being bold

And so it begins...

2012-01-23T00:03:00.000-08:00

Committed. That's me. While I could have been sitting on the verandah of my mother-in-laws beautiful farm, drinking wine and watching the wind whip the trees, I was instead taking up the mile a day challenge. Maggie came with me. I think she likes this new health kick :)

It's all about me.

2012-01-21T02:55:00.000-08:00

I can't even believe I am about to write these words. My fingers are all numbing over, and they aren't even the part of me that will benefit the most from what I am about to admit to the internet.

I have just committed to a mile a day challenge, hosted by the lovely JewelChic. I was leaving random comments on her facebook page, jealous quips about how lucky she is to lead the life she leads (makes jewellery, travels the world, is uber positive) when it dawned on me. 'Em, that can be you'. You don't have to sit back and watch someone else do it. You can actually get up and do it yourself. Not be the next jewelchic, but you know, start working on me.

So I said I would begin by running 1 mile a day over the month of Feb. Not too mean a feat really. But it's less about the mileage and more about smileage. I want to start feeling good about how I look (two babies, post baby weight, snacking all day, drinking red wine etc etc) and I also want to improve how I feel. I spoke recently about my pre menstrual troubles and I feel that there are so many things I could be doing better that I just let slide. Exercise is one of them. It realise good endorphins, right? And if I feel like I'm getting some time for me, perhaps I may feel less trapped that all my time is devoted to the kids.

In conjunction with this new challenge, I am heading to a yoga class on Monday night. It's a free one, and I wanna check out the centre, so no major commitment just yet. But my lovely husband has said he will pay for a full course should I like it. Ben is a big meditation fan and wants me to feel the benefits.

With my new job I also have three days where I can really think about what I'm eating. I am very good with my meals, snack only on fruit, and really look forward to dinner when I get home at the end of the day.

These are small changes, I know, but changes none the less. And I'm proud of even giving it a go. I will document some of my challenge moments here. Share the odd healthy recipe when I come across it, and boost my triumphs as they are realised. Wish me luck people!

The Whirl of Christmas.

2012-01-19T02:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas. Over. So fast. So tiring. So much fun. Here are a few photos from the many that we took over the last few weeks. We've been up to so much here in Melbourne.

I made homemade muesli for all the important women in my life. Mum, sisters, mother-in-law. It was very well recieved and they seemed to like it. Will post the recipe as soon as I get uno momento.

Santa brought Tom a trolley to pull around. Annie loved it.

Santa (my father) made this dolls house for Annie. We found all the beautiful wooden furniture in a store called Early Learning Centre. She's had her head in it ever since.

We finally got Tom's seat attached to my bike. On Christmas Eve we all took a little bike ride before dinner. It was so lovely and as you can see Tom LOVED it.

Christmas Eve dinner was just me, my wonderful husband, our delightful kids who I love so much it hurts and this meal I made. Fennel and salt rubbed pork with broccolini, kipfler potatoes and a red currant glaze. Oh, and the most unforgettable pinot noir that I have ever tasted and have since forgotten the name of.

Conversations with three year olds

2011-12-12T13:18:00.001-08:00

'mumma? It looks like it will rain'

'yes...the clouds are very grey'

'what you said?'

'I said the clouds look very grey'

'what?'

'the clouds...they look very grey'

'grey?'

'yes'

'yes...like toy story'

What the??

Quick Lunch.

2011-11-21T18:20:00.000-08:00

These days it's hard to arrange three meals a day that everyone in the family will eat and will also be kind to my two-baby waist line. So I approached things from a different angle. I'll stop munching on the left over pieces of peanut butter sandwiches and half eaten pasta the kids no longer want, and I will actually sit down and make myself a little something special - and healthy.

I found these little numbers in the supermarket the other day. Vita-Weat Lunch Slices. Ok, so they're just crackers, but they're fancy schmancy crackers and I am a princess and deserve the very best that life and Arnott's can give me. I loaded these up with hummus, cucumber, thin slice of cheese, tomato and rocket. Bring it on!

Not bad for a frazzled mother of two looking to get into a pair of jeans she hasn't worn since they closed the Cadillac night club down. I hope my generous serving of tonight's Osso Bucco wont ruin all this hard work.

The kids and me.

2011-11-21T00:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a little photographic update of the kids. Time has just flown recently. Really flown. I feel like this year is a massive blur and all I have to show for it is these two little munchkins who are now just that little bit older and soooo much cuter.

:: We head to the park a lot. Swing. Laugh. Fall over. Being away from our renovating nightmare means Bens gets more done and I stay a little more sane ::

:: I'm in love with a new supermarket. It's called LaManna. Amazing produce, fresh Australian only fruit and vege and the best cannoli hands down! In this picture, Tom expresses his love for the place ::

:: We ventured to the Big West Festival the other day. Annie, Tom and I rolled down a grassy hill and bopped to hip hoppers. I love this side of the city ::

I realise I haven't updated this blog in awhile. I am feverishly trying to get another job and that means ever last second I have is spent emailing, meeting or calling. Hopefully something pops up soon and life can have some kind of routine again.

Doing it Italian Style.

2011-09-14T21:41:00.001-07:00

I was given a pasta machine for free. I was very, very excited. I've been waiting for a few days now to try it out, and with kids asleep today is that day. First things first, the dough.

3 cups 00 flour
4 small eggs
1 tsp olive oil
pinch of salt

You're meant to put the eggs in the centre of the flour pile and slowly incorporate into a dough mix without breaking the 'flour walls'. My first attempt was pitiful. Here's my second attempt.

I managed to wrangle this into a dough that looked wonderfully like pasta dough. I used my index finger to mix. Is there nothing the index finger cant do? The dough should not be too dry or too sticky. Tick. It it should bounce back when poked. Tick. And it should look like Jamie Olivers...:(

For this delicious pasta I will be making a roasted red pepper sauce. Peppers were $2.80 at the local supermarket and I couldn't resist a nice big bag for our pizza, Vietnamese stir fry and of course, this dish.

Simply char grill the peppers, peel off their skin and whiz with roasted pine nuts. To see a full recipe go to this awesome site. I will be making little ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta. I'm always looking for more vegetarian dishes, dishes that don't require me buying any ingredients outside my weekly shop, and of course, something that hides vegies for the kids. This dish really does do all those things.

Annie absolutely loved making pasta. We were very careful with the fingers people!

When I saw how well the pasta had turned out, I popped down to Seddon Wine Store and got us a lovely Italian red to go with. My best idea so far!

Brand Junkie: Push and Go Teddy

2011-09-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

Tom turned one on Friday. I know, right? Like, where did the last year go, huh? It flew by and I have a little post I want to dedicate to just him in a few days. But before I do, there's something I wanted to share. My sister gave us money to buy Tom toys we thought he needed at this point in time (love it!). We were able to choose his gift. Make sure it was right developmentally. And of course, insure that it didn't beep, bonk, flash, whiz, zoom, or sing. I bought two toys at Baby Bunting from the Tolo Toy range and was very happy with the results.

He got this ball with hidden Teddy that pops up when you push the button. Cute!

And Push and Go Teddy.

Here's a little video of Tom and Annie learning how to share like the civilised human beings that we have raised them to be.

Getting busy with it.

2011-09-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

I've been keeping busy of late qith a few little projects. All of them have to have purpose (present etc) and be cost effective (using left over material if possible). Annie has a friends birthday party on Sunday. The mum asked me awhile back to make her daughter's doll a little cot quilt.I finally got around to it, but decided against the quilt and for a little sleeping bag instead.

For the inside I used some toweling that I had left over, all the pieces zig-zagged together to form one piece big enough to take on this project. It was so easy and cost effective and I figure not to bad to wash either.

For the fabric I tried using a mix of things I already have in my limited stash. I think the colours work pretty well together. I just hope shes not bitterly disappointed that it's not pink!

The long and the short of it.

2011-09-01T22:39:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go???

With the small touches of sunshine we have been having, the kids and I have spent less time indoors making cubby houses and skipping through the internet. Hence this lovely blog as had a little quiet time. But I'm back, and there is so much to share I can't even wrap my head around where to begin.

There are lots of crafty projects to show, house improvements to parade and random Annie-isms to share. But all in good time my friends.

I just quickly want to share this while I'm here: on my to do list I mentioned making something for Miss Annie. Here's a little dress I have been dreaming of making her for months!

Cute, easy and straight out of a Japanese pattern book (thanks for the loan, Leslie) Unfortunately, it's just a little long, so I will have to keep it for next winter. The good news is that it was super easy and I just love the fake little pockets and her 'busy bee' buttons.

Stay tuned...I will be back. xx

Sample Pots.

2011-07-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

After choosing the colour for our house, finally, we had all this left over sample paint. So, I put my creative juices to good use and together, Annie, Tom, Maggie and I made 'BrockExpress' - an overland train that holds more stuffed toys than you can shake a dummy at. Fun was had by all.

:: Annie took the role of chief designer. You'll notice all her favourite people were on board...Dora, Santa, Boots, and Jeff the purple Wiggle ::

:: Tom discovered fruit while Annie coloured in ::

:: Someone tried to board the train without a ticket, ahem (Maggie) ::

:: Ahhhh, that's better. All the kids happy and in one place! ::

Dear Natasha.

2011-07-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

I had someone ask about the cottage on my header. I wish I could say it was mine. Well, it's in the family and I stay there ALL the time, but we don't own it. My husband's parents do. They built when they bought their farm as a shed come guest house. It has a beautiful little kitchenette and upstairs bedroom, but my favourite place to sleep is right in front of the coonara on a very windy night. Natasha, if you need more specific details on how it was built etc drop me a line with your email and I'll get back to you.

Busy Bees.

2011-07-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

Quick House Update:

We managed to get just a bit more done on the house recently. The front has it's first coat of well thought out paint colour. We went with Duck White (a kinda beige grey). Very happy with the results.

Quick Craft Update:

I have been visiting my local op shop quiet a bit and collecting doilys for a lamp shape tutorial i saw on pinterest.

Quick Tom Update:

He wants to stand ALL THE TIME. Problem is, hes just not ready for it. So, its either me holding him, the couch or the coffee table. It's the only way he'll stay happy. Standing. Up right, thank you very much!

::nappy off time is 6pm every evening. Tonight they were playing doctors. Tom was meant to be the visitor, but he got all aggro and was told to leave immediately::

Quick Annie Update:

When she's not losing her mind over something (yep Tantrums have started) she is wonderfully cute. Today I asked her.

Am I Tom's mumma?'

Nooooooo.

Am I Annie's Mumma?

Nooooooo.

Well, who's mumma am I?

Bens.

True dat!

::Don't even ask about this photo. I told her cotton bubs where for her ears and next thing I turn around and she's all, 'look at my earrings Mumma'. I was very quick to say 'Don't push them in to far honey, your brain will fart'::

Kingsville to Yarraville

2011-07-14T22:16:00.000-07:00

Walked to the train station to catch a train to work and these are some of the things I captured on the way.

What does your daily walk look like?

Progress People!

2011-07-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

It's been such a busy time for us lately. Very, very tiring. On top of having two children under three, we are been renovating and trying to get our business up and going. That's three pretty huge things all at the one time. Renovating, kids, own business. Needless to say Ben and I are just so knackered from it all. I don't get a break from wrangling two small kids, and he doesn't get a break from renovating or working to spend time with those beautiful kids. It feels like we will never get off this ride.

However, there is good news to report. We decided recently to give the house one last big surge of effort before summer comes at which point we will cease with big reno projects and just do some 'family time' some pottering, visits to the zoo, beach, family, friends. You know...living a little. With the 'kind-of' end in sight, our spirits have been lifted. I took the kids to my mums on the weekend so that Ben could tackle the front weatherboards and start the front fence. Once that front of house looks a little neater we will ease into simpler times. I can't wait.

Here is the house before the weatherboards were changed, complete with fully restored original windows and a new (old) fully restored entrance way and door.

Half the weatherboards up.

Our little Victorian dream starts to take shape.

My work list.

2011-06-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

Prompted by Leslie I have decided to blog my craft work list as it stands today. Phew! There is so much to do and so little time to do it in. Hopefully an upcoming craft weekend will help to knock a few off. I am especially excited about making Annie and Tom a puppet show! Stay tuned.

Winter Jacket for Miss Annie (ASAP)
Finish black dress prototype.
Start mueslin Pattern pieces.
Make puppet Theatre.
Make puppets. (Heads already done, see above)
Kit scarf for Annie (soooo late with this!)
Start master bedroom quilt.
Do a few more blocks on scrappy quilt. (long term project)

Ommmmm....

2011-06-12T02:24:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I took my very stressed-out self to the local Buddhist Centre and started a meditation course. I've been feeling very hormonal when I've been ovulating and just before my period, and it's getting to the point where I can be unbearable to be around. So, rather than moan about it, I thought 'come on Em, let's do something about it.'

I Googled and found that I am not the only woman who found that after having two kids my PMS has become ridiculous and a real hindrance. Many, many, many other women feel the same. Anger one minute, laughing the next, crying about a minute later. Not. Fun.

So, my plan was simple: cut back on caffeine, alcohol, eat better, drink more water, take my vitamins EVERY DAY, and try yoga or meditation. The local Buddhist Centre had a 'first class free, four other classes for only $20' you can't beat those odds. Buddha himself would say it was a sign!

There was a very interesting mix of people there. Mostly women (who have probably ALL read 'Eat, Pray, Love') and of course the few men. One looked like he had just been released from Jail and this was part of his parole conditions. 'Relax, and the demons will go away...' But we all had something in common. We were just gobsmacked by our teacher. She spoIe about the constant feeling we all have that 'If I just had this I would be happy. if I just went there I would be happy. If I just did this I would be happy'. Expecting happiness to develop because of outside forces is guaranteed failure. Happiness must come from within. Or so I'm sold. I mean, told.

After a very awkward 1st lesson in Tai Chi, we had our first meditation session. I can't report feeling very enlightened. But then, I didn't expect to straight away. It was nice just to sit in the one spot for awhile. Still. No one needing me. I concentrated on my mind. It wandered. I thought about what I would make for dinner that night. I resented the fact that Ben would need to do the house renos ALL weekend and I would have to wrangle two kids on my own. I thought about how I would walk home...'past that great coffee shop, I'll grab a latte, surely Buddha is all good with a little treat or too! Man, I'm hungover' OK, back to breathing. In. Out. In. Out. 'should it be a big breath or just a little one. I'm feeling light headed. Back to the breath. In. Out. In. Out. White light in. Grey light out.'

And then I thought I would pretend the Grey light was the hormonal stuff happening in the pit of my womb. White light in. Bad, bitchy, PMS, lunatic Grey light out. It started to feel purposeful. Even peaceful.

Until I started thinking about coffee again.

Life recently...in pictures.

2011-05-24T02:35:00.000-07:00

Here's how we spent today:

Home made muesli.

Boulangere and meat balls for dinner. Yum and Yum. Thank you Master Chef!

I used my Menu planner today, which I won from this lovely lass. It's already proving very useful!

And HORRAY! we've had our entrance way put in. (door yet to be painted)

And of course, I spent a good deal of my day being Mumma to these little bottle loving sweet peas.

Global Financial Crisis Carrot & Coriander Soup

2011-05-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

If you're anything like our family, you're probably watching your money. The economic climate at the moment is chilly, and as such I choose to warm my family with cost effective soups. This is a Jamie Oliver recipe and it rocks.

1 onion, chopped
450g carrots, washed and sliced
1 clove garlic
1 tsp ground coriander
1.2 litres vegetable stock
handful chopped coriander
nutmeg to taste (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
singe cream (optional)
1 lemon

Heat oil and add garlic, carrots and onion. When onion starts to soften add coriander and salt and pepper. Cover with stock and bring to the boil. Simmer for 20 mins. Add fresh coriander. Whizz the soup, add nutmeg and serve with a swirl of cream (optional) and a squeeze of lemon juice**

** this really makes the soup sit up and slap your taste bubs into submission. Dont make it without adding your little squeeze of lemon people!

exciting prospects.

2011-05-10T23:32:00.001-07:00

It's been such a busy period for us lately. I have found that getting a moment to blog about sewing is almost as impossible as finding a moment to sew! But, in the craziness of house renos, small children, new family members and breakfasts, lunches and dinners I have managed to get a few things completed.

A friend I used to go to school with contacted me via facebook and when she learned I did a little sewing, she asked me to make her a feeding cover and some spew rags. I was more than happy to oblige. There was no brief really except that she is having a little girl.

Excuse the light in these photos. That's how little time I had to take them :)

In all things inspired, I found this golden nugget. I am about to attempt my second vintage dress but with my own modern, personal twist. Wish me luck. I have no idea how to alter patterns, or how to finish dresses neatly, but I'm learning.

TO BE CONTINUED: Will post a picture of the first vintage dress I made recently. Even if the invisible zip still isn't in!

Tommy Boms.

2011-05-08T19:02:00.000-07:00

Little Man...

Who would believe you're 8 months old. I would say that times flies, but really those first 6 months dragged and were hard and wonderful all at once. I am happy to say that now you are sleeping through which makes my life so much easier. You are a delight to watch, sitting quietly playing or talking to yourself. You love just being in the family I think. Getting a quick smile from Mum or a big hello from Dad. But hands down, your favourite person is Miss Annie. You follow her around the room with your eyes. Waiting for her to look at you, play with you, smile at you. I've often been in the other room and can hear the two of you laughing. When I come to investigate what's so funny, it always just ends up being you two, just enjoying each other, and getting a good hearty belly laugh from hearing the other one giggle. Delightful!

You can sit up now, roll over, feed yourself (messily) hold your own bottle (hooray!) laugh a lot (see below) and talk talk talk talk talk. You don't make any sense but the sounds are so colourful I have no doubt you will be as vocally capable as your big sister. Nana told me this morning that last night when you stayed at her house, you were chatting to yourself at 1am in the morning. When she went in to see you, you had rolled over on your tummy and where head butting the top of the cot. She popped your dummy in, the chatter subsides and you roll back into the land of nod.

If I could I would bottle the sweet, sweaty smell of your neck. My favourite place to kiss. It's a national treasure. So warm and soft and irresistible. Keeping growing my boy, but stay innocent and pure and mine.

Much love...Mumma xx

Determined to be One.

2011-04-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

Nickname: Tommy-Boms or Little Man

Favourite Foods: Bananas and Custard (sometimes together)

Favourite Drink: Milk and whatever mums holding.

Sleep: 7pm - 6am

Favourite Toy: Henry the Goat

Favourite Person: Miss Annie

Personality traits worth noting: Determined little buggar.

Likes: Rolling, sitting, chewing, smiling

Dislikes: Not being older, waiting for his food.

Favourite pasttime: Watching Maggie.

The things she says...

2011-03-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

Driving on Citylink, passing various advertising billboards, Annie spots one she likes...

'Beer! Beer Mumma'.

'Yes Annie, beer.'

'I like beer Mumma.'

'Really?'

'Dada like beer?'

'Yes Annie, Dada like Beer'.

'Mumma like beer?'

'No, mumma don't like beer, yuck, yuck, yuck'.

Giggles 'Mumma like beer'.

Statement. Fact.

Momentary silence.

'I love beer Mumma'.

It might have something to do with this...

or even this...

AA said she's too young to start at the moment, but they'll pop her on the waiting list.

A wonderful weekend.

2011-03-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

Instead of renovating this weekend, we did something novel. We spent time as a family. And it was wonderful.

Seddon Festival at Harris Reserve

Annie got to pat Moo Cows, her all time 'oh my gawd how awesome' day time activity

Tom chilled in the pram, pointing out that once again he was being ignored

Sunday was 'ice-creams-bigger-than-your-head' at Williamstown

In between all of this I managed to also get some sewing done. Another hooter hider order which I will share here very shortly.

Making a little money.

2011-02-27T15:50:00.000-08:00

I love sewing. And as much as it would be great to make money from it, I have no grand designs right now. However in the last week I have received two 'jobs' that I am more than happy to be paid for!

Job number one: a special gift for a soon-to-be mum and her little bubs. She picked the colours and I worked away making a feeding cover and 5 spew rags. I think the little set turned out nicely.

::Hooter hider/feeding cover::

::spew rags::

Job number two: Creating a cot quilt for a friend in reds and whites. *yikes* Don't have much red in my stash, so I'm thinking op shops and perhaps a little trip to Amitie to pick out a special feature fabric!!!

Sewing weekend.

2011-02-16T02:19:00.000-08:00

Our weekend in Warrigal ended up being fantastic. Let's not mention the fact that I forgot my machine foot (for the sewing machine and the overlocker). It made me cry. Or perhaps that was the sheer exhaustion of having two children. Either way I borrowed Ben's Granny's machine and got on my way to making a vintage dress and a top for Annie.

The dress is not quiet finished. Will be sure to share when it is. Here is the little top I made for Annie - very happy with how this turned out and loved the pattern for its simplicity. Might even make a few more if I find some cheap fabric.

We also went op shopping and I picked up a 60s business suit in a dusty blue (love it!) and these little items that just make me feel all Donna-Hay-like.

Thanks Leslie and Lisa for a great few days. Looking forward to the next. Perhaps I'll even get to that scrap quilt that has been ignored on two craft weekends to date. Oh to have more hours in the day...

One man's trash...

2011-01-30T18:52:00.000-08:00

I received a bag of fabric from my friend Leslie the other day. She makes such beautiful things, with some of the most stunning fabrics, so when she said she had some scraps she didn't want anymore, I jumped at the chance. It's been awhile since I bought any fabric (just before Christmas in fact) so seeing some new prints surged some creativity.

I have had this doorstop in my hallway since we moved in months ago.

Maggie chewed it to pieces on one of the many days that her walk was overshadowed by two small children. I had been meaning to restore this since it happened as my mum had given it to us as a housewarming pressie.

Here she is in all her glory. Fabric kindly donated. Creativity itch finally scratched!

New Year New Views.

2011-01-20T20:20:00.001-08:00

Man, is Christmas over already? Is January nearly done? Does my sweet little baby girl really turn 2 in only 3 days time? Time surely does fly.

With the holiday season I have fallen through the blogging (inter) net. But I'm back now and soooo looking forward to 2011. This is the year right? The year we start to realise some of the things we have wanted for ourselves. I can think of no better place to start than by being thankful for what I already have. Therein lies my riches. I have a wonderfully sweet, charming, funny and loving husband. Someone who has loved me even through my wild baby months where midnight rants where a common occurrence and the odd time he had to get down on the floor with me to stop the crying. He's been my rock. And I love him.

I am also thankful for my two beautiful children. But let me break that down somewhat. Miss Annie is a strong little individual who stands tall and hugs warmly. I am so proud of her. She has proved herself to be an amazing big sister over the past few months and as tough as it has been on her, she really is a little saving grace. I owe her a few special days out with just mumma. And Mr Tom. You are such a little cruiser. You put up with a lot. Thank you. I will let you smack Annie a few times when your older as payback before I tell you off. :)

I am also thankful for this house over our heads. I know I bitch and moan about it a bit...no aircon, no heating. The stumps out the back moved recently with all the rain we've been having and now we cant close the back door. It needs work right? But inside live three of the people I love the most in this world and they make all the cracks and all the imperfections just sweet to me. I know one day she'll be a Victorian beauty. Majestic and warm and open. But for now, I will just love her the way she is and enjoy the process a bit more.

I am also thankful that my family and Ben's family are healthy and happy people. We are so lucky. I think about Queensland and now Victoria and the challenges these people now face and I think 'come on em, lighten up my love'. We have it well. Very well indeed.

Is this the right post for new years resolutions? Perhaps, but I might leave that til later. For now though, some photos of those people I've mentioned. My lovely little family. Here's to 2011. Let's see it together.

Beautiful gifts from special friends.

2010-12-15T01:36:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to post these pictures but have just been so busy with Christmas and getting to know the little man. We received many lovely gifts from family and friends when Tom arrived in the world, but since this blog has a 'craft' slant, I just wanted to show you the ones that are handmade.

Here is a soft cushy block with a rattle inside made especially for my man-i-kins by our lovely friend Lisa. She is a whiz with all things linen and patchworky. This toy takes pride-of-place on his toy box.

This snuggly, cuddly blanket was made by Leslie. She has her own shop here and blog here. Wonderful handmade toys, blankets and more. Tom and I both appreciate the loveliness of this gift.

For all things projectile we have one-of-a-kind bibs made my Jo. Jo has a great blog and three delicious kids. We have been very spoilt indeed.

Advent Calendar

2010-12-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

It's finished! Horray! So pleased with the final results on this one. It was the one project that I wanted to complete before the end of the year and I managed it. (And only three days late too!)

The frame I found at savers for $7. The Linen I bought online through Duckcloth (so lovely!). The small floral fabric on the inside of the pockets was kindly donated by a friend and the small pins were a fab find on etsy.

The stamped numbers were a steal at spotlight for only $15. I used some ink that I bought years ago at a crafting festival in Canada. All in all, quiet a cheap project.

In each little pocket there are chocolates or decorations for Annie to add to our tree. I plan on bringing this calendar out every year for our family to enjoy!

Thank you Lisa for the inspiration!

mother of two.

2010-11-19T01:24:00.000-08:00

Ten weeks have gone by since the arrival of the little man. I can't even believe it has been that long. Time hurtles when you're dealing with late nights and spew. Thomas has added a lovely dimension to our family. He is reserved and shy. Delightfully happy and wonderfully easy going. His only issues to date have been cat napping in 45 minute stints and smiling too much during feeding.

Annie finds him quite amusing. She will deliberately hit him just to hear him cry. I caught her biting his eyebrow the other day. Now that was a mere 15 minutes I never want back! Lately though she is getting used to him. She wants to hold his hand and kiss his forehead. I encourage all of it (because there has been such a lack of love lately) but we have stopped letting her just do what she wants with him. It was getting to the point that I thought social services would knock on the door any day now. Miss A has taken some getting used to Mr T.

His parents have taken just as long. I have to say that I am gobsmacked at how challenging two kids can be. When Tom wasn't sleeping well I spent a good deal of my time on the floor sobbing my heart out. I felt helpless. Like I didn't know how to care for him. It was a very tough few weeks.

When I managed to come up for air I grabbed a copy of 'Save Our Sleep' by Tizzy Hall. I was so over tired and caught up with caring for Annie as well, that it has escaped me that he needed awake time. I know, how silly, right? With a little help from Tizzy I was able to put some kind of system in place that allowed me the right to say 'well, he cant be tired, he can't be hungry...' etc etc. It was the confidence that I so sorely needed.

In the last few weeks Tom has been much better. He still catnaps a lot, but I have stopped fighting it so hard. I get him up, smile at him a lot and keep him wrapped in his bouncer. He usually ends up falling asleep. I know he will eventually learn how to sleep longer, but I don't have the time or the patience to stand in his bedroom for 30 minutes trying to teach him myself. My other child just wont allow it :)

With all this commotion there has been little time for me. Time to sew. I have so many things that I would love to make, especially with Christmas on it's way, but I have to be realistic. There simply wont be time. I have decided that the one thing I would like to achieve will be an advent calendar. My friend Lisa made a beautiful one on a sewing weekend we attended together and I have thought of it ever since. I bought myself some pins to secure each day and am currently working out how this thing will look and work.

Keep your fingers crossed for me.

A letter to me.

2010-09-29T19:29:00.001-07:00

Before I went into Labour I wrote myself a letter. It helped to get all that was going on inside my head on paper. My brain was in overdrive preparing for the arrival of Tom and I wanted to collect my thoughts. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to enter into their birth with an open mind. It helps a lot.

Dear Emily
If today is the day that you go into labour I need you to know this. I am proud of you. I am proud of what you are about to do. Of what your body is about to do. It’s a wonderous thing that you can push this baby into the world all by yourself. Your body is built to do this. It knows how to make this happen. How to get the baby down and into position to be pushed gently into this world. You will cope so well I am sure of it. You will use water and breathing to get yourself through, believing fully that you are capable of this and so much more. Do not let fear envelope you. Do not let it steer your thoughts and run you off this road. Yell back at fear. Tell him to shove it where the sun don’t shine. Think of the Flemish woman in the fields who smiled her way through childbirth and welcomed her baby with open arms. Keep your lips loose and your heart open to a miracle. I have never believed in you more than I believe in you on this here day. You are inspiring. You make me feel uplifted. This baby is so lucky to have you helping them into this wonderful world.
Nothing you do today, no decisions you make, are wrong. You are right and true in all you decide. Be sure that you will be ok. Don’t make yourself feel guilt if things don’t go the way you planned. At the end of all this the result is exactly the same. You will have a beautiful healthy baby. A treasure to behold. A sibling for Annie. Another light in your life. You are so lucky to be able to have this experience. Remember that. Remember how lucky you really truly are.
Trust in yourself. Hold Bens hand. Trust in Ben. Listen to the midwives. Hold the midwives hands. Take a deep breath. Trust in your breath. Visualise the waves crashing in on the cave. Welcome the warmth. Open yourself up to this delivery. To the arrival of your baby. To the possibility that you just might be as brave as you have always wanted to be.
With much love, respect and belief in you,
Emily

Thomas Gerald Brocklesby 09.09.2010

2010-09-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

::update:: found this photo of when Annie was born and weighed. They look a like, don't you think?

I'm not quiet sure how to begin this birth story. I have an urge to start it with Annie's birth story as it paves the way for so much of my thought and wishes with this one.

To recap: Miss Annie was induced a week over her due date. I spent a long and sometimes annoyingly painful two days strapped to monitors in Sandringham hospital. On day three they told me I wasn't even quiet 1 centimeter. *sigh* They broke my waters, encouraged contractions but 6 hours later I was still that measly 1 cent. At this stage I begged for an epidural and in hindsight it was the best thing I could have done. With the threat of a C-section looming I felt weary and emotional and as if my whole birth plan had been blown up by the Americans. I surrendered. And because I did, I fell asleep and managed to wake up two hours later, full dilated and ready to push. That epidural saved me from a worse faith and for that I will be eternally grateful.

On Wednesday night 08.09.2010 I went for my 40 week checkup. My midwife laughed when she saw me. 'Surely you should have a baby by now?' she exclaimed. We had been joking non stop about this because for weeks now I had had serious Braxton Hicks and as my midwife put it 'a head so far down it was ready to come out any second!'. I was pretty emotional at this appointment, feeling that I would NEVER have a baby. I was due to head to a friends after wards, but feeling exhausted and highly sensitive decided not to go. Thank god for that.

At 11pm on that same night I woke with period pain. I would describe it as cramping in my lower abdominal. I came and went and for the first time in months, I could not go back to sleep. I decided to time them.

10,9,8,7,6,5...

Shit. That's a bit fast, I thought! I decided to jump in the shower. My midwife had said that if when in the shower the pain does not subside, you're probably in labour. As the water pounded my now aching lower back i noticed we had dropped to 2 & 3 minutes apart. Things were speeding up.

I woke Ben. He sighed. I think every time he looked at me over the last month of this pregnancy he thought 'the 30-something year old who cried wolf!'. He patted me groggily and said 'when it's time it's time chook'. I mentioned the 2-3 minutes apart and that roused him from sleep. We called the midwife who listened to me over the phone for 10 minutes. 'Ok, that's 5 in ten minutes, I would get going to the hospital if I was you'.

No arguing with that! We bundled Miss Annie into the car and met my parents at 2:30 in the morning at emergency Royal Women's. They took my baby girl home and I was admitted at 3am. The midwife on duty was a little aloof. I wasn't sure I liked her. She came in and out of the room without speaking much and only touched my stomach occasionally during a contraction. She mentioned we might go home again - I shot Ben a look that screamed 'Not bloody likely!'

At 4am she announced that I was 4 centimeters and doing well. I decided to shower. It helped - a lot! After an hour of being in there with Ben spraying me like a beached whale, I got out. I strapped on the tens machine and buckled in for a bumpy ride.

(Let me just say that I had no grand plans about this birth. I had read Ina May Gaskins book and watched numerous episodes of 'One every minute' on SBS but really I figured I would just give it a shot and if it got too much 'hook me up love'.)

Throughout the next hour or so the contractions really increased. Sitting on the toilet with the gas was one of the only comfortable positions I could muster. I begged the midwife to tell me what stage I was at, but she just kept saying 'you're doing really well, that's all you need to know'. Before long I was begging Ben for help. 'No more, no more, no more, no more, no more' became my chant through contractions. He left the room to move the car (hello?) and the midwife went outside to flap around. I stood next to the bed, bent over it, naked from the waste down, clutching my gas and focusing on my breathing. Not having them there to whinge too helped, and I learn't later that it was a planned strategy the midwife had concocted with Ben.

When they reentered the room I began begging for help again. 'I want an epidural' I spat. Again I got 'You're doing great, just wait until the other midwife gets here, half and hour and then we'll get you sorted' BOLD FACED LIE! Within 20 minutes I complained that there was pressure below. My midwife encouraged me to get on all fours on the bed and start pushing...

...Ok stop. This is where I freaked out. Did she say 'push'? My brain started to numb (could have been the gas) I stopped momentarily and took that comment in. Oh shit, I thought. We've come too far now. There's no going back. This would be a drug free birth whether I liked it or not. I buried my head in the pillow, left the gas permanently in my mouth and turned the tens machine on to 'REALLY TRULY PAINFUL'.

Over the next hour or so the midwife and Ben coached me through the most pain I think I've ever felt in this life. All of it bearable though. I could feel his head as it moved down the birth canal. I moaned at the pressure of it all. When I got the urge to push I relished it. I pushed slowly and thoughtfully all too aware that I didn't want that head tearing any part of me. We got to the crowning and like some poster child for birth I yelled 'It stings!'. With another push I felt the most amazing thing. My vagina came back together around his neck. The relief was immediate. I felt his little body turn giving him the best chance to get his shoulders out and with one mighty push he slipped right out of me.

It was 7:31am.

I kept sucking on the gas. Ben buried his head in my hair and said 'you did it, you did it.' over and over and over. I was a little light headed from the gas but managed 'What is it?'.

'A boy!' Ben beamed. 'A little boy'.

I couldn't spin around fast enough. The Tens wires were all wrapped up and the gas machine fell to the floor. I just was not going to believe it was a boy until I saw him.

And there he was. In all his wondrous glory. A little boy. Perfect and sweet and with MASSIVE balls. I held him close. I kissed his yucky head. I thanked God it was all over. We stayed like this for a hour as they tended to my 1 stitch and called everyone we knew to tell them the news.

I went into this pregnancy looking for one thing - to go into labour naturally. It was my only goal. I came out of it having the most amazing experience of my life so far. It was a damn painful one, but by god it rates high on my list of things that rock. I managed to conquer the fear of the pain, rather than the pain. It was a moment for me. It was a hurdle that I think has been holding me back for far to long. I'm way too cautious, not spontaneous, always worrying about what might happen rather than what could happen.

My midwife was sent from somewhere very special. She got me. She knew how to get me through. I will be forever grateful for the experience I had at that hospital and with those people. This vigour for life has charged me into my care with Tom. I am far more relaxed. I am much more maternal. I am slowly edging towards the person (the mother) that I have always wanted to be. I don't just put that down to Tom's birth, I put it down to my rebirth. Someone who wont let fear stand in the way of all that life has to offer.

And that's it. My story. It's by no means spectacular. In fact, it's probably only interesting to me, and maybe Ben, and possibly Tom when he's 20.

...off to care for my two precious kids...
Em
x

I think I'm in love...

2010-09-17T19:11:00.001-07:00

Introducing Mr Thomas (Tom) Gerald Brocklesby. Born Thursday 9th of September 2010 at 7:31am. The full birth story will follow shortly, but for now I am just going to bask in the words 'I have a son'.

Waiting for baby...

2010-09-07T02:29:00.000-07:00

Since this baby seems to want to take its time, we have forged ahead with getting little jobs done around the house. Most people are calling this 'nesting'. I'm calling it 'necessary'. As we tick things off our list, I love this house even more. Sure, she's damn ugly on the outside (and will be for awhile) but slowly, slowly, her insides become more and more delightful. And don't they say that beauty is on the inside??

Here's a little peek at our accomplishments.

We bought this old Cottees sign for $5 at Camberwell Market years ago. We were going to put it in the kitchen when I suggested we turn it into a coat rack. I like it.

These fantastic space savers are only $1.49 from Ikea. The tubs are $1.49 from Ikea and the S hooks are about $2 for 10. Love it.

We wanted to save money ($800 to be exact) so we are painting our wardrobes ourselves. Well....I'm painting them. Ben is busy with restoring and painting the bedroom doors. See below.

I am now 40 weeks pregnant and feeling it. I woke every hour on the hour last night with period-like pains and Braxton Hicks tightening but woke this morning with not a sign of things progressing. This has been happening for a week or so now and while it's a promising sign, I feel so disheartened when things stop. Hopefully, over the next few days, I will get my wish. For now though, it's back to my chilli pizza, tweaking nipples and occasional clumsy sex.

Sew much done.

2010-08-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

I've been busy. Busy finishing things before this baby comes along. Here's just a touch of what's been going on at my machine lately.

Miss Maggie loves to claw her bed. She tore up the one we bought so I fashioned this up out of left over material. She loves it. And I like how funky it looks in the house.

This is a bag I made for my hospital stay. All our other bags were just too big or too small. This will do nicely for my things and the babies items are in a wicker basket. So...we're all set

The front of our very old Victorian house is a bit ugly to say the least, so I thought I would make a cute little cushion for the verandah and add a few plants to pretty things up until we have money to renovate. I recycled some old buttons on this and I love the look it created.

We were given an sofa bed recently, in excellent condition. It has some horrid fabric on it though, so I have covered it with a white sheet and made these cushions to funk it up a bit. The fabric is from Ikea at only $9 a metre. Love. A. Bargain.

Soon to be Big-Sis.

2010-08-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

Dearest Miss Annie Jane,

This morning you would not let me shower on my own. You wanted to be in there. With me. Keeping an eye on me incase I went to work or something. I did go to work. But by that time we had distracted you with 'Babe' the movie. You simply love animals at the moment. Although you seem to be confused between a pig and a horse and point to the DVD cover saying 'Horsey? Horsey, Mumma?'. It's hard to resist.

You're 19 months now. Nearly two and getting so much bigger. In about three weeks time you're going to be a big sister. You have no idea what's coming. You're like Kevin Rudd before Julia Gillard turned up and slapped him in the face. Absolutely no idea. Sometimes you point to my ridiculously big bump and say ;'tummy' or 'baby'. But I think that's just because we taught you, not because you know the actual miracle that's happening in there.

Of late you're a little cranky pants. You want things your way. ALL THE TIME. This gets tiring to fight/discipline, especially when you're 37 weeks pregnant. I choose my battles with you. I give you chances to behave yourself (most of which you take) and when you don't you end up in your cot - pretend crying while Mumma waits outside for two minutes before saving you.

I need to harden up.

You have so many words now my lovely. You start each day with 'Mumma?'. Our bedrooms are pretty close so I think you know I can hear you, even with three pillows over my ears! Then you follow it up with ' Wow, look at that'. 'It's in there' 'Hi Hashim' (our neighbour). I always respond to you talking which can sometimes lead to us chatting for twenty minutes. Most of it is baby babble but you throw in a few notable words for good measure. I ask you things like 'Did you play with the babies at child care today?' and you nod and say 'yes'. This form of communication/conversation really delights me. We are chatting. You and I. Finally.

I think Dada is the favourite at the moment. He has so much more energy and time for you at this late stage in the pregnancy. I beat myself up over this all the time. I cant stop thinking about all that needs to be done or cleaned before this baby arrives and as such I find myself giving you less time. The guilt is gut wrenching.

You've really noticed Maggie lately. In fact, you think she's the funniest thing you've ever seen. She literally cracks you up. Whenever food drops on your lap in the highchair Maggie is there to clean it up. I think it must tickle or something. And besides being really unhygienic it's very cute. I think you two will be good friends in the end. I hate to think about when Maggie is no longer around. I know you'll be old enough to understand her passing and I dread to think how I will explain it to you.

You're a social butterfly at the moment. We catch up with a few friends a week and venture to the local café every week where you play with new friends all the time. You're an observer. Watching the other kids to see what they do. Some of the bad habits you take home with you, but overall I get such joy to see you potter around and share toys and smile with glee when kids share with you.

We started you in occasional care recently. It was rocky at the beginning but now you are motoring along. I walked in the other day to pick you up and you didn't even move from the chair. You said 'Hi Mumma' and then returned to your food. Your arm lay casually over the back of your chair as you surveyed the room. I had to turn my head for fear of laughing at you. What a character we have on our hands.

Just so you know little one. I love you. I know the next few months are going to be tough on all of us, but with it will come much bliss too. You're going to have a sibling to love, to fight with, to play with. At first it might be confusing. You might wonder why I don't have as much attention for you. It's not because I don't find you utterly delicious. It's just because I am trying to help your new brother or sister to become as fantastic as you. Be patient with Mumma. I promise to be patient with you.

This baby is lucky to have such a wonderful Big Sis.
Love Mumma
x

Time. I demand you, stop flying!

2010-08-05T19:26:00.001-07:00

There are now about 4 weeks until this baby should arrive. Five at the most. This pregnancy has gone by so quickly. I can't even believe it. I think it doesnt help that it's been overshadowed by the new house, the renovations, Miss Annie, being back at work, my sick mum (who's now much better) and just everyday life. I hope this little one can forgive me for not lying on the couch more and giving it a rest. Mumma plans many movie evenings to make up for it.

I am frantically trying to get last minute projects completed, knowing full well that a little newby and his/her sister Annie will zap all spare time. Here are a few things completed in the last week or so.

A pram blanket for my friend who is due a boy in December:

For backing I used the cot top sheet that they provide in cot sheet sets. No one ever uses them (for SIDS reasons) so I thought I would be thrifty and use this lovely blue spotted one to finish the blanket.

A snuggle blanket for a friend having a C-Section on Monday - she doesnt know if it's a boy or girl yet - fun!

A doll for my beautiful niece Caila who turns 1 late August.

The next post will have to be about Miss Annie, who grows more delicious every day. Until then, I better get back to yelling at time.

Keeping up with the crafty projects.

2010-07-05T22:41:00.001-07:00

I am delighted to say that there has been a few crafty projects completed of late. Most of them are adjustments to old curtains found in savers to try and keep the heat in our fer-fer-fer-freeezing old home. I won't show you photos of them, they're just not that exciting. What I will show you though, is the things that have been on my list for...oh...like...forever.

I made a doll to give Miss Annie when she comes to visit me and bubs 2 in the hospital.

It has a reversible smock. The most difficult thing to turn out, but well worth it. I am extremely happy with this doll because I have NEVER MADE A GOOD TOY! The pattern was simple and so, so cute.

I also made a new lining for the car capsule for bubs 2. I wanted something nice and fresh and clean as the capsule we have has been borrowed from a friend and pre loved.

I also really liked the dress (featured in the photo of Wild Hair Miss Annie and her Dada below) and wanted to make her a few more.

The design is so simple and putting it on and taking it off is pure Mumma happiness. Simply slip over the head and secure using buttons. They are great with winter tights and warm thermal tops. Here are the two I lovingly finished last night for my baby girl.

Next on the sewing agenda:

More curtains
Pillow cases for our verandah
A blanket for my lovely friend Karen.
A little gift for bubs 2.
Mending Ben's jeans (these are always last, poor guy!)

The renovations in pictures.

2010-06-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a few picture of the house, before and after the renovations. We are by no means finished either inside or out so take note when you see bare walls and patchy paint. We have so much more to do. The list is like a huge weight. But, weekend after weekend we manage to get something done and this slow progress makes us blissfully happy.

::hallway before/during::

::hallway after::

::bedroom before (we bought it like this - are we mad??)::

::bedroom after::

::living room before::

::living room after::

We havent actually started renovating the back of the house (kitchen, bathroom, laundry) as this will be expensive. However, we managed to make some small changes to the existing kitchen to make it a tad more livable.

::kitchen before::

::kitchen after::

::kitchen after (different angle)::

photo booth - what fun!

2010-06-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

*Mumma so distracted looking at herself that she doesn't realise Miss Annie is ringing Japan*

'Hello? Japan? We need to talk about how much fish you're eating over there!'

Dear Baby Number Two.

2010-05-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

Hey. How are you? We don't talk much these days. I want us to stay in touch more. Let each other know how we are. We used to talk. You and I. That was a while back though. Life caught up with us since then.

I know that I'm mostly at fault here. I accept that. I can be a little selfish really. I should have started a conversation with you. Sat down and tried a little bonding. But the washing needed to be done, and Annie had another dirty nappy. It sometimes steals moments from us. This life we lead.

So what's new? I hear you have fingernails. That must work out well if you need to pick your nose. My calculations tell me you can hear us all. Ben, Annie and Miss Maggie. Quiet the madhouse huh? Did I mention we have a vacancy?

So listen, I've been thinking. It's not long before your plane lands and we have to go and pick you up from the airport. Can't believe we will see each other after all this time. I hope there's no weirdness. Anyway, so we're picking you up right? I hear the traffic down that way can be a real bitch. I hope I don't lose my shit.

You'll know who I am pretty instantly I would think. I'll be the brunette holding the epidural bag like it was the arse of Hamish Blake. I might look a bit disshelved, but fear not, I've got it together (most of the time) and actually, I'm pretty fun to hang out with. The guy with the beard and the huge grin is your father. He's a lovely specimen. Very thoughtful an very very funny. I rolled over in bed the other morning and let out a big one. He promptly replied 'Has anyone ever told you not to point a loaded weapon at someone?'. Please note: he will love you instantly. (as will I)

The mini me sitting on Dada's lap is Annie. She's your sister. She's a pretty laid back chickie. She won't fuss over you too much, but don't take it personally. She will think your the bees knees by the time you can clap to The Wiggles. Oh, and if she looks a little drunk, it's only because walking is a new pass-time for her.

When we get you home you'll notice a brown blur walking around who smells like wet socks. That's Maggie. The dog. I'm afraid she's severely pissed off you're coming. We broke the news to her the other day and she took her ball outside and hide under the outdoor table for hours. Ben had to coax her out with a piece of steak. Maggie has already been demoted from 'half dog/half human' to just 'dog with human traits' and now you're on your way, she knows all that's left is mere 'dog'. It's a bitter pill to swallow.

In case I don't get around to saying it (which is looking more and more likely) I love you ardently. You squirm around in there occasionally and my heart melts trying to imagine what you're going to look like in a Bonds Wondersuit. I wonder whether my heart is big enough to take anymore love. I love your Dada so much, and Miss Annie like I never thought possible. I know there is more for you though. It's already begun.

Righto, better go and get back to the massive list of things we need to get done before we meet. Picking your name is up there next to 'put door handles on doors'. Don't worry, we won't do what we did with Annie and decide your name over a tray of fish and chips in the TV room of the hospital.

Til we meet my sweet one,
Mumma
x

Things that happened this week.

2010-05-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

1. Miss Annie learn't how to walk!

She looks a little bit like an old drunk leaving the pub just after twelve. Absolutely NO balance whatsoever, but I am loving her determination and her sheer delight at being able to get around so quickly. She takes a few steps, speeds up to a trot and then laughs her head off before falling to her bum. I could watch her all day. But then who would make the Lamb & Rosemary pie.

2. Made Lamb & Rosemary Pie that I am in love with!

3. DIY Job on a wrought iron single bed given to us by my sister.

It will act as a day bed/couch in the study and house any friends or family wanting to stay over. (Jane/Marian/Siobhan/Harrison) I was happy with the job the paint did, although I thought it would be much glossier.

Blissful Bali.

2010-05-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

It's about bloody time I wrote about our luscious trip to Bali. I would have jotted something down sooner, but we have been MAD busy since we got home. Packing up for our move and actually getting our little asses into our new home last weekend. Can you believe it?? Finally, after 7 months of owning our own home, we are now tucked into our beds at night within it's walls. I haven't been this happy since I swam up to our pool bar in Bali and ordered a Strawberry martini.

Oh yeh...back to Bali. We went without Miss Annie. It was not an easy thing to do, leaving her. She looked so warm and cuddly that morning. Drinking her bot-bot and looking at me innocently as if I would NEVER leave her. My heart nearly broke in two. I cried all the way to the airport and demanded that Ben be patient with me because 'I'm fragile'. I remained in this state the entire way to Bali. As we got off the plane and the humid heat hit my pregnant belly. As we jumped out of our taxi and admired our choice of accommodation. And as we dumped our bags in our lovely little room with massive oversized bed.

It wasn't until I settled into my sun lunge and looked across our pool and out to the ocean that I turned to Ben and said 'This, is the shit!'. I knew instantly that we would not have had as relaxing a time if little Annie was with us. After all the renovating and working hard, we both needed some time out. We were planning to lap it up.

Bali now has a social place in my heart. The only other place is Asia I have been is Vietnam (which I loved!) but there was something truly 'inviting' about Bali that sinks into your skin. The people, the food, the markets. Nothing is over done. Nothing is too westernised. Everything is simple and sweet. We spent most of our time devoted to Steig Larsson and Salander, perched on our sun lounges. I would read, think about what I wanted for lunch, read and think about what I wanted for dinner. It was divine. We took a day trip to UBUD and stayed the night, hired bikes, and visited a few tourist places, but mostly we soaked up the stillness, the sleep-ins and the late night dinners in quaint little restaurants. Here are just a few photos of our trip.

When Ben's bike grows up, it wants to be a Harley.

It's time to say well done.

2010-04-27T02:23:00.000-07:00

Too often I beat myself up about the things that I don't get done. I've gotten very good at it since I had Annie. The days seem to merge into each other and my list of things to do sits by, smiling and twiddling it's thumbs. It's very frustrating for me, because I am a doer of things. I like to get things done. To be in a position where achieving just the evening meal and perhaps a little housework can sometimes leave me sighing.

But you know, I have to change my perception on all this. Being with my baby and watching her grow should be enough, right? If I manage to get anything else done above and beyond that, I'm doing well. So, today, I am going to celebrate the fact that I got so much done yesterday (Monday). It was a productive day on many levels. With Annie, with the house and with my inner self. Here is my tribute to the achievement of the small things. Congrats me. You're doing great!

I dropped Ben over to the house so he could meet our carpenter and help him install our new wardrobes!!!! Yipee! Imagine...somewhere to hang our things. The sheer delight of that!

Miss Annie and I ventured to our local park for a picnic lunch. She is a little obsessed with 'Birdy's' at the moment so we went to look at the ducks that live in the pond. She loved it. But, in true Annie style, would not share any of her lunch with them, opting instead to eat the bread I gave her to throw at them.

While Miss Annie slept in the afternoon I managed to take some more paint off the window we are restoring for our hallway door. I love heat guns, they are so satisfying!

And hey, while we're at it, let's whip up a tomato pie and a spinach and fetta pie too. With homemade crust of course (easiest recipe ever! will share soon)

No busy day is complete, without a little something sweet. The ripening bananas in the fruit bowl inspired some Banana Cake that was hungrily eaten for desert with cookies and cream ice cream. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Where has the time gone...

2010-03-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

Dearest Miss Annie,

I have been threatening to write this update on you for months now. So much time has gone by and you have grown with every week. It's hard to believe that you are not my little 'easy-to-hold-with-one-arm' baby anymore.

However what you have become is much more delightful. You're a sweet little thing. You take moments to let things sink in. You look around a room, suss people out, decide how you feel about it all before you will relax into the moment. The other day we visited the Elsternwick Library Story Time. There's a very talented young lady there who reads stories and sings songs while all the babies (and the Mummas) sing along. There are actions to do, and sounds to make, and all the other children are actively involved. You, however, sit in muted silence just starring. I can't decide what is going on in your tiny little mind, but I'm tossing up between:

'Wow, this is intense' and 'How do all these people know my Mummas songs?'

At the very end of the session when I was sure that you had hated it, you started to clap your hands and bounce on my knee. I was delighted you were finally getting into it, but it was the last song and before you knew it was all over. Your little face nearly broke my heart.

Your current obsessions are taking lids on and off things, pointing at everything in the house and saying 'ta' as if we will just give you the microwave to play with. You are madly in love with Dada at the moment. In the morning, when you wake, we walk out of your bedroom and into the living room. Normally Dada is sitting there having his breakfast and reading the paper. With confidence you holler 'Dadaaaa!'. Some mornings he has already gone to work and you just can't figure out where he is. You have an unhealthy fascination with Maggie our dog. Now that you can crawl, you are gunning it over to her hoping to get a little pat in. Maggie is onto you though, being extra cautious now that your new movement resembles a small dog. She hops up quickly when she senses you coming and hightails it out of there. For you this is bitterly disappointing as it can take you awhile to get anywhere on all fours.

You've started giving Mumma real hugs back. For awhile there I was sure you had some kind of intimacy issue. But no, you show love now. In little hugs and soft kisses. I can't get enough of them. They make my day. It blows me away that we can be this lucky.

To honor the fact that you are officially 14 months old, I wanted to share a little video of the first 6 months of your life. Don't worry, we are currently filming the next installment and have found a good place to hide the tapes until your 21st.

xx

Here's to you my sweet little girl who I love so very much. Thank you for making my heart so light with love.
Mumma

And then there were four...

2010-03-23T16:38:00.001-07:00

I've just recently discovered that rolling around in bed and huffing and puffing a lot, will lead to doctors wanting to take photos of your stomach. Look what they found in me a few weeks back...

That's right...Ben, Annie, Maggie and I are all digesting the news that there is going to be another baby in the house very soon. Bubs 2 (as we have lazily named him/her) is due in early September. And whilst this was a planned thing (Ben didn't just surprise me in the middle of the night with cake and an offer of a quick rumpy pump) it has taken some time to get used to.

I suppose initially I felt overly guilty for Miss Annie. That she would no longer be the only one. I knew instantly that I would have less time for her. I didn't want her thinking it meant we didn't love her beyond comprehension. After that, I started to think about that lack of sleep that comes with a newborn. It played on my mind so much I couldn't sleep. Ironic huh? But, over the last 16 weeks I have come to feel much better about the idea of having another baby.

I know Miss Annie will be a terrific (if a bit bossy) big sister. I know Ben will be a terrific and helpful second time Dad. And I think, and hope, that I will be a much more relaxed second time Mum. I must point out how happy I really am to be growing our little family. We have had such joy from our Miss Annie that I have no doubt bubs 2 will merely add to our feeling of elation. It's hard work, let's not kid ourselves. But it's hard work with huge rewards and that makes it all worthwhile.

With all the house renos and a trip to Bali in two weeks time, I suppose I am feeling a real urge to nest. I want to set the house up. Prepare and plan. Make a nice home for this little bundle to start his/her life. With any luck that will be in the next few weeks and my feeling of panic may subside.

Tomorrow is appointment week 16 at the Royal Women's Hospital. It's my first visit there and I am looking forward to seeing the digs. I have a few friends who have given birth there, and while I will miss the homely nature of Sandringham Hospital, I am comforting myself with the thoughts that the Royal delivers, on average, 30-50 babies a week. (don't quote me on those stats)

Can anyone recommend a good book to read on natural births? Something with a headline similar to...

'How to get through the most excruciating pain and still remain attractive',
'10 ways to knock yourself out during labour',
'Simple steps to sedating yourself without drugs'.

I'll check back in regularly for your recommendations. The best answer gets to win a copy of my birth video!!

A visit from the postman...

2010-03-10T23:17:00.001-08:00

I was reading Dooce and came across a book that I couldn't stop thinking about. Now that we have our house I am always thinking ahead when it comes to decorating it, cooking in it and of course caring for the garden. I'm not much of a green thumb in all honesty, but I am hoping that now we own a little block we can call our own, that it will inspire the gardener in me.

This book should help quiet a bit...

What interested me most about this book was the idea that you can grow veggies in even the most awkward places. I have had a few ideas for integrating veggies and herbs into our garden without needing to take up the whole back yard, and this book has just served to inspire that. What's most wonderful about it is that it's such an easy read. I feel like I walk away from sections of it, informed rather than confused.

The organic side of it seems obvious rather than scary. And it also has a great section on preserving your produce and even a few recipes to boot. All in all, the best $23 dollars I have spent in the last few months (and my first amazon purchase too!)

In other naughty internet credit card adventures I also visited the Duckcloth website and decided to get me a little something to inspire the next project. I was thinking of making miss annie a doll, complete with her own quilt. (thanks Julia for the inspiration)

Every time I look at her I want to make that little chicken something! This could be a very expensive relationship! Will share more on my little one in the next post.

Life at the moment...

2010-03-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

...can be put into pictures. These pictures in fact.

Watching Miss Annie grow and develop more every day. A spot or two or renovating madness. And of course, the odd walk or two with Miss Maggie.

The only thing missing? My hard working graphic designer/carpenter/painter/musician husband. Will be sure to capture his mug in a photo very soon...

The Car Caddy

2010-03-01T17:41:00.000-08:00

I had a massive surge of energy the other day and decided to clean out our car. It was a one off thing, and I'm hoping that the neatness of it all will inspire me to keep it that way.

Whilst I was throwing out old papers and remnants of Annie's daily diet I got to thinking. Perhaps I could put together some kind of caddy that could hold all of Miss A's things. She loves to read while we drive, and chat on her fake phone. And I am always looking for somewhere to harvest a dummy or two.

So....I made this:

The Tie at the top is measured to the same width as the top part of the car seat. This way it doesn't slip down and become completely useless.

The pockets are made from some cute fabric that I picked up at the Lock festival some months back.

The backing fabric was left over from the pillows I made on our weekend away.

So far, this has been a real treat. Miss Annie can reach her things and I can keep our little old car, nice and clean. 'Yeahs' all round.

Beach fun and new friends.

2010-02-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

On Friday afternoon Miss Annie and I packed up our stuff and made our way down to Rye for a sewing weekend. As the lovely Sewjourn is booked out months in advance we opted for somewhere by the sea and oh boy am I glad we did!

Organised by the lovely Leslie, we were to be sharing our two story beach house with some other devoted bloggers and crafty people Jo and Julia. I have met Jo before and learnt so much from her and was excited about getting to know Julia.

As Ben has been too busy with the house I had to bring Miss A with me. Not that it was so bad. She moaned a bit and was kinda clingy, but overall she slept well and seemed happy to be somewhere a little different. Leslie and I took her to the beach. She absolutely loved it.

Not so keen on being sensible in the sun.

Miss A always squints in photos. I have NO idea where she gets that from.

These sewing weekends are great for so many reasons. We get to learn from each other and complete projects that haunt you as you tackle the day to day of house cleaning, cooking and baby wrangling. Usually these sewing weekends involve lots of great food (last weekend being NO exception) and if you're lucky you'll make some new friends. What surprised me the most was that not only did all of these things occur in Rye, but I also secured some confidants. People I could talk to easily. People who were on the same page as me, in motherhood, as a wife, in life.

Even with my little chicken there, I managed to get some things done. I was keen to make some pillow cases for European Pillows my sister had given me. I want our new bedroom to have white linen and then I plan on mixing things up every now and then when I come across some interesting fabric. I found this cute fabric in spotlight and was very happy with how they turned out.

I also made a little summer top for Annie that I'm going to put away for next year. I used the lovely grey and blue fabric that was left over from the pillows. After a marathon car clean on Monday I have decided my next project is a little car seat toy holder for Miss Annie's books. I'm hoping it will assist in keeping our vehicle somewhat respectable!

knackered.

2010-02-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

There's no hiding the obvious. I am absolutely knackered. The house has really begun to take shape and with a steady speeding up of things, Ben and I are getting busier and busier. I spent most of Saturday carefully painting around our stunning cornice and along our architraves. I managed to get the three bedrooms and the hallway prepared for the roller paint Derby that will commence this weekend.

Finding the time (and the right job) to help Ben with the house has been hard. Big thanks to my sister Deb for helping out with Miss A. You are more than wonderful to me. I want to be apart of the development of the house and find that hard with an active one year old. She demands so much of my time and energy I feel I cannot give in others areas when I (badly) want to.

I've been working two days a week as well. I actually really like that. Being with adults and working my advertising brain has been good for me. I found that the dramatic change from working woman to stay-at-home mum hard. Two days is enough to satisfy the person I have spent the last 32 years being and gives me plenty of time with the delightful Miss A to grow into a good mum. It's a very good balance.

I have had little or no time for sewing lately. We are still living with my parents-in-law and there's no real space for setting up a sewing machine that I don't have to pack up at the end of each session. However, I am pleased to say that I am going away on another sewing weekend this Friday (with Miss A) so hopefully I will get some quiet moments to rustle up a dress or two for me and my baby.

Oh yeh, forgot to mention...we are going to Bali in April for a little family holiday. We must be mad, with all the renovating etc, but when my air-hostess friend got us fights for a quarter of the price we could not resist. Bring. It. On!

For now though, I will delight you with our ceiling roses. It's the pretty things that make this renovation business so much easier to handle...

This is my father Thomas.

Without his help, I don't think Ben and I would ever move into our new home. He has been wonderful. Not just wonderful, but selfless, loving and dedicated. We owe him our sanity.

Happy Birthday Baby

2010-01-26T21:19:00.000-08:00

It's completely insane, I know, but my daughter turned one on Sunday. I just about nearly fell out of the bed when Ben reminded me*. Could not wrap my head around it. Why only yesterday I was huffing and puffing and carrying on about 'the pain, the pain' and before I know it, Miss Annie decides to turn the big 1 and start crawling. It's too much, too much I tells ya!!

But oh how sweet and funny and soft you are. How truly edible your little nose is. How warm your eyes and puffy your fingers. How delightful is your smile, your laugh and your hug. I fear I am addicted my little one. To the very thought of you. The very sight of you. You, just you.

As I mentioned Miss Annie has taken this time to learn how to crawl. Finally. I had started looking on ebay for a cart as I was sure her chances were over. She now gets up on all fours and kinda rocks about a bit before taking a few shuffles towards the DVD player. I don't know why I don't just wrap up the remote and give her that for her birthday - she is INSANE about buttons. Who can blame her, they make stuff happen, especially when you push Dad's.

We had a little birthday soiree at our temp house in Brighton. It was just family (who are pretty much rent-a-crowd, there's that many of them) and we had a little BBQ and ate way too much sugar. Annie thought it was all so fantastic. People singing to her. Gift after gift after gift. And of course....cream! This baby party stuff is new to me. I am used to throwing a slab in an esky of ice, a pack of sausages on the BBQ and sawdust on the toilet floor and calling it a party. I was all 'how do I make this a kiddy thing???'

After much deliberation I decided 'Frog-in-a-pond' would suffice. I whipped them up the night before and I think I may have put frogs in ponds just a little early. When Ben saw them the next day he said 'babe, they look like drowned frog in ponds'. He had a point.

Oh, and not to forget my other girl. Miss Maggie. She turned three about a month ago now. We had 'bone-in-a-dirtpile' and played take the tail off the pussy cat. Maggie was easy to buy for. She just wanted another tennis ball.

* As if Ben had to remind me it was her birthday. I've been more excited than both of them put together.

Coming along.

2010-01-04T20:58:00.000-08:00

The house renovations are really coming along. I was a little worried about 2 weeks ago, sure that Ben would not have the bent walls ready for insulation let alone plaster. How wrong I was. It pleases me immensely to say that we have a plasterer at our place today busily putting walls where walls should be. This makes me glow inside. I feel just a tad closer to moving into the house we bought nearly two months. Here are a few photos for those with any interest in free roof insulation, built in robes or the delightful sight of plasterboard.

Beautiful pink roof insulation. And free. All free I tells ya! Click here for more details.

Miss Annie, sitting in her bedroom.

Our hallway, complete with cruddy old door.

The wardrobe that Ben built. *proud*

The other thing that's really coming along is Miss Annie Jane. We have been a bit worried because it doesnt look like she wants to crawl. Like....ever. So, to entice her to get that booty moving I tried lying her and sitting her in front of a mirror. Ya see, she likes looking at herself in the mirror. I think she thinks that it's another baby.

As you can probably tell, I could photograph this little munchkin all day long.

Your First Christmas

2009-12-29T15:51:00.000-08:00

Dearest Miss Annie,
Only a few days ago you had your very first Christmas. It's true to say that Mumma was more excited than you and Dada put together. I have really started to enjoy the festive season. You have brought back the excited child in me.

This Christmas was spent at Nana Jane and Poppy's house. We are still working tirelessly on our own home, trying so very hard to get it finished and move your cot in so that you feel some sense of normality, homeliness, security. It hasn't phased you though, all the moving around. You love getting up in the morning to a line of smiling faces as they come out from their bedrooms. Dada, Nana, Poppy, Maggie, Archie and me. It's a never ending playfest with you as the headlining act. I've never seen your toes move with so much excitement.

On Christmas Eve the entire family came to Brighton. Aunty Briggie, Uncle George, Great Aunt Mary....boy oh boy, you were so overwhelmed and so over tired I thought you would never go to sleep. But eventually you did. In our room, tucked into the portacot that Nana Jane had bought. Sweet, sweet Christmas dreams floating through you crystal mind. How soft and still you look when you sleep. How tempting it is to lean in and kiss your forehead. Your face is relaxed and complexion flushed. Your hands are lightly closed and your lips only slightly parted. It's a baby that just begs to be kissed!

On Christmas morning you woke Dada and I at 5:15am. Ugh! That hurt. Especially after two helpings of dinner and waaaaaay to much wine. But your little smile made up for it. Once you had your bottle (because nothing gets done in the morning until milk warms your belly) we sat you up in the living room and watched you pull things from your stocking. You were so surprised at all the books. Truly delighted. It was wonderful to watch. It wasn't long before you cottoned on to the fact that glossy paper means new toys. You surrounded yourself with new books and new stacking toys and the toes just moved and moved.

In the afternoon we travelled over for dinner at Aunty Ingrid's house. All Mummas family were there. Nana, Poppa, Aunty Deb, Liz and Uncle Keith. You love hanging out with your cousins. Especially Harrison. He is very protective over you. Always ensuring that you are safe and happy. By the end of the day, you, Dada and Mumma were pretty knackered so we all ventured back to Nana Elliott's house and settled in for the night. I watched you sleep again. My little girl. One month away from turning one year old.

By the steadiness of your breath and the smile on your sleeping face I concluded you had enjoyed your very first Christmas. It's probably not one that you will remember in the years to come, but it is one that me, your Mumma, shall never forget. Merry Christmas Miss A and a Happy New Year.

Love Mumma
xx

Living it up on a Saturday night.

2009-12-19T15:24:00.000-08:00

Gawd. Can't remember the last time I was out in a club on a Saturday night. Where did she go? That girl. The one who took an hour to get ready, always used a hairdryer, matched outfits over a glass of vino while arranging meeting dets on the phone. She was classic, that chick. Always up for a big night out. Loved to drink wine in short dresses with friends. Loved chatting up boys and trying to outsmart them with her mind. Some how managed to take taxi rides without spewing and moaned all day Sunday as the waves of regret washed over her.

She ain't around anymore. Well, let's just say she doesnt get out much these days. Instead, she spends a lot of time at home. With bubs and hubs wondering what to overlock next. Here' s a little look at what the 'Wild child' got accomplished last night.

*Cute striped bags for Bens female clients*

Each one will contain this luscious Bio-organic hand cream. Me. Want. One.

*Shirred dress for my wee neice. Cutey-ba-booty Caila.*

Am very happy to have finished these projects. They have been on my list for way to long. Ben has been working all weekend on the house and office stuff and as such, I had the chance to fit these in. We didn't hit the hay last night til about 12ish. Once Ben had finished his work and I had ticked these off my list. *sigh* It's feels good to get them done. Now...bring on Christmas.

No fixed address.

2009-12-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

Well, a few months ago now we bought our first home. *sigh* It was with much delight and excitement that we picked up our keys and downed a little champagne in celebration. But, since that great day the sheer fear of renovating as loomed towards us like a quickly blackening cloud. Buying a house that's a hundred years old may just be the craziest thing we have ever done. Officially.

After tearing up floors and ripping off plasterboard, we noticed that all the walls were bowed. In carpenters terms that means the walls are wonky and need to be straightened before the plasterer can come and do his thang. This is no mean feat. It has taken us just a couple of weeks to wrangle a few straight walls here and there while we juggle babies and work committments and family and friends. I think the party has started but no one is having fun yet.

We also discovered that our floors are rotting. Not good. Ben checked a few of the beautiful baltic boards and noticed a little bora. And no, I'm not talking a shiny new VW under the boards. Some will need to be replaced and others relocated (bedrooms will be carpet so all 'good, slightly less bora' boards will be salvaged for hallway and living room).

Add to this the fact that our roof needs straightening (thank you 19th century knob -end who thought a lean-to would be the 'next big thing') our windows need replacing, and we have no wardrobes, and you have yourself quiet the project to finish before Jan 4th. Yep. Our plasterer arrives early new year to start giving us walls and sanity.

Thankfully we are staying with Bens parents at the moment who have been nothing short of terrific. Ben is working out of home at the moment which means we also get to spend a little fam time together first thing in the morning. Here is just a little look at our early morning 'exercise Maggie, drink coffee, entertain baby' walks.

When Ben is busy inside, Annie and I occupy ourselves in the new garden. I did lots of weeding and placing plants so they looked pretty, and Annie just tried to look adorable. I think we both succeeded.

Happy Birthday love of mine.

2009-12-10T20:46:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday just gone, my lovely husband Ben turned 38. He seems to think that's pretty old, always wishing he was not a dashing 22 years again, but just a tidy 37.

'If only I could be 37 again', he sighs.

I always tell him he looks fantastic for his age, but I don't think it helps. Anyway, I just want to officially wish, the man I ardently love, a happy birthday. I am so lucky to have someone as special as Ben in my life. Annie is ridiculously lucky to have such a fun and patient father. All in all, I believe that makes us one very happy family.

*only moments later Ben asked me to hold Annie. 'I can't dip my vietnamese roll' he complained.

Shirr is pretty!

2009-12-04T01:18:00.001-08:00

On our weekend away at Sewjourn I got a quick tutorial on shirring from Ms Jo. She was making a little dress for her daughter and it got me thinking. Perhaps I could make a little shirred dress for Miss A and pop it in her Christmas stocking.

She will never know that Santa aint much of a Janome lass. I picked out a few cheap fabrics just to try this out and am pretty happy with the results. Both of these little numbers will be going in the Xmas stocking for the big reveal on Christmas morning.

Is it just me, or did Christmas get...like...a thousand times better since having kids! Although we wont be in our new house come Christmas I am endavouring to make it as special as possible After all, it is Annie's first Christmas and I want it to be one that we all remember fondly. Hopefully a little quilted stocking and some handmade dresses will make everything seem just a little more grounded and real.

While you were sleeping...

2009-11-23T21:22:00.000-08:00

Some mothers just can't help themselves...

my obsession with ebay.

2009-11-22T14:15:00.001-08:00

With the new house renos started, I have been rifling through ebay looking for everything from front doors to new (old) teapots. It's my new obsession. Last night I had Annie in bed bang-on 7pm in the hopes of securing a Robur 6 cup vintage teapot. We have been using Ben's mums since we have been staying here and the tea from this thing is just lovely. If anyone spots one in an op shop, grab it for me, I will pay you handsomely!

I also managed to get my hands on this stash of vintage wooden thread reels. I will probably use the thread on most of them and then use them to decorate our sewing/music room. For a mere $8 I was more than happy.

In the world of sewing I have come to a bit of a stand still. I think that's just because the house has really occupied my time. Might need another Sewjourn soon :) I may get some time to whip up some pressies for Christmas, but I'm not holding my breath. There are carpets to source, sash windows to order and Miss A to love and mind, I might just be too busy as 2009 comes to an end.

Sew-Journ So-fun.

2009-11-17T19:04:00.000-08:00

Finally, I find the time and the energy to express what a wonderful weekend we had at Sewjourn. It was a good chance for me to finish some projects that have been lurking in my brain and in the fabric stash for way too long.

Everyday was an early rise, followed by brekkie and then off we ventured to the sewing room to knuckle down for the day. Sewing and chatting, and sewing and tea, and sewing and chatting and too many brownies. (thanks Leslie) At night, we ate dinner together, drank wine (that was mainly me) and then went back out to sew. On one particular evening I was the last one up, still hand sewing the binding to this quilt for Miss A.

With Christmas just around the corner, I was also happy to get a start on this stocking for Annie. It's made out of scraps from previous projects, so it's thrifty and fun :)

I finished this just the other night and have loved looking at it ever since. Christmas will be so much more fun now that our little A is here.

Would highly recommend the weekend in Lancefield at the lovely Sewjourn, although I believe that it's pretty booked out this year. Perhaps try for next year and get your group together early. They have some good op shops and a fantastic antique store to boot. Bring your credit card!

the move in pictures.

2009-11-10T17:13:00.000-08:00

This is me...in the middle of a move. I look happy huh? Not too stressed...

...that's because we had these guys. NEVER MOVE HOME WITHOUT THEM!!!

Of course Miss Annie was just delightful through the whole thing. We really have been blessed.

It wasnt long before the family came to visit and have a sneak peak. We all had to sit outside because the house has so many holes in it :)

*in other news. I have a BIG Sewjourn post a-coming. But the camera got lost in moving and I only just found it today (minus one battery). Give me a day or two and I will showcase the creations made on that fabulous weekend away.

Collingwood Children's Farm

2009-10-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

This is how we spent yesterday. Meandering through the Collingwood Children's Farm. There are sheep, chickens, horses, cows, ducks and goats. It's a great day out for the little ones. And....if you're attempting to have a green thumb like yours truly, there is also a very impressive worm farm and vegie garden to stare at longingly.

When I say 'smile' with a camera in hand, this is what I get.

Cormac steals toy slyly...

Annie claps his efforts...

Annie realises this means she doesn't have said toy anymore...

Me and Miss A.

Getting ready for Sewjourn.

2009-10-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we head off on our weekend away at Sewjourn. Getting ready for this has been no small feat. I have been packing while Annie naps, collecting supplies from Spotlight, Darn Cheap and Amitie when I can find the time and writing lists for Ben for his big weekend as soul carer. In actual fact, I need a holiday now more than ever :)

Last night I worked hard to cut most of the fabrics for Annie's cot quilt. I really want to make the best use of my time at Sewjourn so being prepared is vital. Check out this stunning stack of simple prints.

To say that I am excited is a little understatement in a big world. I am very, very, very excited to be taking this trip. I will Miss A and Mr Ben as I am sure you can imagine, but the idea of having some time. Just time for me. Is too good to resist. I am going to swing past Dan Murphy's tomorrow and get a bottle of expensive wine I have been eyeing off for ages. It's about time I splashed out and gave it a whirl. And I can think of no better place, than the cosy walls of our weekend retreat, Sewjourn.

ready. set. sew!

2009-10-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

I am slowly but surely preparing for my great escape at Sewjourn. For those that don't know, it's a weekend escape at a cottage that is set up for sewers just like me. And her, and her, and her, and her. We are all venturing down this Friday for some well needed sewing hours away from little babies. I will miss my Annie for sure, but I think the time alone with Dad and some time for me with friends will be a big benefit for everybody.

So...what am I going to make you ask? Firstly, and most importantly, a summer quilt for Miss A. She is my muse after all. I figured it would be good to have something light to throw over her on hot summer nights, and since we will be in our new house this summer, I thought a splash of homemade was in order. Here is a sneak peak at the fabrics I foraged at patchwork on central recently.

Secondly, I think I want to make another dress. Ya see, the first one is actually not bad. Shocking job on the inside when you look closely, but on the outside? I don't mind it :)

That's me and Miss A. I am the one wearing the hand made dress :)

I found some really light summer fabric at my local op shop and thought perhaps that might make a pretty dress for long hot days? Here is said fabric, which BTW cost $1.

The other two projects I have in mind, is a gift for a friend due her baby in two weeks time and perhaps a little christmas stocking for Miss A. I am so excited about Chrismtas this year. Annie is at such a fun age to enjoy it and I get a bit silly that time of year as it is. No doubt it will be fun, fun fun!

But right now? I better get cracking on cutting my materials. I want to make the best use of our time at the lovely Sewjourn!

the BIG spring clean.

2009-10-24T23:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, there's something that I have to admit. It's hard for me to write these words, so I hope you'll understand why I have never written them before. My husband is a hoarder. There. I said it.

With the new house and all the packing and cleaning, I figured

'Hell, Em, you simply don't have enough to do. Why not have a garage sale to get rid of all Ben's crap?'.

'Are you stark raving mad?' asked sane me.

'Probably' said always slightly drunk insane me.

'We have more than enough to do as it is. Did you forget that we actually move house in less than two weeks, we go back to work and there's a two day sewing weekend thrown in for good measure?? Shall I inject the butter straight into your veins now and you can die of a heart attack instead of stress?'

'Don't be stupid Plain Sane. Just think of the money we can make off this crap. There's tonnes of it!'

'Fine. Don't listen to me. You never do anyway. Go. Have your stupid garage sale. But don't come running to me when the heart palpitations start.'

'This garage sale will pay for the medi bills. Trust me.'

Insane me won, and on Saturday we had ourselves a little old garage sale. We opted to have it at our friends house in Elwood as we live in a cul-de-sac. Their street frontage really optimised the client potential. Here is the loaded car and a very weary Ben.

To make things even more tiresome, I decided a good garage sale needs home baked goods to sweeten the tooth and loosen the pocket of your customer. I made biscuits at 7am and even sewed little paper bags together. I seriously am insane. Anyway, I got a HUGE slagging about the cookies. My fellow stall holders were not convinced I could shift the merchandise. These pictures say it all.

In the end, although the whole thing was damn hard to co-ordinate with a baby and just general every day life, we managed to walk away with approx $240. Not bad for a day of meeting new people, laughing with good friends and drinking lattes. I highly recommend it.

planting the seeds.

2009-10-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

With the settlement date of our new house racing towards us, Ben and I have been eagerly discussing what veggie and plants we would like to grow once that soil becomes ours. It's a very exciting thing for us. We have always wanted a veggie patch and the sheer idea that we can plant something in the ground, care for it and love it, forever, is simply wonderful.

As such, Annie and I ventured down to our local garden centre during the early parts of this week and stacked the pram with soil and seedlings. Miss A sat watching me plant, as I talked her through what a complete NON green thumb her mother is. She didn't seem to mind though, and I think I may have even convinced her that something might grow. When my back was turned Maggie stuck her nose into the chilies and slowly and loving sucked up fertiliser. Little so-in-so!

Here are the beginnings of the fruits of our labour...

We also managed to get to the library this week and see story time. I took this photo of Miss A watching the librarian sing songs.

She seems to be wondering how the lady with the name badge knows ALL her mummy's songs!

what ya been sewing lately?

2009-10-18T02:50:00.001-07:00

Even though the internet has treated me so mean, or perhaps because of this, I have had some time to get some sewing projects done. One in particular was for a good friend who is due her baby in little over a months time. Her baby shower was today (and it was lovely) and I was able to get this gift finished just in time...

Nat chose the colours, which ended up giving this piece a very 1970's feel. I found all fabrics, except tbe backing, at Amitie. *smiles* love that place! She seemed to like this little cot quilt, which I have suggested could also be used in the pram or as a playmat. Her little boy will get plenty of use from it, I am sure.

In other news I am trying to make a dress I can feel proud of. Lisa, we are soooooo in the same boat at the moment huh? I have a few weddings coming up in November and December and want to look a little classic for them. 1960s dresses are my insane love. I have one I found on ebay that doesn't quiet do up after the Miss A giving birth thing. Oh, ok....more like my new baking obsession thing. Anywho, I found a pattern at spotlight that was only $10.50 and thought, with a little intervention, I could fashion it into a more 60s feel. I havent quiet finished it yet, but here is a little peek-a-boo at the pleats in the skirt and the slight, sharp sleeves.

Anyone think that pattern is too much? Remember, it will be teemed with a thick chocolate brown belt and a structured cream jacket.

Oh, and I've decided the best fabrics are those that cost little and you love much. These are two op shops finds of recent weeks that I have been saving to make some little old laundry curtains.

Just a freshen up for whats currently there in the new house, as the bathroom, laundry and kitchen won't be renovated for many months and possibly a few years. It will be fun putting our flavour to everything, don't you think? I have more purchases to share, including fun fabrics, a stunning 1920s cabinet and some abolsutely funky op shop wine glasses, but I will have to upload the photos next time. This little Martha Stewart needs to finish baking her cookies for the mums group we are having this morning.

the final countdown.

2009-10-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

I could start this post with a VERY large whinge about Virgin Broadband and how pathetic it has been lately. How it has stopped me from connecting with people online, visiting lovely blogs that make me smile and bidding on items that I probably shouldn't be bidding on, but instead I will send all that negative energy away and just get on with the business of getting on.So, in one month the following will happen:

1. I start back at work.

This has been a very hard decision for me. For many reasons, but mostly because of this little curtain twitcher*.

Man I will miss her something shocking! I am only going back for two days to start so that makes my heart a little lighter. The other plus side is that she is being minded by family and friends which is just the best damn news in the world. I think she is too little for childcare just yet. I am looking forward to the interaction with work colleagues again and of course head down bum up action in the industry. It has been a part of my life for so long I missed it. The money will be good too, especially when....

2. We move into our new house

Yup. Sooner than expected which is fantastic, but really puts the pressure on to get organised and pack, pack, pack. We ventured over to the new house today to get a look in and have some reblockers check it out and quote. Here's a little sneak peak of our humble abode and it's current condition.

3. The rental property we are currently in goes to auction.

This will suck big time, as every weekend should now be dedicated to packing and sorting and throwing things out. Instead we will have to deal with lines of investors roaming through our house inspecting it and commenting on it and driving us near bonkers in the process. It couldnt come at a worse time really, but it's good to know that regardless of the outcome of that auction, we have somewhere else to go. Our new home.

* Curtain Twitcher. Nosy person. Eg. Someone who stands at their window, peering out from behind the curtains to spy on the neighbours. AJB in a nutshell :)

snippets of play blanket love.

2009-09-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken this morning with my blackberry - excuse quality. I finished the binding last night, over a glass of vino. Note to self: Hand sewing and wine simply don't mix. I set the play mat up with toys and when Miss A woke this morning and I plonked her down on it, she was in awe. Her little hands reached out to touch the patterns, pausing momentarily on certain fabrics. She remained there for the rest of the morning, content and wildy entertained until I lowered her into her cot only moments ago for a wee little nap. Happy Annie...happy Mumma.

projects.

2009-09-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

Thought I better leave an update about some of the crafty things I am working on. It's been very hard to find the time to get things done. I feel like every spare moment is about cleaning, making dinner, washing wondersuits, walking kelpies, baking treats and packing belongings. My overlocker has dust on it. Enough said.

But, I have noticed, when I turn the TV off at night and ignore my husband, I manage to get SOME sewing done :) At the moment I am still finishing off a play quilt for Miss A. She will probably be 19 by the time I complete it!! Here it is so far...

On Saturday night I stayed home, drank wine and sewed like a Mo Fo. We took Bens pants up as a fathers day pressie. He has only had them and been unable to wear them for...what?...like a year?? Oops. He was very happy with that gift. I also managed to do a little extension job on some jeans for Miss A. They fit perfectly around the waist but were lacking in lenght, so I used my $2 off cuts from Patchwork on Central Park and added some style (and much needed length) to them.

If you're wondering what has Miss A's attention, let me give you a little sneak peak...

I am also started to 'collect' my materials for a weekend away at Sewjorn with some good friends Onegirl and Flip & Bells. It promises to be a weekend FULL of sewing, so I want to be properly prepared. I am going to make another Fleur Playmat for a friend with bubs on the way. She's having a boy and wanted it to be red, white and blue...very Tommy Hilfiger. Here is the material I have chosen...

I hope eventually my work has some kind of style to it. If someone was to sum it up I would hope they'd use words like 'retro, vintage, modern mix, 70's'. I also want to make Annie a nice summer quilt for her cot. Her other one is just too big and special for spew and poo.

these cookies will not fail. i promise.

2009-09-07T17:11:00.000-07:00

Walnut & chunky choc chip cookies

125g butter, softened
100g (1/2 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar
1 egg, at room temperature
225g (1 1/2 cups) plain flour
200g good-quality dark cooking chocolate, coarsely chopped
150g (1 1/2 cups) walnut halves, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper. Use an electric beater to beat butter and sugar in a medium bowl until well combined. Add the egg and beat until combined. Sift the flour over the butter mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Add the chocolate and walnuts, and stir to combine. Use your hands to roll tablespoonsful of the cookie mixture into balls. Place the balls, 3cm apart, on prepared trays. Use a fork to flatten slightly. Bake in preheated oven, swapping the trays halfway through cooking, for 20 minutes or until light golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool on the trays for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

TOP TIP: If you don't have baking paper, simply arrange cookie dough on tray as indicated above and then sift flour over cookies. It will stop them spreading too much.

A family holiday in pictures.

2009-09-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

sporting new shoes.

2009-08-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

There has been little in the way of 'shopping' for me since having Annie. It seems I never have the time, and when I do have the time and Annie seems content enough (sometimes even asleep) something always happens to interrupt my shopping session and I come home empty handed.

Take for instance the other day, I was wondering through a store in Chadstone trying to find a pair of casual pants. (since becoming a mother my wardrobe has shifted from 'going out clothes' to 'clothes that I can be puked on, walk the dog in and if I'm lucky enough arouse Ben in') Annie was just asleep, looking soooooo lovely as she kicked back in her buggy still clutching her Sophie. I made my way through the shop very quickly, always conscious that they can WAKE AT ANY MOMENT! I found a few pairs of pants - some a little bigger than others, as you just never know what size you are after having a baby and refusing, point blank, to give up your sweet cravings. I scooted the pram over to the change rooms, whispered to the woman that I had 'thurreeee' items of clothing.

'Pardon?'

Why was this woman talking so loud?? Like, did she need head office in America to hear her? Was she looking for a promotion?? From 'change room girl ' to 'girl who uses walkie talkie occasionally and stacks shelves' Could she not see that clearly I was a mother with a sleeping baby??? The hair alone would give that away!

'I said, three'

Still whispering...hoping she'll join me.

'That's three, right?'

Nope. Not a joiner.

'Uh huh'

Defeated and slightly pissed off.

Thankfully Annie did not wake up. She slept through the ear piercing screaming match. I wheeled her gently into the extra large change room, hung up my clothes and started to close the door.

'Eeeeeekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkrrrrrrrrrrrkkkkkkkkkpppppuuuuuuttttt'

The hinge on the change room door was made of the loudest plastic I think I have ever had the unfortunate luck to encounter. It's annoying tooth aching eek was followed closely by the triumphant bellow of Miss A's...

'wahhhhhhaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh wah wahhhhhhaaaaaahhhhhh'

Annie was not happy. I was not happy. And as a result, my wardrobe remains 'casual-clothes-less'. But, on my birthday my lovely husband gave me some money towards some shoes that I loved but simply could not justify the money for. They are casual (of course) good for walking maggie, walking in general, talking about walking. I loved the colour instantly and when my foot eased into them in the shop, my sole fell in love.

If you're a mother, a mother who needs good shoes, a mother who walks a lot because it helps distract the little one for a half hour or the dog for that matter, then you're a mother who needs a pair of Footprints. Well worth the $240 I spent on them. And that's with a sizable discount!

baking on a rainy day.

2009-08-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

Did a little baking today. Rummaged through the cupboard selecting some bizarre ingredients and then scoured the Internet looking for a recipe to match. I just love this kind of cooking/baking. I found the following recipe:

Beetroot Chocolate Cake

75 g cocoa powder or powdered drinking chocolate
180 g plain flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
225 g caster sugar
250 g cooked beetroot
3 large eggs
200 mL sunflower oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing sugar for dusting

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Sift the cocoa powder, flour and baking powder into a bowl.
2. Puree the beetroot in a food processor.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and oil and blend until smooth.
4. Add the sugar to the mixture.
5. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and add the beetroot mixture. Lightly mix.
6. Pour into a greased and lined 23 cm cake tin.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is firm when pressed with a finger.
8. Cool on a wire rack and dust with icing sugar to serve.

Oh, and I got a little naughty and slathered the thing with chocolate icing, ensuring any connotations of 'health' associated with beetroot would be undeniably squashed!

Icing

100g butter
2 cups icing suagr
2 tbs cocoa powder
2 tbs milk

Beat butter til fluffy, sift in icing sugar and cocoa and add milk. Yum! Here is the finished cake on my $1 savers deco plate :)

Love the way the icing peaks and slides down the side. I'm so in love, I don't want to cut it up!!!

projects.

2009-08-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

It's always good to have a few things on the go. Especially when you have a 7 month old and don't have much time. That's why, as well as having a sewing project, I have taken to having a knitting project also. I can pick up the knitting at any time of the day, without having to lug my machine around, or pack up at the end of every session. This feels very creatively rewarding.

At the moment I have two projects on the go. I am knitting my lovely husband a scarf for our family holiday to Mt Buller next week. Ben wanted a charcoal scarf and I found the perfect merino wool at Wondoflex in Malvern to complete this job. I hope he likes it now!

I am also making Annie a play blanket out of scraps I found lurking in my stash. I had received this tree print over a year ago and was yet to find something to do with it. But, it will now have a place as the feature of this fun, yet functional, project. Here it is so far...

In other crafty news my sister is about to have a baby (i just typed girl without thinking!!! perhaps it will be!!!) and I wanted to make her some of the items in here. Hopefully time and Annie will allow me to do this.

maggie has an awesome tennis ball policy...

2009-08-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

For Maggie

MEMBER OF THE Dog PARTY

Click here to vote for Maggie at VoteMyPet.com.au

Miss Maggie doesn't get half as much attention with Annie around. I have a touch of the guilts. What mum doesn't? As such I have entered her into a competition. She really is the dog of the year for welcoming Annie into her pack, protecting her so ardently and of course trying to lick her at every possible opportunity. Please vote for Maggie. She deserves it.

So...um...we bought a house.

2009-08-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

After what feels like years of looking...actually, it has been years, we finally bought our first home together. I cannot even believe it. We had our hearts set on a section of Kingsville that is under a heritage overlay. Nearly every second house is being done up in the area and there are LOTS of mountain buggy prams sitting on Edwardian verandas that clearly indicate that families are abundant.

I will be frank and admit that this house is not the most attractive property (yet!). However it is over a hundred years old and has three big bedrooms and a large yard for miss Maggie. It oozes potential. Ben reckons we should get a sign out the front that reads 'dump, sweet dump'. At the moment we lay awake at night chatting about what we can do to the place. How we will renovate, what we need to do to get the money (selling of one's body came up...Ben's, not mine) and of course how we would love to extend our family in such a place.

I am not all starry-eyed though. This is going to be bloody hard work, excruciating in fact. But we're ready for it. Never been more ready. And just think...when the lavender grows, the new door is on, and we give it a lick of paint, it should look a little like this:

they're here!

2009-08-09T16:20:00.000-07:00

Finally, I got around to getting my first Keep Cup. You might remember I stumbled across this trendy designer re-useable coffee cup a few months back. They have finally hit stores and can be bought online here. I have to say they are a delight to drink from and can be paraded in public with much pride. Grab yourself one. These larger size ones I bought from Bluebag on Collins Street in the city for a mere $9.30.

books you can eat.

2009-08-04T02:08:00.000-07:00

Miss A is obsessed with books at the moment. Loves to turn the pages, watch mumma over exaggerate everything and most of all she loves to eat them. So, with this in mind and way too many lovely books to leave up to saliva, I decided to make her a fabric one. One that she could learn with, eat and find pretty.

I put together this fabric ABC book in just a few hours and was pleased with the results. The most time consuming thing was probably cutting out all the letters *sigh*. But, it was a labor of love for my little girl.

Since then I have been busy making my sister a little something for her birthday and working out a scrap blanket to lay on our hard wood floors for Annie to play on. Sewing just gets more and more rewarding every day *smiles*

so. much. fun.

2009-08-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday I turned 32. Yep. Getting old. I have to say that without a shadow of a doubt, it was the best birthday I have ever had. I think having a little miss around can make these occasions all the more special, but I also have to put it down to my very thoughtful husband.

He had arranged an evening that really summed me up right now. Like...um...to a tee. We started at the Workers Club in Gertrude Street where we took part in a knitting drive to make explosives to send to the Pulp Mill in Tasmania (opposing it of course). For only a teeny $4 I got this little pack upon entry.

We sat down with a good glass of vino, listening to the free music and watching the live puppet show and made our bomb. A good night out for crafty people and not so crafty people. To see when the next one is taking place visit craftcartel.

After a few bevvies we headed to the Press Club owned by the now famous George from MasterChef Australia. God only knows how Ben got us a table. It was packed. I didn't know we were eating here and was completely delighted when we walked up the stairs and George himself was standing at the door. I have to admit being a little star struck.

Me: *gulp* 'Hi George'.

I sway slightly. The pinot is doing backstroke in my bloodstream.

George: 'um...Hi'

Has no idea who I am or why I am talking to him. He leaves. Quickly.

Ben: *laughs*

I ordered the Lamb special with shoulder lamb and ribs (have a rib fetish at the moment since I bought the new Donna Hay) on a bed of white bean puree with sultanas and pistachios. The meat was crunchy on the outside and delicate and moist on the inside. Perfecto!

A shout out to my lovely husband. Thank you for the best birthday yet. You really have raised the bar. And during an economic downturn as well. Who knows...maybe I will pick you up that new Wilco CD as a little thank you gesture xx

just because i love them.

2009-07-26T21:36:00.001-07:00

Here are a few photos of my favourite people...

I particularly love this one. Ben and Annie love to Waltz...

getting things finished.

2009-07-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like the feeling you have when you complete a project. These days, that feeling is even more precious when you consider that I have a small baby girl to contend with as well. I have had two projects on the go for the last few months (feels like years) and I am delighted to say they are both done and dusted and I have photos of one of them to share.

This playmat pattern is from the very clever onegirl. As far as patterns go, this one was dead easy to follow and super fun to make. The only thing I felt it needed was a little curved arch way for hanging toys from. So, after I had banished my baby brain, I thought up a way I could make one. I'll show you the finished project and then talk you through the additions....

The original pattern suggests 18 different petals, but I decided to make this one with only 9, making 4 of each instead. It also suggested a face for the centre peice, but since this one was for a boy, called Max, I decided to hand sew his name on instead.

I used a garden piping (18mm thick). I bought it from the local garden centre. I would suggest heading in and checking a few out. See what holds it's shape best. You want a arch that's strudy. The garden piping was fantastic for this. In the pattern it suggests making loops to tie toys to, but I made these into little slots for the poles to sit in.

Essentially this works much like a tent. Two poles that sit in little leg hooks and tie together at the top, like this...

I covered the piping in material to make the centre piece, but you can mix and match however you please. I added some little loops for hanging toys over little chubby faces as well. Miss A loved the mat, but thought tummy time was a big old pain in the butt...

Will be sure to share the other mat, made carefully for my little sis and soon-to-be niece or nephew the minute I get the photos from Siobhan - hint hint!

ironic.

2009-07-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

Quickly wanted to share that Miss Annie had a sleepover at her Nana Jane and Poppy's house last night. Ben and I hit the town for a Progressive Dinner on Southbank with friends. It was to be our big night out followed by an even bigger sleep.

When we got home the house felt empty. I stayed in her room for a little bit looking at some hair on her sheet and missing her cute little smile. I wished I had kissed her a little more when I said my goodbyes. I wanted to smell her milky soft skin.

We climbed into bed, excited at the prospect of a night's uninterrupted sleep. In reality what we got was Ben waking up at 3am and not being able to sleep. And me, confused with sleep and the two glasses of wine I had, waking every hour or so just to realise she wasn't there, she wasn't going to wake for a feed, and 'no' it wasn't quite morning when I could race over and pick her up!

what you're up to.

2009-07-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

My Annie,
Little one you are so big now. I look at you and marvel. I see how big you're getting and I feel a little sad. My newborn is gone. My baby is growing up. And my you are a trick and a bit!

In one week you will be a whole 6 months old. Count em. That's half a year! That's half Mumma's maternity leave!! You have some sizable feet now. I was kissing them yesterday, tempting you to laugh and I stopped momentarily to relish the moment. I took a good long look at those little feet with the teeny tiny toes. All of it sooooo divine. You have one toe that hangs back from the others. It's a little shy. Dada thinks there's something wrong with it and wants to send you back to the man for an exchange. But I love Mr Odd Toe Out. He is a statement of individuality. He is a champion amongst meager toes. He is just like you.

There are things that you like to do and things that you simply will not put up with. You like to have kisses on your neck and raspberries on your belly. You absolutely love it when I sing to you and daggy dance in the living room. You think Maggie is the best toy you ever have. Not only does she move and make noise by herself, but instead of imitation kisses she actually does kiss you. You also like your baby rice cereal with deep determination. When I bring out the bowl, your right leg starts fitting with anticipation. You want it, and you want it NOW! When I pop you back into bed at night, just after your little mini feed (that we're hoping will phase out soon and mean a sleep right through) you love it when I rest my hand on your stomach just to make you feel secure while I tuck you in and stroke your cheek and whisper good night.

On the 'things you don't like' I will start with Dada dressing you after a bath. You're kind of impatient with him. A little hostile in fact. He tries so hard to be gentle with you. To completely dry every last section of your body. He rolls you over for a little tummy time, right at the point where you would prefer to have your eye poked out with a butter knife. You grunt and groan and whine and moan at Dada until you finally get your way. I've got no idea where you get that from.

You also don't like to be in the car seat for too long. We've come to learn this from our Saturday morning family ritual of looking for houses. You don't like to be left alone in the living room with only Chopin to accompany you. You really don't like to be woken up. Not now. Not ever. You would rather slowly stir and then rise and shine like Cleopatra from a milk bath. You detest Mumma cutting your nails. I think that's also a patience issue, since I stumble my way through it hoping not to catch your skin - again. And most of all you absolutely 100% cannot tolerate it when we take even one second longer than you have planned in your head to escort that bottle of wonderfully warm milk and guide it into your feverish mouth. You lose the plot.

It's funny, you know, all the things you love and all the things you hate happen to also be the best parts of my day. No matter how cranky, how cheery, how smelly, how wet, how vomity, how wriggly, how inconsolable, how snotty or how bossy you decide to be, I still love you ardently. For ever and ever and ever. Always.

Love Mumma
xx

brand junkie.

2009-06-24T20:39:00.001-07:00

Ok, here we go. I'll admit to being a brand junkie. When I find something I like, I am happy to tell, or should I say 'sell' it, to other people. So, occasionally, I would like to post about something that has just blown my world. It will probably teeter around nipple shaped feeding bottles and smashingly good wine, so all-in-all well worth the read.

Today's Product:

Velvety Vanilla Muesli

Product Picture:

Thoughts:

I've always wanted to be 'into' muesli. But, after being raised in Dublin (along with four other siblings), I was only ever introduced to cornflakes. In winter it was cornflakes with warm milk. Delicious. But, in Australia, with the sun nearly always shining through your kitchen window in the morning, sometimes Cornflakes just don't cut it. Besides, everyone who is anyone will tell you that muesli has much better things in it and goes well with fresh fruit, milk and yoghurt, all of which constitute a really good start to the day.

However, I have never found a muesli that hit the mark taste wise. Until now, of course. Introducing Velvety Vanilla Muesli from Table of Plenty (little Melbourne business). Here is the greatest combination of toasted and untoasted oats (the good and the bad, the yin and the yan, the devil and the saint) nestled amongst dates, nuts vanilla, honey and a touch of coconut. I tried it. I liked it. I buy it every week. It is especially good when you combine it with Jalna Bio-Dynamic Bush Honey yoghurt.

Damn. That's one hell of a way to start the day.

lastest loves.

2009-06-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

As promised, I wanted to share some special purchases I have made in the past few weeks. We headed up to Bens parents farm a few weekends ago for a little break. When we got there the fire was roaring away and Maggie had immediately found a pine cone to drop at our feet. Annie had no idea she wasn't at home and settled in very well indeed. During our stay we drove 20 mins down the road to the Loch Food and Wine Festival. As we headed down main street, Ben and I were instantly drawn to two separate delights.

Me: 'Ooooo, fabric shop!'

Ben: 'Ooooo, pork pies!'

I went one way and Ben and Annie went the other. I rummaged through the $1.50 fabric piece bin for about half an hour and came out with these little beauties.

Don't know what I'm going to make with these yet. I was thinking perhaps clothes for Annie. She needs some and I have a burning passion. Will keep you posted on that one.

My other burning desire at the moment is collecting vintage 70's plates. I figure with children I don't want to be using Mums Best China everyday. So instead of buying (consuming - argh!) more stuff, I would set out of put together the most higilty pigilty set of dinnerware you have ever seen. All of this is of course for our new house (whenever we get one) and the lovely solid Tasmanina pine dining table that George, Ben's brother, made us for our wedding pressie. At present it sits in our garage taunting me to have dinner parties, but alas, our house is too teeny tiny for a knees up just yet.

Oh yeh, ah hem, the plates...

Especially loving the bottom one. I plan on mixing and matching, with a kinda theme in mind. All my little op shop lovelies are slowing coming together. It delights me!

busy. busy. busy.

2009-06-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

My oh my how the days are rolling into one. I just can't believe that time can move so quickly. That so much can happen in such a short space of time. Ben and I are busy looking for houses every weekend and catching up with family and friend nearly every night of the week *phew*. It all gets a bit too much after awhile, fun as it is. We look forward to being strapped to a mortgage which limits our outings and keeps us snug at home painting fences or planting chili trees. Yum!

On the weekend, besides having a great dinner with my sister and brother-in-law Friday and a smashing roast with Em, Jo & Tiff last night we also went to a 1st birthday party. The party was only 5 minutes down the road (novelty for Melbourne) and it was dress up! The invite said, 'come as your favourite animal'. I thought, 'oooh fun, I'll make something!'. Annie has her eye on Octy the Octapus (soft toy) since she was about 6 weeks old. She LOVES him. So, I figured I would make her an Octapus Outfit.

Only problem was, after I had sewed the last tentacle on and double checked the date on the invite with anticipation, I realised that the title of this particular birthday party was 'James' Jungle Party'. *oops!* Annie would have to be a fish out of water. Literally.

Here she is, looking somewhat fishy...

You will note the bottle of Champagne on the kids table. Don't worry, there was no under age drinking. I was one of the few people at the party who ensured the kids didn't touch a drop, by drinking a fair amount myself. A hangover at a 1st birthday party. Noice.

On a recent outing to Southland, I got ridiculously sidetracked in Lincraft starring at all the wool. I was instantly addicted. In fact, I started a scarf for our Annie and she can't even hold her head up with conviction! Whoa, somebody stop me!

I have lots of other rants and raves to share. I've been storing posts in my head all week. I just need to find some time is all. I promise to share the vintage-looking fabrics I picked up at the Loch Food and Wine Festival, the frustrations I am having with a little Sleepless Annie and of course, the 'How to make your own Jalapenos' tutorial. Hang tight. It gets better.

my choice.

2009-06-03T00:28:00.000-07:00

After much debate, I ordered the prints that I won at the Tiny & Small fair. We have a bit of a tree theme going on it Annie's room, (as much as one can accomplish when her daughters bedroom is also the study and also a sewing room - bring on that new house!) so I picked these two delightful ones to match.

To order your very own set, simply head to the website and browse, browse away...many thanks to Mara and Nicolas for picking my name out of the hat!!!!

tiny and small and free!

2009-05-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

It was such a glorious day on Friday I decided to pack miss Annie into the car and head to the Magnolia Square Tiny and Small fair. Leslie was going to have a stall there, so it was not only a chance to check out some cute wears and eat yummy cupcakes, but also a time to catch up with a good friend.

There was lots of very cute stuff there, most of which belonged to Leslie. Unfortunately it wasn't a very big fair, which in some ways was good (less people) and in other ways not so good (not much demand). The grounds at Brighton Town Hall were very nice though. A good place to stop with toddlers and have a break.

While there I bought Annie a Sophie giraffe. I have heard a lot about these toys and have been meaning to buy her one for ages. So, when I saw they were only $32, I snapped one up. Here she is getting to know Miss Sophie.

Annie and Sophie meet

Annie checks her out for Swine Flu

Annie commences love affair

Annie stunned at how amazing Sophie really is.

I also entered a competition to win some very groovy prints. Low and behold I won! The prints in question are printspace. I was told to head to the website on Wednesday when some new stuff will appear to choose my prize. I'm thinking you should head there too.

welcome little max.

2009-05-19T04:04:00.000-07:00

Ben's brother George and his wife Jenny, welcomed their little son Max Edward into the world yesterday. He was a little earlier than expected and as such left me very panicked. I hadn't finished making his gifts, you see, and spent ALL of today like a mad woman with her head cut off, except her head was stuck to her foot which she broke in a near fatal car accident when she was driving to her trapeze class. In other words, utter chaos. In fact, things were so hectic today, I forgot my x-rays for the Dr. and bought Max a little outfit that fell out of the pram a good 30 minute walk from home. I found out when I returned and had to pack Annie and Maggie up again and head off looking for the damn thing. Just as well we live in a good suburb and someone had picked it up and placed it neatly on a park bench awaiting my return. Phew.

Here are the spew rags I made. I take my inspiration once again from the very talented Leslie, who made me some when I had Little Miss Annie.

I also made Jenny a wrap. Not one of these teeny tiny ones from the store, but a great big 1 meter by 1 meter sucker that little arms and legs cannot get out of. Spotlight had a good deal on some new Muslin prints and I managed to find Jenny's favourite blue with little puppy paw prints. *cute*

I packaged the whole gift up in a crisp white box and tissue paper.

*Update* We gave it to her last night when we went to visit and she seemed to really like it!

me, you and the flu.

2009-05-14T00:18:00.000-07:00

With Annie and I house bound with the flu, we have found that other things can keep us entertained. For instance, I have finished the 'random' quilt I was making for our soon to be born niece or nephew. Mum-to-be Jenny wanted blues and yellows. I took inspiration from Leslie's blanket she left here the other day when she came for a visit.

The Front:

I tired my best to be as random as possible. Because of this, some of the stitching is a little outta line. *sigh*

The Back:

The back as a lovely soft fleece fabric that I got for a steal at Spotlight!

Annie was happy to stay indoors and watch me sew.

Maggie was not.

We also made a date slice today, which I will share perhaps tomorrow. Right now, it's 5:30pm and that's when Annie needs my attention the most. The 'I'm cranky and need a big bath, big bottle and an even bigger sleep' hour.

the week you turned 15.

2009-05-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Miss Annie Jane,

Well, you're sick. You have the most rotten cold/flu going round. In fact, you've given it to me. To be perfectly honest, you're coping very well. You still manage a smile or two when I'm changing your nappy and even have a sneaky grin for Octee the Octopus. You are a very good sick baby. It has to be said. You're easy to care for. All you want is to fall asleep in my arms, or with my boob in your mouth and occasionally have me suck snot from your nose with some contraption I picked up at the corner chemist.

Since you've been sick I have been having childhood flashbacks. All the things my mum use to do for me are coming to the forefront of my mind. Rubbing Vicks on your chest and back or into your sheets. Steaming eucalyptus oil in your room, even sitting you in the fan less bathroom as I take a shower, hoping the steam might loosen your phlegm. They could all be wives tales told too many times, or something might help. Either way, I am just trying my darn hardest to alleviate your suffering.

I took you to the Doctors the other day. She's a lovely women, our doctor. She finds you very sweet. Perhaps that's because every time she sees you, you're smiling and cooing at her. I look like the mad mother with Munchhausen's disease who 'thinks' her daughter is sick all the time when really she's just looking for attention. She checked your chest and your temp and all was fine. She said we have to wade it out and see how you feel in a couple of days. Right now you're asleep in your pram because that's the only thing that will work.

In the afternoons I wrap you up super warm and we head to the park with that crazy four legged monster Maggie. You like it in there, snug as a bug. You immediately fall into a soft sleep. I have noticed though that should you wake up halfway around the park, you'll open your eyes and take in some of what surrounds you. I guess that must be you growing up.

You have also started to notice Maggie more. You'll follow her around the room or watch her lying on a blanket next to you under my watchful gaze. The other day after an energetic trip to the park, Maggie jumped in the back of the car. Your car seats was facing her as she puffed and panted and dribbled all over the boot of the car. You thought it was hilarious.

Mumma and Dada have been utterly in love with you of late. You are becoming such a little miss. You know exactly want you want and seem to know all the tricks on how to get it. We cant help but want to kiss you. Every. Single. Moment. Of. Every. Single. Day. You're just too divine. I often wonder what you will be like when you're a little older. When you can walk and talk. But then I kick myself and remind myself to just enjoy these precious moments while they last. While you're little. While you're 15 weeks old.

Sleep well sweet one,
Mumma
xx

the keep cup.

2009-05-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

Found something really cool in last weeks edition of The Age. Am I the only person who still loves to read a newspaper? Going online for the news just doesn't quiet cut it. A strong latte and some fresh Canadian style pancakes and a little of the A2 and I'm set for a very good weekend. Ben and I like to quiz one another on stuff, or fight over who is going to read 'The Two of Us' first.

Anyway, as I was sipping good coffee and feeling bloated from pancakes, I came across a little PR snippet on the new Keep Cup. The name says it all. A coffee cup you keep. And it's been designed by some very cool people, using very cool materials and costs only a cool $7.95. Best of all, it will save the environment from all those pesky takeaway cups that I am ashamed to admit I have used.

As yet the Keep Cup is NOT available. But to stay tuned, leave your details here and acknowledge a great idea at the same time.

The easiest, tastiest banana cake.

2009-04-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

In this economic crisis, we need to keep our eye out for a bargain. On our day out to Bentleigh I found a bag of bananas for a dollar. Now that's budgeting! I decided to make banana cake out of it. It was the easiest and tastiest treat I have made for awhile. Try it, you won't be disappointed.

1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
3 small bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon bi carb soda
50ml milk
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 and 1/2 cups of self raising flour

Simply cream butter sugar and vanilla together. Add eggs separately beating well. Add mashed up bananas. In separate bowl dissolve bi carb soda in milk. Add milk mix and flour alternatively. Line a large bread tin with baking paper and pour in mix. Bake for 35 mins at 180 degrees. Yum!

What's on my lap.

2009-04-21T02:25:00.000-07:00

Today Annie and I ventured out for the morning. We headed down to Centre Rd Bentleigh to post some things, do some food shopping, drink coffee, and of course, visit Amitie fabric store! Annie remained very well behaved for the whole trip, which was quiet a feat, given that she didnt sleep a wink. We rifled through fabrics trying to get some really nice matches for the stash I bought the other day (see below). Will share those with you tomorrow when I take some photos.

Right now on my lap is this little project:

After a quick lesson from my good friend, I decided to decorate part of the surprise project for my sister with a little quilting stitches. It's shaping up to be very special indeed. The needles used are Jeana Kimball's Foxglove Cottage Embroidery/Redwork Size 9. The girls at Amitie insisted they were the best, with a little bend in them for ease of sewing. I also bought some perle 8 in a cream colour. Bugger to thread, but delightful none-the-less.

A day out.

2009-04-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

Today we went to visit some friends of ours. They also have a baby girl just a little older than Annie. It was a lovely day of mum advice, quiche and smiling bubs. *sigh*

On the way there, we stopped off at Carmel's discount fabric warehouse (thanks Leslie) I got this set of fat quarters for $4.50 people!! That's like underground basement bargains. So happy with this loot which will inspire the next two projects I am working on.

For now though I am still busily finishing a project for my sister who is pregnant. I can't give too much away here in case she drops by for a read, but I will show you just a little bit o' fabric.

Oh, and here's Maggie May Brocklesby. She has been so left out lately. We hardly ever get down on the floor to kiss her anymore and have even stopped letting her jump up on our laps. We are such awful dog owners. Here she is focusing on her favourite thing: stuff you can throw.

Dad.

2009-04-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a wee introduction to my Dad. He, also, is very funny when he wants to be. Like last night. We got together for a lovely Easter dinner. The entire family was there. My sister put the night on, and during her speech (our family ALWAYS has a speech at dinner parties) she got very emotional and sentimental. We all listened quietly. Our dessert (yummy ice cream topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, ice magic and nuts) sat slowly melting as my sister took a good few minutes to talk candidly about a recent struggle.

Sister: Anyway, I guess I just wanted to say thank you to every one of you for your support.

The room fell silent with the weight of emotion. There was not a dry eye in the house. It was this exact moment that Dad thought it important to speak.

Dad: Well...all I can say is that I'm pissed off.

We looked at each other in confusion, trying to work out just what about this lovely speech he was finding fault in. Part of me was afraid to ask, but the silence was deafening so I thought I better.

Me: Why Dad?

He hung he head over his dessert, as if something important was stuck at the top of his throat and he was finding it hard to get the words out.

Dad: No one gave me a feckin' spoon for my dessert.

Goodbye beach house, hello OUR house!

2009-04-07T04:19:00.000-07:00

This Thursday is the settlement date on the sale of our beach house. Oh, how I will miss thee. Your native garden, open living and fantastic view. We won't mention the steep climb to the front door or the fact that you're just not kid friendly. We will only ever remember these final moments before we said goodbye...

*our little family*

*Annie's first friend Miss Mae Ann Keating*

*Annie has a bath in the kitchen sink*

Now we are starting the process of looking for our first home together. *smiles* wow. we really are so very lucky!

being bold

And so it begins...

It's all about me.

The Whirl of Christmas.

Conversations with three year olds

Quick Lunch.

The kids and me.

Doing it Italian Style.

Brand Junkie: Push and Go Teddy

Getting busy with it.

The long and the short of it.

Sample Pots.

Dear Natasha.

Busy Bees.

Kingsville to Yarraville

Progress People!

My work list.

Ommmmm....

Life recently...in pictures.

Global Financial Crisis Carrot & Coriander Soup

exciting prospects.

Tommy Boms.

Determined to be One.

The things she says...

A wonderful weekend.

Making a little money.

Sewing weekend.

One man's trash...

New Year New Views.

Beautiful gifts from special friends.

**Advent Calendar**

mother of two.

A letter to me.

Thomas Gerald Brocklesby 09.09.2010

I think I'm in love...

Waiting for baby...

Sew much done.

Soon to be Big-Sis.

Time. I demand you, stop flying!

Keeping up with the crafty projects.

The renovations in pictures.

photo booth - what fun!

Dear Baby Number Two.

Things that happened this week.

Blissful Bali.

It's time to say well done.

Where has the time gone...

And then there were four...

A visit from the postman...

Life at the moment...

The Car Caddy

Beach fun and new friends.

knackered.

Happy Birthday Baby

Coming along.

Your First Christmas

Living it up on a Saturday night.

No fixed address.

Happy Birthday love of mine.

Shirr is pretty!

While you were sleeping...

my obsession with ebay.

Sew-Journ So-fun.

the move in pictures.

Collingwood Children's Farm

Getting ready for Sewjourn.

ready. set. sew!

the BIG spring clean.

planting the seeds.

what ya been sewing lately?

the final countdown.

snippets of play blanket love.

projects.

these cookies will not fail. i promise.

A family holiday in pictures.

sporting new shoes.

baking on a rainy day.

projects.

maggie has an awesome tennis ball policy...

So...um...we bought a house.

Advent Calendar