tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61526859507295920042024-03-14T06:24:28.629+10:00Love & Life by Audrey... a journal of a mother Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-14336684897582143062015-06-24T12:16:00.001+10:002015-06-24T12:16:37.018+10:00nap time bliss<p dir="ltr">It never ceases to amaze my sleep-deprived brain (insomnia not child induced) how babies & preschoolers can sleep so very peacefully. I am currently in the car waiting patiently for a wee babe to wake...although as her first birthday approaches I suppose she is 'wee' no more. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I have caught up on emails, read my favourite blogs & am now typing this. I suspect next I shall lean back & close my eyes myself, if only for a moment. Happy nap time everyone!<br>
</p>
Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-69131748880621363832015-05-30T19:21:00.001+10:002015-05-30T19:21:53.428+10:00when normal is awesome<p dir="ltr">Oddly last Thursday we had nothing planned. No playdates...nowhere to be and no agenda. Daddy went to work before 7 (I'm loving the new job and its hours!) and Teddy, Evie and I prepared ourselves for the day ahead.</p>
<p dir="ltr">After a walk to the local cafe for a babycino, we wandered home to put Evie to bed. Teddy got out the playdough and for the next 40 minutes we rolled and cut and played Spiderman with the amazing stuff. After Evie woke, she fed then Ted started the vacuuming while us girls attacked the bathroom and toilet (Evie sucked the rubber ducky clean!). I should mention that this is the first time since Evie was born - 10 months old soon - that housework has been accomplished home alone with both of them*. By 11:30 <i>in the morning </i>I had finished! (I waited patiently until Ted had finished 'his turn' before whipping around the rest of the house with the vac)</p>
<p dir="ltr">We had lunch then chilled out together while Evie slept. Off to the shops for some bits and pieces then home to cook dinner and play. Magic.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Magic in the ordinary. The unremarkable day that flew by smoothly even when Ted was melting down and Evie wouldn't settle. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Pure magic.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>*This is no small feat for me as I have struggled since I was pregnant with Evie. One day I'll share more.</i></p>
Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-17005058849843521032015-05-11T11:45:00.000+10:002015-05-11T11:45:55.675+10:00day one...working mama // daddy daycareAs is often the case when we travel, plans are made and in-depth discussions had about how time will be spent directly following the trip. That is exactly what happened during our recent holiday to New Zealand...unfortunately, the most well laid plans can go awry and for us that came in the form of a nasty bout of flu that laid us flat for the fortnight after our trip.<br />
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Today, though, sees the beginning of the new regime. The 'get the PhD done' regime. It sees me at my desk reading, typing, sorting, thinking, drinking litres of tea (concentration blend - so yummy!) - taking notes of what I have accomplished and what I still have to tick off the list. It sees the children packed up and off with their daddy for some errands and a picnic in the park. Hours of work will go into this thesis, so many hours I try not to think about it. I'm starting small, with a goal of 5 hours of uninterrupted thesis work per day, six days per week. I've just ticked over 2 hours of the 5.<br />
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Of course, daddy has gone and found himself another job - start date unconfirmed but we are planning for next week - and thus the new regime will shift slightly again. Days will look like this: mama up before children, typing away for an hour before the day has begun...mama on duty until 4ish, when daddy will arrive home and allow another hour to be squeezed in before dinner...bedtime routine, then at about 6:30pm mama will try to work for another couple of hours before bed (which needs to be early to facilitate brain function). On days when Teddy is in school and Eve naps, more can be done. Just writing this system down makes it seem doable and I imagine many women make this schedule work for them.<br />
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So on that positive note, I'm off to take advantage of this week's daddy daycare - while it lasts!<br />
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Much love,<br />
Audrey xoxAudreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-88872067385223855042015-04-07T09:24:00.000+10:002015-04-07T09:24:29.863+10:00first publicationI think when the whole academic road is as twisty and bumpy (and downright frustrating) as mine feels like it has been, it is easy to forget the end game. My end game? A decent job at a decent school in a decent place where my kids and husband will be happy.<br />
<br />
I just received news that my first journal article will be published without any minor or major revisions...accepted as it is. In a good journal. This was so unexpected and lovely that it has come as a complete surprise. I didn't dare dream of this outcome, preferring to be realistic and figure a 'revise and resubmit' would be awesome. You know what?<br />
<br />
Forget realistic. From now on, I dream big. The standard has been set. Paper #2? It needs work. But boy, what a blast of motivation to crack on with it. It too will be submitted somewhere good. It may or may not go through the (perhaps lucky) process of the first...and it will probably need revising and resubmitting. But not in my dreams - in my dreams I will receive another email along the lines of "...we have decided to publish it as is."<br />
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Because, at the end of the day, that unconditional acceptance of your work, your effort, your tears...that is the dream.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-56819729340971305432014-05-22T09:11:00.000+10:002014-05-22T09:11:48.591+10:00love note to the PhD godsDear PhD Gods<br />
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You probably don't know who I am, as I am one of those annoying doctoral students that got pregnant, took leave & is now pregnant again. My work won't win a Nobel Prize & it probably won't set the world of econometrics alight with an astounding discovery. It will be good & deserving & more than worthy of the degree. My PhD is an on-going saga & 98% of this spectacular exercise in drawing-the-pain-out is of my own doing. Got it. I own my decisions & I refuse to regret any of them.<br />
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I refuse to regret the teaching I did early on (loved it) & I certainly will never regret building a family (still loving it). I won't regret choosing to be a great Mama over study when work took my husband away for the better part of 2 years. Like I said, I own my part of this saga.<br />
<br />
However. When delays happen that are just plain old bad luck, out of my control & just downright frustrating, I take issue. I am getting too old & cranky for silly computer malfunctions & delays. For things just not working because the universe, a.k.a. YOU, decide to backhand me on that particular day. So you know what?<br />
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Get used to me, PhD powers-that-be, I ain't going anywhere. You know why? According to <a href="http://thesiswhisperer.com/2014/03/26/why-do-people-quit-the-phd/" target="_blank">The Thesis Whisperer</a>, it is because I am resilient. I believe that this PhD is worth it, because quitting is not an option. So I won't. I will work at it for as long as I need to, to get it done. I am as persistent as my 2 year old on this one. You know, the 2 year old that will dig in his heels & scream blue murder at the prospect of leaving his friend's house. Well, when it comes to getting this degree, that's me. It is going to take me a while. I know. But I'll do it. So get used to me & stop dishing me up rubbish I don't have time for, I have enough on my plate.<br />
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Much love,<br />
AudreyAudreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-16031472331853383552014-05-15T15:01:00.001+10:002014-05-15T15:01:40.350+10:00the pleasure of a number lineI am a nerd. Geek. People that know me, know this. I was teased in school because I was a nerd, complete with glasses & braces (& a terribly nerdy fringe...). At school, my big 'am naturally quite good at' thing was maths. To the extent that I studied it at uni.<br />
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So what has this little series of tidbits about me got to do with, well, anything? Well, yesterday something beautiful happened that tied my geeky self to my mummy self to my budding natural parenting self to my mad-keen-on-all-things-Montessori self. My son - my exuberant, energy-bunny, bouncy & mad-as-a-hatter son - chose to pick up a stacking block with a 6 on it & say "Mummy, the number SIX! Number SIX!"<br />
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Six is his favourite number, you may have guessed. But this (although it is making me happy just thinking it) is not where the magical bit was yesterday afternoon. Nope. The magic happened when I pointed out the sandpaper numbers on the shelf. We took them out of their little wooden box and we lined them up - from 0 to 9. We named each one, Teddy rapt up in the line the tiles made on the floor. We got out the stacking blocks & matched the numbers. We took out his wooden clock, an amazing shape puzzle/toy clock and added those numbers to our line. We did the shape puzzle clock & put it back on the shelf.<br />
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At this point, Teddy was still caught up in the wonder of numbers. Of sequence. My heart was singing. I had to duck into the kitchen to put together dinner. I noticed Teddy start picking up & moving the number tiles, roughly stacking them into a pile a bit further away from where we had been working. "He's done" I thought, pleased that our exercise had lasted as long as it had. I turned back toward the stove & continued dinner.<br />
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I heard the thud of racing feet bounding toward me. I braced myself for the 2-year-old body slam into my legs, lucky I had as otherwise I probably would have burnt myself when it came! I glanced down & Ted beamed up at me "I DID IT. Fin-ushed!" I let him lead me proudly over to his number line. Yep. Tiny Ted had been busy lining the stack of sandpaper numbers ever-so-carefully & neatly back into a straight line across the floor.<br />
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So they weren't in order, or indeed all the correct way up. We had fun with that, picking each number up & naming it. Lining them up again. My math nerd / mummy / Montessori enthusiast / wish-I-could-home-school selves were aligned in perfect, heart-singing harmony.<br />
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The wonder of numbers. Counting has been happening at our place for some time now but this was the first time it all molded into one beautiful 30+ minutes of activity. It was actually probably longer, but I was so wrapped up in Teddy being wrapped up that I didn't notice the time.<br />
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Numbers. Teddy & numbers. Bliss.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-90270727574983448152014-05-13T13:33:00.002+10:002014-05-13T13:33:51.558+10:00meandering: toddler styleToddlers take a slow walk through the park to unbelievable lengths. They stop and marvel & in Ted's case, take off their sandals to brush off their feet & put their shoes back on again every 10 metres!<br />
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Most of the time we indulge this somewhat interesting (if not a little frustrating at times!) method of travelling from A to B & every single time we do I end up grinning from ear to ear at the sheer awesomeness of toddlerhood. <br />
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Of course, there are those times when leaving/going home is near impossible & inevitably ends in tears - as well as thrashing & yelling...but this is usually short lived & any injustic Ted feels at being hurried home from the park is immediately replaced by curiousity as he spots the cat/a trail of ants at the front door/his other pair of shoes...<br />
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Yep, toddlerhood. It is marvelous for them & us!Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-76956987825700024522014-05-08T11:32:00.001+10:002014-05-08T11:32:23.515+10:00the beat of his own drumI surprised Teddy with a new book the other day, it is a musical one that plays 'Wheels on the Bus' when you press the button. The bus inside is filled with animals & he adores it. We spent the entire 1.5hr drive to my parents house singing the song & discussing how many 'but-a-flies' were around the bus, whether the 'z-bra' was driving or a passenger and so on.<br />
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After his father gets home from work of an evening & we've eaten dinner, Ted says 'Daddy running wit Theo' and races off around the kitchen island. One particular night, he set off running with his book tucked under one arm. 'Honey, I don't know if that's a good idea - pop the book down' I say to him, convinced he'll come unstuck on a corner & land awkwardly. Unsure, Ted looks around & then carefully puts his book down in the middle of his running track. Hmmm...I think. He turns to take a step & I prepare to move the book. He stops, pivots and crouches down. He presses the song button on the book, jumps up and races off.<br />
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To the sounds of 'Wheels on the Bus'.<br />
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His father raced after him, as usual. My son, setting up his own theme music to play while he made his getaway. Two is a good age.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-66056248102993737332014-05-03T19:00:00.001+10:002014-05-03T19:00:24.886+10:00'helping' mummy in the kitchenIt was my nephew's 8th birthday on Friday, so I made gluten & dairy/lactose free cupcakes to celebrate - Teddy & I took a trip up the coast this morning to enjoy brunch & cake with my family. I have photographic evidence of Teddy helping me in the kitchen...or rather, licking the bowl after mummy has finished!<br />
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Picture this...a large purple bowl being held by my 2 year old, over his head, as he attempts to lick every. last. bit!<br />
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Really must start compiling that 21st album...Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-18603026977562921012014-04-28T21:18:00.000+10:002014-04-28T21:18:44.183+10:00the parent I want to beAt times today I was not the parent I aim to be. Toddlerhood is challenging in ways that surprise me on a hourly basis. Today Teddy took a short car nap, on a day I <i>really really really </i>needed a nap of my own. Alas, it was not to be and my darling son tested me as he is wont to do on these sleepless days.<br />
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At times today I rose past my fatigue and was exactly the type of parent I aim to be. I'm off to bed now, without an ounce of mummy-guilt to keep me awake tonight. I said things in a tone of voice today I am not proud of and made me cringe as I heard myself. In equal measure my son was my delight today and I was his. We played trains and trucks and visited friends and went to our favourite coffee haunt for a babycino. We did puzzles and read story after story after story, sometimes different stories, often the same one on repeat. We showered together, him cuddled against me with the water on his back and his cheek on my shoulder. He giggled at my frustration with his cheekiness and I found enough 'yes' in today to counteract the amount of 'no'.<br />
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So off to bed now, with hopes that tomorrow I sneak in a nap - goodnight all.<br />
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Much love<br />
Audrey xoxAudreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-62313159225335896212014-04-23T13:12:00.001+10:002014-04-23T13:12:32.222+10:00the outlet of, well, anything but a thesis...So I have neglected this space for months and months and months now in the hopes of creating room in my life. Hmmm. While something had to give, I am not 100% that the decision to put a halt to my wee blog was the wisest one. So here we are, having come full circle I am back.<br />
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Much has happened in our world. Teddy is no longer so tiny and has turned 2. Not sure when my baby became my little boy, it has seemingly happened overnight and yet it feels that he has always been this capable and big and well, 'boy'-like! Come August he will graduate from only child to big brother, a change I am becoming less anxious about as each day passes and he seems to mature before our eyes.<br />
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I am getting fatter (ok, more pregnant looking...) by the day, waddling here and there. Trying to avoid straining an uncomfortable and unstable pelvis/lower back situation. Easy to do having been through one pregnancy, as I am more aware of the stress of certain movements. Less easy to do, as I run and jump and carry about a growing toddler!<br />
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I have become accustomed to the idea of not finishing my thesis before this baby is born, I have even applied for maternity leave. I was a bit sad (and horribly disappointed) to have my somewhat delusional bubble burst a week or so ago. Such is life. I will submit the 2 papers I need to and will complete the 3rd sometime after I return. This doctorate is, it seems, an on-going saga and I have accepted that it is my choice to have it be this way. I wouldn't have chosen to have Teddy years later nor delay this baby. The PhD will (hopefully) keep, my babies won't. They will grow and get capable of things I only dreamed about. <br />
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Besides, let's face it. I quite like mothering. I'm quite good at it, most of the time. I like learning about it and facing the new parenting questions that pop up as Ted-bear grows. I like learning about child development and different styles of education and the likes. It's fun.<br />
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So here we are. To this space, and to the creative outlet it lends me. Not sure what I will write about, but I imagine that as long as it has not much to do with the subject of my thesis or is academic in any sense this online outlet will be exactly that.<br />
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Much love<br />
Audrey xox<br />
<br />
Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-55292670513967956402014-04-07T12:47:00.003+10:002014-04-07T12:47:33.846+10:00No longer a FIFO family!I will keep this short and sweet - FIFO is no longer a part of our lives. I shan't miss it - as grateful as I am for the opportunities this lifestyle has afforded us.<br />
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Much love<br />
Audrey xoxAudreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-84482848983032864352013-11-26T14:11:00.002+10:002013-11-26T14:11:27.148+10:00Hi, my name's Mummy & I'm a Superhero.So tiny Teddy went down for his nap this afternoon. I made some phone calls and noticed he was still pottering around his room, not asleep as he should have been. After a few moments, he began a little cry. Curious as to the reason behind his sadness (it wasn't a "why am I in bed - I should be playing?!" protest, rather a whimpering of despair), I knocked gently on his door and went in.<br />
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I found a little boy standing at the foot of his bed with a bunch of something in his hand, sadness on his face and a Hairy McClary book on the bed in front of him. This is favourite, most read story of the moment. The something in his hand? Bunched up shreds of a page from the book.<br />
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Instantly understanding the sadness, I wiped the beginnings of a frown from my face (<i>Superhero Moment #1</i>) and took the pieces of his favourite book from his hand. "Oh dear" I say, keeping my tone gentle (<i>Superhero Moment #2, I really do want to scold</i> <i>- a firm "what were you thinking?!"</i> <i>was playing in my head</i>) - "this isn't very good is it?"<br />
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He looks up at me with tears in his eyes and the dejection of a toddler who thinks he just ruined his favourite book. "It is ok darling heart, Mummy can fix it." He attempts a small smile, obviously not sure of my abilities.<br />
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Then, <i>Superhero Moment #3</i>. Turn this into a learning opportunity about the importance of naps...<br />
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<i>Mummy:</i> "Do you think you got a bit angry because you are tired and that is why the book ripped?"<br />
<i>Tiny Teddy:</i> Looks at me, thoughtful. A tiny, blink-and-you'll-miss-it nod.<br />
<i>Mummy:</i> "Do you think you should have your nap while Mummy fixes the book?"<br />
<i>Tiny Teddy:</i> Intently gazing into my eyes.<br />
<i>Mummy:</i> "I think you should have a sleep and then we can read the story when you get up."<br />
<i>Tiny Teddy:</i> Climbs onto his bed, gets tucked in and closes his eyes as I leave the room, shreds in hand.<br />
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Lastly, something only a Mummy can do. Repair a page of a favourite story by lovingly turning 10+ little balls of picture into a complete page once more. Yes, much sticky tape was used!<br />
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So, yeah. I'm kinda feeling like Super Mummy at the moment...<br />
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<br />Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-62800047883497937572013-11-12T09:27:00.001+10:002013-11-12T09:27:50.858+10:00Top tips for weaning a breastmilk addict - You & Baby Guest PostI'm back! (ish...)<br />
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You can read about our recent weaning experience, plus my tips on how to successfully - & gently - wean when the time is right for You & Baby <a href="http://youandbaby.net/top-tips-for-weaning-a-breastmilk-addict/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Much love<br />
Audrey xox<br />
<br />Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-90120776095001915112013-08-07T13:01:00.001+10:002013-08-07T13:01:14.434+10:00stepping away / simplifying lifeThis is a bit of a sad post for me to write, but it is a necessary one. I do not like to admit defeat and am quite determined to see this 'goodbye for now' as a positive step towards the simplification of my life.<br />
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It hit me this morning as I pegged out the washing, loving the beautiful weather and warmth of the sun on my face...blogging had begun to weigh on me as something I felt guilty for not doing. Uh-oh, as my darling Teddy would say. Alarm bells started tinkling in my mind. When did my release become my burden? How awfully awful! So...<br />
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It turns out this idea of stepping away for a while from this online outlet has been mulled over in my subconscious for a while. Inspired by the lovely Jodi to begin <i><a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/search/label/practicing%20simplicity" target="_blank">practicing simplicity</a></i>, I have been keen to live my life mindfully, something I occasionally struggle with.<br />
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In keeping with this, something has to give for a time - between the demands of a blossoming 16 month old, being a FIFO family and my desire to complete my PhD sometime within the next 1000 years - I have realised that I cannot have it all, all the time. And that is more than ok.<br />
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So, goodbye for now...Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-48806725540650952262013-07-08T09:14:00.002+10:002013-07-08T09:14:51.329+10:00recentlySo Papa has been home for the last fortnight and to put it simply…bliss. Here is a tiny snapshot of our life at the moment…<br /><br />Market mornings - rapidly becoming a weekly ritual. The Brisbane markets on a Saturday is our haunt, as Papa fills up on Turkish bread covered in toppings and almond croissants; Teddy on strawberries and bananas; myself on the best coffee I've had in a while. We wander up and down the long, crowded rows of carts. Butchers and fishmongers shouting out specials and Teddy happily singing through a Teddy-sized apple. I search for the bread cart I like and stock up on our preferred brand of gluten-free/dairy-free bread. We rediscover the man with the massive jumbo eggs and buy 2 dozen. We weave through the people to look at the flowers…Teddy gets out of his stroller and toddles about merrily.<br /><br />Walking - in the morning, after lunch or in the afternoon. If we are home together and it isn't raining, you'll find us wandering around our 'loop'…down the road, over the creek and around the fields. On our way we'll stop for a swing and a slide, for Teddy to pick up pebbles and wind his way through the grass…following any bird that happens to be hopping along the way.<br /><br />Friends - we catch up for impromptu drinks at the neighbour's place. Teddy learns to bounce on the trampoline and holds his own playing soccer with the big kids (that is, he toddles after the swarm racing to the ball, quickly changing direction when they race past him…a little boy caught in the crowd!). He hovers at the food table, busily stuffing his cheeks with the corn chips and strawberries whilst I try to offer him apples and pears and steer him from any gluten-laden snacks!<br /><br />Discovering new places - new parks, new playgrounds and new adventures. Sherwood Arboretum is an amazingly beautiful spot that I can't believe I hadn't known existed…what have I been doing this past year if not heading to every awesome park in the South East?!<br /><br />DIY & Bunnings - Papa has the reno bug (it has only taken me 7 years to get him interested - now he is a DIY fiend!). He has been staining the new deck, putting in the lights here there and everywhere (as a sparky this is not DIY - if we can't have cool lights, who can?!) and painting the interior. I shortlisted a couple of 'big boy' room colours for Teddy's new bedroom that we are slowly turning into a toddler room for him over the next few months. Thinking a mint green with white trim…or a blue feature wall with off-white elsewhere…or perhaps neither…<br /><br />I take advantage of Papa being home to relieve the nanny and do the pick-up from daycare by working longer days on campus and catching up on office happenings - I am so grateful for this opportunity as I hone my new, improved PhD plan; meet with my supervisor and grieve for the loss of a friend P's wife to cancer. This time to bury myself in work surrounded by those who are in pain for P along with me is comforting. We go to the funeral and the next day have many coffees as P returns to work. Although I had never met Mrs P, through P I feel as though I knew her - a magnificent woman loved by so many. <br /><br />Papa leaves tomorrow afternoon for another 3 weeks and so these moments are treasured…he won't be back for more than a week until November. And then perhaps Christmas. Longer breaks are treasured and memories made. Tomorrow evening Teddy and I start our life anew as just the two of us…again. I struggle to feel sad, instead just happy and content with having Papa home for now.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-42206381587106803092013-06-30T15:59:00.002+10:002013-06-30T18:12:54.341+10:00Follow me on Bloglovin'Bit of house keeping...you can now find me <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8857757" target="_blank">here</a>.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-86630569072716883962013-06-21T20:07:00.001+10:002013-06-21T20:07:35.748+10:00my little independent manAt about 2:15pm this afternoon, I found myself thinking about and missing my little playmate. I had finished the piece of code I'd needed to for the day and thought it would be neat to get Teddy early. So so so glad I did!<br />
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After picking up Teddy, we went off to the fruit & veg shop to pick up a few things. My lil' man held my hand and walked proudly into the shop. Bliss. He helped pick out the veg, helping to put them in the basket. Bliss. He pottered about as I paid for the groceries and charmed the lady at the till. Bliss. He held my hand and walked back to the car. Bliss.<br />
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To top the rainy afternoon off, Teddy used his spoon and fingers to (practically) feed himself dinner. This is a huge step forward for his independence. He started feeding himself with gusto at about 9 months but his enthusiasm petered out by about 12 months...I suppose because he had other things on his mind! I am so happy and proud he has started to show interest in feeding himself again. Bliss.<br />
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Now he has found his feet, there is no stopping tiny Teddy as he walks around and laughs his head off - apparently his new-found skill is hilarious! Bliss.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-3313341606765207742013-06-16T20:22:00.002+10:002013-06-16T20:22:52.759+10:00snoozy snugglesTeddy is taking this year's cold and flu season hard, as his immune system adjusts to spending more time away from home than ever before...<strike>being snotted on</strike> playing with all his new friends. He is tired by the afternoon, laying his head on my lap and wriggling to be picked up (this invariably involves putting his foot up on the couch and making a big show of attempting to get up, knowing I know he can do it himself...but still wanting a lift!).<br />
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He sits on my lap and impatiently waits for 'lolo'. Enthusiastically he snuggles in close, sucking with all the might he can muster. Within minutes his eyes are shut and his breathing has slowed. I settle back, closing my eyes as I drift off too. When I wake, he has unlatched himself and is breathing gently against my skin. I panic, thinking it must be late (fifteen minutes has past, I have at least another twenty before I must rouse him). <br />
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And so we begin the end of another day. Another somewhat snotty but sunny and joy-filled day.<br />
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I like winter and its snuggles.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-17805791550792310712013-06-13T18:37:00.000+10:002013-06-13T18:37:17.216+10:00oh, that feelingSelf-satisfaction. The sweet look you get when you put the lid on your sippy cup, knowing I hadn't seen you do that before - right the first time.<br />
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That smirk you get as you walk toward the washing machine.<br />
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It is a great feeling. One I know you will feel more of.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-12931318567912523012013-06-08T21:14:00.000+10:002013-06-08T21:14:19.773+10:00these boots were meant for walkingWell, for Teddy it was more "this broom was meant for sweeping". With dust brush in hand Teddy <strike>wobbled</strike> strode toward me. Then he sat. Then he stood up & off he went again.<br />
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Toddling. Indescribable joy.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-568442026197018222013-06-04T20:31:00.001+10:002013-06-04T20:31:19.500+10:00home, where you leave your heartThis past week Daddy has been home and we have spent the short, wintery days holed up in family bliss.<br />
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This past week I *accidentally* referred to site as hubby's 'home' and used the phrase 'when you come to stay...'. HA! Come to stay - in his own house! Hilarious!<br />
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In my defense, I feel like we are on holidays when he is home. Then he goes and Teddy and I begin 'real life' anew. Then he returns a few weeks later and boo-yah, holidays again!<br />
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Begs the question though...where is <i>home</i>? Well, for me, home is where my wee family is. This means for 3/4 of the time, part of my home is out west...because half my heart is.<br />
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<i>Do you consider home to be where your loved ones are or does a particular place resonate with your soul?</i></div>
Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-54842371376148300732013-06-01T16:05:00.001+10:002013-06-01T16:05:58.378+10:00delight<p>We just got home from lunch with my hubby's side, complete with Teddy's great-uncle & great-grandma. Needless to say, excellent time had by all - especially the little boy who practically put himself to bed once arriving home.</p>
<p>Here is to all the families of the world. Family rocks!</p>
Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-79635287449564138522013-05-28T08:49:00.001+10:002013-05-30T09:35:26.400+10:00leaps & boundsTeddy, you are astounding me with the sounds you are sounding, what you understand & what you can convey.<br />
Last night we sang through your 'old McDonald had a farm' book, while you went through your 'baby touch' animal book & found each animal as I sang about it. At first I thought your page turning a coincidence, by the fourth animal I was convinced you are a genius hehehe<br />
I love that you are learning so much every day, that you are doing it in two languages...I love that all your little friends are developing in leaps & bounds right along with you - although for some of them this means literal leaps and bounds as they find their feet! <br />
I look forward to showing you this beautiful world we live in, & you showing me how you see it. Learn on little man, learn on.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152685950729592004.post-18510809342402393322013-05-27T19:30:00.000+10:002013-05-27T19:30:00.355+10:00long haul flying with Teddy - guest post for You & BabyFor a bit of fun I have decided to contribute to <a href="http://youandbaby.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">You and Baby</a>'s blog.<br />
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You can find my post about long haul flying with a baby in tow <a href="http://youandbaby.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/long-haul-air-travel-with-baby.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Much love<br />
Audrey xoxAudreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13709835092401492729noreply@blogger.com0