I'm Renee: April 2014

baby on the way

He is in size 2 but we are still squeezing the most out of some of his 12-18m tees thanks to an unseasonably warm snap we are having. Hurry up cold! I have gorgeous puffer vests, knits and button downs waiting to be worn.

Favorite Foods:
We are all about bikkies this month so luckily I've discovered mini natural gingerbread men to at least keep the sugar in check. I've also been baking mini lime coconut cupcakes that are a big hit. Surprisingly, Easter confirmed E isnt really a chocolate kid or the eggs and bunnies just confused him but he really didn't eat any despite being given ample opportunity.

Favorite Words:

Mister Mimic this month, E is repeating almost anything we say and us putting so many words together. Our favourite phrases are 'Oh wow' used in context when he is excited about something. 'Woah' is also another he uses when overwhelmed and we are seeing a huge assertion of self with lots of 'no Einy do'. He's also moved on from just calling out 'mummy' over and over when he wants me, instead going with 'muuuuummmeeee where you' ... Too cute!

Favorite Activities:
His make believe play and his Toy Story obsession continue to explode and amaze us. Woody, Buzz, the Potato Heads and new Easter addition, Bullseye continue to be constantly by his side or in his arms and he actually has them interact. It's amazing to watch.

He is also enjoying puzzles and pulls them out at least once a day to do. I try to encourage patience and stay hands off with this activity so he can really learn and he seems to be figuring it all out however sometimes his 22m temper gets the better of him and pieces get tossed and tears ensue.
Least Favorite Activities:

Getting dressed is back on the black list of things he despises. We have all out tantrums for both dressing and undressing with screaming, thrashing and tears. Not fun having to pin him down but I know it will pass... Hopefully soon.

His Favorite Things:

Reading has always been popular with E but is even more so now. He just loves books and as well as enjoying being read to, he will often now grab a book from the shelves, park himself down somewhere and tell me 'Einy read' and then garble words and turn pages.

One of his other favourite toys this month has been his Tiny me name puzzle. He was given it for his first birthday and he now actually recognises that it spells his name and loves to sit and put the pieces in.

Toy Story and anything associated is a favourite so he was pretty thrilled at Easter to be given a branded lunch box, drink bottle, toy camera with Buzz voice, books etc..

My Favorite Things:
Our portable DVD player for the car is a lifesaver, especially as the highway we drive every other day is undergoing extensive road works and a 10 min trip often takes 30 which is torturous with a child who has hated the car since birth. The player at least gives me some respite and keeps the boy calm and occupied.

I am loving the Tupperware sandwich keeper plus for Es kindy lunches. Lots of compartments that seal off mean that I can pack a good assortment of food and still adhere to the Kindy's rule of no wraps or plastic.

The Babylove ezy combo seat was bought in long term consideration for b2 graduating out of the capsule and E eventually needing a booster. Often on sale for around $180, it has the highest CREP rating for its type and E looks pretty comfy in it. It will also take him through till at least 6 years old so a good investment.

Other Milestones:
Swimming lessons from as early as possible was something S and I felt very strongly about from a safety aspect. E started weekly at 4 months old and His swimming continues to progress at a great rate and he is now diving assisted to collect toys off the bottom of the pool. He has a great attitude around water with no fear but rather a healthy respect of it and his abilities. He knows he can't get in the pool unless mummy or daddy are in and he won't go beyond his depth unprompted.

37 weeks

Pregnancy update: 37 weeks

20:16

How far along? 37 weeks ... Baby is full term.

Maternity clothes? No and life is a bit easier as I don't have to worry about dressing for work everyday at least so kookai singlets, CR shirred waist shorts, maxi skirts and dresses are my daily getup..

Stretchmarks? None (touch wood) and I gather it has a lot to do with genes so I owe my mum a good bottle of champagne if I make it unscathed..

Symptoms: like last week but with some definite inconsistent/non progressing contractions for good measure. We also had a membrane rupture scare that led to some monitoring but ended up a false alarm. I am starting to suspect b2 may have turned posterior given a lot of the pain in the contractions was in my lower back as it was withmy labour of E.

Sleep: back to being quite good this week once I finally get comfortable with only one wake up which isn't too bad.

Miss Anything? Bending over easily ... I drop something and am tempted to just leave it lately, bending over is that inconvenient/difficult.

Movement: even the rolls and flexes are getting a little painful as baby is running out of room but it us fun to watch the play of movements across my tummy sometimes.

Best moment this week: having time to spend with my boys now that I'm on leave. S and I actually having a few days off together was a rare but now regular treat while Going to rhyme time with E was such a fun morning. I also enjoyed using my spend and save at Country Road to buy some hospital 'essentials' (as I told S), something for baby and some tops for me once baby is here.

Worst moment this week: Es nap times have been less than fun with me lucky to get 45 minutes out of him and not without tears and tantrums. Hoping this is not going to be a regular occurrence!

Food cravings: chocolate ice cream cravings hit me hard this week after I had one at Seaworld with S and E. I gave in and bought some Cadbury triple choc - delicious!

Happy or Moody most of the time: very happy although there were some tears early in the week after some trying days in Toddler Town.

Looking forward to: a date with my husband! We are going out for lunch and a movie while E has some time with my mum.

35 weeks

Pregnancy update: 36 weeks

20:53

How far along? 36 weeks ... And I'm officially on mat leave! Hooray for some time out before our world gets turned upside down in the most amazing way.

Maternity clothes? No but I'm so ready to choose from a wider range of my wardrobe and for some cooler weather so I can break out some new styles.

Stretchmarks? Still no sign touch wood.

Symptoms: lots of downward pressure and twinges, constant and strong tightenings/Braxton Hicks ... Baby is definitely getting ready to arrive. The heartburn is also unrelenting and really keeping my appetite to a minimum.

Sleep: not enough lately as I'm uncomfortable (shooting pains and aches in my shoulder blades) and having crazy vivid dreams combined with some sleep walking I suspect - I woke yesterday to a box of Rennies and contents spread across the kitchen bench and actually accused S of putting them there.

Miss Anything? Moisturizing my legs and feet comfortably, sleeping on my tummy and a good bottle Sav Blanc - not necessarily in that order.

Movement: baby loves playing up for big brother and big brother loves touching, patting and talking to my bump so we have lots of kicks and thumps throughout the day. Hopefully this is the start of a beautiful sibling relationship.

Best moment this week: the way E is constantly talking about 'bubby' now and wanting to interact with my bump just keeps getting better. We have been getting him to practice saying our short list of baby names and his pronunciations are beyond adorable ... And are helping to sway our choices too. We spent some time Saturday afternoon, reassembling the capsule after washing and he climbed in it to show 'bubby' the seat - this was complete with lifting my top so 'bubby' could see and explaining it used to be his seat but he has a big boy one now. He really is going to make the best big brother

Worst moment this week: shopping again this week was a nightmare ... E was not a happy camper and wanted to be carried the whole time which of course I couldn't do. Thankfully my little brother's gf was with us and was the most amazing helper!

Food cravings: cola drinks and chilled nashi pears together or on their own. I'm also loving our variation broccoli salad with apple cider vinegar and fresh warm scones whipped up in the tmx with lots of butter.

Happy or Moody most of the time: easier to tears and frustration this week as the future is looking a little overwhelming but I'm definitely happy!

Looking forward to: the simple things ... A few days with my boys as S is off till Wednesday so we have some fun plans lined up and then looking forward to having some fun with E starting at rhyme time on Wednesday morning.

baby on the way

I confess...

16:58

My ongoing confessions to a not so perfect life:

I was so tempted to find out the sex of B2 at my last scan and keep it a secret ... but then I thought better of it and reminded myself that I wanted the surprise, not S so it was a pretty stupid thing to do.

E watched Toy Story 3 twice, back to back on Sunday morning. In my defence, it was 4am and he was screaming the house down and this was the only thing that quietened him down so I could close my eyes on the lounge and pray the neighbours weren't hearing the screeching.

I finally cleaned out my makeup supplies ... I had lip glosses and mascaras in there that were over 10 years old! Not sure what I thought I was saving them for and it's pretty gross to think of applying 10 year old lipgloss now.

I hate play-doh! The smell, the texture, the way it gets under my nails ... so E hasn't got to play with it much at home. I'm going to rectify this though, overcome my aversions and whip it out this weekend for him.

I don't put S' washing away. I clean it, sort it and fold it, is it too much to ask he puts it on hangers and in drawers?

I am terrified B2 may have reflux like E did. Its been a long hard journey in this regard with E and I just don't know if it will break me having to go through those early days again and this time with a demanding toddler in the picture.

I adore the English Royal family and am hooked on anything Duchess Catherine related from her looks, likes, fashion etc. There is just something so likeable about them since Kate joined the family and the Queen, well she is just fabulous in every way.

It's been forever since I've been out to do anything on my own like a movie or dinner... I get out and about plenty but always with E so I'm only ever half listening or get to eat half a meal before his patience is out the window. .

Some nights we don't eat dinner till 8:30/9pm ... By the time we get E down for the count and debrief on our day, it's already 8pm sometimes.

I love to bake and cook but I have a tendency to read only the ingredients & start of a recipe before getting underway then halfway through, discovering it needs to sit overnight or be refrigerated for hours. Case in point this morning making crumpets. I skipped the part about the mixture needing to sit for an hour till I got to it and as a result, S & my brekky was slightly delayed.

We've had a tough couple of days here with the most demanding screeching tantrum-ing toddler I could imagine and lots of nap/sleep refusal thrown in for good measure. It kind of feels like the past days may have been amongst the hardest we've ever had or maybe I've just struggled to cope more. Tears have helped a little and I admit I'm a bit excited to have a couple of hours out by myself tomorrow while S takes over.

But you know what?

I'm a really great mumma to E 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 ...

daily life with a toddler

Tips for 2 under 2

13:16

Organisation will be key now more than ever I imagine with two little people to care for in our home and lucky for me, organisation is one of my stronger traits.

I've been doing some reading (of course) and feeding/nursing times for baby continue to come up as a key topic where issues can arise. Apparently its the ideal time for the toddler to freak out/act out and get up to all kinds of mischief in a quest for attention.

A few helpful tips I've come across in this regard:

Packing a snack box at the beginning of each day for E whether we are going out or staying in so that if nursing time for baby coincides with snack time for E, I have his all ready to go avoiding potential hunger meltdowns. My Thermomix will be great in allowing me to do a cook up of healthy snacks and bites for just this purpose - fruit balls, chicken veggie nuggets, pumpkin fetta spinach muffins... I'm already making a list.

Have a book basket next to my nursing chair and rotate the books regularly adding new ones occasionally. This way E is occupied/entertained and we can all share quiet storytime while baby is nursing. This is definitely a good one for us as E loves cuddling up to me, reading and books plus we have read to him since the day we got him home so I'd like the same for B2.

Nurse baby outside weather permitting so there is plenty for E to do including the opportunity to run around and blow off some energy. I definitely plan on taking advantage of this idea and getting E on his netted trampoline or playing with his trucks.

Have some small surprises on hand like cars or stickers etc wrapped up and pull them out to reward E for good behaviour or to include him in the moment.

It will also be a matter of being organised and planning our days some what so that we can all get the most out of it and have an enjoyable time. Once B2 comes, E will have 4 days at home including 2 days with me and baby and 2 days with S home as well. He will go to daycare one day and have a day with each of his grandmothers too.

Like most toddlers, E is at his best when we get out of the house at least once and I'm lucky that my parents and his beloved Uncle J (my little brother) are across the road so that's always my back up plan when we are bordering on meltdowns. Rhyme Time at the local library and a local playgroup run by one of my mum's friends will be regular activities and weather permitting, we will spend lots of time at the local parks and playgrounds. E will also continue his swimming lessons once a week and Little Kickers too so I don't think we need to worry about staying active and entertained.

We live centrally so have lots of options for entertainment including two big shopping centres and a few indoor children's play centres for those rainy Winter days. I will also have a girlfriend on maternity leave who lives around the corner with a boy the same age as E so I can see lots of morning teas at each other's houses in coming months.

So much more to think about with two little ones but also much more to look forward to, especially as they grow up and become playmates.

Any tips or advice anyone can share will also be enormously appreciated!

about me

Sydney Shop Girl's tag ...

11:48

I was asked by one of my favourite bloggers – the famous SSG of Sydney Shop Girl – to participate in the 2014 edition of The Tag.

I’m a big fan of time wasting aka filling in questionnaires like this and like SSG, I find it soothing to allow my mind to wander and think up the answers to the questions. I love that some cause reflection of past memories while others remind me of truly fun fabulous times I’ve had.

Here are my responses to The Tag…

1. What time did you get up this morning?

A blissful 7am … The Toddler and S allowed me an extra hour on their 6am start by staying confined to downstairs and the playroom. (In the interests of honesty, there was a 4am bathroom wakeup but I went straight back to bed and sleep).

2. How do you like your steak?
I like it pink with no sign of redness… I’m especially fussy about my red meat and have found it best to stick with steak cooked by me, S or my dad. Usually I stick to a rub with some Vegeta stock and olive oil for flavour, I’ve recently discovered a local Bush Pepper rub by local Gold Coast company Murrumbooee and I’m hooked – this stuff is divine!

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

This took some thinking but actually, it wasn’t that long ago … Saving Mr Banks with my sis. We have grown up adoring Mary Poppins and were overdue a sister date so it was a logical choice. That said, I’m reminded we are supposed to be seeing The Other Woman on Thursday night so I must email her now to confirm.

4. What is your favorite TV show?
The Blacklist! Is there any better actor on TV than James Spader? Love him! The show itself we pick to death and honestly, it doesn’t inspire any confidence in CIA (could they be any more incompetent?) but Spader… he is magic.

And again, in the interests of honesty, like SSG, anything that keeps The Toddler occupied for a period. In our house, that means most of the ABC Kids lineup.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Sydney or New York City … as long as I had my boys. Oh and as long as my parents and sister were there too.

6. What did you have for breakfast?
An enormous pre-natal vitamin, 2 raspberry leaf tea capsules and a glass of juice followed by a bowl of Sustain.

7. What is your favorite cuisine?
Italian complete with accompanying wines and Mexican complete with margaritas or sangria.

8. What foods do you dislike?
Have you got a month while I write the list? Keeping it short, most meats other than beef, bacon and chicken, pumpkin and anything fatty (ie pork belly).

9. Favorite Place to eat?
It depends on the who what when where … I love Grill’d burgers, Dumpling Republic, Montezumas, Benihana Teppanyaki.

10. Favorite dressing?
I’m not really big on dressings but I guess lately its Apple Cider Vinegar over a salad with make in the Thermie with broccoli, celery, red cabbage, red onion, carrot, green apple, salt & pepper.

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?
A soccer mum car whose key features and selling points were that it could comfortably accommodate a carseat and capsule on the backseat with room for an adult in the middle, the Bugaboo Donkey and a load of groceries in the boot and S and I comfortably up front (and not folded into the dash).

12. What are your favorite clothes?
Ones that don’t need consideration to bump or nursing accommodation. Unfortunately this means I won’t be wearing or enjoying my favourite clothes for about another 12 months unless I get the occasional hour or two off for good behaviour.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?
Japan – the whole country again! I’d also love to see Vegas, New York and San Fran again.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
It’s always half full if you look closely enough… unless its wine and then its half empty with always room for more.

15. Where would you want to retire?
Wherever my children may find themselves in the future … hopefully that is somewhere warm.

16. Favorite time of day?
The moment when E wakes up … he smiles, says hi and is just so cuddly and happy to see me that my heart melts and I’m reminded of how blessed my life is.

17. Where were you born?
A little town called Queanbeyan, just outside of Canberra. Not so little now I believe… my cousin has been telling me for years that it is the fastest growing city in Southern NSW.

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?
I’m a big fan of the Soccer but really only the World Cup, Socceroo and English Premier league matches. I guess I don’t mind the NRL and AFL but live, not on TV.

19. Bird watcher?
No but I’m a people watcher which is kind of the same thing.

20. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night … which doesn’t combine as well as with having a toddler who si a morning person but I’m learning.

21. Do you have any pets?
No and no plans for one either although my parents are always trying to palm off their dog to us.

22. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?
Give me a couple of weeks and I’ll have the sex, name and vital stats of B2 for you!

23. What did you want to be when you were little?
The first female President of Australia. Funnily I’m now a Monarchist and I work in Politics .

24. Are you a cat or dog person?
Definitely dog… I’ve just never warmed to cats.

25. What was your last drink?
Too many months ago – pregnancy puts paid to cocktails and evening wines better than any other measure.

26. Always wear your seat belt?
Ummm yes, that is a definite no brainer.

27. Been in a car accident?
No, I’ve been very lucky … touch wood.

28. Any pet peeves?
I can’t stand hypocrites, narrow-mindedness and stupidity … the last one because you just can’t argue with stupid!

29. Favorite Pizza Toppings?
Cheese, lots of cheese… and on homemade pizza, my favourite toppings are finely chopped shallots, basil, lightly fried prosciutto, quartered cherry tomatoes and bocconcini.

30. Favorite Flower?
Peonie. I considered changing my wedding date just so I could have peonies in my bouquet.

31. Favorite ice cream?
Connoisseur Strawberry but only when its half price otherwise Baskin Robbins rockin’ candy or rainbow sherbet.

32. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Mickey Dees gets me everytime.

33. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
I didn’t … much to everyone I knows’ surprise I suspect.

34. From whom did you get your last email?
My boss.

35. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Chanel … not sure my limit would cover anything in store though J

36. Do anything spontaneous lately?
Not that I can think of … its hard to be spontaneous while pregnant with a toddler.

37. Like your job?
Yep. I have a great boss who works hard and really wants to make a difference.

38. Broccoli?
Definitely – raw or steamed.

39. What was your favorite vacation?
My two trips to Japan with S – even the earthquake on our honeymoon couldn’t dim how much we loved everything.

40. Last person you went out to dinner with?
Is it bad that I can’t recall when I last went out for dinner? Probably my family … actually, yes, it was my parents and my brother, sister in law and niece with S & E. Chaotic, exhausting and lots of fun at the local Italian.

41. What are you listening to right now?
The printer and 90.9 sea fm radio.

42. What is your favorite color?
Loving blush pink at the moment … but don’t seem to have much of it in my wardrobe.

43. How many tattoos do you have?
Not one … too much of a wimp for tough man stickers plus they’re a bit permanent for my liking.

44. How many are you tagging for this quiz?
Ummmm just 3:

Kacie at Lady Bear - http://www.ladybear.me/

Mez at Domestic Divinity - http://domesticdivinity.blogspot.com.au/

Sam at Marriage Motherhood and Renovations - http://marriagerenovationsand.blogspot.com.au/

45. What time is it?
11:45am … almost time for lunch!

46. Coffee ??
Nope, but I love a good iced coffee.

baby on the way

Loving two children

13:48

B2's arrival is getting closer and closer with everyday ... heck, I thought baby was going to make its arrival over the weekend with all the niggles and apparent 'early' labour signs I seemed to be undergoing. As the days pass, I worry sometimes about the arrival of B2 and if I will love this baby as much as I love E. I know I will love my baby, but will it be the all consuming, heart melting love that I get just from looking at my precious first born who makes my heart squeeze and sing.

Most of all, I worry that E won't understand the changes and will be upset at the loss of having S and I solely devoted to him only. I worry that he will think he has been displaced and isn't as loved or important anymore. Thinking of this actually gives me a physical ache and I know S has been feeling the same.

Its scary to think that in just 3 or so weeks, our family of 3 will become 4 and E's whole little world will be rocked. I may be overthinking it all and I really hope I am but knowing my beautiful sensitive little boy, I know that he is gentle and emotional and doesn't yet comprehend sharing 'mummy' with anyone, not his cousins, his daddy or grandparents. He becomes distressed when he cant have my full undivided attention and he is too little to reason with when it comes to emotions.

I have a whole lot of plans and tips I hope will help us in the early days (I will share these in another post) but also, finding and reading this has given me some comfort (and lots of tears) ...

Loving Two

I walk along holding your 2-year-old hand, basking in the glow of our magical relationship. Suddenly I feel a kick from within, as if to remind me that our time alone is limited. And I wonder: how could I ever love another child as I love you?

Then he is born, and I watch you. I watch the pain you feel at having to share me as you’ve never shared me before.

I hear you telling me in your own way, “Please love only me”. And I hear myself telling you in mine, “I can’t”, knowing, in fact, that I never can again.

You cry. I cry with you. I almost see our new baby as an intruder on the precious relationship we once shared. A relationship we can never quite have again.

But then, barely noticing, I find myself attached to that new being, and feeling almost guilty. I’m afraid to let you see me enjoying him, as though I am betraying you.

But then I notice your resentment change, first to curiosity, then to protectiveness, finally to genuine affection.

More days pass, and we are settling into a new routine. The memory of days with just the two of us is fading fast.

But something else is replacing those wonderful times we shared, just we two. There are new times – only now, we are three. I watch the love between you grow, the way you look at each other, touch each other.

I watch how he adores you – as I have for so long. I see how excited you are by each of his new accomplishments. And I begin to realize that I haven’t taken something from you, I’ve given something to you. I notice that I am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both of you.

I find that my love for each of you is as different as you are, but equally strong. And my question is finally answered, to my amazement. Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you – only differently.

And although I realize that you may have to share my time, I now know you’ll never share my love. There’s enough of that for both of you – you each have your own supply.

I love you – both. And I thank you both for blessing my life.
Author Unknown

http://www.bellybelly.com.au/baby/loving-two-children

So while I'm anxious about what lies ahead for us, I'm also excited and I know that ultimately S and I will have more than enough love to share with our children. There will be a period of adjustment of course but giving E the gift of a sibling is pretty special and I know that with time, he is going to love being a big brother.

35 weeks

Pregnancy update: 35 weeks

09:06

How far along? 35 weeks ... Where the heck has time even gone? I'd hate to think how fast any subsequent pregnancy would pass if we were planning any more.

Maternity clothes? I'm proof you don't have to buy mat wear to survive pregnancy comfortably ... But I only seem to grow in the belly and I just can't get into ASOS like the rest of Australia after some poor selections/disappointing quality years ago. Living in my Coles Mix ruched dresses on the weekends (under $20 each, cost per wear must be down to a few cents) and Country Road shirred waist printed pants with a seamless tank for work.

Stretchmarks? Still keeping them at bay... Can't get cocky though, there are weeks to go.

Symptoms: I'm starting to experience the symptoms of pre-eclampsia that I had last time around including blinding headaches, left side numbness and tingling to my face, arm and hand and higher bp readings but I'm in good hands being well monitored for this.

In other fun symptoms I swear I had some sporadic contractions on Sunday... Irregular but super strong and hard to get through. They also started while I was out at the shops with E and I really struggled with the pram and getting back to the car so I'm going to have to think twice about heading out anywhere on my own with him over the coming weeks.

Sleep: that 3am bathroom call is like clockwork but otherwise I'm sleeping very well if the toddler permits it.

Miss Anything? Just tummy sleeping ... The rest of the contraband isn't that far off being back on the menu whereas I suspect it will be a while before I can tummy sleep again. I have to say, I'm missing being able to easily reach my toes and moisturise my legs each day too... The things we take for granted.

Movement: it's definitely painful or jolting now as bub is running out of room. I still appreciate it for the miracle and reminder it is but I'm often caught gasping or grimacing as I'm caught unawares.

Best moment this week: something seems to have really clicked for E with the baby this past week because he has started running up to me begging for 'baby baby baby' and trying to lift my top. He then pats my belly, chatters in baby babble and gives it kisses or waves saying 'hiiiii'. It seriously almost has me in tears, it's just so precious and beautiful. E is such a caring and compassionate little guy and I can see that is going to translate to him being a wonderful big brother in time.

Worst moment this week: definitely shopping yesterday with E when the irregular contractions hit ... There was some minor panic on my part that my waters were going to break in public while S was at work, my parents away and my sis not answering her phone. Not to mention I'm hoping for a week or two of maternity leave before we meet B2.

Food cravings: cold nashi pears are a definite and growing craving ... So crunchy and juicy at the moment. I can take or leave everything else otherwise it seems.

Happy or Moody most of the time: at 4am with a toddler who wants to get up and play, I am definitely moody. At most other times, I'm happy... Very happy and so excited. I am so in love with my boys and can't wait to meet B2.

Looking forward to: my OB checkup later in the week to finalise our birth plan and hear/see baby moving and growing.

fun

The Husband Survey

12:08

I posted this years ago on my old blog and thought it would be funny to do it again now, a few years into marriage...

How long have you been together: heading into 6 years

How old is he? closer to 40 than 30 now... he is 38, turning 39 in December

Who said I love you first? He did, he's the romantic one.

Who eats more? Definitely him... I eat super slow and usually end up full half way through a meal.

Who is taller? S is taller but that's no surprise, I'm shorter than everyone pretty much.

Whose temper is worse? We're pretty evenly matched on that one although I'm a bit more controlled yet more likely to fly off the handle about the small things.

Who does the laundry? Me! Would you really trust a guy to separate, handwash silk and run a delicate cycle? The clothes also tend to get forgotten about if he sets a load.

Who sings better? Neither of us, its definitely not a talent we have so I can only pity poor E and B2 for having to listen to our lullabies.

Who is smarter? Again, I'd say we are pretty evenly matched on this which makes for some pretty lively debates in our home.

Who does the dishes? mostly S has to do them as I do the cooking - our rule is the cook doesn't clean. Although sometimes he leaves them for a night and it drives me mad. I also like to use the dishwasher but if I do then I need to be the one to pack and unpack it.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me, apparently the left side is the only side S can sleep on... rubbish but it doesn't bother me either way.

Who pays the bills? I mostly leave it to S to take care of the household ones.

Who mows the lawn? Either S or our neighbour's son if he needs pocket money.

Who cooks dinner? mostly me but S does at least 2 nights a week and has become pretty proficient in the kitchen. We both hate having to actually think of what to cook.

Who drives when you are together? S, because we fight as I am a maniac, a racecar driver and a tailgater according to him. Its easier to let him do it and it means I can always have that extra glass of wine - when I'm not pregnant :)

Who is more stubborn? Both of us are very very stubborn people but we are getting better at managing this. We see a lot of our stubbornness in E so that's karma I guess.

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Usually S ... I guess this means I am more stubborn?

Whose parents do you see the most? Mine... I try to keep it pretty even but we live across the road from my parents so there is really no beating that.

Who has more friends? we are about on par by now as friends fall away and shift after marriage, children etc and you make new ones... his longstanding ones have gone the distance a little better than some of mine.

Who has more siblings? Me, I have 3 to his 1.

Was it love at first sight? Looking back now, I'd have to say yes. And on a sappy note, I can say I never knew just how much I loved him until I saw how much he loved E and what a truly amazing father he is.

aldi

Shopping round-up

11:51

34 weeks

Pregnancy update: 34 weeks

10:34

How far along? 34 weeks ... OMG I'm having a baby in a month give or take!

Maternity clothes? Still avoiding and the way this heat has been, my JW mat jeans are not going to be needed at all - thankfully!

Stretchmarks? Not so far touch wood.

Symptoms: the heartburn! Omg it's killing me at the moment like you can't even imagine. Regular headaches seem to be starting also but the rest is just part and parcel of late pregnancy now.

Sleep: averaging a 3am wake up every night plus struggling to get comfortable. No insomnia though so I'm really not doing too badly.

Miss Anything? Yes! Sleeping on my tummy! Badly! It's probably the only thing I really hate about being pregnant as I've always been a solid tummy sleeper and don't budge from eyes closing to eyes opening.

Movement: Its constant although I don't always notice it so much during the day especially of E is keeping me on my toes and then cue minor panic until I take a quiet moment to concentrate and feel them. Otherwise bub is mostly confined now and so instead of nice flutters, they are hard jabs ... to my ribs, hips etc. Fun times ;)

Best moment this week: organising a newborn photographer to take photographs of B2 and also of E and B2 - I'm ridiculously excited imagining these pics of my two children together.

Worst moment this week: I wouldn't say it was a nightmare but I threw myself in the deep end offering to have my two nieces and E for a couple of hours one afternoon. I ended up with 3 sooky toddlers who all wanted to sit in my lap, a little guy who didn't want to share his mummy at all. It was exhausting and stressful!

Food cravings: mint choc biscuits, Cadbury Turkish Delight mini easter eggs and nashi pears straight from the fridge ... E is a fan too so thankfully they are in season now and not the price of a small car.

Happy or Moody most of the time: oh there have been tears ... just for how much is about to change, little things are getting to me and my patience is stretched thanks to the constant discomfort and feelings of tiredness. Otherwise, I'm happy, really really happy!

Looking forward to: hosting my family for dinner this week to celebrate my parents' birthdays ... we got them some great gifts and I love a good present reveal.

apples and bananas

Its show season

13:06

What a morning!

I have spent literally hours online and phoning QPAC to secure The Lion King stage show tickets for my sister & I to give to mum for her birthday - lucky my boss wanted some tickets too so was happy for me to devote my energies to the pursuit.

After literally 100 redials on my mobile and holding for over 40 minutes, I finally got through by phone - which is lucky because at last count, I'm still 1604 in the online queue after 3 1/2 hours.

Mum has already seen the show way back when it debuted in Melbourne but she loves musicals and especially enjoyed this one. Add to that, she has a birthday in a few weeks, we love to do a special mother/daughter date a couple of times a year at least and the tickets were a no brainer.

I love a good musical myself and have seen some of the best in Brisbane, Broadway NYC, Melbourne and Sydney... I've heard The Lion King is quite a magnificent production and I'm very excited to see the show.

Adding the show date to my diary, I realised we have a jam packed show schedule from May this year and I have bought a lot of tickets already it would seem.... The Lion King is however the only grownup show I will be enjoying.

So far we have the following lined up for the rest of this year to take E (and maybe B2) along to:

Playschool in May - I have pics of going to Playschool shows with my mum back when I was 2 so its fun to see that come full circle and take my son.
The Wiggles Apples and Bananas show in May with E's cousins L & H, my mum and brother in law. I am super excited about this show as the munchkins just love The Wiggles, know most of the songs and aren't shy about dancing and singing along.
Disney on Ice Treasure Trove in June - when I heard Jesse, Woody and Buzz were part of this performance, I figured we couldn't not take our boy... he loved Disney on Ice last year but was a little young to grasp the concept whereas this year I know he will go crazy for it.
Yo Gabba Gabba in July - E is a big fan of the show and I don't mind the positive messages they seem to focus on. I admit though, I'm a little horrified at how much tickets were but it will make for a nice day out I hope and bring E lots of joy.

I figure this year we can get away with doing a few shows in lieu of birthday presents as the last thing E (and the playroom) needs is more toys. Its also worth taking advantage of him being underage for tickets for a few of the shows as some of those prices are a little exorbitant for childrens' shows in my opinion! Its just a shame that they all seem to happen around the same time of year rather than spread across the calendar.

Are you heading to any of these shows this year?