Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Let Them Eat Cake... Fruit Cake!

I had a mother ask question the other day about her daughter's birthday cake. She wasn't allowed to take a proper, baked cake into her day care to celebrate her special day so she was looking for alternatives. And whilst it was disheartening and a little sad to read, and to acknowledge how different things are in 2012 to when I was younger, it was a great excuse to become more educated in varying forms of birthday 'cakes'.

And when you see what I have found, you'll see why they're 'cakes' and not cakes.

They're amazing. They're works of art.

Fruit Art!

These cakes are made from fresh fruit.

Watermelon, strawberries, bananas, grapes... all these amazing (and healthy!) fruits.



How EASY does this look?!
From: Family Fun Magazine




From: Indulgy





Fruit Train? This is THE best!
From: Tera Warner





Watermelon Shark
From: Manolo for the Big Girl





Ok, there's NO WAY I would even attempt this, but isn't it pretty?!
From: Fruit Catering





Watermelon Smiley Face
From: Tummy 2 Mummy





Turtle Power!
From: Urlybits



So next time, when you're looking at Birthday Cake ideas, how about a nice, fruit alternative?
You could always do cupcakes to go with it, but I think these fresh fruit varieties are awesome!

Yum Yum! xx

Monday, May 28, 2012

Never Can Say Goodbye, Boy

I never can say goodbye. No no no, no no no... No no no Ooooh Ooooh!

I've had a really emotional day today. I've been my normal self, but there's been something niggling at me... and tonight it came out and I burst into tears.

I don't do crying. I'm not a good cryer - I feel ugly, pathetic and completely vulnerable.

And I don't like vulnerable.

You see, if things work out the way we 'want' them to, my husband (my rock and best friend) could be moving interstate at the end of the Financial Year. Without us. And while I know this must be SO much harder for him than it is me, it only hit me last night, when checking out my diary and realising that it's really only 5-weeks away.

He hasn't even got the job. He hasn't even been interviewed, but there's *something* in my gut that tells me that it could be. And it scares me.

My husband is wanting a career change, and has been looking for a FIFO job on the mines with what feels like a million other people for about 12-months now. Not even ONE interview. And we learnt as a result that securing a job is a lot like winning lotto... and it's a case of not 'what' you know, but 'who' you know.

Luckily, if that's really the word I should be using right now, our best man and one of hubby's closest mates works for a company in WA that has a Trade Upgrade Program. Something hubby needs (apparently), desperately, as he is only a Light Vehicle Mechanic. It's a 2-year (maybe less) program where he'll get his trade upgraded with a company that has contracts throughout the Mining Industry all over Australia. So really it's a great opportunity for him to get into his chosen career... but it still means he will be living in another state as it's a residential position only.

Moving as a family isn't an option. With Logan's issues (and therefore a need for him to be in a stable environment), and with my new business... it's just not possible.

He will come home and visit us when he can. Cries.

I really don't know how I am going to cope. I am tough and I know that I will, but my husband will be living in another state. Another freaking state. That's almost laughable when you think about it.

"Hey Megs, where's Cammo?"

"Oh ya know... in PERTH!"


"Hey Megs, when will you see Cammo"

"No freaking idea!"

But really, this bed is kinda big when there's just me in it :( It's kinda sad to think of having him not there next to me, snoring as I type my blog entries (such as right now), or have him wave at the kids through the window when he gets home every night. Or kiss me goodbye every morning.

But as a team, we agreed that this was the BEST (and at the moment the only) choice for us.

That in the long term it would pay off.

But my goodness I regret agreeing to it. I wish I could take it all back and just latch onto him and not let go. But he needs this.

He deserves this.

Do you read me, Karma people?! He DESERVES this. Give it to him.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Thank Goodness for Sleeping Babies




With Logan I had it pretty lucky. He was and still is a fantastic sleeper.
And because of that I was in a false sense of security when it came to having another baby. I thought that I bred good sleeping babies. That by some genetic miracle, it was all me.

This lasted until Ryder was born and was anything but the cruisy baby I had experienced with his older brother. I was in Struggle Town and felt like a new mother. And I needed help.

You see, Ryder was a reflux baby. He had colic, wind, and was awake every 20-minutes for the first couple of weeks of his little life. I tried to breastfeed, I wasn't able to with Logan and really wanted to push myself harder... yet no matter what I did there was no supply. I was expressing, breastfeeding, topping up with formula, whilst dealing with next to no sleep. If it wasn't for the amazing support from my husband, and those close to me I don't think I would have coped. And the decision was made to stop stressing over something I obviously had no control over, and the fight to breastfeed was lost.

I cried. On and off for days.

I was a failure and was depriving my son of everything a mother should give.
That's what I kept telling myself, and it was ripping me up inside. To a certain extent it still does, but I can now reflect and see that there is no way I would have been able to satisfy him - he's just one of 'those' hungry, hungry babies.

It took a long time for Ryder to get into a good sleep routine. And having issues with reflux meant he was super clingy and we fell into a routine of putting him to sleep in our arms. I loved it, I loved the bonding it enabled us as parents, but at the same time it became more and more difficult to settle him as he became more aware of his surroundings. And he fought. And on one occasion Mummy got a black eye from said fighting.

On a bad night he'd wake hourly. On a normal night it was every 2-3 hours.

In Ryder's first 6-months, I can count on one hand how many times he slept through. He'd fall asleep at about 9pm (after fighting to the death with us for goodness knows how long) and would awake at about 3am, and then again at 6am. That to us was a Lotto win. And we'd awake in the middle of the night too scared to go and check up on him incase it woke him up, yet too scared not to go, in fear something had gone wrong.

You can only imagine the fear when he recently started sleeping 11-hours. Straight. And the elation that came when it wasn't a one-off. Thank goodness for sleeping babies! Mummy and Daddy are feeling alive.

And on a Sunday morning where we've actually had a sleep in, we feel human. Both of us. All of us.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Are you a Thinker or a Doer?


According to Home Hardware, there are 2 types of people in this world: Thinkers and Doers.

For those that don't know, it's an advertisement which consists of a conversation between an animated dog and cat for a local hardware company. It's not something I normally pay attention to, but I have been home sick for the past 2 days whilst both children have either been at school or day care. I've become reacquainted with Daytime TV.

Sorry Home Hardware, I disagree.

You see, I am both. I think, and then I do. I am both a thinker and a doer.
And the problems associated with that is I juggle. A lot.
I manage it all somehow, but it means a lot of lists, a lot of zoning out, and most of all organisation. Maybe a little bit of forgetfulness and thus, a little bit of forgiving.

Part of my problem with being the thinker AND the doer, is that I almost force myself into it. Accidentally.
Because I cannot keep my stupid mouth shut.

I get all these great ideas, and in my head I think to myself "lets see how it goes, work it out later", and almost by some kind of word-vomit, I blurt it out to the next person I see. It then means I HAVE to do it, for fear of not following through with an idea or a plan.

Instead of thinking "how cool would that be?!", instead it's "guess what I'm doing!"
ARGH! I'd really like to step outside my body and slap myself upside the head sometimes!

I aim to please, and hate to disappoint FAR too much.

But because of this 'weakness' I have found a hidden strength. I can push myself, and work far harder than I thought I could. I can achieve what I set out to and as a result, I am achieving a lot in a short space of time.

It was only last week that I celebrated the 3-month birthday of Adelaide Mummy Meetings.
A business that was born on the same day as the idea and concept. A simple case of 'Megs Word Vomit Ideas'... I had a thought, blurted it out, created it... and it boomed. Holy guacamole!

It was never intended that way but considering it did, I couldn't let it fail. I didn't want to be responsible for a flop. Subsequently it's probably been the busiest 3-months of my life, but it's been some of the best too. I've realised my calling. And for that, I couldn't feel more proud.

Being a Thinker and a Doer seems to suit me. But as I run out of time, I may have to shelve some of my thinking until all the doing is done!

Ha! Fat Chance....

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

9-Months of You


This week, my baby boy (well, my littlest baby boy) became a 9-month old.

9-Month old Ryder is a lot more mobile than 8-month old Ryder. He now crawls at lightning speed, pulls himself up on everything, walks along the couch, the coffee table, the stairs.

He climbs. Over his brother. Up the first step in our lounge room. Onto his little push-car.
This little dude is doing whatever he can to move. And with that comes the frustration that he can't do everything that he wants to, or at least get everything he wants to get.

Items within reach are soon thrown onto the floor, or shoved into his mouth. Or both.

We also had a hat-trick of amazing sleep. 11-hours of sleep, 3 nights in a row. Just enough time for Mummy and Daddy to think we were at the beginning of something awesome. And like clockwork, the following night, he proved that we were in a false sense of security. And you were back to waking up at odd hours, and starting the day at 6am.

Mummy is slowly becoming a morning person.

And screaming. Not like last month's shrieks, those we still get, this month we have a new sound. This indicates that you want something. And in those exact moments, for a brief second, I wish you could talk, because the screaming isn't nice. And it doesn't help that you close your eyes, clench your fists and go stiff.

You've started eating biscuits. Baby Mum Mum is probably your favourite and it takes less than a minute for it to go from your high chair tray into your belly. As a result, Mummy is introducing you to all different snacks, and you're happy!

Dinner is chunkier, poo is smellier and your smiles are teethier thanks to your newest, and 7th tooth last weekend. Like always, you cut it overnight, without much of an issue... Mummy and Daddy didn't even know that one was on it's way up!

You're now 9-months old. Three quarters of a year.
True to OCD form, Mummy is planning your First Birthday. Rainbows, bright colours and fun. And if what you're showing us continues, you'll be walking around with confidence at your party... My Goodness!

Happy 9-Months Ryder - You're funny. You laugh often and smile always.

Mummy xxx

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The ZOOM Effect

There was an article in today's The Advertiser, "Parents Unable to let go of Work". I read it and it got me thinking about what I call 'The ZOOM Effect' and how it subsequently affects families.

I call it 'The ZOOM Effect' due to the need to be busy, and the need to rush EVERYTHING.
I am the first to admit I am guilty of it.

In our household, we go out on a Sunday afternoon for a drive to our favourite bakery every now and then, and for some reason I find myself rushing.
Rushing to get there. Rushing to eat. Rushing to get home.

And I have NO reason for it whatsoever. For some reason I am just not made to be able to take my time and relax. I don't know how to be present in each and every moment and I am always waiting for something to be over so I can move on to something else.

That my friends, is 'The ZOOM Effect'.

I blame this on my generation, the introduction of Social Media, the Internet and all the recent additions to society that now run instantly. Because with all of that, it has created a demand for NOW.

There's no sending letters anymore. There's no such thing as waiting until the shops open - there are restaurants open 24-hours. And there are also supermarkets that deliver. That doesn't even include online shopping via eBay, etc.

All of this has created a much more demanding public (me). And as a result people are working harder and longer to meet demands, even if it means taking work home, or working overtime. Or both.

I don't know how to overcome it, especially when mortgage rates are high and the cost of living is even higher, so the need to work more is strong. And people are waiting longer to have children, after their careers are established... careers that are demanding, that continue to demand post-children.

It's a vicious cycle, and it's SO hard to find that happy medium. It really is.

All I know is that as a parent, I do the BEST that I can with the time that I have.

But I will try and stop rushing.
I will slow down and be more present in the moments that I share with my children.
I will play on the playground, instead of sitting under the tree and watching Logan play alone.
I will join in on more creative time, more play time and more fun time.

I will work smarter, not harder.

__________________________________

How do you cope in your working life?
How do you juggle and balance your life as a parent, against your life as an employee/business owner?

xx

Monday, May 14, 2012

Mother's Day Classic

The Adelaide Mummy Meetings Team!
Mother's Day Classic 2012, Elder Park


Yesterday was Mother's Day, and I took part in the Mother's Day Classic along with my mother, sister and hubby along with some friends/mums AND kids!

We walked 7.5km's. With kids in prams and a certain 6-year old on a scooter (when he wasn't piggy backed on Cameron's shoulders).

It was a good morning, as good as it can be when it starts at 5:30am to walk 7.5kms! And with approximately 9,000 other people present it was also quite BUSY!

It may have been cold , but once we got moving we warmed up fairly quickly.


My Mummy and I


We managed to do the walk before the rain set in (it started not long after we finished) and the whole 7.5kms were walked within 90-minutes. The event was organised really well. It was well signed, and volunteers were spread out throughout the event with drinks and words of encouragement. (And they were shivering!)

Our team was decked out in AMM t-shirts and merchandise thanks to Lululemon Athletica Adelaide.

The Adelaide Mummy Meetings Team raised $120 for Breast Cancer Research.
Can't go wrong with that!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

That 4 Letter Word...




When it comes to 'Relationship Lotto' I have hit the jackpot.

It's not perfect, but I don't want it to be. I am one of those people that think a relationship is all about those imperfections. And the little things.

But this relationship almost didn't happen. And whilst I sit here and am so glad that it did, it really brings home how much such a small and seemingly insignificant decision can really change your life.

You see, I met my now husband online. We met on RSVP.
I was only out of my previous relationship for about 6-months and I had very high standards as a result.

Previous to meeting Cameron, I joked to my girlfriends that I wanted to end up with a 'blonde haired, blue eyed rugby player' it was a joke at the time, but to be perfectly honest it was what I wanted. I had chased the idea of what was 'right' for so long, and they failed. I wanted to raise the bar and set my sights on someone that I thought was unattainable.

I wanted to follow my heart instead of my head, for once.

Cameron and I made contact a good couple of months before we met. I was cautious having a 2.5 year-old Logan to protect, but also because I was still trying to work out what I wanted. He 'seemed' nice, but didn't ooze a lot of personality in our chat sessions.

And those that know me, know I need someone with personality.

He invited me out on a couple of dates prior to me saying yes... and trust me, I regret it now! And when it came to finally agreeing to meet, I wasn't excited. To the point where I almost bailed, in favour of a night home alone.

This was my life changing decision. I went.

When I laid eyes on him for the first time, I went weak at the knees. For those that don't know, Cameron has blonde hair, blue eyes and plays rugby. I was on the phone to a girlfriend at the time I saw him (so I had a Plan B if he was nothing like his picture) and he walked in the complete opposite direction when he saw me.

My.Heart.Sank.

But me being me followed him.

He went to the ATM only a few metres away and I popped up behind him "Hi stranger!".

The rest of the date went well, we were both nervous and after the movie he escorted me to my car and gave me a goodbye kiss. It wasn't perfect, but hey who cares!!

And when he left I sat in my car and had a giggle to myself. I giggled at the fact I had been missing out 'on that' for a couple of months, the fact that he was EXACTLY what I had been looking for and although the personality was a bit quiet to what I would like, I was willing to give date 2 a go.

And then the 'He's not going to call doubts'... until he SMS'ed me about 15mins later. And we saw each other the following night.

And every night until we moved in together a couple of months later.

His personality isn't anything like what it was when we first met. I learnt early on that he is petrified of girls (you know Stan from South Park? Like that!), so when I followed him on our first date, it was because he FREAKED out and didn't know what to say/do. Because I took charge and took the pressure off of him, it was easy street. Our personalities are actually a very good combination.

And because of that one small decision on that day, I now have him as my husband. I now have Ryder and a complete little family, and we have this great life that I wouldn't have had if I stayed at home.

I don't know where I would be right now if I chose the alternative, but I don't care. I care that the life I have now is exactly where I want it to be, with the only one I want it to be with.

I took a chance. For once I went against my head and followed my heart.

And I love where it took me.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

The Eve of Mother's Day

Mother's Day last year saw me crack a wobbly. And our first marital fight.

I look back on it and laugh... but at the time I was seething.

You see, my husband is a 'yes' man. He's generous, he's loyal and most of all he is SUCH a lover and giver, that he puts himself last to anyone and everyone around him. This can be seen as both a strength and weakness in the personality stakes.

On this day, the above was a weakness. And as a result of his inability to say no, I lost my shit.

We spent the morning of Mother's Day 2011 at his mother's house. My mother in law is a kind soul with her heart in the right place, most of the time, but she also has a knack for having Cameron help her around the house. That's fine, that's what sons are for (well I hope so because I am bringing up 2 of them!)... but she leaves it until we are all packed up and saying our goodbyes.

We had a late breakfast and as we were considering leaving, Cameron was asked to hang up some pictures. Of course, he said yes and I planted my pregnant bum on the couch in front of the football, thinking it would be a 5-min job.

It wasn't.

An hour later, with steam coming from my ears, I got up off the couch and as politely as I could given the mood, I asked if he were done yet as Mother's Day is almost over. I still had to go and visit my own mother AND also try and get some time with Logan considering it was also my Mother's Day too.

The short story was that I was still waiting... my mum didn't get a visit nor did I get any real time with my little family. Hubby got the silent treatment the whole drive home and the 'megs explosion' took place as soon as we got home.

I was angry. Livid. And Mother's Day 2011 was crappy.

Could it not have waited until we were there another time?! It's not like we don't go to her house!

I am sentimental and Mother's Day can't be crappy.

This year I am sure it will be different.
I am now a mother to 2 little boys and hubby has learnt to say 'no'.

Not only that, but I planned what I wanted to do with my little family for first thing in the morning. We'll swing past my mother in laws on the way home, so if we stay there a bit longer than planned, then that's OK. (Up here for thinking, right?!)

Have a GREAT Mother's Day tomorrow guys! I know I will!

xx

Friday, May 11, 2012

The Media Hungry




I'm female, I love celebrity gossip. But I don't like celebrity gossip when it involves marriage breakdowns where children are involved. It's unavoidable I know, but it's really sad watching these poor kids getting dragged through these situations with the world watching. Like it's not difficult enough having their Mummy and Daddy not together anymore.

What aggravates me however are the parents that milk it and involve their children in the media. Willingly.

I don't get it.

Take the latest break-up with Grant Hackett and his wife (or soon to be ex-wife). Both of their media statements, which were released a week ago stated that they want privacy 'in this very difficult time' (you can always guarantee that same line is created in EVERY break up statement!)... yet here we are a week later and there's an interview in a top magazine. WHY?!


You asked for privacy, remember?!

I really don't care what the reasons are behind their split. It seems like it it was a case of trying to tame someone that didn't want to be tamed, and quiet honestly that's a common cause for relationship breakdowns. But because she can sing, and he can swim they make the news.

Those poor gorgeous children.

Too young to Google, but not for long.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Random Me

I've just hung up from one of those conversations where the giggles consume me. I'm nearly 30. And I was giggling like a child.

I love it.

I am random. In every sense of the word. And I have come to appreciate the fun that can come from said randomness. And all the giggles.

I find it equally funny how someone so meticulous, so planned and structured can be so random. I am a perfectionist, I have systems and routines. There used to be a time where that girl didn't know how to giggle, or know how to let go of all the seriousness and just laugh for the sake of laughing. Because life isn't about being a grown up all the time.

I've learnt to laugh. I've learnt to acknowledge the moments where the seriousness needs to be pushed aside for the sake of fun. And fun is fun.

As for exactly what the laughing was about... well you're just going to have to wait for that one.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

I won Lotto (if only!)

I have read in various blog posts today that we had a $50M lotto draw last night. I must have been living under a rock because I had no idea and subsequently went without a ticket.

I could very well be sitting here right now with a cool $50M in the bank. Wouldn't it be nice?!

And of course, because of that, I am now sitting here thinking what I would do with even $500,000 and getting depressed because my bank balance has a DR instead of a CR for the same amount.

Le freaking sigh.

I keep telling myself that once I get older and the debts are paid off, things will be sweet. We would have had all the hard work done in our 'youth' and that our more adult years, and retirement would be Easy Street. But really... knowing me and my inabilty to not spend money, I just don't see that becoming a reality.

Does that make me dream less, or spend less?
Well it makes me spend less, but I still dream big. I always have. And I always will.

So with my head up in the clouds I am spending $50M.

On imaginary yachts and cocktails.

For scientists to remove calories from all food types.

To fix world poverty. And repair all broken things.

On a holiday. And a new level on our house.


I live with my head in the clouds most days. It's nice up here ;)

What would you have bought if you won $50M last night?

Would you own Google? Go buy a new car? Quit your job?

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The Weekend that Wasn't

Have you ever had one of those weekends where, come Sunday night you are sitting there wondering 'Where the hell did that go?!'. That's usually me, but because I have had every intention on doing things and have gotten sidetracked and done NONE of it.

This weekend just gone was the weekend that wasn't. And I feel a teeny bit ripped off.

Firstly, one of my girlfriends, Nicole was supposed to fly down from QLD for a 4-day visit. And sadly for her (and me!), her fur-baby Sonic (her cute little Pomeranian) had an injury and needed a full knee reconstruction. Because of this and the added expense, she wasn't able to do both... and understandably, the weekend in good ol SA was postponed.

With the change of plans, I had every intention on getting on top of the housework and catching up on the washing and the dishes, seeing as our dishwasher decided to break down the week prior (I hate manually washing dishes, argh!). Hmmm I did some of that...not enough though.

Then there was Logan's bedroom. His room seems to always be a mess, no matter how much sorting I do, and how many hours I spend in there cleaning it. Yet I planned on going back in there, sorting through it all again and getting it back in order.

We were also invited to a close friend's son's first birthday - which we wouldn't have been able to attend if Nicole was here (we had a winery tour planned on the same day), but because of the change we decided to change our RSVP and go... until...

CRASH. BANG. And CRY.

I wasn't in the best of moods on Sunday morning. Logan was at his nagging best and non-listening worst... so when I heard this sudden crash from his bedroom, I assumed it was him being his usual clumsy self and falling/tripping over something (he has a knack for not watching what he's doing. All. The. Time).

The bad mood came to a halt when there was blood. And my goodness there was blood!

Logan's built in robe came crashing down on him as he was searching for his shoes to wear to the above birthday party. We've had a couple of issues with the built in robe previously, but had removed what we thought was the issue. Obviously not.

We were only minutes away from being ready to walk out the door to the birthday party when this took place. I was writing in the birthday card... We gathered everything together, made sure we had what we needed in Ryder's bag and rushed to the hospital, assuming Logan would need stitches to his little forehead.

As soon as we got in our car, Logan's tears turned to questions and giggles.

He wanted to know how much blood there was.
He wanted to know how big it was.
He wanted to use it for 'Show and Tell'
He laughed because he is one step closer to looking like Harry Potter.


In the end, Logan was fine. His head wasn't falling off. His brains weren't falling out. He had the cut steri-stripped and glued up and he's 100% fine. No concussion. A little bit of swelling, but a lot of attention.

And he went to school today and went along with his 'Show and Tell'.

And the birthday party? Well thanks to a hospital that didn't make us wait 3+ hours, we made a cameo appearance on the way home. One plan for the weekend was kept, yay!