stolen moments

My husband is pretty clever. He's open-minded, and thinks outside the square. I call it his special gift. It was one of my biggest attractions to him. And during our 10 years together, I've been continually amazed at his ability to think through absolutely all options to make a well-thought-out decision. It never ceases to amaze me.

That, and his ability to prioritise really, really well. One of the many things he manages to do very cleverly is juggle his work/life balance. His day job takes him travelling everywhere - and I admit, when he does it, he does it well.

When we lived in outback Western Australia for 4 years, he barely travelled. But on the rare occasion when he did need to, he always made sure his work trips involved a legitimate way to have me come along, and it was timed around a weekend where we could have a little break. Living pretty much miles from anywhere, this was a real treat. And the closest getaway was about 6 hours away by car. So, if we needed to buy essentials for work, we always went together and had a mini-break while we were at it.

Then we lived in Papua New Guinea. And although taking trips by plane was very, very expensive, there were some chances for me to see some gorgeous places - all in the name of work. And when I couldn't come, Hubby always made sure (mostly) that he was home by the weekend. And anyone who has a partner who travels, knows the weekends can be the loneliest.

My husband's latest family/work juggle happened last week. In a nutshell, Hubby was asked earlier this year to play music at a big function in Brisbane. But because he knew I would have a new baby, and it wasn't his core business, he felt he could better use the time in the office and being nearby for me.

That suited us well, until last week when an opening came up again for a guitarist. But this time there was a carrot: we were invited too.

So, off the whole family went to Queensland for my husband's work trip. And even though he worked every morning, and afternoon until the evening, we booked a place where I could relax, and where we could spend a couple of hours on a few of the days together as a family.

So, one day we had a picnic in the playground; a paddle on the bay; a swim in the pool; a run on the beach; chips and gravy by the ocean.

It was a juggle to coordinate children's sleep times with hubby's work times. But it was the stolen moments together that made it all so special.

And the benefit for me? A change of location, warmer weather, a place where I could just chill with my beautiful boys, a chance to catch up with some old friends, the boys saw their dad every day, and we were together as a family every night.

A win-win situation for everyone really...

spring is here

Now the days are getting warmer, we've started to head outside once more to enjoy our backyard.

As well as catching up on some necessary gardening, I've been re-acquainting myself with my digital camera as well as fiddling with the manual settings. It's been good to have a play.

Madison has enjoyed the outdoors so much, he has asked every day since if we can go outside (and we do). He just loves helping Daddy in the garden, riding on his scooter and playing in the dirt.

Here are a few photos of us enjoying the outdoors and lazying around...

puffing billy

To celebrate my Darling Husband's significant birthday, we celebrated by doing something for the kids.

Well, the big kids in us anyway.

It was a delightfully chilly day to spend in the Dandenongs on Puffing Billy.

Here are a few of the moments captured...

one day i woke up to find...

that my baby went from this...


...to this...


...in a matter of moments (well, it felt like moments). The reality is that it's been 3 months. Seriously, how dare the time go so fast.

This week, Noah has been chewing everything in sight, and dribbling what seems like bucket loads of saliva. And then I realised, he's teething.

No.

Yes.

And there is evidence: two sharp little teeth sitting just under his gums. It's not fair. My newborn has teeth.

Now I know I shouldn't be using my breasts as teething rings, but before it twigged (yes, I'm a little slow on the uptake), I just thought he was going through a growth spurt. But isn't teeth a little early? He was just born.

I won't regret the past 13 weeks. I've spent lots of time just looking at this lovely creation, cuddling him, kissing him, and holding him long after he needs to be held. I've let the houseword go, and just watched... the feeding, the sleeping, the staring, the wonderment.

His discoveries are once again new through my eyes. I love to see what he's seeing. And what he must think.

He's been an angel. So calm, so serious. So good. When babies are this easy, I can see where the addiction starts to having another, and another...

Perhaps if I don't go to bed, I won't wake up one day to find him older.

baby bliss

It's amazing... I wasn't sure how I was going to juggle the two little men in my life. And, like most mothers, I was feeling guilty about all the time I would have to divide between the both of them.

Of course, I've quickly worked out that I spend time with Madison while Noah is sleeping, and spend most of my early morning hours with Noah! Aaah, the life!

But I am so in love with my boys, my heart aches (in a good way)! They are so beautiful. I'm even in love with my big man (he's been cooking dinner every night since I came home from hospital - among many other things).

Madison just loves his little brother. Whenever he sees him, he says: "Who's that?" Of course he knows the answer, and so then he says: "It's Baby Noah!" Too cute. And then there are the endless cuddles and kisses that land on Baby Noah from his big brother. Madison has also gotten use to telling every one that it's his baby brother. He's so proud!

The first week was the hardest adjustment for Madison. Having to share Mummy with another person - how awful! But now, he realises it's not too bad, and mostly Mummy is there for him. She just needs to feed Noah a lot! But there's room to cuddle two little boys at the same time!

As for Noah, he is a dream come true. So perfect in every way. Even his little tummy is good for Mummy! He burps and settles really well. Last night he even gave Mummy six hours uninterrupted sleep. Bliss!

In fact, when he sleeps like that, I miss him already...

I am in baby bliss.

introducing noah

The baby has come.

And he is just perfect. Noah Stephen is his name.

A little on the heavy side, but I didn't have to push him out. Born emergency caesarian section on Saturday, 23 May. Length: 52cm, Weight: 4.1kg, Head: 38cm

Life is a little foggy right now, but I am in new baby bliss. I can't stop looking at the miracle creation in my hands.

God is so good.

beautiful friends & baby showers

A beautiful friend wanted to organise a baby shower for me. But feeling like I had two in my first pregnancy made me feel a bit greedy having another one.

So we compromised. It was a 'no baby shower' Baby Shower. You know: fuss free, game free and present free (but there were some naughty friends who couldn't resist a present or two).

I guess you could say that it was non-traditional. Held at a Chocolate cafe called Koko Black (delish!) we sat around in a circle and talked about babies, birth and other stuff that girls, when put together discuss on the odd occasion.

Now that the day is over, I am reflecting about friends. And how blessed I am to have so many wonderful ones. I know that I could go to any of these friends with any problem and they would be there to help, to support, to make me laugh. Even be there for a should to cry on.

There's a saying that goes something like this: if you live life and have just one good friend, then you are blessed.

I confess, I don't know the word that means more than blessed. Because that's how I feel today.

Above: Daniella (the baby shower host) & me comparing bellies (she at 34 weeks, me at 37 weeks); and my beautiful friends.

the twinnies' birthday

You probably don't know this, but my dad is a twin. And not only that, he just turned 60 this week. So, just 36 weeks into my pregnancy (!) I flew to Hobart to spend time with my dad, his family and his twin sister Di, who also flew in (from Adelaide) to join in on the celebrations.

My visit was meant to be a surprise, with my step-mum scheming a few weeks back. But the surprise was short-lived as Dad found out soon after the tickets were booked (naught, naughty - he shouldn't have been reading messages on my step-mum's phone). Nonetheless, it happened (well, it almost didn't after a short emergency at Tiger Airways - let's just say that I was a little close to my due date for their comfort!).

Apart from the fact that my step-mum is an amazing cook (among other things - her latest thing is renovating), our time in Tassie was gastronomic. Oh, and fun too!

Dinner at an Italian restaurant for the twinnies on Thursday night, and Pavlova at home for dessert, Friday included eggs for breakfast, apple & cinnamon pancakes for lunch and then sweet chilli salmon for dinner... yum!

My big tummy looks like I'm going to have a baby, but I think there might be some reserves from this weekend!

Seriously though, apart from being waited on hand and foot (Maria does not let me do ANYTHING), spending time chilling with family, was hearing just some highlights of their 60 years. The best bit: absolutely no regrets.

Above: Di, my step-mum Maria & Dad; Me, Madison and my beautiful sister Daisy; Di, Dad & The Pav; Saying goodbye at Hobart airport.

baby bump

It's been a while since I shared with you pictures of my baby bump, and now I have the perfect ones complete with my beautiful Madison! I'm so proud of these...

I was privileged to be asked by a very talented photographer Felicity Thomson if I could model for her. She was updating her website, and needed some maternity shots. I gladly accepted!

So, here are the results... and if you're interested in seeing more of this very clever girl, visit www.felicitythomsonphotography.com. She has just put these photos up on her blog too!

Above: Me at 33 weeks. And to compare... Below: Me at 32 weeks (last time).

ready for baby?

It's been a week of normality(?) now that the renovating has mostly finished.

New tenants have moved in, rent has gone up, and it's really only another day or two of working on the investment properties before everything is finished (for a while anyway). There is relief to know that we are at the end of renovations and not at the beginning. I think I could actually cry if I had to do that much work again being this pregnant! (Did I mention I have 4 weeks to go?)

I'm not sure if it's just me, but I think it takes about a week to settle back at home. You know, unpack the bags, do ALL the washing and unpack the trailer of tools and mattresses, not to mention clean the house that has been pretty much vacant except for the spiders and our odd sleepover. It's like camping with all the EXTRA bits. I think there we even unpacked some spare pickets to tease us for the fence that we desperately need at our house.

But the inspiration for today's blog is the comment made by a friend assuming because of my anally retentive nature, that I was all ready for the baby.

Confession: I haven't been. That is, until just very, very recently.

I guess with all the busyness of renovating there hasn't been much time to think about the baby actually coming. Plus there's been a part of me that hasn't cared too much. Why? I guess I'll just be unorganised again 6 weeks the other side of childbirth so who cares? And the other part (obviously the more organised side) that's freaking out about not having absolutely everything ready right this minute.

The organised side won. And this week is evidence of that.

On Thursday I bought a newborn grobag and a bunch of Avent plastic containers and grobag baby wrap, Friday I bought newborn nappies in bulk, some wraps and cradle sheets (after a very, very thorough clean of the house - no corner was left unturned) and today. Well, that's something else.

There have been lots of little jobs outstanding for some time now (backdating Christmas) and today I found the hammer, drill and screwdrivers (all still in the boot of the car) and did every single job (except one - I really need DH for that one). Then I finished painting the wardrobe in Madison's room (it's been at this stage also since before Christmas). I cleaned off the paint on EVERY hinge in the house (the wardrobes that we finished before Christmas), then cleaned the new wardrobe. And without trying to give away what we're having, I culled and went through all of Madison's baby clothes.

Then I did something very exciting.

I put up the cradle. Yes! It was so exciting that even Madison said the baby was kicking in his stomach (did I mention that he has a baby too?). He was quite the excited little boy.

So, apart from the baby's and my hospital bags, I'm ready for this baby.

more about renovations

While we were working on the last extension, a tenant from another property gave notice and so we decided some work ought to be done on that one too.

It's a beautiful property, my husband's first home. His girls were born there, and it was his chance at a real self-sufficient hippy life. So it has lots of sentimental value. And did I mention it's a beautiful property? It's an old miner's sandstone cottage, built in the 1850's, ruined and rebuilt in the early 80's (by my hubby). Three acres of farmland in a quiet pocket on a tourist track. The road is actually the old coach road to Melbourne from the gold mines in Castlemaine.

The picket fence was getting quite derelict and so we decided on a whim that, hey, we could whip up another in just a few days. Plus other minor repairs like fixing a very rusty water tank, some glass panels and some other odds and ends.

We did it all, and I think the fence particularly is gorgeous. It's amazing what a new fence can do to make a place look great again.

Above: The fence pulled down, the fence beforehand, and after.

excitement building

I just had to share how excited I am to be having another baby.

With only ten weeks to go, I am aware that my days are numbered where I get to feel kicks and movement inside of me. This personal, wonderful thing that only we share between us.

And before I know it I will be looking at my new baby in wonder and amazement.

Things I can't wait to do:

1. Smell my baby (why do they smell so good?)
2. Touch that soft, velvety baby skin
3. Look at that perfect face and study every curve and bend, neck, fingers, toes
4. Feed my baby (oh, SO beautiful)
4. Kiss my baby all over

But mostly, I just can't wait to meet him/her.

I just can't wait.

Above: Definitely the best moment in my life - meeting Madison Edward Piez for the first time (25 May 2006).

'hollywood' good looking

I am like any mother, and think my children are gorgeous (of course).

But just this week at playgroup a friend was looking at Madison and said, "He is just SO good looking. Like Hollywood Good Looking."

At first I thought, oh dear - pretentious and self loving. Luckily she reclarified that he was JUST that good looking. The compliment has just made my week.

Even though you won't see me pushing him to be a child star, I am still like any other mother...

busy, busy, busy!

I know it's been a long time between posts, but if you knew what we have been doing (at 7 months into my pregnancy mind you), you'd suddenly be very understanding.

You see, we've decided to do some renovating on an investment property (yes, I've mentioned this one before). And it started out small - just a couple of weeks. Which has turned out to be a little more than four weeks now, and still not quite finished.

My standard line to sympathetic friends is: it's not over, but I'm over it.

Our timing hasn't really helped zoom things along. The first two weeks were the mid to high 40's - the weeks of Black Saturday. And working in an uninsulated tiny room in that heat is enough to make any woman miserable! I also might be happy to mention that Hubby was a little slow with the heat too :-)

Perhaps I should go into more detail... the idea was to renovate the laundry/toilet and put an extension on the back which would serve as a generous size study or bedroom. Sound like two weeks of work? Usually it might be unrealistic for the expert builder, but a totally overwhelming order for us!

So, we decided to do it in stages. First the laundry/toilet (which took two weeks), then the bedroom/study (which has taken two weeks so far). For me, I was very happy to say goodbye to the green lino, and see lovely polished hardwood floors and carpet. The exposed plumbing and salmon coloured walls were something else.

The first stage: BEFORE, DURING and AFTER.








The second stage: BEFORE, DURING and AFTER. Now this one's harder to compare since it was basically stripped right back, and made much bigger! And remember, although the inside is finished, there's still a little more work to do on the outside (more pictures to come later).







As you can tell by the pictures, we've had a little apprentice happy to help wherever possible. Although we have been working pretty hard, have been mostly tired and at times to the end of our tether, Madison has just been the happiest little boy. He's had the best time playing on a construction site. Why, there's a little paddle pool, a sandpit, nails, hammer, drill... you name it! This week he's been asking when we're going back to Castlemaine. And - this I cannot believe - not one injury, or nail in his (mostly) barefoot feet. How's that?

And to top it off, amongst the renovations, the little man has been totally toilet trained too. He's such a trooper. Now he's proudly telling everyone that he's just done poos on the toilet! And he keeps reminding us that he's a big boy now.

So, now Hubby is considering a plumbing apprenticeship when he turns 18. A little premature I think at this stage, but Madison sure does love watching and learning. It is just amazing!

Stay tuned for more renovation pics...

more about the bump

At 25 weeks pregnant, on the 13 February exactly I have two pregnancy pictures of where I was with Madison as well as with this baby. What are the chances?

And seeing this baby is due when Madison was, the comparisons will be pretty good, not to mention more than a little accurate!

Who knew that I had more pregnant bikini shots ready to come out of hiding? This is another one of those, What Was I Thinking moments, but I promise you there shouldn't be anymore where this one was hiding.

So, the top picture is me yesterday at home while the bottom picture is me with Kelly and her ex (sorry Kell) enjoying the sunshine in Madang, PNG. Ah, those were the days. I have such fond memories of that weekend!

In fact, on closer observation, it seems my belly button was nowhere near the 'Outie' it is now. So obviously a little bigger now then then.

Oh, the comparisons...

just too cute!

If Madison had a little girlfriend, then Kiera could be it! They play well together, and look so cute when watching "Shrek The Halls" cosied up on Madison's little couch.

Dear friends of ours, who we worked with in Papua New Guinea (and are now in Mongolia of all places), have come back for Christmas holidays and we've enjoyed spending a bit of time with them while they've been down.

It's been so good to just hang with them, chill out, watch the kids, and have some good laughs.

And while the adults are having a good time, the kids are enjoying themselves too.

And this is just too cute for words!

a relaxing christmas day

All the preparing and planning for Christmas - which was done weeks before the event - turned out to be a very good idea, as the lead up to Christmas suddenly became very busy with work.

The presents were wrapped, cards made and sent out, and spiced nuts ready to give to extended family.

And because the menu was sorted out weeks beforehand, on Christmas day I was wondering if I shouldn't be more stressed. I kept thinking that I had forgotten something.

Somewhere along the planning, I thought it was a neat idea to have a plate full of lollies. Around three days after the girls arrived, we all agreed it perhaps wasn't such a good idea after all.

On Christmas Eve, Kelly and I created a stick tree as our table centrepiece, which I think turned out quite dramatic and pretty:


On Christmas morn, it was all Hands On Deck (the girls were terrific), and despite a small concern about the mock turkey not being cooked (it was perfect), everything turned out okay. And the dessert options were awesome! My favourite was definitely the summer berry trifle (thanks Leah!).

Here's a sneak preview of a little of what we ate:

cheese, fruit & nut platter (made by Kelly)

pani di casa loaf with garlic butter (thanks Bakers Delight)

cheese croquettes with gravy

summer berry trifle (chef a'la Leah)

best ever pudding with hot custard (that's my mother-in-law for you)

Gingerbreads - yum! (thanks Kat & Heather)

Butter cookies with glaced cherries and choc chips (made by me - hubby LOVES these)


This year's present selections did well too. Kelly's shoes fit her perfectly (and she loved her new wedges); and Leah (who can be the hardest to please) liked her top. There was only one exchange, and I knew it would be touch and go - was Leah's jeans. Not too bad I reckon.

And everyone leaving after having their fill... what a lovely day of family fun times and gluttony!

comparisons on the bump

There has been a few requests for pictures of my bump - well actually, mainly from my mums... but anyway, I thought it would be interesting to compare my pregnancy with Madison, with this pregnancy.

I knew I had popped out, but I didn't realise exactly how much... here's me at 17 weeks, now and then (the one with the long hair and the bikini - yes, what WAS I thinking?).

How is it one can pop out so much? I am starting to dread that I won't be stretch mark free this time. My new mantra is: must be careful what I eat. The problems is I know I only have a few weeks before I will mostly likely be diagnosed with gestational diabetes again, and with the Christmas season, I must admit to enjoying a few too many goodies.

On further review of the pictures, I DEFINITELY like my hair shorter. Don't think I'll be wearing it that long again for a while :-)

our beautiful, beautiful boy

I realised it's been a while since I updated you with stories and pictures of our lovely boy.

As you may have already heard, he's quite the character, but lately he's been doing some very funny things.

One of them is during his 'sleep time'. Instead of the obvious, he can now be heard pulling every article off his bed and throwing them on the floor. My office is on the same wall as his bed, and so often I hear action (and singing), but assume he is rocking or moving about in the bed. But lately, I fear when I walk into the room, I will be making that bed all over again. Perhaps I should see it as a good thing, because it obviously tires him out to the point of falling asleep on the bed slats (because the mattress is overboard too). But that can't be comfortable.

The independence of a two year old is quite gorgeous. Because, they want to do everything, even if they can't.

So, we're about to go out in the car and I want to put his seat belt on.

"No, MINE do it!"

A few minutes later... 'Okay, Mummy do it."

There are just things he CANNOT do.

Like cut an apple with a sharp knife. Cut the cheese with a sharp knife. Do anything with a sharp knife.

But then again, there are so many things he CAN do.

Like decorate the Christmas tree (over and over again). Decorate the choc-chip cookies with choc-chips. Cut the mushrooms with the egg slicer (LOVES that job).

He's even getting quite clever with his clothes. And his arms are almost long enough to put tops over his head. Almost.

He's even been spotted helping daddy with the built-in wardrobes. Last week he was hammering nails in a block of wood. With sunglasses on. Just like daddy.

Then yesterday he was sitting at my laptop looking at the screen intently, hand on the mouse. With reading glasses on. Just like mummy.

But some of his attemps are original. For example putting himself in a Christmas sack and putting on a Christmas hat, and hopping down the hallway to show us.

Just beautiful.

another baby

I think it's high time I announced that we're having another baby.

Yes, a baby.

The hesitation in sharing it has mostly been due to the fact that I lost a baby almost exactly a year ago, and when that happens, you are usually more reticent to announce anything early, just in case.

And I do confess that, now I am 16 weeks, each week becomes more and more exciting. And it feels like we will actually make it this time.

A funny thing that is worth sharing is that with Madison, we didn't tell anyone until I was 19 weeks pregnant.

But seeing that all those nether regions are all stretched, there is no way I could hide this baby beyond 12 weeks! I popped right out this time.

The funny thing is that if the baby comes when its due, it will be on Madison's 3rd birthday. A few friends have asked me if there is something special happening at the end of August (which there is, my DH's birthday). But please, that isn't the only time we, you know, celebrate. But it does seem to be the time I am most fertile (the baby we lost was due at end of May too).

So, there you have it. It's official!