LM - first ever strawberry planted with Daddy. He was very excited to get his hands dirty!
A portrait of my Little Man, once a week, every week in 2013"
Inspired by Jodi - 52 a portrait a week
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, 11 August 2013
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Having 4 kids
This week, I spent a big portion of a day with three of my nieces - actually I was the designated adult for the day and showing my brother some love!
For me, the best thing about the day was Little Man and I got to hang out with my nieces and that was really cool! We got to spend time together and I got to know them better and that was really special! Might just have to do it again!
Now we are a one child family - so having an extra 3 kids made the day busier than usual. Let's just say the house looked like a bomb after they left.
Having the girls over did give me some perspective on having 4 kids; limited admittedly.
Firstly, if there is a reasonable age gap between the first and fourth child, the elder children can help with the younger ones. The two older girls who are 8 and 10 were troupers. They were really great with their baby sister who's the same age as Little Man. They were comforted her when she was sad, held her hand as we walked to the park and generally looked after her. The older girls did also have time to do their own thing too!
Note that I did try to console baby sister when she was upset, but the adult in the room was no substitute for her Daddy!
Secondly, they all had someone to play with when they wanted. With one child, I generally find that I can have a very short amount of time before the 'Come play with me' call is made. The kids just kind of transitioned from one playmate to another with minimal fuss.
Thirdly, with four kids in the house, the kitchen is always busy, there always seems to be someone hungry!
I take my hat off to you with more than one child families! I don't know how you do it!
I doubt that we'll have 4 in our family, but I guess I can always 'borrow' a child.
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Wordless Wednesday - Big Boy Bed
It was time to move to a big bed. Little Man was VERY excited to move into new big boy bed! So far has stayed in bed...
Linking in for Wordless Wednesday!
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
Rest is good for the soul!
A week off is just one needs to get recharged. We had been talking about a real break away post the 5 house moves we had to have. And I especially liked the thought of escaping the impending winter due to the chilly mornings here in Sydney.
So with the use of some frequent flyer points, we decided that Palm Cove in Far North Queensland would be perfect!
And it was a good choice. The warm weather was most agreeable to all of us! Averaging 25+ degrees whilst we were there. On the holiday agenda lazy breakfasts; hanging out on the beach; afternoon naps; beautiful vistas; watching a sunrise, catching the waves; building sandcastles; quality time with each other as we didn't have to run out the door for anything!
Reading a book was the highlight for me! But most of all the celebration of a birthday and an anniversary was very special!
Now the downside to going away on holidays is the return flight home on the plane, not sure how many of us relish the thought of a cranky active little boy, cooped up in a plane, and 3 hours feels like an eternity!
Note to self - book an earlier flight and avoid travelling during nap time!
I am feeling refreshed - ready to take on what is ahead - whatever that is.
Have you a rest break planned? Rest is good for the soul!
Steph x
I am linking up with Jess on #IBOT.
Steph x
Saturday, 1 June 2013
family holiday in the sun
Today Little Man turns 3, how quickly another year has gone by.
Happy birthday to my cheeky boy! May you always know that you are loved!
I guess you may read this when you are old enough and mummy's blog is on some digital archive.
DH and I also celebrate our wedding anniversary shortly too.
Happy birthday to my cheeky boy! May you always know that you are loved!
I guess you may read this when you are old enough and mummy's blog is on some digital archive.
DH and I also celebrate our wedding anniversary shortly too.
So for a double celebration, we're off for a family holiday in the sun!
Last year , DH and I took off for a romantic getaway , whilst we left Little Man in the care of his Godparents. This year we decided that we would celebrate as a family - so we are off to Far North Queensland to thaw out for a bit. I've been checking the weather and its over 20 every day, bring it on! See you in a bit!
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
Eating out with a 3 year old
For the last year or so with our active Little Man - dining out only occurs for a date night or at family friendly restaurants equipped with high chairs
As Little Man is now getting a little older and can sit still for a little longer , we recently ventured out to have dinner at a local restaurant - a little Taiwanese restaurant near where we live.
Now as with most people with young kids - we generally have dinner quite early on weekends. We arrive at the restaurant shortly after it opens at 5pm and get our pick of tables at this very small restaurant.
For the first time ever, Little Man sits on a stool at the table. I had visions of my child running amok and creating chaos, disturbing other patrons in the restaurant. All my fears were unfounded, my boy was a perfect little angel and didn't try to escape from his seat at all!
He amused himself whilst we waited for the meal by playing with the paper cover from the chopsticks.
From the menu we tried out pork and chive dumplings, stir fried noodles, shallot pancakes and deep fried fish cakes.
Now, when we were in Taiwan - we had these amazing shallot pancakes, with flakey pasty and just delicious, the pancakes here were really good too, though very different to what we had expected. Perhaps they were great because they were deep fried. Whatever it was, Little Man had multiple portions of this dish.
As to the dumplings , DH proclaimed them to be some of the best he's ever had. And the Little Man - he liked them - ie he ate them.
There were no incidents whatsoever to account for, no displays of bad behaviour from Little Man, no tantrums which was kind of disappointing with my expectations.
Little Man is growing up too quickly! He's getting really good with using his own chopsticks(aka Thomas), and even knows where which fingers fit. I'm certain that he is going to perfect this chopstick holding skills unlike his mum!
I feel like we are at another milestone, where family activities can include meals at restaurants and not have to worry as much with Little Man behaving badly or making a mess.
3 things I learnt about eating out with a 3 year
We had such a great time out as a family and plan to do it again.
What was your first experience with your child eating out? Any tips for a newbie parent who brings child out for a meal?
Linking up with Jess on I blog on Tuesdays.
Steph x
As Little Man is now getting a little older and can sit still for a little longer , we recently ventured out to have dinner at a local restaurant - a little Taiwanese restaurant near where we live.
Now as with most people with young kids - we generally have dinner quite early on weekends. We arrive at the restaurant shortly after it opens at 5pm and get our pick of tables at this very small restaurant.
For the first time ever, Little Man sits on a stool at the table. I had visions of my child running amok and creating chaos, disturbing other patrons in the restaurant. All my fears were unfounded, my boy was a perfect little angel and didn't try to escape from his seat at all!
He amused himself whilst we waited for the meal by playing with the paper cover from the chopsticks.
From the menu we tried out pork and chive dumplings, stir fried noodles, shallot pancakes and deep fried fish cakes.
Now, when we were in Taiwan - we had these amazing shallot pancakes, with flakey pasty and just delicious, the pancakes here were really good too, though very different to what we had expected. Perhaps they were great because they were deep fried. Whatever it was, Little Man had multiple portions of this dish.
As to the dumplings , DH proclaimed them to be some of the best he's ever had. And the Little Man - he liked them - ie he ate them.
There were no incidents whatsoever to account for, no displays of bad behaviour from Little Man, no tantrums which was kind of disappointing with my expectations.
Little Man is growing up too quickly! He's getting really good with using his own chopsticks(aka Thomas), and even knows where which fingers fit. I'm certain that he is going to perfect this chopstick holding skills unlike his mum!
I feel like we are at another milestone, where family activities can include meals at restaurants and not have to worry as much with Little Man behaving badly or making a mess.
3 things I learnt about eating out with a 3 year
- bring your child's own utensils - saves worrying if they have the right implement
- go somewhere that serves dinner quickly
- talk about the food that is being served - it's amazing how much they remember
We had such a great time out as a family and plan to do it again.
What was your first experience with your child eating out? Any tips for a newbie parent who brings child out for a meal?
Linking up with Jess on I blog on Tuesdays.
Steph x
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
Wordless Wednesday - Perfect Autumn Weather for the Beach
It's been wet this week in Sydney - somehow this morning the sun seemed to want to shine. So on this sunny Autumn morning it was off to the beach we went - Longie to be exact for some great sand play. A perfect way to spend a beautiful morning in the sun!
Linking with Trish for Wordless Wednesday
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Wordless Wednesday - Taronga Zoo
A terrific Autumn's day for cousins to hang around the zoo!
Joining in the linkies with
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Beach holiday at Currarong
At the end of January we went on a short holiday, partly to address the issue that we were 'homeless' for that week.
After much searching through the internet, we decided to head south. I found a 3 bed room holiday let that would give Little Man some space to run around in case our beach holiday became a wet holiday.
And as it would turn out, for the majority of the time that we were there, it was wet.
Our escape was to a little sleepy village down the south coast - Currarong.
When i say sleepy it really was sleepy, there are two shops there - a general store and a very good fish n chip shop. There is only one road to access the village.
Our accommodation was located close right on the on the creek, which meant quick access to the beach at low tide. A great spot for when the sun came out.
The only thing we did really have to work out was the timing of the tides.
Another great spot that we found nearby was Callala Bay! Another awesome spot for a toddler to play in and a bad swimmer like me.
Despite the wet weather, we did get to the beach a few times.
We also travelled up and down the princes highway to Nowra with the rain, and to the delight of Little Man, as there was a lot of road works so lots of construction vehicles to be seen along the way. That helped ward off cabin fever.
Another attraction we visited was the Nowra Wildlife Park - a private park. A good place to pass time with little people. Here we saw two albino echidnas, apparently they might be the only ones in captivity so we felt very privileged to see them.
There were of course other animals and even a giant slide that was too big for Little Man to get on.
We had a lovely break away, the peace and quiet was definitely required.
Currarong definitely hit the spot for us.
Have you a holiday spot that works well for you?
Linking up with http://essentiallyjess.com/
After much searching through the internet, we decided to head south. I found a 3 bed room holiday let that would give Little Man some space to run around in case our beach holiday became a wet holiday.
And as it would turn out, for the majority of the time that we were there, it was wet.
Our escape was to a little sleepy village down the south coast - Currarong.
When i say sleepy it really was sleepy, there are two shops there - a general store and a very good fish n chip shop. There is only one road to access the village.
Our accommodation was located close right on the on the creek, which meant quick access to the beach at low tide. A great spot for when the sun came out.
The only thing we did really have to work out was the timing of the tides.
Another great spot that we found nearby was Callala Bay! Another awesome spot for a toddler to play in and a bad swimmer like me.
Despite the wet weather, we did get to the beach a few times.
We also travelled up and down the princes highway to Nowra with the rain, and to the delight of Little Man, as there was a lot of road works so lots of construction vehicles to be seen along the way. That helped ward off cabin fever.
Another attraction we visited was the Nowra Wildlife Park - a private park. A good place to pass time with little people. Here we saw two albino echidnas, apparently they might be the only ones in captivity so we felt very privileged to see them.
There were of course other animals and even a giant slide that was too big for Little Man to get on.
We had a lovely break away, the peace and quiet was definitely required.
Currarong definitely hit the spot for us.
Have you a holiday spot that works well for you?
Linking up with http://essentiallyjess.com/
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Wordless Wednesday - Special Treat
Wednesdays are special as it's what we call "Mummy Day"
Today we had to check out the renovations and Little Man got a treat from our builder!
Joining in the linkies with
Saturday, 26 January 2013
australia day 2013
celebrating Australia Day by visiting the annual celebrations in the CBD, a massive car show, vintage bus rides, entertainment at Hyde park. Aussie flags flying everywhere.
Afternoon catching up with old friends checking out their new digs. A swim for the Little Man and Daddy.
Dinner with friends - sausages, prawns and chicken skewers. We had lamb the night before!
Awesome day!
Afternoon catching up with old friends checking out their new digs. A swim for the Little Man and Daddy.
Dinner with friends - sausages, prawns and chicken skewers. We had lamb the night before!
Sunday, 20 January 2013
3/52
Little Man - the IPAD
"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."
Linking up with http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com - 52 a portrait a week
Friday, 18 January 2013
change is never easy
Not when you are adult and especially not when you are a two and a half year old.
This morning Little Man's drop off at daycare was a disaster, marked by resistance and tears even before we head in.
Tears continued to roll in the minutes post, even as i sat there with him.
eventually, i would leave him crying in the arms of one of the teachers.
Today was so much more acute than the day before which was Little Man's 3rd day at daycare.
And unlike his first day - where there were all smiles, today it was filled with tears.
Again, I left him crying in the arms of the teacher, and the day didn't improve.
The rest of the morning were calls to and from the centre checking on his well being.
Eventually - Daddy would need to come to the rescue and an early mark be enforced for the day.
According to Daddy's SMS post pickup was that Little Man kept telling him that he loves Daddy very much.
On my return home from work, i found a very happy little boy waiting on the driveway to give me big hugs.
Despite the events of the day, he still confirmed that he wanted to go back to preschool.
Poor little monkey isn't adjusting well to this, what else could we try?
One thing definitely on the cards will be to meet with the teacher to work out a transition plan for Little Man, to help him deal better with the situation.
This morning Little Man's drop off at daycare was a disaster, marked by resistance and tears even before we head in.
Tears continued to roll in the minutes post, even as i sat there with him.
eventually, i would leave him crying in the arms of one of the teachers.
Today was so much more acute than the day before which was Little Man's 3rd day at daycare.
And unlike his first day - where there were all smiles, today it was filled with tears.
Again, I left him crying in the arms of the teacher, and the day didn't improve.
The rest of the morning were calls to and from the centre checking on his well being.
Eventually - Daddy would need to come to the rescue and an early mark be enforced for the day.
According to Daddy's SMS post pickup was that Little Man kept telling him that he loves Daddy very much.
On my return home from work, i found a very happy little boy waiting on the driveway to give me big hugs.
Despite the events of the day, he still confirmed that he wanted to go back to preschool.
Poor little monkey isn't adjusting well to this, what else could we try?
One thing definitely on the cards will be to meet with the teacher to work out a transition plan for Little Man, to help him deal better with the situation.
Friday, 11 January 2013
little bird learning to fly
today my little man - began another chapter of his life... today my little man started daycare.
in the midst of all the changes that we've been having, he has coped remarkably well, at least mostly.
Sure there have been tantrums - but he's two after all..
Our day began with a sleep in - bought on by a 430am wake up call, which meant some rushing to get ready.
Thankfully, unlike most mornings little man's desire to comply was high.
It was with minimal fuss that breakfast was eaten.
The next task to tackle was to get him dressed. Again for some reason there was greater ease to get this done. No distractions overtook his attention.
We had been prepping him the last couple of weeks talking about going to daycare, so that he knew what was going on.
We did a trial run to the center yesterday - which I think helped.
Our car trip on the way to the center was littered with inevitable sightings of buses, trains, trucks - all which made a little boy very happy.
Within a minute of signing in, little man is off, he finds a puzzle and begins playing with it, and even refuses my attempts to help.
From there there's no turning back, he happily says goodbye and heads off to further explore his new surrounds.
I think my heart skipped a beat, with the confidence of my little man, there
were no tears, no cries of 'mummy don't go'.
Speaking with the director of the center later in the afternoon, she remarks,
that little man is so well settled it's like he has always been coming for years.
I am thankful for how quickly little man has embraced this new stage of life, my little bird is learning to fly.
in the midst of all the changes that we've been having, he has coped remarkably well, at least mostly.
Sure there have been tantrums - but he's two after all..
Our day began with a sleep in - bought on by a 430am wake up call, which meant some rushing to get ready.
Thankfully, unlike most mornings little man's desire to comply was high.
It was with minimal fuss that breakfast was eaten.
The next task to tackle was to get him dressed. Again for some reason there was greater ease to get this done. No distractions overtook his attention.
We had been prepping him the last couple of weeks talking about going to daycare, so that he knew what was going on.
We did a trial run to the center yesterday - which I think helped.
Our car trip on the way to the center was littered with inevitable sightings of buses, trains, trucks - all which made a little boy very happy.
Within a minute of signing in, little man is off, he finds a puzzle and begins playing with it, and even refuses my attempts to help.
From there there's no turning back, he happily says goodbye and heads off to further explore his new surrounds.
I think my heart skipped a beat, with the confidence of my little man, there
were no tears, no cries of 'mummy don't go'.
Speaking with the director of the center later in the afternoon, she remarks,
that little man is so well settled it's like he has always been coming for years.
I am thankful for how quickly little man has embraced this new stage of life, my little bird is learning to fly.
Friday, 21 December 2012
Life moments
life is full of milestones - moments that warm our hearts.
This week we had such a milestone, we celebrated Little Man's Gotcha Day - the day we first picked up our little baby from the nursery and brought him home to be his sole carers.
The day we became a family of three.
I recall that day like it was yesterday - from the anticipation of the night before, to being driven to the nursery. To meeting our little boy face to face.
The little baby boy, with long thick black hair and a big smile. The nurses at the nursery said he was a happy baby. And we knew no different.
Our first week together - filled with discovery as new parents and child.
Learning his routine, learning that he loved baths!
How quickly time has flown, the little baby now a big boy. He's even more cheeky, and at times stubborn.
But when he smiles, no matter what is done he seems to get away with it.
Our journey to him is one that was marked by many obstacles and heartbreak, yet these just seem insignificant and just a distant memory.
We have been so very blessed with him! Thankful for the journey that brought us together, thankful for infertility and for the process of adoption.
We cannot imagine life without this cheeky monkey! He truly is my joy!
This week we had such a milestone, we celebrated Little Man's Gotcha Day - the day we first picked up our little baby from the nursery and brought him home to be his sole carers.
The day we became a family of three.
I recall that day like it was yesterday - from the anticipation of the night before, to being driven to the nursery. To meeting our little boy face to face.
The little baby boy, with long thick black hair and a big smile. The nurses at the nursery said he was a happy baby. And we knew no different.
Our first week together - filled with discovery as new parents and child.
Learning his routine, learning that he loved baths!
How quickly time has flown, the little baby now a big boy. He's even more cheeky, and at times stubborn.
But when he smiles, no matter what is done he seems to get away with it.
Our journey to him is one that was marked by many obstacles and heartbreak, yet these just seem insignificant and just a distant memory.
We have been so very blessed with him! Thankful for the journey that brought us together, thankful for infertility and for the process of adoption.
We cannot imagine life without this cheeky monkey! He truly is my joy!
Friday, 2 November 2012
Separation anxiety
For the past week, Little man has been waking up in the middle of the night and refusing to self settle. But more than that - refuses to be settled by Daddy... And screams out for Mummy.
The minute i step into the room, he is happy to place his sleepy head on his pillow and is happy to go back to bed as long as i stay in the room. Not what mummy wants for sure, not if i have to go to work.
2 sleep deprived parents having wee hour discussions on what is going on..
Is he scared of something?
Should we put the night light on?
Is it separation anxiety given that he only wants mummy?
Should we try control crying again?
Friday, 19 October 2012
the conversation
most mornings - little man comes into our bed for cuddles.
this morning it was no different.. and the ensuing conversation melts my heart
Just to set the scene - LM is lying between us and then decides to roll over and takes over my pillow - relegating me to a slither on the bed
Mummy: i am falling out, no space in bed
LM: mummy careful
LM: LM hold on to mummy shirt - he tugs my Tshirt
LM: hang on mummy
how quickly he is growing up.. and how much he understands.
it just blows my mind of how smart little people are...
this morning it was no different.. and the ensuing conversation melts my heart
Mummy: i am falling out, no space in bed
LM: mummy careful
LM: LM hold on to mummy shirt - he tugs my Tshirt
LM: hang on mummy
how quickly he is growing up.. and how much he understands.
it just blows my mind of how smart little people are...
Saturday, 13 October 2012
Adoption on my mind
I happened to be home last friday and for whatever reason had the television on channel 9(i think). It was some morning show with david campbell and sonia kruger and they were having a panel on adoption.
Adoption of children by famous people has certainly been on the rise or at least that it is much more publicised than before - i am sure a few names would pop into mind without much effort.
The panel consisted Deborah Lee Furness - (Hugh Jackman's wife)- who have two children through adoption, a newspaper journo and a mum with her daughter and a lady who had just recently ended her adoption journey.
One of the key themes for me out of the conversation was the anti adoption sentiment that exists in Australia. Partly a hangover of the stolen generation and the forced adoption of the 50 and 60s. Just with the length of time it takes for someone to adopt a child in need of a loving family in Australia is so much more protracted that anywhere in the world. And hence the number of adoptions is small here in our country compared with many other developed nations in the world.
The story of the lady who recently ended her adoption journey was heartbreaking . After eight(i think) years of being on a program waiting, she and her partner finally pulled out of the program. As i watched the program - i reflected on my own journey - typically it isn't from the time you submit the paperwork to express your interest in adoption, it really begins from the time you start trying to conceive, and when the door to adoption is opened - it really is years down the track.
The adoption journey is one fraught with emotion and heartache, my heart does goes out to those who are on waiting lists for years... and not two or three, but for five six, seven years.. before they can bring their child home.
Adoption of children by famous people has certainly been on the rise or at least that it is much more publicised than before - i am sure a few names would pop into mind without much effort.
The panel consisted Deborah Lee Furness - (Hugh Jackman's wife)- who have two children through adoption, a newspaper journo and a mum with her daughter and a lady who had just recently ended her adoption journey.
One of the key themes for me out of the conversation was the anti adoption sentiment that exists in Australia. Partly a hangover of the stolen generation and the forced adoption of the 50 and 60s. Just with the length of time it takes for someone to adopt a child in need of a loving family in Australia is so much more protracted that anywhere in the world. And hence the number of adoptions is small here in our country compared with many other developed nations in the world.
The story of the lady who recently ended her adoption journey was heartbreaking . After eight(i think) years of being on a program waiting, she and her partner finally pulled out of the program. As i watched the program - i reflected on my own journey - typically it isn't from the time you submit the paperwork to express your interest in adoption, it really begins from the time you start trying to conceive, and when the door to adoption is opened - it really is years down the track.
The adoption journey is one fraught with emotion and heartache, my heart does goes out to those who are on waiting lists for years... and not two or three, but for five six, seven years.. before they can bring their child home.
Thursday, 4 October 2012
scary lion
According to the little man there is a scary lion in the house. He's just turned 28 months old, and in the last few days has been going on about being scared of the said lion.
This morning he was getting quite upset about it, so i decided to try and convince him that it doesn't exist and that it's not real. He's been to Taronga Zoo too many times to not know what a real lion looks like. So i thought it might be useful to poke fingers at the picture of the lion we have hanging on the wall. It's actually some art that Little man made.
He thought it was amusing poking the picture, but then proceeded to say there's a scary hippo - pointing to the picture next to the lion...
Is he putting it on or is this just the right age to understand the concept of being scared??
This morning he was getting quite upset about it, so i decided to try and convince him that it doesn't exist and that it's not real. He's been to Taronga Zoo too many times to not know what a real lion looks like. So i thought it might be useful to poke fingers at the picture of the lion we have hanging on the wall. It's actually some art that Little man made.
He thought it was amusing poking the picture, but then proceeded to say there's a scary hippo - pointing to the picture next to the lion...
Is he putting it on or is this just the right age to understand the concept of being scared??
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