Monday, September 9, 2013

WIN! Family Pass (Admit 4) to see Disney 'Planes'



From high above the world of "Cars" flies "Planes," Disney's upcoming animated action-packed comedic adventure starring Dusty, a big-hearted, fast-flying crop duster who dreams of competing in the most exhilarating around-the-world air race in history. There's only a couple of not-so-small problems — Dusty is not exactly built for racing and he also happens to be afraid of heights.

Despite his fear and with encouragement from his mentor, a naval aviator named Skipper, Dusty narrowly qualifies for the big competition. Dusty's sportsmanship and speed begin to rattle the defending champ of the race circuit, Ripslinger, who will stop at nothing to see Dusty fail.

When disaster strikes during the climax of the final race, Dusty's courage is put to the ultimate test. With the support of friends old and new, Dusty reaches heights he never dreamed possible.




NOTE: Winners will be notified by email and will be required to supply their postal address for ticket delivery. We accept no responsibility and cannot replace lost tickets. Winners have the option to collect tickets from Metropolitan Adelaide at a mutually convenient time.

Good Luck!

Enter below:

Disney 'Planes' Family Pass

Thursday, September 5, 2013

So you want to go on a Family Holiday?

As seen in SA Kids: September/October


Us on the Skywalk over the Grand Canyon.

Take it from me, just don’t. It’s stressful.


We recently returned from a whopper of a holiday. We decided, and I think we must have been under the influence of alcohol when planning this, to take our kids (aged two and seven) to the USA for six weeks. Not only that, we also decided to hire an RV and include an itinerary that saw us travel 6,500 miles (more than 10,000kms) in 31 days.

I imagined many Brady Bunch moments in the months leading up to our holiday. I had fantasies of my smiling children (and me with an amazing tan and the wind in my hair) checking out all the sights of America. But we hadn’t even left the country before the drama started.

Our long-haul flight was delayed for 12 hours. Twelve hours. By this stage we had left home and were in Brisbane, and were sent to a hotel for the remainder of the day until our now evening flight. My eldest son at this point got a migraine – cue the vomit and all through the Brisbane airport and also through the foyer of said hotel. And also on his clothes (and all his other clothes were packed and already checked into the connecting flight). At this point it was either go back to Adelaide and call the whole thing off, or keep going and see what else could possibly go wrong.

Thankfully, the flights at the beginning of our trip were the bulk of our dramas, but I didn’t realise just how much our boys would slow us down. I planned our itinerary with very little room for movement and, thanks to the flight delay, we already had 12 hours to make up somewhere. This trip felt like a race from start to finish. It was exhausting.

Our toddler decided to cut new teeth (the last of his molars) while we were away, and I don’t think there was one meal we sat through on the entire trip that he didn’t scream through. So my husband and I tag-teamed our meals – it was very romantic. And the migraines/vomiting continued from my eldest son – Disneyland and the Hollywood Walk of Fame were just a couple of other locations that were graced with his regurgitation.

Drama aside, we created a lot of memories together as a family (the screaming and the vomiting were just small smacks of reality). We flew over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, we swam with dolphins in Hawaii and we went to a Yankees game in New York. Ryder also learnt many new words (like ‘plane’) while we were away. These are amazing experiences and memories that I will have for the rest of my life.

And it’s only now that we’re home and back into the throes of reality that I have realised just how important this time together was for us as a family. It bonded us. If anything, it has made me realise that those ‘perfect family’ fantasies I had before we left just aren’t us. I can’t wait to spend time with the kids and go away again where we can forget about day-to-day life and escape. Perhaps next time though, I will wait until they’re a bit older and less high-maintenance… but it wouldn’t be anywhere near as fun.

Friday, August 30, 2013

The Modern Cloth Nappy Revolution!

Introducing Eco Bums - The Cloth Nappy Library





Eco Bums The Cloth Nappy Library came about due to the frustration of too much choice when it came to choosing types and brands of modern cloth nappies on the market.

Exploring MCN’s (Modern Cloth Nappies) can be a daunting experience. There are so many brands and styles on the market to choose from that it can be difficult to know where to start.

That’s where Eco Bums come in!

They have sourced what they believe to be the best that the market has to offer and packed them into kits for you to hire. By hiring out a kit of nappies you can use the different types at home and decide what suits you and your baby best. All brands in the pack are also available to purchase.

And what's even better than 'trying before you buy'? Thanks to a partnership with KESAB environmental solutions and Zero Waste SA, Eco Bums are now working together to demonstrate the environmental benefits of using cloth nappies via a subsidy program for their Eco Bums Hire Pack. The cloth nappy ‘library’ scheme will be subsidised by KESAB for a two-week trial. The first 375 people to register will receive a subsidy of $40 – all you pay is $20 for a two week hire period.

This is a great incentive for parents to try cloth nappies to see if it suits them and their baby. The environmental and financial benefits are significant,” says Grace Barila, Special Environmental Projects Coordinator at KESAB environmental solutions.

We have come a long way with recycling in South Australia (leading the nation) but there is much more we can do as a community by recognising some of the nontraditional throw away and disposable items currently buried in landfill.

This project is about changing family awareness and understanding by using alternatives encouraging avoidance – but with minimal impact on family life style. And it helps the environment along the way,” Ms Barila said.

Advantages of “new age” cloth nappies have come a long way since terry towelling squares. Modern versions are more absorbent, less bulky, easy to wash, and are just as easy to use as disposables – are fashionable and they look great!


DEMONSTRATIONS: As part of the Nappy Library service, Eco Bums provides nappy demonstrations anywhere in Adelaide. Grab some friends or get together with your mother’s group or play group and arrange a time – Dad’s are welcome too!

This is a sponsored post.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

WIN! Double Pass to this Friday's 'Bring Your Baby' Session!


Thanks to our friends at Event Cinemas, I have a DOUBLE PASS to this Friday night's session of Bring You Baby at Event Cinemas to see 'We're the Millers'!

Event Cinemas is extending their day time Bring Your Baby sessions into night time with Bring Your Baby Date Night Screenings, allowing parents an affordable night out,
without having to worry about the babysitter.

PLEASE NOTE: Double Pass is valid at Event Cinemas Arndale and Marion only for Friday 30th August 2013 at 7:00pm.

Winner will be notified by email and will be required to reply within 12-hours with cinema location and names of two (2) guests attending.

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Sunday, July 14, 2013

Colour by Number



As seen in SA Kids: July/August

All kids come up with random comments – my son Logan recently told me that penguins and turtles aren’t overly different (and what on earth do you say to that, other than penguins don’t having shells and turtles don’t have wings?) Most of the time their randomness is just word-vomit, a wave of thoughts rolling through their minds that are verbalised without much structure. I’m guilty of this even as a grown up!

One night a couple of months ago, I was standing in the kitchen getting dinner organised. Logan was sitting at the kitchen bench doing his homework when he asked me one of his usually random (and occasionally annoying) questions:

“Mummy, what’s your favourite number?” he said. “It’s five mate, why’s that?” I replied. He put his hand up to his chin as if he was thinking seriously. “Well, that would make sense then because your favourite colour is red,” he eventually says.

At this point I put down the knife and looked at him. I wasn’t sure if I had heard right, so I asked him to repeat it. He repeated himself, with attitude, as if something was wrong with my hearing. I was confused. I mean, what the hell does the number five have to do with colour red?

It took me a couple of seconds to piece together what he said, and he then began to tell me about the colours that appear in his head when he thinks/reads about things. This was the beginning of something amazing – learning something new about my big boy (who at seven I thought I knew pretty well).

I remembered from a few years before that a friend mentioned she had Synesthesia. This meant she linked letters and numbers to colours. As soon as my husband walked into the room, I asked Logan to relay the conversation. He was surprised too. Once Logan was in bed that evening, we got the laptop out and looked it up. We looked up ways of testing to make sure it wasn’t a fluke (or that he wasn’t faking it!). He passed. We did the same tests a few weeks later and he passed again.

We’ve since discovered Logan doesn’t just match letters and numbers with colours, but whole words and music. This is a whole new avenue for us to tap-in to, to help his unique brain develop to its best potential. And thanks to his doctor, we’ve got a great deal of support to help nurture this side of his creativity and intellect!

The past couple of years for him have been tough. He is on the Autism spectrum and since he was diagnosed he’s often been singled out, he’s had problems fitting in at school and he’s been anxious about things. Yet as soon as he started talking about seeing colours, a little spark has come back into his eyes that we haven’t seen in awhile. While Synesthesia may make him a little bit different, it’s made me understand him a whole lot more.

Friday, June 28, 2013

WIN! A Term of Ready Steady Go Kids!


Are you looking for an activity for your toddler? Check out READY STEADY GO KIDS - Australia's largest and most reputable multi-sport and exercise program for preschoolers (aged 2.5-6 years). Not only do they run set classes, they cater for birthday parties, corporate days and special events!

Check out their website for a location near you. Call 1300-766-892 and book the kids in for a free come n’ try class, they'll love it! READY, STEADY, GO!

And thanks to our friends at READY STEADY GO KIDS, I've got 1 FREE TERM voucher to giveaway!

*Valid at any of the participating locations: Blackwood, Campbelltown, Goodwood, Henley Beach, Henley Beach South, Morphettville, O'Halloran Hill, Port Adelaide, Seaford, Stepney, Victor Harbour or Woodville.
Valid for TERM 3 2013: 22 July - 29 September 2013

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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Thermomix Toblerone Cheesecake


Today is my very last day at work before we leave on our MASSIVE adventure!
6-whole weeks with the kids, am I nuts? Just a little bit...

To celebrate my last day (and my upcoming Birthday), I made a Toblerone Cheesecake - in my Thermomix of course!

Ingredients:

200g Chocolate Biscuits
80g Butter
60g Slithered Almonds

400g Toblerone chocolate (you can substitute this with any chocolate really... Cherry Ripe)
500g block Cream Cheese
100g Caster Sugar
50g Full Fat Cream (what's the point in reduced fat, seriously?)

Method:

Mill the chocolate biscuits and almonds in TM bowl for 15 seconds on speed 8. Set aside.
Add butter to bowl and melt for 2 minutes at 60°C on speed 1.
Add biscuit and almond mix and combine for 10 seconds on speed 5.
Press into the base of a lightly greased 20cm spring form pan and put in the fridge while preparing the rest.


Place 200g Toblerone into bowl and grate for 10 seconds on speed 8.
The chocolate can harden - if this happens loosen it with your spatula or a metal spoon (with the TM bowl off the base)
Melt the chocolate for 2 minutes at 50°C on speed 3.
Add sugar to bowl along with the cream and cream cheese. Mix for 30–40 seconds on speed 4.
If the cream cheese doesn't completely mix, push it down with your spatula and mix for another 20 seconds.
Pour mixture over prepared base and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours until set.
Grate remaining 200g Toblerone for 4 seconds on speed 8 and sprinkle on top of Cheesecake before serving.


Monday, June 3, 2013

WIN!! Tickets to 'Space Encounters' at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival!


Thanks to our friends at Emma Knights Productions, we have a FAMILY PASS available to ANY session of 'Space Encounters' at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, starting this Sunday 9th June!

Space Encounters is a 50 minute interactive children’s opera for ages 5-12. It tells the story of two astronauts, Harris and Jefferson, and their robot Roland who venture into space to find the source of a strange signal. They arrive on a distant planet and encounter something they did not expect. With Harris’ empathy and Jefferson’s temper what will happen next? And when Roland malfunctions, will they ever get back home?

There will also be an opportunity to meet and greet with the cast and to purchase photgraphs at the end of the performance. Sponsored by All Pro Music, CARA and Novar Music.

Performances will be accessible to the hearing impaired community.


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Monday, May 27, 2013

I've been having an affair with a Thermomix

My apologies for being a bit absent lately, I've been having an affair with a Thermomix.


This is Thelma!


It's FINALLY mine!

I bit the bullet and bought a Thermomix. After spending the majority of last year lusting over one, and then spending the beginning of this year questioning if I really wanted one, I did it. And I love her.

I had seen it in action late last year and I was impressed, but I didn't realise just how much of a godsend it was until it was mine. Until it was in MY kitchen, cooking MY dinners for MY family. It's been a week since 'she' arrived and she has brought that little spark back in my kitchen.

Since returning to work earlier this year, I have really struggled finding that balance and keeping ontop of the things I do at home. Add a little back issue where I've been pretty useless... well it's just been a bit of a rough few months! Thelma (yes, that's her name) allows me to cook really healthy meals for the family, without standing over the stove. It's bliss! AND the best thing? I am now cooking a hell of a lot more, having fun doing it (less dishes = awesome!), and STILL having that time to spend with the kids.

And at the end of the day, if there's an appliance that gives me more time with them, I want it.



Apple Tea Cake



Ham and Cheese Bread Rolls



Pumpkin Scones

Monday, April 29, 2013

Dear Energy: Where have you gone?




It's Monday. It's still morning and I am running off what feels like zero sleep the night before. I feel a little bit Zombie-like and I have a cute little toddler to thank for it.

Our little guy has been having some night terrors of late, but for some reason last night he just didn't want to go to sleep. At all. We resorted to pulling his little fold-out couch into our room and eventually he fell asleep, only to wake up a couple of hours later and scream from 1:00am to 4:00am. His day started at 5:00am.

I took him to day care this morning feeling somewhat guilty that I am leaving them to care for who will be a grizzly and overtired little man. And as I drove to work I was praying for coffee; nice, strong coffee.

The thing is though, lately, I have been tired. Alot. I think the issues with my back (and having to take it easy) has attributed to it, but I am just.... blergh. I feel horrible. Bloated. Tired. I could sleep for a good couple of days, and just cannot be bothered doing much. And who would want to with or weather not being overly inviting lately.

I have no energy at the moment. I feel heavy.

I am looking forward to getting back into my work-outs again, but that's still a while off. I am limited to 'strolls' which don't really do much for me. I miss the buzz that comes with exercising, I miss adrenalin and endorphins. I just miss wanting to do more than get into my warm, comfy PJ's and slippers, and snooze.

I just miss having energy! *yawn*

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Blast from the past: An Open Letter to Gaga

I found this letter within my Facebook 'notes' the other day (before I started blogging). A letter I wrote on the eve of my induction, the day before the journey started to meeting our little man.

That little man is now 20-months. Twenty months. He'll soon be two years old, talking (and talking back)... and then onto kindy and school with his bigger brother.

Feels like I only wrote this last week...

Ps. Ryder was named Gaga whilst in utero, it seemed to fit as I was heavily into Lady Gaga, so Baby Gaga sounded funny at the time :) Until we decided on his actual name... then he became 'Knightrider'. Hubby would say goodnight to me and then say 'Night Ryder' to my belly and laugh.

Every.Night.

GaGa,

Here we are, now only days away from you entering the world, and there's so much I want you to know. I want you to know what you mean to me (your Mummy), your Daddy and your bigger brother (Logan) and how much happiness you're going to bring to our lives.

Mummy and Daddy thought that we would never have you and in a way, you're our little miracle. Ever since we knew that you were on your way into this world, we've felt incredibly blessed and lucky and we've never taken it for granted. From the first moment we saw your little heart beating, we've been completely besotted and your brother has been bursting with excitement, asking almost daily when you'll be joining our family.

Mummy felt so strongly that you were a girl, so we were very surprised to see you growing a little willy. We even asked for a second opinion because Mummy didn't believe the radiographer - we had a girl's name all picked out, so imagine our surprise when we're thrown into thinking of slugs, snails and puppy dogs tails! It didn't take us very long to get our heads around the surprise and relish in the awesomeness of having another little man running about - Logan has brought us so much happiness and we know that you will do the same. Our house is never quiet and Daddy is always off doing boy-ish things and has such big dreams of building go-karts, kicking the footy and watching V8's with you both; the thought of you being anything other than a boy now doesn't seem right. Mummy can teach you all about how to treat a girl the right way, how to be respectful and loving - you'll only have to look at your Daddy to see how a real man behaves, he'll be the perfect role model in your life. If Daddy ever gives you up for a few minutes, Mummy can also teach you how to cook some good meals! Logan loves cooking with Mummy in the kitchen <3



At the end of the day, we just want you to be happy in your life. We will support you in everything you want to do; you can come to us with your problems and we will always help you. We will never judge your life choices and make you feel less than the amazing son that we know you will be. Anyone who makes you feel less then that will have your Daddy and big brother to deal with.


Every night, Daddy has been saying goodnight to you and giving you cuddles and every night Logan has kissed you goodnight and has asked when you're coming out of Mummy's tummy - you are already loved beyond any words. Mummy has felt all your kicks, from the small butterfly flutters, to the rib stabs that she gets now, so we know that there's not much room left and you're on your way out. Mummy has even felt your hiccups, so you need to learn to slow down when you eat (much like Daddy!).


The past 9 months, whilst they have been a challenge for Mummy, have been the most fulfilling months and we know that the best is yet to come. We've watched you grow from a tiny bubble into what we've been told is a whopper of a baby and we cannot wait to meet you.


From the moment you enter this world our little family of 4 will be complete and perfect <3



We love you so much,


Mummy and Daddy <3



Monday, April 22, 2013

Us Vs. The non-talking Toddler

As seen in SA Kids Parenting Magazine: May/June 2013





Our little man has found his voice. He has also found the floor, his limbs and his sense of desire. If he wants something he can’t have, the voice, the floor and his limbs culminate in a trifecta of disaster, otherwise known as a tantrum.

Tantrums are completely foreign to me – I remember my first exposure to this a month or so ago when he wanted some (more) tomato sauce. He dropped to the floor and scrambled around on his belly, then rolled onto his back, kicking and screaming.

I must admit that I laughed. I found it comical that someone could get so worked up over tomato sauce. Was it really worth the effort? I called my husband into the kitchen to observe. We giggled together and let him have his little dummy spit. And he got over it.

We learnt very quickly that this wasn’t a once off – tantrums form part of our day-to-day life now, almost as frequent as the nappy changes.

As a parent, I’m finding this phase of development a challenge. I’ve dealt with the sleepless nights and reflux/colic, and we’ve recently been exposed to the fun that comes with night terrors. But tantrums? This is a whole new realm of fun!

The language barrier is a real challenge for us. All we want to do is cuddle him and talk him through his frustration, but how on earth do you talk to a toddler that doesn’t understand a word you say? And conversely he can’t tell us what’s wrong –although he’s very good at pointing his finger and telling us to ‘look’. At everything.

When it comes to tantrums, we’ve had to accept it’s pointless trying to talk him through it and reason with him. He’s a toddler, he’s 19 months old and he just wants what he wants.

We know he won’t understand reason until his development is at a point where he can comprehend what we’re saying, so explaining/bargaining with him is lost. We just have to allow him to get his frustrations out, while standing our ground about what he can and can’t have.

He’s not being naughty – he’s expressing his frustrations in the only way he knows how at the moment. As parents we need to allow him that outlet, and focus on encouraging his language development. Love him, nurture him and have a secret giggle at his expense from time to time. And remember, this too shall pass.


Friday, April 12, 2013

The BIG Ouch... (what I wish I was warned of after baring children)


Remember how I mentioned a couple of months ago about some 'not so serious' back pain I was dealing with? Well, recently, things got serious...

The pain has fluctuated between feeling fabulous, to 'take me to the hospital, PRONTO!!' over the past couple of months, and last week it took a bit of a turn and became something I needed to take seriously. Well it was either that, or be riddled with pain so bad that I wasn't able to move. And that happened.

Last Wednesday I was at work, sitting at my desk and working through the niggling pain as I did most days. But the pain intensified and I couldn't work through it any longer - I left work to come home and continue my day from bed where I found comfort. I didn't make it home and instead detoured to the local hospital as the pain was growing as I was driving. I needed stronger pain relief, fast.

After waiting in the ER for about half an hour, I was seen by a doctor who wasn't aware of my issues, so I had to tell the story from the beginning (don't you hate that?!). He assessed me, asked me to bend forward, backward, etc and then proceeded to put pressure on the areas I was complaining about. And then it happened. I fainted. I went suddenly dizzy, covered in sweat and was carried to the bed to recover. My obs were checked, I was given some stronger pain relief, but seeing as I was already booked in for a CT scan the following day, I was sent home to follow through with my original plan.

On a side note: Pain relief was awesome!!

I felt great the next day. Still in pain, but not to the same extent as the previous day and was even joking to my girlfriend that my CT scan wouldn't show anything now as I felt 'fine'. That perhaps the drugs would hide whatever was going on and everything would come back normal... but it didn't.

If anything it came back a bit 'worse' than what I was expecting: 3 buldged discs, some osteoarthritis and a couple of other issues that meant that as a combination I had to take things seriously.

Fast forward to Sunday - I went for a walk in the morning and felt great throughout the day. Still tender and not willing to risk anything, but ok. I was getting Ryder undressed to hop into the bath in the afternoon, went to lift him up and MY GOODNESS!! The pain that shot up my back was SO intense I couldn't move. I was ushered to the bed, and the paramedics were called. I was in such an amount of pain that I couldn't move, I couldn't raise my legs...

I had an amazing Paramedic (thank you Bronwyn!) who stayed with me and helped me as much as she could so I didn't have to be admitted to hospital. After a plethora of drugs I was able to get off the bed and walk (and stay home!) and was put on bed rest - turns out I pinched a nerve, a pretty feisty nerve!

So here I am, 5-days post nerve pinch and I am back to feeling 'ok'. Not free of pain, but I have been able to lower my pain medication - and now await seeing a specialist to deal with the problem at hand.

To say I am scared is a bit of an understatement - when it comes to my back, I don't think there's anything else above that I'd rather not have in pain (easy to say that when I'm in the pain though, right?!). The thought of having a needle (steroid injections have been suggested, no thanks!), or surgery on my back just give me shivers. It's not something I want, ever. Other than when I am in the throws of labour... but even then after the experience I had with Ryder I don't think I'd go there again!

I just didn't realise how much my core has taken a beating since having children, and it's something we take for granted so much... as mothers we are constantly lifting/carrying/picking things up and more than likely not looking at HOW we do it. I've always been someone who's thought that whilst I've had a little bit of a 'spare tire', and a little bit more of me to love, that I've been relatively fit - I would never have thought that my core (including my pelvic floor) would be this bad, and it is.

So to all those yummy mummy's out there, PLEASE look after that precious pelvic floor. It is SO much more than bladder control!!

Saturday, April 6, 2013

The 'Zsa Zsa Zu'



Later this month my husband and I are celebrating our third Wedding Anniversary. It's not a milestone by any means, the time for us has gone relatively quickly, but it's still three years of our lives that is worth celebrating. It has really been three wonderful years. And there will be many more.

In my growth to being the adult I am today, I've made mistakes in life but it's made me aware of what is vital to me. And what's vital to me above all else is love. The love I have for my children, and the love I have for my husband. And it's also made me realise just how important it is (to me) to have that 'Zsa Zsa Zu' (thanks Sex and The City!) - it's something I had been mindful of before I met him, and something I make a conscious effort to maintain in our relationship.

Recently we had some professional photos taken, just because. For no other reason than wanting some photos of the two of us without a purpose. We weren't having a baby, we weren't getting married - we were just us. I wanted some photos that showed us who we are as a couple. No family shots, just a husband and a wife that are just as madly in love as the day we met... and we are.

What is 'us' is the beach. We LOVE the beach. And stupid jokes... 'Dad' jokes. The kind of jokes that you laugh because they're completely random, make very little sense, and they're not overly funny. And stupid faces and 'inside jokes' - where just a word, or a facial expression brings a cackle. That's us.

And these photos captured the just us perfectly. They captured that 'Zsa Zsa Zu'...










Photos were taken by Carol Lange from Wild Lilly Studio

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

I am thankful for their age gap...


I need to put it out there:
No matter the age gap, having more than one child is a challenge. It's a juggle.

I have spoken before about my desire to have 3 children, a desire that was founded purely on day dreams: the kids would be close in age, they wouldn't fight, and I doubt they had snotty noses. Alas, real life has proven day dreams have very little sense of reality.

I have a 5.5 year age gap between my two children. My only two children. And for me it's bliss.

I really couldn't have been one of those parents that juggle two under two/three under three. It is just not in me to have that much patience, and survive on that little sleep. And so, I look at my two boys and I think I have it pretty darn good right about now.

After dropping Ryder off at day care this morning, I had Logan talk to me from the back seat:

"Mum, before we had Ryder, I didn't have anyone to play with at our house"


And he continued to tell me how he likes having 'someone else' to play with, other than a grown up. And how much he loves just having a younger brother. Because having a younger brother makes him feel like the house is more about fun, than 'boring grown up stuff' (yep, he said that!).

They're both at a really great age where they play together, read together, and fight together... luckily the fighting (for now) is just of the playing kind. And I've now gone from being completely nervous about my boys being disconnected from each other with their age gap, to being excited about the bond they'll share together as they grow older.

Logan is an AMAZING big brother - he's a helper and a nurturer at heart. He wants to take the dirty nappies to the 'outside bin' because he wants to contribute. And he watches everything Ryder does to make sure he's not in danger. He melts my heart. And Ryder? He just wants to BE his older brother:


When Logan's at school, he'll find random things of Logans and wear/use them. Like his hat and books. He will go to Logan's room and call out his name as if he's lost, wave to him when he goes to school, and tackle him to the ground at night when they're finally home together.

I am thankful for their age gap. It means I can spread myself between them both easier (than what I could if the gap was smaller), and they both need different 'input' from us as parents. I feel like I am juggling the whole 'two child' role far better than I would if it were closer, and it suits me.

I like to think it suits us all as a family...

(and in a sleep deprived state I am right now, thanks to Ryder's night terrors and knack for 4am wake-ups, I am even MORE thankful for their age gap. Two sets of this would not go down very well right now!)





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Monday, March 18, 2013

My Life Mantra


2012 was the year that I took on a different approach to thinking - it wasn't anything overly drastic, and there wasn't a particular event that took place that made me decide this, but I became a 'fan' of positive thinking. It made me happy, and it filled me with a sense of freshness and positivity.

It is something that has really become a large part of my life now. I love motivational posters, and I thrive on inspiration. And with embracing this love of positive energy, it has altered my outlook on life, and filled it with only positive thoughts. And I am happy.

I had the pleasure of creating my own little home office last year, and I just knew that I had to turn it into a positive zone. I wanted to fill it with things I love (like as many Eiffel Towers as possible!), and also fill it with emotions that inspire and motivate me. I happened to find a brilliant, oversized canvas online that fit my office perfectly - and on it was a 'Life Mantra' that I now read everyday and use this to fuel positive thinking and my wish to 'start every day in neutral':

"You only have ONE life.
Dream more. Complain less. Listen more.
Talk less. Love more. Argue less. Hope more.
Fear less. Relax more. Work less. Live more.
DREAM BIG
You can't recover the moment after it's missed.
The word after it's said and the time after it's wasted.
LIVE FOR THE MOMENT.
Love the little things in life
as one day they will be the big things.
Laugh your heart out.
Dance in the rain.
Cherish the moment.
Ignore the pain.
Live, Life, LOVE.
Forgive and forget.
Do what you love and don't regret.
Be crazy and take a risk.
It's up to you to make it happen.
Life is short. Do what you love. Love what you do.
Dream as if you'll live forever.
Live as if you'll die tomorrow."

Do you have motivational/inspirational quotes that you love? I'd love to hear them!

Monday, March 4, 2013

That moment you say you're kinda not having anymore children...


Ryder fell asleep with a 'Little People' car in his mouth, instead of a dummy.
Super resourceful little man!

I am not sure if it's just me, or if other women out there are similar to me and grew up with a vision of the children she would bare. My vision always involved three beautiful children, the first of which involved two boys followed by a girl.

And here I am, 30 years old with my two boys. And to be honest I think I am 'done'. I think I will take my two beautiful boys like a gambler who is on a great winning streak.
I want to take my winnings and run.

I still get clucky at times, and I know I am still 'young' and can sit on it for a while before we decide, but the more I think about things with a level head, I always come back to the same decision.

What if we went for a third/last baby and he/she is incredibly unwell?
What if one of us lost our jobs and we couldn't provide for our family?
How would we manage living expenses for 3 children vs. 2?

There's no denying that our current situation is stressful. Yes our boys are wonderful, they fill our lives with so much love, but they're also incredibly difficult at times, as are most children. Our youngest has pretty much been screaming for the last 2 days (we love teething, right?), and Logan, whilst he is older and more independent, has his own set of issues that leave us thankful for a large age gap. A large age gap we would have to factor in if we were to have any more children... and I don't think I want that for my children.

And before y'all ask about the 'other' person in the relationship, my husband is echoing every single fear as I am. He is besotted with what we have, and whilst it would be 'nice' to have another, agrees that we are very lucky to have two healthy boys in our home.

Tempting fate with a third scares the both of us.

I suppose right now, there's very little pressure on us, from either of us. We've had a child together already, so the urgency to have a baby together isn't there. We're 'just' starting to get some of our independence back, with me returning to work and having a bit of an income to bring to the finances.

But I must admit, I still find myself at times going back to the vision of my three children and feeling almost apologetic towards that imaginary daughter, for not bringing her to the world as I had planned. Not that I would have been able to promise that I would have a daughter if we were to have another!

So it leaves me wondering, how have you decided if your family is complete? Or incomplete?
Have you finished baring children and still yearn for another?
Do you have children with a large age gap, and then started more children later down the track?

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

The things I'd really like to say to you, 'friend'.

It's always a little bit funny when you wake up and things go wrong, and you just KNOW that it's going to be one of 'those' days. Yesterday was one of them.

I'm a bit of a clutz. I bang my knees, stub my toes and drop things. And when you're sleep deprived and working copious hours a day it's just a recipe for disaster. Yesterday morning as I was getting the kids ready and whilst in a mad rush to be out of the door by 7:10am, I dropped my breakfast. I managed to fumble and keep the bowl in my hands, but the contents splashed all over my black kitchen floor.

It was going to be one of those days.

The rest of my day continued as normal. I got stuck in traffic, forgot to put my iphone on charge so I was madly trying to charge it on the drive into work. I forgot to pack my own lunch so fed myself on several coffees and a packet of grain waves.

And just as I got home, got the kids home and settled down out of my work clothes, I got an SMS from a 'friend'. The type of SMS that leaves you completely dumbfounded, shocked and angry. I was attacked, in 50 words or less.

Attacked because an SMS conversation we were having over the weekend wasn't continued. Because intentions for us to catch up weren't followed through. And because I apparently only make contact to 'show off' or invite her to 'some over the top party'.

As I sat there with my jaw hanging to the floor, I was stumped. I instantly hurt, and I found myself reading it over and over again and taking notice of the incredibly harsh words that were evident to have been brewing for some time. And all I could do was say that I don't tolerate being treated that way. And I walked away. And it's only now that I've had time to think about things, I've realised there was SO much more I wanted to say and just couldn't.

So here, 'friend'. From one mama to another, here's what I would have liked to have said...

I AM a shittier friend than usual, I am STRUGGLING to juggle everything. I am organised, I manage my time well, but lately there have been occasions where no matter how organised, there's just not enough time in the day - and any time that I have is spent with my kids, or my husband. And yes, I receive your messages, I receive everyone's messages. But like most people if I am not able to reply at that very moment, it is occasionally forgotten. And it's not because I don't like you, or think less of you, but it's because I am struggling and I am finding it hard to work out where things are up to. If things are urgent or important, pick up the phone and call me. Otherwise I will treat SMS'ing as a means of conversation where you can reply at one's convenience.

I have friends and cherish those friendships that respect we each have separate lives. And that no matter how long between 'catch-ups', nothing changes - it's as if no time has passed and we are able to pick up where things were left previously.

I don't want to reply to you while I am changing a nappy. I don't want to reply to you when I am sitting on the toilet. I want to reply to you when I have a moment long enough to concentrate and give you the time and attention you deserve. And I wasn't given that opportunity. You're a mum, and a wife. And I am disappointed that you don't know any better.

So thank you. Thank you for making me feel like the worst person in the world because you had such high expectations of a friendship - which you did little to maintain. But thank you most of all, for showing me that this particular friendship has run it's course.

The thing is the more people I speak with or the more people I open up to, the more I hear about these same situations that take place within our friendships. It's not the first time this has happened to me, and I am sure it won't be the last... but it still boggles me as to why someone you would consider a 'friend' would turn on you, just because you're a little bit busier than you were before.

Do they expect us to sit at home and twiddle our thumbs between SMS'es and/or the times we catch up? Are they even happy for us that we're out doing something for ourselves? Are they even happy that we're happy?

Do they even care?

All I know is that today, I am a friend shorter than I was yesterday. And whilst I am sad and a little bit resentful, I feel better knowing that I am definitely not alone, and that the time I do have is not wasted on this 'friend'. And those friendships I have with those that appreciate me, realistically, deserve my time too...

WIN! Family Pass to Monster Truck Rumble!


Thanks to our friend at Gilbert Racing,
we have a FAMILY PASS up for grabs to THIS SATURDAY'S SHOW! (Value: $145)

Saturday 16th February 2013 @ 6:00pm (Gates open at 4:00pm)
Expected Finish: 9:30pm
ADELAIDE SHOWGROUND

"Gilbert Racing are proud to bring the Extreme Monster Truck tour back to the Adelaide Showground February 16, 2013. Gotta Getta Group present the Monster Truck Rumble. An all new action packed show guaranteed to once again to fill the grounds. The line up will include: All new Cranky Yankee MT, All new Wicked, Extreme, Crowd favourite Scooby Doo MT, Raptors, Adelaides own Monster Patrol plus more.............. Huge Fireworks Show , Awesome stunts , Special appearance from Crusty Demon Bubba. An action packed family show which will keep you on the edge of your seats! This is an alcohol free event with designated smoking areas."

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Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Riding in Cars with Boys: The time we DROVE to QLD, and survived!

Kids are so cute when they're sleeping... especially on a super long car trip
{and yes, Logan occasionally sleeps with his eyes open}


We decided early into 2012 that we were going to take the kids up to QLD. Logan loves it up there as he has a realm of fun things to see and do, I have family that live there that hadn't met Ryder (I was 8-weeks pregnant with him on our last visit)... and it was just a way to escape from Adelaide in the only real opportunity that we have in the year when Cameron's work closes down over Christmas.

I can't remember how it came about, it must have been either after a few wines, or in a total 'brain fart' moment, but we decided to drive there. From Adelaide.


My husband, Cameron, hogging the wheel for the bulk of our drive...


Being the pretty relaxed (most of the time) couple that we are, we brushed it off as an adventure, and locked it in with the family we were visiting. 'We'll be fine' I remember us saying... at least until the weeks leading up to our 'adventure' when the reality hit that our VERY mobile 16-month old doesn't like sitting in his high chair/pram/rocker for any longer than 5mins. We were in trouble.

Can you imagine driving 12-hours a day with a screaming hyena in the back seat?

I could and it wasn't pretty. I joked to my friends of ear plugs, loud music, even alcohol... none of which I would have used (at least not on the kids), but I was living these thoughts in my head over and over and becoming increasingly anxious about this hell-ish drive consuming that much of our time together, that we'd arrive in QLD with just enough time to turn around and come home again. (Or better yet, turning around and not even making it to QLD)

I armed myself with as much information as I could. And I went shopping - Bought the kids portable DVD players, bought Logan a new 3DS for Christmas, bought a HEAP of yummy 'in the car' snacks, and scheduled our drive over 3-days each way. That left us with an 11-day trip; 5 of those days were in QLD enjoying the Theme Parks, sunshine, family and shopping. The other 6-days were driving.

We left Adelaide at 4am on Boxing Day morning. 4am.
Yes, there's a 4am... and me at 4am isn't pretty. Especially 4am following the biggest day of the year.



This is our beautiful country at 4am. I'm not pretty at 4am, but this is!


We loaded up the car the night before so all we needed to do was get dressed and grab the kids (whilst still asleep) and load them into the car. We planned to hit Mildura by 9:30am, but had a back-up plan to stop at Renmark should things go bad.

You can only imagine my fear when the kids didn't sleep. We put them in the car straight from bed but they woke up. Ryder started singing - and continued to sing until we hit Gawler (that's about an hour, maybe more), before he got bored and fell asleep. And we had nothing but sleeping children until Monash where we quickly stopped, got the boys out of their pyjamas and gave them a very quick snack to tie them over until our official breakfast at Mildura.

And you know what? We got to Mildura, at 9:30am. On time. *fistpumps*





This was pretty much what happened on each leg of our journey. And lucky for us, we planned a stop every 3-hours at a location that had a good play area and access to toilets, food, etc. So we stopped for a meal/snack, let the kids have a play and 'tire themselves out' to get through the next 3 or so hours. And it worked. (Thank you Google maps!)


Coffs Harbour


Golden Guitar, Tamworth {on the trip home}



Logan happily played his new 3DS, watched a DVD or played with trading cards/new toys from Christmas - And it was great as he was also on hand to help us out with Ryder if he needed anything we couldn't reach.

And Ryder? Well the incredibly mobile 'cyclone child' slept. He slept pretty much inbetween each leg of our drive, except perhaps the last half hour. Those half hours were 'hellish' as he was over it, hungry or just wanted to run amock, but for us we were so close to where we needed to stop that we just did what we needed to do to keep him occupied for those 30-mins. We had that light at the end of the tunnel that didn't make us lose our minds.


We arrived in QLD, enjoyed our 5 days of running around to Theme Parks, spending time with family and shopping, and drove home. And we got home, on time. We survived!





Although THIS SPIDER almost made me jump out of a moving car...
Can you imagine THIS greeting you?!


I still get chills!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Pride of Friendship: The WILD LILLY STUDIO Opening!!



Being a small business owner has brought me a lot of great things in the past 12-months. It's brought me a sense of clarity that I've never experienced before, and some very amazing friendships. Friendships that started just by networking with the right people, and then those 'right people' became business acquaintances, and friends. Really, really good friends.

And it's in those friendships I have discovered that we're all wanting the same thing: success. We believe that hard work, and a positive outlook will indeed bless us with everything that we've worked, and in some cases suffered for.




So I couldn't have been prouder to have watched someone who started as a business acquaintance and become a very dear friend, achieve something pretty darn special. My dear friend threw caution to the wind and she did it. She opened her own studio.

I went to her Official Opening a couple of weeks ago, and I stood there in awe of the amount of people that appreciated her so much and loved her so dearly. She filled her studio, people were outside! I actually found myself just standing there watching her, in that non-creepy-but-totally-in-awe moment when you're just too proud to function. And I may have teared up, just a little when she was talking about her daughter... "It's all for you, kiddo!" *cries*




She did it. She chased her dream. She didn't give up. And it's paid off.

And I am so proud of her.

If you're interested in checking out Carol's AMAZING photography work, you can visit her website here, or drop in to her NEW! studio at Unit 5/685 Brighton Road, Seacliff (Tuesday to Saturday 8:30am to 3:00pm)


I'm no longer the Out-Of-Touch Parent

I make no secret of the fact that Logan's schooling, thus far, has been difficult. It's been a combination of behavioural issues (Sensory Processing Disorder and Anxiety), but also not having the right support network within his school - and as a parent it's been very difficult. Difficult to send my son to school 5-days a week and hoping that he's treated nicely. Difficult to go to work and hope that I won't get a phone call to go and pick him up over some trivial issue. It's hard to not get emotional when it's your child, and you feel that they're being mistreated.

Each year Logan has been at school his teachers have improved, slowly. His Reception year was wrought with frustration at a teacher that was a major part of his problems, and formed no part in a solution whatsoever. And the Principal wasn't much better. Year One was better - we had a teacher that, even though I felt he was labelled 'the naughty kid', she wanted to help him. She initiated avenues for us that meant identifying some of his issues, which has enabled us to move forward.

This year, he is two days in and she's amazing. And amazing in that I want to go to school and just hug her.

As a working mother, it is SO hard to drop your kid off at school (and for me, I drop him off at 7:20am, so at before school care!) and not know what they're up to, who is teaching them, or what kind of effect it will have on him at home. We get newsletters, but when you have a young child, expecting them to bring it home in one piece... well it's just not going to happen. By the time I get them (if I get them!), it's a week later and all the 'news' isn't relevant anymore.

So quite often I've had to call the school like an out-of-touch mother and just ask. Ask if there's perhaps anything I should know - Is the last day of school this term a Casual Day? When is the Sports Day? What time is school finishing on 'X' Day? All those little bits of information that get missed when you're not physically there to ask it yourself at the end of the school day.

This teacher.. She Blogs.

BLOGS! A blog dedicated to the classroom!

I opened his new 'Communication Book' yesterday to find out when his 'Sharing Day' is. Also to find out what Reader he has for the week. And it was there. This fresh, typed, colourful letter from his new teacher. I've never had a colourful typed letter from school before!

And it had dot points. I *may* have gotten butterflies at the thought that this teacher knew how to use Microsoft Word. Just a little bit.

I knew EVERYTHING. The first day in and I know when Sharing Day is. I know when they have 'Fruit Time'. I even know her DIRECT email address. I read it and called out to my husband with the same amount of excitement when I get an email to say that Lorna Jane is on sale. (and trust me, I get excited!)

I just love her. For thinking of those out-of-touch parents like me, that aren't present at school, but still desperately want to know what our kids are up to.

And suddenly this year looks like it's going to be a great school year.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

My boys weren't breastfed, and they turned out OK


When I was growing up, I had these visions in my mind of how I would raise my children. I imagined dressing them in cute little outfits, wearing cloth nappies... and breastfeeding. I went into Motherhood under the false pretence that it would be easy. That it was natural and thus came naturally. Most of it did, except breastfeeding.

I also assumed that being, ahem, rather ample in that area that it would also mean that they'd be nice and full. Almost as if my cup would runneth over.

And they didn't. Not even close.

I was 23 when I had Logan. I was the first within my circle of friends to have a child, and the first amongst my cousins and immediate family - so when it came to asking questions, or receiving advice I was lost. And I struggled to find my place, and what I wanted amongst it all.

I tried and failed miserably to breastfeed him. And at about 5-weeks of age, and after spending the couple of weeks prior to that feeding, dealing with the agony of cracked nipples et al, I caved and gave up. I couldn't do it anymore, it was affecting every aspect of my life and I was failing all of it.

Ryder was born 5.5 years later - and when it came to having him I had remnants of guilt from my first child. I didn't want to fail, and I felt that I gave up far too easily. So I pushed myself - from the moment I knew I was pregnant I put myself under this enormous pressure to breastfeed. And muchlike his brother I just couldn't, there was nothing there, no milk.

I tried everything: the biscuits, the vitamins, the prescriptions, expressing... OMG I expressed like you wouldn't believe. If he wasn't attached to my boob, it was attached to the breast pump. I was exhausted. And at 5-weeks, the same time I 'quit' with his brother, I too admitted defeat and put my boy onto formula. (the photo above is the photo I took of Ryder on his 'last ever' breastfeed. I was an emotional wreck)

And then I blamed my breasts for ruining the bond I had with my children.

It's not been til now, when both of my children are that little bit older, and incredibly healthy, that I've been able to 'let go' of this guilt. There would have been no way I could have kept up with their demands - I have two very hungry boys, and they were very hungry from the moment they entered the world.

I would have loved to have been one of those mothers out there feeding their children, but I was one of those other mothers that bottle fed, and got those same 'judging eyes' for a different reason. And being the relatively polite person I am, when asked why I was bottle feeding and not breast, I'd let them know that it wasn't by choice... I would have done things differently if I had any control over it. Alas I didn't.

So from a non-breastfeeding mama, to all those beautiful breastfeeding mamas out there, I say more power to you. Feed your bubba, whereever, whenever and be proud that you can. Because you can. And because for a completely natural thing in our own bodies, it's bloody hard.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

When a trip to the Physio breaks your heart... and not your back

I've been seeing a Physio about an issue with my back for a couple of weeks now. It's nothing major but I have a lot of stiffness that is causing me a lot of discomfort. And by a lot of discomfort, I mean that at times I cannot stand, or sit, and it's very sore.

Today I went along to my weekly appointment like any other week. I laid on the table, made small talk whilst also attempting to entertain 17-month old Ryder.

About half way through my appointment, an elderly man came in for his treatment and he laid on the table adjacent to me. There was a curtain drawn between us, so I was never able to see his face, but I could tell by the way he spoke that he was upset.

My Physio started talking to him, with a very sincere and solemn tone to his voice as I laid there with some weird machine attached to my back. And I laid there, contemplating stresses in my life, and worrying over a 17-month old boy who was becoming restless, I heard a heart breaking story of a man who *just* lost his wife. Of 55 years.

I felt horrible 'eavesdropping' his story, and hearing his cries. But his tears and his raw emotion got the better of me. And I cried. From behind the curtain I cried for him, for a love he lost and so desperately misses.

You see, he awoke on Christmas morning and said 'Merry Christmas' to his wife. Christmas-freaking-morning. She didn't respond - and upon checking her he realised she had a stroke, a stroke which paralysed most of her body and rendered her unable to speak, ever.

She was kept alive, and bounced between improving and 'going downhill' for a few days - and her final word before her passing a couple of weeks later was to her pregnant grandchild (who was expecting their first great-grandchild). She reached her hands onto her pregnant belly and whilst she struggled, she uttered the word 'boy'.

And she passed on not that much later.

I don't think I've ever heard a grown man cry. And this poor man was crying the way you could only expect someone to cry when they've lost the love of their life. He was trying, so hard, to let my physio know what happened - and as he struggled through each sentence, and I heard each heartbreaking moment of this woman's final days surrounded by those that desperately wanted her to stay here, I just cried with him. I kept picturing the events taking place in my mind, picturing this frail woman uttering her last words.

And the worst thing? The most heart breaking thing? That poor man was at the physio because he hurt his back in the hospital chair whilst holding onto her hand.

Suddenly, every single trivial stress in my life seemed insignificant. And there's a part of me still, hours later, that make me reflect on my marriage, my children and my loved ones - and it scares the crap out of me to even think what my life would be like without any of them. It's the same kind of fear that washes over me when watching a 'pull at the heart strings' movie... and I fear, so much, of my life without the love of my life.

There's a part of me that wants to remember this man's heartbreak for the rest of my life. To use his heartbreak to fuel more 'living in the moment' within my marriage.

And very aptly, 'Click' is just starting on TV. One of those 'pull at the heartstrings' movies that very much ties in with this exact emotion... Life is short. It's too short. But not too short to sit by your loved one in hospital, in their last moments, and hurt your back.

You can fix your back. And I am sure that went through his mind as it ached.
But his heart? I don't think that'll heal. Ever.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Out of the Red



2012 was a year of very little disposable income, and subsequently a lot of stress. And no matter how hard we worked we just couldn't get ahead, so we decided to make some BIG changes.

Today, we completed the transaction to refinance our house. And I couldn't be more relieved that such a stressful time, a time where I was petrified of losing our home, is over. I can go to bed tonight and know that most things are up to date, and we're not sinking... if anything now it's the opposite.

Our mortgage repayments, even with the refinance (and withdrawing a good amount of $$), are less than what we were paying before - thanks to over a 1% discount on our mortgage rate. Cameron's very nice, completely unnecessary, yet relatively new car is able to be sold as we now owe less money than what we could sell it for (which was DOUBLE before we refinanced!). We now have a light at the end of the tunnel, and we've been able to book what will be a celebratory holiday for us as a family.

Because we deserve it. And because for us, time together as a family is more important than saving money 'for a rainy day'.

We've made the decision to take the kids to the US in the middle of the year. The middle of the American Summer, where we'll be hiring an RV and driving from one side of the country to the other. Over 5 weeks.

So for now, we are back to that very little disposable income, but by choice. Every single cent needs to be saved to make it happen.

That means no Harbour Town visits, no 'but it's on SALE!' tactics to try and sway hubby to let me make a purchase, and no splurging. Definitely no online shopping.

And I cry a little bit on the inside at the 'no online shopping'.


We're at least out of the red, and choosing to live frugally for the sake of a big win, a win that we've imagined for a number of years, but kept putting off... and even dismissed as a distant dream. And when we go, we'll have a sudden wave of relief that not only did we make this happen (without needing debt to get us there), but the money we're saving towards the holiday will be disposable income again once we are home.

And my goodness I am looking forward to that!

Monday, January 14, 2013

The Returning to Work Mama


Before Christmas it hit me that I missed work. I missed contributing to my household. I missed feeling as if I had a purpose outside of raising children. And as shallow as it sounds, I missed putting on the array of pretty work-like clothes in my very abandoned wardrobe.

The urge to return to work felt very weird to me - I had spent so long, and so much of my time at home with Ryder (and Logan when he wasn't at school), that I got into a rhythm. I'd plan my days around errands, school drop offs/pick ups, the gym and my own little business, but it just felt like something was missing. That the rhythm had become a bit of a rut.

I toyed with the idea of returning to work for a few weeks and I mentioned it to hubby a couple of times when I felt that a 'suitable' position presented itself - so he knew after a few random phone calls about me telling him about 'XYZ' looking for someone, that I was considering it. And he supported me 100%.

It was just a matter of waiting for the right position to come along. I suppose I was lucky that I could wait, and not have to accept or settle for the first job that came along.

I was done with Real Estate. 13 years and I just had no passion for it anymore. I love event planning, I'm a planning extraordinaire... but lucky for me I can tap into that already. My real passion, now, is with Parenting.

Then I saw it.

A magazine I have read and respected for SO long was looking for me. And I say that, because there was this sudden excitement that waved over me as soon as I read their words. It was the same wave of excitement that hit me when I was offered the job. And the same wave of excitement that came the night before my first day. Like Christmas Eve.

I've returned to work, for the right job. The PERFECT job. And I couldn't be happier.

Ryder has settled into the increase in day care (and funnily enough he's sleeping better at night!), I'm interacting with adults and contributing to our finances again, which right now makes me feel really, really good. Except at 5:30am... I don't feel so good in the early hours of the morning!