So, I'm feeling really uninspired about what to post lately, but I do want to keep up the habit of blogging so here come some random thoughts that may or may not interest you.
Hayley is on the verge.... of crawling! My little baby has grown so much in the past few weeks (although, she's still tiny). She's so cute. She pivots on her tummy and rocks on all fours - it's only a matter of time before she's off... and I'm after her babyproofing our house again to accommodate for her cleverness :P She's such a happy little soul, and is usually very patient with me when she needs something and I'm busy getting Natalie settled so that she'll (hopefully) be happy for long enough that I can take care of Hayley uninterrupted. Hayley learning to crawl will probably help with that I guess since she'll be able to entertain herself a bit more... or follow me around hoping her persistence will hurry me along :)
Natalie is also a beautiful young girl who brings a whole lot of joy in to our home. There are also a lot of challenges of course (she is two!) but hopefully I can look back in years to come and remember it as a terrific age and not a terrible one. She's definitely coming forward in leaps and bounds with her speech lately. She can copy most anything you say, (although she does say things like pita-allen when she means piano... ??) and judging by the things she says without prompting she understands a lot - often more than I would have expected! She is a very helpful Little Miss. At times I find this difficult, such as when I want to get things done that bit quicker or when I feel I'd just like my space, but generally I try to treasure the time we spend doing things together. She is beginning to understand that there are some things mummy will do, and then she will get a turn - if we're baking, I'll measure out ingredients, then she gets to tip them in to the bowl - and so she is fairly patient with the process.
Jonathan has had some changes in his work situation that are making work a much more pleasant experience. I'm happy for him! He deserves it, because he's simply fabulous :) If I say any more about my Dear One, it could become a whole new blog post :P
And me? I'm trying to be better at living in the moment - to worry less about things that have happened and to spend less time being anxious about what may (or may not) happen in the future... and instead just embrace what is happening now and to stop waiting for things to be perfect before I relax and enjoy the bounty that is around me. (I've read a few articles on the topic recently, including a blog post by my sister that inspired me.)
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Enjoying my children
Recently I have come across a blog which may be my new favourite: finding joy (thanks to my cousin Sarah).
Basically everything I've read on this blog is awesome, but some of her posts that I've read so far and enjoyed are: three mom goals for the week; 20 motherhood tips; 20 {more} motherhood tips; and how to find joy -- in motherhood; starting at the top
Some of the posts that I read got me to thinking about the time that I spend with my children... and I realised that far too much of it is spent getting ready to do the next thing... or checking on them every so often while I do house work... or with other people around who have my attention while the kids do their own thing. Don't get me wrong, we do have wonderful and sweet moments each day, but I have made a commitment to myself that I need to set time aside where my attention is wholey and solely for them.
I'm talking moments in each day where I show them that I have an interest in what their doing and that I delight in them... but also a longer period of time (a few hours) once a week where everything else gets put aside and it is time I spend just enjoying my children.
Because, frankly, relationships with your children (particularly toddlers) can be strained by mundane things like poop in the knickers for the fourth time in the same day, screaming matches over not being able to do a specific activity, or how difficult it is to teach them how to play nicely! On the flip side, I'm sure Natalie (and in time Hayley will) gets sick of hearing things like, "be careful", "are you sure you don't need the toilet","what have you got there" etc. ;) ... and so I figure that it's a good idea to invest time in our relationship that will be positive and remind each other (specifically mummy) of the love we have and that it's all worth the difficult bits in the end.
Today we went to a new playground I discovered on a website playgroundfinder.com: Heywood Park (in Unley Park). We had packed lunch with us, and as Natalie had fallen asleep on the way there I parked in the shade, wound the windows down and sat for a while, while I focused on Hayley and fed her lunch. About the time that was done Natalie woke up and we got out. Natalie decided she wanted to eat lunch first and then play, so we sat at a picnic table, looked around and chatted. Mostly Hayley sat in the pram while we followed Natalie around and helped her on the equipment when needed, but I also carried her for a while...
Anything worthwhile is worth the time spent nurturing it!
Basically everything I've read on this blog is awesome, but some of her posts that I've read so far and enjoyed are: three mom goals for the week; 20 motherhood tips; 20 {more} motherhood tips; and how to find joy -- in motherhood; starting at the top
Some of the posts that I read got me to thinking about the time that I spend with my children... and I realised that far too much of it is spent getting ready to do the next thing... or checking on them every so often while I do house work... or with other people around who have my attention while the kids do their own thing. Don't get me wrong, we do have wonderful and sweet moments each day, but I have made a commitment to myself that I need to set time aside where my attention is wholey and solely for them.
I'm talking moments in each day where I show them that I have an interest in what their doing and that I delight in them... but also a longer period of time (a few hours) once a week where everything else gets put aside and it is time I spend just enjoying my children.
Because, frankly, relationships with your children (particularly toddlers) can be strained by mundane things like poop in the knickers for the fourth time in the same day, screaming matches over not being able to do a specific activity, or how difficult it is to teach them how to play nicely! On the flip side, I'm sure Natalie (and in time Hayley will) gets sick of hearing things like, "be careful", "are you sure you don't need the toilet","what have you got there" etc. ;) ... and so I figure that it's a good idea to invest time in our relationship that will be positive and remind each other (specifically mummy) of the love we have and that it's all worth the difficult bits in the end.
Today we went to a new playground I discovered on a website playgroundfinder.com: Heywood Park (in Unley Park). We had packed lunch with us, and as Natalie had fallen asleep on the way there I parked in the shade, wound the windows down and sat for a while, while I focused on Hayley and fed her lunch. About the time that was done Natalie woke up and we got out. Natalie decided she wanted to eat lunch first and then play, so we sat at a picnic table, looked around and chatted. Mostly Hayley sat in the pram while we followed Natalie around and helped her on the equipment when needed, but I also carried her for a while...
Anything worthwhile is worth the time spent nurturing it!
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Fears
One of the greatest mummy challenges I have at the moment is dealing with my toddlers fears.
Dear Little Miss Natalie is scared, terrified, almost phobic of dogs. I don't know whether to laugh or cry when, on a 15 minute walk that should only take 5 minutes, (to the playground where she wanted to play) her constant refrain was, "My scary doggy, mummy hug me/carry me." And that started before we'd even gotten out of the house. It's almost easier to drive to the park. But that probably won't help her in the long run. My poor little bubby. (Granted from a 2 year olds perspective, that German Shepherd behind the fence IS definitely a very scary thing.)
We slowly but surely make our way there. My strategy is to stop and hug her for a while, but tell her that I can't carry her (except as we pass the house with the dog - at which time she clings to me for dear life and I couldn't put her down if I tried) as I have the stroller with Hayley in it to push as well. Sometimes distracting her works - I point out something on the path ahead that we could go and look at, etc. or she holds my hand for comfort, or perhaps helps push the stroller.
I really want Natalie to be able to have a nice walk down the street, and really discover things on our journey instead of constantly looking around, waiting for a dog to jump out at her, but at the moment that fear is holding her back from being able to enjoy herself!
By the way, if anyone has ideas on how to help Natalie be cautious but less afraid of dogs I'm listening!
On another note, all this has also got me to thinking this evening about my own fears and how the have held me back in the past, and whether they are still holding me back now... I feel fortunate to be able to say that there are fears that have held me back in the past that I have overcome. Likely there is also a share of fears that I still hold, but being aware of them helps one to overcome them too so there is hope for me yet! :P
Dear Little Miss Natalie is scared, terrified, almost phobic of dogs. I don't know whether to laugh or cry when, on a 15 minute walk that should only take 5 minutes, (to the playground where she wanted to play) her constant refrain was, "My scary doggy, mummy hug me/carry me." And that started before we'd even gotten out of the house. It's almost easier to drive to the park. But that probably won't help her in the long run. My poor little bubby. (Granted from a 2 year olds perspective, that German Shepherd behind the fence IS definitely a very scary thing.)
We slowly but surely make our way there. My strategy is to stop and hug her for a while, but tell her that I can't carry her (except as we pass the house with the dog - at which time she clings to me for dear life and I couldn't put her down if I tried) as I have the stroller with Hayley in it to push as well. Sometimes distracting her works - I point out something on the path ahead that we could go and look at, etc. or she holds my hand for comfort, or perhaps helps push the stroller.
I really want Natalie to be able to have a nice walk down the street, and really discover things on our journey instead of constantly looking around, waiting for a dog to jump out at her, but at the moment that fear is holding her back from being able to enjoy herself!
By the way, if anyone has ideas on how to help Natalie be cautious but less afraid of dogs I'm listening!
On another note, all this has also got me to thinking this evening about my own fears and how the have held me back in the past, and whether they are still holding me back now... I feel fortunate to be able to say that there are fears that have held me back in the past that I have overcome. Likely there is also a share of fears that I still hold, but being aware of them helps one to overcome them too so there is hope for me yet! :P
Saturday, 29 September 2012
Exploring
This has been a good week for blogging. I haven't really been consistent in posting on my blog in the past, but have felt like I want to make it a daily thing. One of the reasons I haven't been blogging frequently is that I don't feel that I have much to blog about. This is one of the many factors that has led me to feel that I want to spend more time exploring.
Recently I was early to pick a friend up to come to our house for dinner. I had Natalie in the car with me, so we took a little walk to fill the time. Our friend lives right near the River Torrens. Walking along the path with shady tress, green grass and water flowing by one side it felt almost magical. If we'd had more time I bet there would have been much to discover - like perhaps a footbridge to the cool looking playground we could see on the other side of the river! As we walked I thought to myself, "I really want to give my children [and myself!] more experiences like this."
At the moment our family is planning a day trip with another family we are friends with, up to explore a country area that we haven't been to before. I'm really looking forward to spending the time with family and friends. I also hope to relax, breathe in the fresh air, have new experiences and appreciate the simple things that we tend to take for granted in the rush of every day life.
I will stop and smell the roses... perhaps literally!
Recently I was early to pick a friend up to come to our house for dinner. I had Natalie in the car with me, so we took a little walk to fill the time. Our friend lives right near the River Torrens. Walking along the path with shady tress, green grass and water flowing by one side it felt almost magical. If we'd had more time I bet there would have been much to discover - like perhaps a footbridge to the cool looking playground we could see on the other side of the river! As we walked I thought to myself, "I really want to give my children [and myself!] more experiences like this."
At the moment our family is planning a day trip with another family we are friends with, up to explore a country area that we haven't been to before. I'm really looking forward to spending the time with family and friends. I also hope to relax, breathe in the fresh air, have new experiences and appreciate the simple things that we tend to take for granted in the rush of every day life.
I will stop and smell the roses... perhaps literally!
Friday, 28 September 2012
Music
I love music, I really do. It is one of the things that makes life fun. It is something that lifts me up when I'm feeling down. I'll put on some good music and just keep listening til I feel like singing and/or dancing along to it. Sometimes I'll put music on while I work and dance my way around the house, having fun doing what would ordinarily be... ordinary! (Occasionally I've been singing while we drive in the car and Natalie has said, "stop singing mummy" - dang.)
At the moment I am preparing to sit my Grade 6 piano exam. It is a little scary, but the time I spend practising is amongst the most relaxing time I have each day. Having the exam ahead of me is actually a good thing in that it motivates me to make time for practice, and the habit of practicing will be good for when the exam is over - hopefully I'll still make time to learn and progress!
Lately I have spent a fair bit of time playing and singing Hymns. Just coz I can. Sometimes I have come across a Hymn that has been just right for me in that moment. On the whole, I have felt that singing Hymns invites the spirit in to my home and my heart. It also gives me strength for the challenges that I have to deal with as part of everyday life. Through singing them and really concentrating on the meaning behind the words I feel closer to Heavenly Father, and more grateful for the blessings that I have in my life - particularly the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here is one of my favourites
At the moment I am preparing to sit my Grade 6 piano exam. It is a little scary, but the time I spend practising is amongst the most relaxing time I have each day. Having the exam ahead of me is actually a good thing in that it motivates me to make time for practice, and the habit of practicing will be good for when the exam is over - hopefully I'll still make time to learn and progress!
Lately I have spent a fair bit of time playing and singing Hymns. Just coz I can. Sometimes I have come across a Hymn that has been just right for me in that moment. On the whole, I have felt that singing Hymns invites the spirit in to my home and my heart. It also gives me strength for the challenges that I have to deal with as part of everyday life. Through singing them and really concentrating on the meaning behind the words I feel closer to Heavenly Father, and more grateful for the blessings that I have in my life - particularly the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here is one of my favourites
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Friends
Ode to My Friends
Some of you I have known for as long as I can remember
Others I have known for only a short while
Sometimes I find strength in the silent understanding between us
Knowing that you know my past, and understand where I've walked
And the things that make me me
Other times the blessing is that you are learning who I am now
Without the prejudice of who I have been
And yet at other times, you know my past but see how far I have come and can yet go
Believing the best and forgiving the rest
Helping me to be confident in who I am
Thank you for your friendship
Thank you for being there to help carry things that seemed too hard to bear
Thank you for celebrating my joys and successes
Thanks for knowing just what to say
Thanks for doing anything you can, even when I didn't want to ask
Thanks for being there at your own expense
Thanks for encouraging me to just be me
And for telling me that that is enough
Every day I thank God for friends like you!
You, my beautiful friends.
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Update, update, update!
The past month or so has been an interesting one with plenty going on around here...
Natalie had her eyes tested at the WCH last week and now has glasses. Having the glasses for a while may correct the issue, but there is also the possibility that she will need them for the rest of her life. Her having glasses isn't a big deal (at least to me) but it has beenfun stressful getting her to keep them on, as she has to wear them whenever she is awake.
Hayley had a health review today, and they are concerned about her gross motor skills - she scored quite low on the scale, especially considering she scored well in all other areas and has been referred to see a physio. I don't know why, but I hadn't really worried about it until it came up a month ago - possibly because she is so tiny and doesn't look like she should be standing or crawling, etc. just yet. Buuuuuuut, we'll see what happens between now and when we see the physiotherapist in a month.
Other things that have been happening this month... HOORAY mummy's back! My mum moved back to Adelaide this month, as did my grandparents and it has been good to see them all and it will be nice to see them more once they have settled in.
I have also come to see how blessed I am with wonderful friends... some who I've known for ages, and some who I have met quite recently. That is a blog post for another time perhaps <3
Natalie had her eyes tested at the WCH last week and now has glasses. Having the glasses for a while may correct the issue, but there is also the possibility that she will need them for the rest of her life. Her having glasses isn't a big deal (at least to me) but it has been
Hayley had a health review today, and they are concerned about her gross motor skills - she scored quite low on the scale, especially considering she scored well in all other areas and has been referred to see a physio. I don't know why, but I hadn't really worried about it until it came up a month ago - possibly because she is so tiny and doesn't look like she should be standing or crawling, etc. just yet. Buuuuuuut, we'll see what happens between now and when we see the physiotherapist in a month.
Other things that have been happening this month... HOORAY mummy's back! My mum moved back to Adelaide this month, as did my grandparents and it has been good to see them all and it will be nice to see them more once they have settled in.
I have also come to see how blessed I am with wonderful friends... some who I've known for ages, and some who I have met quite recently. That is a blog post for another time perhaps <3
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)