

at 2 weeks my Velcro boy is 4.1kg (that's 9 pound)

he has also grown 3cm in length...

I shouldn't be surprised really...he is an eating machine

Recovering well from the mastitis...remembering how difficult it is to do a post with a sleeping baby on me...one handed typing slows things down.

These eyes make me so sad...

my smiley girl has gone, to be replaced with a tantrum throwing, often crying, sad 2 year old.

I wish I could give her more time...more cuddles

I wish I could make her understand that I still love her.

I wish things didn't have to change.

This big girl...

is starting 4 year old Kinder tomorrow

She is so excited...I'm excited for her.

I'm not so excited about the prospect of early starts...I haven't been out of bed and dressed by 8:45 in a while now. We will adjust...

New and interesting times ahead.

The Agony...

2011-02-01T16:02:00.000+11:00

I am currently suffering through a bout of mastitis.

It came as a huge shock to the system having never suffered it before.

I thought I had just done too much housework, leading to aching joints and a huge headache. Then I took my temperature...38.5C is not good.

So I've been to the hospital and had some IV antibiotics and my temp has broken at last.

I suffered through an atrociously hot night with a temp of 39C laying in a pool of perspiration, alternating with the chills.

So I was hoping to take a photo a day of my new little man...but the mastitis has thrown a spanner in the works. I've been barely able to function for 2 days let alone take photos. Shame really...he's growing and changing so quickly already.

Little Miss C has her nose totally out of joint with the arrival of Mr D...she only slept from 8pm til midnight on Sunday night! She spent the rest of the night wandering in and out of our room, she curled up at my feet and slept for 45 minutes, had a huge tantrum and then eventually sat in the lounge and watched tv. She managed to keep going all day with only a half hour sleep on my dads lap in the afternoon. She always has been a wakeful child...but this was just too much.

So it isn't the newborn that is causing us lack of sleep...it's the 2 year old miss.

Because I can't post without a photo.

These were taken a week before DS was born...a special treat for the girls (and me of course)...icecream with cookie dough...YUM

Welcome to the World

2011-01-28T23:32:00.003+11:00

Little Man...

Baby DS...

40weeks and 5days...

Finally you are here...

You gave us the fright of our lives...

and are a joy in our lives...

23.01.2011 @ 10.00am

3760grams...

48cm long...

I can't quite believe he is 5 days old already

I can't quite believe we are now a family of five

I can't quite believe that he really is a boy

Still Waiting...

2011-01-22T12:26:00.000+11:00

40weeks and 4 days today...

Still Waiting...

Sometimes patiently...

Sometimes not!

Ready to meet this precious little man.

I'm not the only one who can't quite wait!!!

False Start

2011-01-10T10:00:00.001+11:00

Saturday Morning...

3am....is that a contraction...sure feels like it!

3:05am...hmmm, another one.

I had steady contractions every 5 minutes for a good 2 hours.

I was nervous considering how quickly C arrived, and everyone had told me to move to the hospital early...so I rang them and was told to come in.

5am...we woke the 2 pixies up and drove over to Gran and Grumbles to drop them off, where they promptly went back to bed.

5:10am...arrived at the hospital, baby's position and heartbeat checked, still contracting...

changed into something more comfortable to labour in...

contractions stopped

then started

then stopped

6am...I ask to go home

7:30am...contractions continue to be erratic...I'm allowed to go home and see what happens.

Go home, have some brekkie, a warm shower, sit down for a bit.

Still getting the occasional contraction.

Try to get some sleep.

12:30pm...phone the hospital to let them know that we probably won't be back...things are mostly at a standstill.

Disappointed, but at the same time relieved.

I'm still not mentally ready for the arrival of this little man.

No contractions (except the Braxton Hicks variety) since about 7pm on Saturday night.

Back to the waiting game.

I have alot that I want to get done, but I know that I really can't do much of it with a huge belly.

I am calm...

Taken at the hospital...7am

38weeks 4days

Taste of Summer

2011-01-02T21:51:00.000+11:00

The Pixies are now the proud owners of an inflatable Dora the Explorer swimming pool...thanks to Nanna and Pa.

We were beginning to think that they wouldn't get a chance to use it, waht with all the strange weather we have been having. Friday, however turned on a stinking hot day (excellent for swimming in the backyard, not so excellent for a heavily pregnant me!! HELLO swollen hands and feet).

They were so excited...how could I refuse!

I got in with them for a bit, but it was cold cold water and they kept getting in and out and splashing and the water was full of dry grass!!!

Now we are back to mild weather, which I greatly appreciate.

2 weeks and counting...

Shifting Focus

2010-12-30T12:39:00.000+11:00

Now that Christmas is done and dusted

Pack a bag for Hospital

Wash tiny blue clothes

Make cradle sheets

Move cradle into our bedroom

Take time out every day to focus on this final pregnancy

Get as much rest as possible

Think about what he will look like

Look forward to meeting our newest member

Enjoy the last few weeks

A HUGE thankyou to Celeste for taking our family photos...I love them.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T08:41:00.000+11:00

I never would have imagined that I would be sitting here at 8:40am waiting for my girls to wake up so we can unwrap Christmas presents...the temptation is of course to go and wake them, but we have some long days ahead of us. I can wait...and listen to my new iPod while I'm waiting :)

Hope everyone has a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

I plan to enjoy spending time with my little family before it gains another member.

Early Christmas Presents

2010-12-20T16:03:00.000+11:00

How fantastic are these pencils!

The two pixies were spoilt by our good friend Jake with an early christmas present of pencils...these travelled all the way from South America in his suitcase.

The girls LOVE them...and so do I (I may just have to appropriate them for myself).

We are really trying to get into the Christmas Spirit...it doesn't seem to be working however.

The girls keep re-decorating the Christmas Tree. The ornaments disappear from the tree, only to found in their bedroom. The only ones left on the tree are the breakables, which I put out of their reach.

I have so much still to do...Little things to make, gingerbread men to bake.

I would really like to be focusing on the last few weeks of this pregnancy (which will be my last). I guess it doesn't pay to conceive in April. We had a nice little family portrait session with Celeste on Wednesday to capture the gigantic belly. I really love the photos that I have seen so far. It did freak me out a little when I read her post title 4 + 1 = 5...I've spent so much time focusing on everything else that I think I've forgotten about having this baby at the end of it all. Nervous...excited...uncomfortable...disorganised.

I just paid $40 for...

2010-12-13T13:44:00.000+11:00

photos of S from Kinder.

So so so disappointed.

(and considering our lack of funds and the moment, annoyed as well).

My thinking was "It's a once in a lifetime thing...and she'll never be in 3 year old Kinder again...so I SHOULD really buy them regardless of how they look. I got them home and put them on the computer and felt SO ripped off.

11 photos, none of which she is actually looking at the camera, all taken using on camera flash. You can't necessarily identify them as being specific to Kinder either...she could be anywhere really.

On a nicer note...we had a little Christmas Party for the last day of Kinder last Friday and the kids put on a bit of a concert and we all had morning tea together

...and Santa visited.

Very exciting for the kiddos. Even C thought Santa was okay. She looks a little weirded out in the photo...but she went willingly. They both received a book which they were very happy about. My girls LOVE books.

I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by. 3 year old Kinder is over...on to 4 year old Kinder next year. I wonder how she will cope with going from only 2 and a half hours once a week to 10 hours spread over 3 days?

I can't believe...

2010-12-09T13:54:00.000+11:00

She's 2

This year especially has flown by...

We had a little family get together to celebrate...Pizza and cake...

Happy Birthday Tiny Pixie...Mummy loves you.

This Does Not A Merry Christmas Make...

2010-12-03T14:53:00.000+11:00

So Mr Pixies had a little accident last week!! He's fine. The car is not.

I am truly thankful that it is still driveable, thanks to the lovely addition of 100 mile an hour tape (put on by a heavily pregnant me...with much grunting and puffing). We can't get in to the insurance to have it assessed until the 8th of December, which means it's highly unlikely to be repaired before the New Year. I have this overwhelming feeling that I will go into labour while we are carless. Note to self!! Take out the extra insurance to get a hire car.

So this means, because Mr Pixies was at fault (unfortunately sliding on a wet road into a roundabout and into the path of another car) we are down $450. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Looks like we will be scaling back our Christmas present list.

Why on earth do these things happen before Christmas?

Why do all the utility companies insist on sending bills that are all due in the 2 weeks before Christmas?

Why does my dentist tell me I need a filling...another $200.

It's a conspiracy I'm sure!!

At least the insurance company are nice enough to allow us to pay the excess after the car is repaired.

Hope you are having a better week than I am!!

Bad Blogger

2010-11-23T16:08:00.000+11:00

This blog has been so neglected in the past 8 months or, and not necessarily because I don't have anything to share, but just because other things have been taking my time...like naps and housework avoidance...which is where I sit down and look at everything that needs to be done and then don't do it.

I have been counting down to different things since May...Metallica concert, C's 2nd Birthday, Christmas, I think it is all serious denial about baby number 3 arriving.

Two weekends ago we were struck down by the dreaded gastro...S had it Saturday night, this is her on Sunday afternoon catching up on some much needed sleep...if only this would happen more often (NOT the gastro, of course...the nap). Then Mr Pixies was up ALL night Sunday and C started throwing up early Monday morning. I managed to avoid the worst of it, although I spent a good 3 hours at the hospital hooked up to CTG machine after vomiting and having abdo pain. Baby is fine...Mummy may have been a little hungry after avoiding food in the fear that it would inevitably be coming up again. Feel a bit silly really.

So thankful that it didn't strike this weekend...We have been waiting 6 months to see Metallica in concert. Being 32 weeks pregnant certainly wasn't going to stop me from going...gastro and early labour may well have though.

We were lucky enough to get tickets to Metallicas final show on their 2 and a half year Death Magnetic tour. Our hotel was only a 10 minute walk from the venue and the weather was perfect. Sadly it was no SLR cameras in the venue...but below are a couple of shots from our balcony, on the 9th floor.

I stood for just over 2 hours (with my shoes off)...we were way up in the stands but we still had a fantastic view and the sound was amazing...could have done without the 2 support acts....definitely not my cup of tea (Baroness sludge metal followed by Lamb of God groove metal, neither of which I could understand a word of). James promised that it wouldn't be their last concert ever...so I live in hope that I will see them again (as a non pregnant 40 something) the baby slept through most of the concert, only waking up for the last half hour and the walk back to the hotel, turning some very painful somersaults that stopped me in my tracks at times.

The two pixies spent the night at their Gran and Grumbles...first sleepover since last December. All went well with them.

Now begins the countdown to this ones 2nd birthday...in 15 days. I have nothing organised, no birthday presents bought or made. Better get my butt into gear.

Same goes for Christmas...I am starting to get very nervous with the appearance of Christmas decorations.

Just a little update of our goings on...hopefully I will blog again before this baby is due...8 weeks and counting.

At Last...

2010-11-05T15:18:00.001+11:00

I have achieved something...

I have had a serious case of the "can't be bothered's" for the past few weeks.

I am feeling fat and heavy and oh so tired. On top of that I have had a cold for 2 weeks. Feeling bleugh!!

So it was nice to actually finish something on my "to do" list.

Granted, finishing this Warhol dress (using a tutorial from Made) has barely made even a 1% dent in what I need to get done in the next few weeks...but it was fun and it looks cute on Miss C. I did use the small size, for a 6 to 12 month old...eek!! will this kid ever grow (as you can see, it is a little tight around the arm). She will be 2 in a few short weeks.

Anyway, the to do list just keeps on growing and growing. It includes cleaning, gardening, sewing, renovating, rearranging furniture, painting furniture, photo shoots...It's just overwhelming.

Where is the nesting instinct? All I want to do is lay down and have a nice long sleep.

Enough complaining...I just need to get into gear for the next 10 weeks and prepare for arrival of our sweet bub, who I'm sure would prefer to enter a household of relative calm rather than chaos (which is where we are about now).

So, here's to achievements...may there be many in the next few weeks!!

Little Punks

2010-10-21T14:05:00.001+11:00

I've been feeling a little stressed out and down lately, for reasons I don't want to go into here...Lets just say it hasn't been all sunshine and roses around these parts lately.

At least these little punks can make me smile.

2010-10-20T10:34:00.004+11:00

For my angel...It has been 3 years and you remain ever present in my thoughts.

Over and Over and Over again

2010-10-13T13:56:00.001+11:00

How many times can one watch Madagascar the movie??? end to end to end for two days apparently.

We bought this to appease the 4 year old on a recent day trip and I don't believe it has had much of a break from the DVD player since.

Granted she doesn't sit in front of it the whole time it is playing (because that would make me a TERRIBLE mother!!!), but she leaves it going and then comes back to it and wants to start it all over again.

The thing is...I set up the little TV in my sewing room for the pixies when the first AFL Grand Final was on in the hope that I would get to watch it in peace and quiet...it sort of worked.

However, I now feel like I have lost my sewing room to 2 small destructive wonders...I need to check constantly to make sure they aren't stabbing each other with pins or unrolling all of my heat n bond and freezer paper, or tipping water on the floor. Which is precisely what they are doing now!! grrr.

Solution?? Bigger house! Unfortunately there's the little problem of lack of funds. So we manage.

Only 13 or so weeks now until four will become five.

The bathroom will be renovated and the laundry and toilet replastered...and the garden resurrected...because I want to move in about 2 or 3 years.

Dreaming.....

In the absence...

2010-10-09T14:06:00.000+11:00

of anything interesting to say, I have been messing around with the look of my blog...

I think I have blogger block...Is that even possible.

Who is this grown up girl??

2010-09-28T16:58:00.000+10:00

with the cheeky smirk?

At almost 22 months old she is...

Sleeping in a big bed in a bedroom shared with her sister.

Sleeping through most nights.

Still wanting a breastfeed to get off to sleep *sigh*.

Learning new words every day.

Mastering the uber tantrum...the foot stomping, squealing, throw oneself on the floor variety.

Asserting her independence at every opportunity.

Not having a daytime nap *again...sigh*

Saying cheezels every time I come near her with the camera (which has been rare, but becoming more frequent lately).

Still wearing some size O clothes, but mostly size 1 (nowhere near a size 2 though).

Asking to use the potty, and to sit on the big toilet.

Has used the potty for ones and two's.

Is very cuddly (which I love...adore).

And her hair is long enough to put in a ponytail.

Finally...

2010-09-17T15:09:00.001+10:00

they're here.

Still so long to wait though.

I can't believe I bought these tickets back in May...just days after I found out I was pregnant with Pixie Number 3.

I was so annoyed that I didn't get tickets closer to the stage, but now I'm kind of glad...imagine being 32 weeks pregnant in the pit!! and having to stand up for hours! and being jostled constantly.

I guess this baby will come out either loving or hating Metallica.

It's a...

2010-09-02T14:16:00.002+10:00

very naughty, wriggly little baby.

I have been for a repeat scan this morning because this little one refused to stay still long enough to show us the chambers of it's heart...way to stress out mummy.

The midwife wanted me to wait 4 weeks for another scan, no way could I do that...so after some hysterical crying and pleading I was given the okay to have one sooner (there was only a week between them).

A much better behaved baby, and a more focused and very thorough ultrasound tech (albeit it one with no people skills) were to be had today.

Everything appears to be fine, but I'm still waiting on a phone call from the midwife clinic, which apparently doesn't operate today. It's insane that the sonographer can't tell you one way or the other, although she did say there didn't appear to be anything to worry about, I need to wait for official confirmation from the radiologists report.

Today would be nice (fingers crossed).

UPDATE:
So, after waiting all afternoon for the hospital to phone me back, I gave up and went up there...the ante natal clinic sent me over to the labour ward...and there I waited and waited while two naughty little girls (mine, of course) ran laps round and round, squealing in delight, while other women where trying to give birth and babies in the SCN where trying to sleep.
I headed back over to the clinic to be told they where now closed...how much trouble is it to look up a result on a computer??
More tears from me and eventually a doctor came out and told me that everything was fine...nothing to worry about. They were wondering why I was so upset...they didn't know it was a follow up ultrasound and that someone was supposed to have phoned me. Sorry, they said.
I feel like I have been a bit of a drama queen about it all...but that's easy to say in retrospect.

I am very much relieved and can now go on with enjoying the next 19 weeks...am getting kicked often and am no longer feeling sick...just still a little tired.

A big thankyou to Celeste who gave me a shoulder to cry on (while heavily pregnant) and convinced me to have the follow up ultrasound sooner. Peace of mind makes an amazing difference.

This is not the weather for...

2010-08-20T13:02:00.000+10:00

a broken clothes dryer!

Our dryer has now been gone for 3 and a half weeks...

If I had known it was going to take this long to repair I would have just bought a new one (considering the old one is costing almost as much to repair as a cheaper new one).

I certainly will not be returning any business to the repair shop. I tried for 2 days to phone them last week, and when I finally got through I was told she was phoning her suppliers all day chasing up parts. That really doesn't bode well. Our new part wasn't in after 7 days...fair enough it could take 7 to 10 days to arrive...but that time is well and truly up now. Should I phone them again?

My last experience with an appliance repair was also horrendous...a coffee machine that took 6 months and then was only fixed because of phone calls from me to Sunbeam...and after all that, it worked 3 times and then promptly returned to blowing the house fuses and making strange noises. It now sits in my garage. I'm too scared to plug it in, I don't want to get electrocuted.

I have a love/hate relationship with that coffee machine anyway.

It was a birthday present, and I remember having at least 2 coffees a day for a while there. Something that I believe contributed to me having a miscarriage in October. Which is why I now mostly drink decaf.

If only these things would happen in the summertime...but then who uses their dryer in Summer?? Not me.

I will be going out to buy a new clothes airer shortly...not that I have the space for one. The washing wont dry in the rain though!!