I'm Renee: new baby

I confess

13:48

My ongoing confessions to a not so perfect life:

I hate playdoh... the smell, the touch ugh! I can't stand it and have been known to tell E its gone, not working etc and use almost any other means of distraction rather than get the stuff out. I also admit to feeling quite happy when he doesn't pack it away as then it dries out and I can toss it.

E went through a stage of only eating bolognaise ... so I went with it and let him have it every night. My concession was I made it from scratch in the TMX and it was most just vegetables in fresh tomato/napoli sauce.

I'm the mean mum - we let E hunt down 15 Cadbury eggs on Easter Sunday in our yard and now we are through April, he's eaten maybe 3 and I've stashed the rest with all the other chocolate he was given to use for baking seeing as how S and I don't really eat it.

I don't have anything against chocolate for E, just how hyper and wild he goes when he has some.

We had a party to go to last weekend so I painted over the top of my chipped toenail polish while bouncing C for a nap and supervising E playing. You can imagine how it looked and it was probably the third time I'd painted over without removing the polish ... who has time to sit with remover ... or get out for a pedicure.

The boys didn't get a bath last night. I was solo parenting as S was at work late, neither had napped all day and just whinged and whined (or screamed in C's case) at my feet until bedtime. In fairness, they still got a balanced dinner and bedtime story.

On the subject of last night, I ate a bowl of microwave popcorn and a peppermint magnum for dinner ... how's that for balanced.

I laugh at tantrums. Its probably a little mean really but C, has started throwing full blown 2 year old type tantrums - the ones where they toss themselves face down and kick their legs and bang their little fists. E didn't start those till 18 months at least. Its pretty hilarious to watch in my defence as he's only 11 months old but strong willed enough to know exactly what he is doing ... he pats the ground in front prior to make sure its soft enough (he only throws tantrums on carpet or play mats) and then down he goes. He pauses long enough to look up and gage my reaction before continuing until I pick him up.

When I open my mouth, my mother comes out... and its getting worse. Winning replies lately include 'that's ok, I don't need to be your best friend, I'm your mother' or 'eat your dinner, there are children starving and you won't eat' and my favourite, 'well life's not fair, get used to it.' Its been a trying time in our house lately with sleep deprivation taking its toll.

My kid is The Biter at kindy! I'm already getting called to the office and he's only in the babies room ... what are we going to do when he's in year 2. In response, I've given him lemons and oranges to play with - won't be so fun biting them I think.

I've made my peace with tomato sauce and add it to Es dinner if it means he will eat. Its particularly useful for hiding green vegetables in meals - E is on a green food strike at the moment.

But you know what?

I'm a really great mumma to E and C and a really great wife to S.

I'm not perfect but they don't need perfect,

they just need me, imperfections and all.

What are your confessions to a less than perfect life ...

2 boys

Thermo-mixing

09:07

I am still thermo-mixing and loving my machine possibly even more than I used to. So much so I convinced my boss to buy one (and I've only been back at work a week) and my amazingly talented in the kitchen aunt when she visited for a weekend last month ... yep, I'm that persuasive when I love something.

Our favourite recipes on rotation at the moment come from my favourite Thermo-mixer, TRTLMT (The Road to Loving My Thermo-mixer). Peta has some of the most seriously amazing yet seriously easy recipes for our whole family and I use her list almost daily.

Krispy Fried Chicken

This is better than KFC! I'm not kidding, Peta has seriously nailed the spice and herb mix to come up with a coating that is better than KFC's own. We use tenderloins and make up a huge batch when we do this as its delicious cold in wraps with lettuce and sour cream for lunch the next day.

I made up jars of this coating for my in laws and some other friends as part of a Christmas hamper and have had requests from all for a refill.

Chimichangas

S and I are huge fans of Mexican and this recipe makes for a tasty dinner. Shredded seasoned chicken in wraps with salsa and baked with cheese - yes please!

Hidden veg mac & cheese for C

Packed with loads of pureed veg including cauli and zucchini, I make this with big pasta elbows for Charlie. He has been obsessed with feeding himself pretty much since he started solids and barely tolerates spoon feeding so I'm constantly looking for meal options for him. This one is great as its a soft texture and easy for him to hold as the sauce is nice and sticky. Bonus, E and I both like this too (I add extra sharper cheese for flavour) so I freeze in portions as it makes a huge batch.

Creamy spinach and ham pasta

I trialled this recipe at 7pm one night when I realised I didn't have anything for dinner and hadn't done the groceries. It seriously took all of 20 minutes (cooking time) and absolutely no effort. I served it up to S with a warning that it was a slap up. He ate 2 big bowls and requested it again soon! I then served it to the world's fussiest toddler the following day and it was scoffed without any cajoling on my part.

I'm also still using it for all the basics including pizza dough, mini quiches for the boys, juicing and whipping up enormous batches of spicy tomato relish as its such a hit amongst our extended family that I have everyone dropping off empty jars each week to be filled.

Do you have a Thermie (or a Bellini)? What are your go to recipes?

2 boys

Monthly update: 4 month old Charley Bear

10:28

Age:

4 months old!

Clothes:

00 for jumpsuits! My little guy is already too long in the arms and legs for 000 so he is really growing like a weed (a very cute weed). We had 4 month needles and check up this week and he is 66cm long and 7.28kg heavy so definitely a healthy boy.

Favorite Foods:

Mummy's milk ... Definitely no feeding issues here with you poppet.

Favorite Activities:

You love being sung to, especially the RaRa theme song. You break out in a huge smile complete with big dimples.
You love bath time and kick like crazy much to your big brother's disgust - because often its him you're kicking.
Tummy time is also a favourite past time and you are very animated looking around and trying to grab your feet.

Least Favorite Activities:

You still despise the capsule and the car with an absolute passion. So car trips have been minimised where possible and we even caught the train to Brisbane last week to avoid the trauma for all of us.

Favorite Things:

Your big brother is your favourite and you light up for him whenever you see him. It doesn't matter if he's looking at you or not, I often catch you just staring and smiling at him. He loves you just as much and is constantly touching you, talking to you, kissing you ... its pretty much the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

My Favorite Things:

The spring hammock on its own stand has been a lifesaver for your day sleeps and has made it so much easier for me to resettle you after your first cycle wake. Its actually helped us set you into a nap time routine for the day and saved my sanity.

Signature Moves:

You give kisses now its its ridiculously cute. I say 'kisses' while holding you up and you open your mouth, lean in and coo. I seriously sit there and do it over and over with you because its so sweet.

Other Milestones:

You are rolling front to back and trying very hard to roll back to front now.
I'm pretty sure you are also teething, chewing on your fingers constantly and drooling so much you go through several bibs a day.
You got to celebrate your first Father's Day with daddy and E although unfortunately Peter Alexander don't make baby sized Star Wars pajamas.

2 under 2

Birthday Wishlist

09:09

children

The Playroom

15:15

2 under 2

A letter to E

14:04

How do I even begin to put into words just how very much I love you and how much that love has grown since I have watched you become a big brother. I honestly look at you some times and my heart squeezes till I feel like crying - both happy and sad tears. Happy for how wonderful you are and how lucky I am to be your mummy and sad because you are growing much too quickly for my liking.

I worried when C was born that you would struggle to accept him and sharing attention but you have proved everyday how unfounded that worry of mine was. Your gentleness, the love that shines from you when you touch your brother or talk to him, the 'Iiiiii - you Charley-Bear' you tell your little brother unprompted, how you speak to him in a sweet high pitched voice and tell everyone about him, and the biggest one in your little toddler world, the way you always offer him your favourite toys or some of your 'nack' (snacks) even your shreds that no one else gets to look at. Not once have you hurt your brother either intentionally or unintentionally and not once have we seen any jealousy or upset towards him. You amaze me with your empathy, your sensitivity and your intuition.

I also feel like I need to say sorry to you sometimes. Some days it seems like I'm constantly telling you 'just a minute' 'hang on' 'give me a sec' and I know that you don't understand any of those or why I can't tend to you straight away but you seem to accept that I'm busy and you wait or you meltdown completely and I am powerless to stop you as I have C in my arms and it breaks my heart to have you sob for me. I miss being able to just jump in the car and take you for a milkshake date whenever or to be able to sit and hold you in my lap while we read stories. We still do all of this but its just a bit more rushed or a bit more scheduled around Charlie. I also feel sad for you when we are playing or reading or just hanging out and Charlie will wake up or cry or need me and it interrupts our moment.

I know that the best gift I could have ever given you is a sibling and when C is a little older, you guys are going to be the best of friends if you have anything to do with it but in the meantime, we will continue to juggle the balancing of two babies - because it is important to remember that you are still very young and still need me so much - and do our very best to meet your needs.

Most importantly my beautiful boy, always remember, you are kind, you are clever, you are important, you are loved.

I'm sure all mummas who have welcomed a second child can identify with my feelings. X

confess

I confess ...

14:30

2 boys

Monthly update: 3 month old Charley Bear

14:41

Age:
3 months old!

Clothes:

00 for jumpsuits! My little guy is already too long in the arms and legs for 000 so he is really growing like a weed (a very cute weed).

Favorite Foods:

mummy's milk ... Definitely no feeding issues here with you poppet.

Favorite Activities:

Anything that involves us talking to you. You hang out in the bouncer a lot while I prep breakfast and dinner and love to babble and coo at me.

Least Favorite Activities:

You despise the capsule and the car with an absolute passion. This means all trips must be carefully planned around naps and feeds or we endure the length of the trip with your deafening screams ringing in our ears.

Favorite Things:

We are introducing a comforter and while it started well, it doesn't seem to be a necessity at the moment.
You have grown to like the swing - we won't say love just yet - and a re happy to swing away while we hang out in the lounge room for short periods.

My Favorite Things:

Our Bright Starts bouncer .. it got some good mileage with E while I showered back in the day and considering how much you hate laying flat, its perfect to pop you in while I'm in the kitchen, we are eating dinner or on the floor playing 'Lightning 'Queen' or Toy Story with big brother. You've also had the odd nap in there when all else fails.
The Medela Swing breast pump. This was one of my favourite must haves last time and remains so this time when I get the occasional free minute to pump. Its quick, compact and easy to use.
Country Road baby blankets are up there with my favourite baby items. They wash and wear better than any I've owned, have a bit of stretch, and are light enough to use all the time in our climate either doubled over or as a single layer. They also come in lots of cute prints and patterns and we have the jacquard (as pictured) and a cream one with navy elephants along with the matching bunnies.

Signature Moves:

You have excellent neck and head control but every now and then we cop a wobbly headbutt ... daddy holds you facing out now just so he can avoid that headbutt as it packs quite a punch and I've even enjoyed a fat lip as a result.

Mum's Proudest Moment:

We were contacted during the week by the local Hospital Foundation regarding the time you spent in Critical Care and we are pleased to say that we are able to give back the ICU/CCU by allowing them to use your case and story to promote the department.
They took such amazing care of you and even us so we are thrilled to support them in return.

Other Milestones:

You slept through the night this month! You had already been sleeping 5/6 hours stretches at night but then you went and blew me away with a 9pm-6am sleep 3 nights in a row. I'm still in shock. Its a more often than not occurrence now and worst case, you wake once for a quick feed then straight back down. Blessed, we are very blessed so far to have a good sleeper in you (touchwood).

august

August bucket list

11:37

2 boys

A few of our favourite things

12:59

I finally gave in and joined the cult that is Lululemon. I picked up a Scoop top and some Wunder Under crops.

I'm addicted to this limited edition Cadbury Strawberries and Creme - there are seriously 6 bars in my cupboard and I feel I need to stock up more before it's gone forever. A little reminiscent of the strawberry ripe without the texture.

Bought the boys some new Nikes - obviously C has a way to go before they fit but it's rare the outlet store gets any children's shoes in and the Sunrays are hard to get anywhere but are the most practical shoe we've ever bought E. So of course I bought them in his current and next 3 sizes up.

I finally ordered E a Yumbox! I love making bento inspired lunches and snack boxes for E and we've needed a new lunchbox for a while after his Tupperware one got a cracked lid (need to have a Tupperware party and order a replacement) and his blue and orange bento hinges broke. I have to say, I'm a big big fan! It really is leakproof as a whole as well as each individual compartment. It makes prepping lunches even easier and more fun and it's good for E to see all his options at once in front of him. Check out my Instagram if you want to see the lunches we make.

Cars licensed clothes. E doesn't have much in the way of licensed clothes other than pajamas because none of it really appeals to me but I know I'm not going to avoid it for much longer. Anyway, I got him these Planes and Cars pajamas - isn't that onesie the absolute cutest! And also some planes undies to help us in the toilet training quest we are soon to tackle in earnest (rather than the softly softly approach we are currently doing). Of course I couldn't resist the $10 shorts either ;)

Kirin Cider ... I was a fan of the Kirin beer while in Japan so its no surprise I love the cider too. Refreshing and not sweet, I am going to love this even more come summer I expect. And the cheapy Target stemless wine glasses as pictured.

These Sooki Baby pieces for C ... I love Sooki Baby clothes for both boys and a huge portion of both their wardrobes is made up of tees, nappy pants and rompers from the label. Fun, a little different to what everyone else has and it washes and wears well as evidenced by the fact that C is wearing a lot of Es hand me downs and they look great.

2 under 2

What we've been up to

20:54

In between toddler meltdowns over here, we actually doing really well. C is the best little night time sleeper and has great day sleeps given half a chance if E keeps his cool and minimises the screaming, floor bouncing and tears when something doesn't go his way.

E is loving kinder gym and the one on one date with me is definitely helping to build him up and reassure him of my love and attention. He is also obsessed with Cars and Planes so anything 'Lightning 'queen' or 'Dusty 'Cophop' is feeling the love in our house. Made buying his Christmas presents easy and it means we are getting a break from watching and reading Toy Story over and over.

These 2 pics in his Dusty onesie are two of my all time faves - what a poser!

And in the Cars raincoat he hasn't taken off since my mum gave it to him.

We are having lots of fun too with pretend play and especially the B.Toys Doctor kit he got from his cousin for his birthday. He wanders around with the pieces, using them to check me, daddy or C and then exclaiming 'fixed' when done with a firm nod. His bedside manner leaves a little to be desired for and he thinks the plastic tweezers are 'to get the boogas' but really, he's on par with some GPs I've seen and his wait times are much better.

We've been making the most of the winter sun (if you can call it winter on the (Gold Coast) with time in the sandpit, jumping on the trampoline (good reminder to practise those pelvic floors) and drawing on the fence. Of course E can't do any of this on his own and many a tantrum ensues from 'mummmmmeeee doooo it!!!' Which is sometimes impractical, like when I'm holding Charlie and E wants to bounce.

More weekend park dates and 'cinos with my sister and littlest niece also keep us busy and stop E and I going stir crazy while S is at work.

And much to Es delight (and mine), we rounded out our week with a family dinner (minus mum who was working) at the newly opened Hooters restaurant on the Gold Coast. Not fine dining but it really is a family friendly restaurant and their chicken wings truly are superior to anything else available around. They happily seated 11 of us (pre-booked) and while there were no high chairs, the manager pre warned me of this (still waiting on delivery) so we came prepared. The food was tasty and our service was good although we kept getting brought meals that weren't ours after we had been served correctly. The munchkins were all on their best behaviour which was probably because they had each other for entertainment and all was going well until I felt a wet patch on my leg... Yep, C had a leaky nappy and not just wet. It came through front and back on him so cue me racing from the restaurant holding him under the arms aloft to the car to strip him and give him a sponge bath in the back. Dining with a newborn, the joys.

2 boys

Christmas shopping

11:32

Little early to be posting about Christmas you say? Not really given it's less than 22 weeks away until Christmas Eve and the toy sales are already well underway if not almost over. If you're a long time reader here, you also know that I'm big on lists and organisations so I like to get a jump on Christmas and add slowly over a few months than suffer the mad last minute scramble.

So far for our 3 nieces each I have:

Frozen DVD for the 2 youngest and Toy Story series for the eldest along with a Jessie figure
Disney Princess Barbie doll - Belle, Ariel and Cinderella
Doc McStuffins doctors kits for the 2 older girls
Giant Mr Potato Head Safari set each - E got one last year and it's been a favourite toy since
A Mocka Moova pram for the littlest one - these are beautiful wooden prams at a great price http://www.mocka.com.au/mocka-moova.html
A Sooki dress and playsuit for each - did you catch the last flash sale? Some great bargains to be had and I stocked up for the boys too.

For E

Fisher Price Thomas Island of Sodor train table - it was on clearance at Target and I know my mum has a whole lot of Thomas trains put away for him.
A large wooden Thomas engine & track set
Disney Cars movie F&P Wheelies Mack Truck
Duplo Disney Planes set and mats

For C - probably the hardest to buy for given we have an overflow of toys and clothes so there is not much he needs

His only toy - a F&P cash register set (its about the only thing E has never been given)
Skip Hop Backpack & Lunchie - we use Ethan's set every day so I know its a practical gift
Charley Bear merchandise - books, onesie/pajamas
Wedgewood my first Christmas ornament
Some Mem Fox books

For the boys to share

Frozen DVD
Mocka Union Jack teepee

I've also got S sorted and just need to figure out my parents, in-laws, my little brother and something small for my sister.

No doubt I will pick up some bits and bobs between now and Christmas, especially stocking stuffers for the boys but its nice to have the main gifts out of the way and done. I have tried to limit toys for the boys this year as I know they are getting an enormous amount of gifts from family (the plus and minus of having a close large family) and a swing set from their grandparents. I do still want to put together a Christmas Eve box for the boys with special pajamas, a Christmas book etc but as we do Christmas Eve at my in-laws, it might be a waste.

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet or are you a Christmas Eve shopper?

I confess

Thermo-mixing

Monthly update: 4 month old Charley Bear

Birthday Wishlist

The Playroom

A letter to E

I confess ...

Monthly update: 3 month old Charley Bear

August bucket list

A few of our favourite things

What we've been up to

Christmas shopping

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