Monday

So many times through the day (and night) I think of the things I'd like to record here.  I post to remember.  Whether it is a song I like at a certain time, a photograph, a quote, a holiday, something one of my kids did, or "just because".

But I don't get to the computer enough as I am trying to get 'just one more thing" done before Maggie's next feed, or before getting lunch, dinner, kids bath, doing kids homework, bedtime stories, washing clothes or washing dishes... this season of life.  But I am loving it.

Hence the photo overload here - some of all we've been doing the last little while.  In no order and with no relevance to the text. Haircuts, hairstyles, dressing up, fairies, collecting, swapping, Cubs and bonding.  :)

I went to bed at 1:40am this morning.  I wanted to make biscuits for the week for school, to clean the bathroom and mop the kitchen floor.  I went to bed and so wanted to read a book.  The thing I never do these days (understandably).  I am currently making my way through Steve Biddulph's 'Raising Boys' and am looking forward to also reading 'Raising Girls' as soon as I've caught up to the appropriate stage for Nicholas.  I like his writing so far as it is practical and relevant.  Over the weekend I picked up Nancy Granquist's book, 'Heart Matters' as it is more like a collection of short vignettes that I can read each day and so provide something spiritual to think on through the day.  I have a couple of a the Sunday Philosophy Club series still to read and it makes me feel complete having one at hand.  Maggie's nappy bag is starting to look more like Mary Poppins bag as it is also my handbag, including wallet, diary, keys, handcream, lip balm, tissues, gum, sunscreen, hand sanitiser, pen and notebook! Not to mention the essential items the bag is designed for... All my work bags are the size of the nappy bag so the thought of juggling two big bags is not very appealing!

 

Maggie continues to be a delight.  She is so easy which translates (generally) as sleeping well.  I love that when she wakes for a feed at around 3am her faces breaks into a smile when our eyes meet.   am ignoring the familiar feeling in the pit of my stomach when I think of returning to work in June next year.  I do not let the thought linger and I remind myself to enjoy the present.

Christmas is just around the corner and I am nowhere near prepared.  when in Bredbo a little while ago I bought each of the kids a new ornament for the tree and I have bought Audrey this gorgeous book in preparation for starting kindergarten next year.  That is it! 






































What to get kids who already have so much "stuff" filling their rooms??  I am seriously attempting to de-clutter the house.  I took 7 bags of things to the church op shop but it looks as though I have barely touched the surface.  I'd be keen to know any ideas for kids Christmas presents people reading this may have.






































On my wish list is a iPad mini.  Dave would like an Apple tv.  I joked about having an Apple Christmas and getting Nicholas an iPod touch!

Saturday

Thursday

I am grateful Spring is here and that school holidays followed soon after Maggie's birth.  We can rest.  We have seen movies, been to the farm and played with cousins.

Maggie is now 7 1/2 weeks old.  The time is going quickly, yet it seems like so long ago that we brought her home. 
 
She is amazing.  She sleeps so well (meaning she still wakes regularly, but simply feeds then goes back off to sleep).  She smiles - a lot.  xo

 

 

Friday

This morning the sun is beautiful.  What school holidays should be... I am letting all three children sleep as I steal a few moments of quiet.  I stayed up late last night on my own, in the solitude as well.  That was to make a dent in the mountain of folding and iron I have accumulated.

Today we will see a movie.  I wonder how Maggie will cope with the dark (hopefully not too) loud cinema.  She is now 6 weeks old.  She smiles a lot.  She is an easy baby, sleeps and feeds routinely.  Her unsettled time of course is around 5pm when dinner preparations are under way.

All of a sudden Audrey seems so grown up.  She wants to dress like me (boots if I am wearing boots, she is, her hair up if mine is up).  She feeds her doll "baby Sophie" when I am feeding.

Wednesday

Wow... I have not blogged in a while, and while looking through draft posts I found this one (below). I obviously didn't post it (but posted many since then) but it was nice taking that jump to the past. It would have been written in late 2013. Note to self: don't take the small things for granted. They mean the most.

* * * * * * * * 
We have been soaking up the goodness of a new born around here.  :)  I miss David being home each day. 
The glorious weather has also helped!  David has managed to get a few jobs done that have been hanging around for a while.  his dad came yesterday to do some work in our scrubby, rambling garden.  Family, friends and school mums have been bringing food and helping with the school run.  I feel very spoilt.
On Saturday I made the kids lunch - nothing special, just sandwiches, fruit and slice and I laid a picnic rug in the backyard so we could all take our lunch outside.  The things I used to do regularly when they were about three.  Probably for Nicholas more than Audrey.  Life just gets busy.
Other goings on here - the chooks have started laying again!  The week before Maggie arrived a friend showed up at our door with two portable vegetable garden boxes.  So kind and thoughtful!  We look forward to planning and planting.
David also made the kids a new swing set, so we are getting a load of tanbark to put under it.  Already the kids spend half the day on the swings when they are home.
Next week I will no doubt feel the pressure.  I'll be on my own getting kids up and ready without drama (ha!) and walking them to school with Maggie joining us for a ride.  I've actually missed going to the school.  I just wanted to be with my kids every  minute of the day.

Tuesday

Three weeks old.

 

Maggie is simply gorgeous.  I could sit and look at her all day (my pile of ironing proves it!).  I love to hold her against my chest, feel our bodies close and smell her soft hair.  David is smitten by her, and Nicholas and Audrey adore her. 

 

And this is what I listen to.  Perfect mum music for quiet days at home...

Tuesday

Two weeks old. Perfect :)