This week I am

A bit late with my Thursday post, so here is Three Things Friday! Blog post writing is so heavily influenced by the here and now. The mood that you're in while writing, your surroundings and the moment surrounding you. So this post is probably a reflection of this for me right now.

1. Tired. I started writing this post at 3:45am on Thursday morning, with the intention of posting it later at a decent hour! It's cold - the thermometer in the kitchen shows me that it's about 10C in my house. I'm wearing a tracksuit and socks, but no slippers, as I left those in the bedroom and Jimmy is wrapped against my chest and currently screaming blue murder so I don't want to take him in there and risk waking Mr Fork. Jimmy has a cold (thank you Ellie and daycare drop offs!) and he is so snotty he can't breathe while lying down. He can barely breathe upright and he's most grumpy about it. Mr Fork and I have been taking it in turns to stay up with him. It's not improving anyones mood at all to be honest. In fact, I'd do almost anything for a good night's sleep at the moment. Baby colds are the worst. You can't give them anything, you can't do anything for them, they can't even blow their nose. Poor things.

I shared this picture on Instagram because after being up allllll night, Jimmy fell asleep after the daycare drop off yesterday. Yes, he's on a pillow and that doesn't really meet SIDS guidelines, but I didn't care. Of course, fate made it so I wasn't the least bit sleepy, but I did lie down and have some much needed quiet time. How cute is the teddy on his head?

2. Cold. Winter is coming (like that GOT reference??), but it feels like it's already here. There has been a definite change in the air in the last week - mornings are chilly, and a glance around at fashion shows that scarves, long sleeves, boots and layers are all making a reappearance. Of course, it's all well and good to be cold outside when I'm tucked up in bed with lots of blankets to keep me toasty. It's quite another to be cold when I'm awake all night with the small man.... serenity now!

3. Sick. Hence the lateness of this post. Jimmy's snotty nose has morphed into a cold and with the close proximity he and I have, I was bound to get it. The terrible thing is I can't take anything good to make myself better as lots of things transfer through breastmilk. So I'm dosing myself with plenty of fresh lemon and ginger tea, and some probiotics to boost both our immune systems. I feel rubbish, but a mama rarely gets to indulge that... so on I trudge! The view isn't too bad with all the snuggles we are having for comfort though... look at those tangled lashes and rosy cheeks!

How is your weekend looking?

This week looks like

Well Thursday, we meet again. The weeks are rolling on by far too quickly for my liking. The year is more than a quarter over already! I feel like I just gave birth a few days ago (although frankly I remember those newborn days far too well and wouldn't wish to have them back!).

Here's the week in three points:

1. Triumphant! My passionfruit vines, which admittedly were rather neglected for a patch, are now starting to repay the attention I've been paying them. I have a large number of lovely flowers and am also starting to notice some of these are bearing fruit. Woohoo! I'm picturing lush homemade cordial, fantastic baked goods and just plain eating them fresh from the garden!

2. Tired. Literally and mentally. Literally, because Jimmy is having massive sleep regression at the moment. If he's not waking up every two hours at night (he is), he's screaming, wanting to be fed constantly, or in a chatty mood (which isn't a bad thing but whhhhyyyyyyy does he want to do it at 1am?!). He isn't much better during the day, but at least then I have coffee and a wrap so I can wear him (rather exhausting now he's over 8kg) and walk around. Here's a picture of a rather nice muesli I ordered while out rambling because Jimmy was close to sleep and I couldn't pack him up to go home as he'd wake. Various seeds and nuts, with fruit in a coconut yoghurt. Yum

Tired mentally because well, it just seems like everyone wants something from me at the moment, whether it's time, work, decisions, comfort, dinner... and I'm feeling stretched a little thin. Very thin actually, and quite a bit fragile.

3. Content. I realise this doesn't really jive in with my previous point, but there have also been a few moments lately where I just felt like I got it. That I was winning at life. On Monday for example, I bundled up Ellie and Jimmy and we went to our local shopping centre to see Shaun the Sheep. Ellie got to meet the sheep (she was all enthusiastic until he was up close and then she was terrified), and also got to paint a little plaster sheep. Because we were on a roll then I took both kids to a cafe and sat down and had cake. There were no meltdowns. Then I packed everyone into the car and they came home and napped at the same time. I was able to sit down and have a solitary lunch and read a few chapters of a novel. Right then, I felt like I was doing it right. Let me reiterate: two kids, free range at a shopping centre, painting, cake in public, napping simultaneously, solo lunch! So it's not all bad.

How has your week been?

Thursday this week looks like

After a long weekend and therefore a rushed start to the week, Thursday in our household this week looks a bit like:

1. Exhaustion. As soon as we got back from holidays, Mr Fork had to go away for work overnight. I grudgingly wished him a safe flight and told him to enjoy his sleep. Know what he said? He told me it wasn't going to be relaxing at all, because he had to take clients out for drinks and dinner and socialising. OH THE POOR MAN. My heart bleeds for how hard he had it. Meanwhile, I was up all night ping ponging between Ellie and Jimmy. This is after the 8 hour drive home where Jimmy had screamed constantly for the last 200km. Mr Fork is home again now, but I remain in a fuzzy sleep deficit. I should catch up oh... in about 5 years or so I'd say! :)

2. Hangry. Jimmy showed signs of wanting to seriously start on solids while we were away. So I let him. I'm a strong proponent of baby led weaning, so I just handed him some of what I was having and left him to it (and fended off the grandparents who kept wanting to give him vegemite, honey, lamb shanks and other 'goodies' as first foods). I filled him up with mama milk first and then let him play with the food - best I can say is he went at it like a rabid piranha. Here he is grabbing at a sourdough crust with gusto!

3. Nostalgic. Though I complained about driving 600km+ each way with two small children, I really am more than a little in love with the journey. When I was younger, we used to drive quite a distance to see my grandparents all the time, so it's a trip down memory lane for me, and I hope the beginning of many wonderful road trip memories for my children too. Also, this sunburnt country of ours is pretty spectacular, with its sweeping plains, mountain range, droughts and sweeping rains - and rainbows! I should add that these photos were all taken within about a half hour of each other!

How does your week look?

Three things Thursday

1. I don't know what possessed me, but I took Ellie and Jimmy on a road trip to visit their grandparents, sans Mr Fork. It's usually a six hour drive and I allowed nine hours for it with the two kids... I don't really know what I was thinking. All I can say is that we are here now, and I'm very much looking forward to Mr Fork flying to meet up with us tonight. It's hard work being the sole parent... kudos to all those FIFO wives and full time single parents. I salute you! I am very much not looking forward to the drive back home though!

2. It's not all bad though. I mean honestly, we are at the beach. And it's stunning! And I get to wake up to ocean sounds every morning (not to put too fine a point on it, but if I'm going to be accurate, thanks to Jimmy I also get to wake up to it several times a night). And once everyone is awake, then I get to hear Ellie ask continually if we can go to the pool/beach/somewhere yet...

3. Happy Easter long weekend! I hope everyone celebrates it with plenty of relaxation, plenty of hot cross buns, plenty of chocolate, and whatever else floats your boat.

How are you spending your Easter?

Three things Thursday

1. Turns out that Jimmy's recent grumpiness may have been related to a developmental leap for my little man can now roll with gusto. Yesterday I put him down to sleep on his back and when I went in to check on him he was on his belly. This happened several times. I am such a proud mama, but at the same time, oh my baby is growing up!

2. Seems it was a bit of a hit when I shared a toddler conversation, so here's another I had with Ellie this week:

E: What's for dinner?
M: We are having pasta bake. There is a tomato and chickpea one, or a tuna bake option
E: I don't like pasta
M: You liked pasta last week...
E: I want chicken
M: How about sea chicken? That's what tuna is
E: Ooh sea chicken, I love it, I love it!

Am I a terrible mother? She loves chicken, so I often re-purpose the label as above but I do worry I'll turn her into Jessica Simpson....

3. Finally, here are two of my favourite shots from Jimmy's christening. They capture beautifully Ellie's sass and cheekiness and Jimmy's calm zen like demeanour. 

How has your week been?

Three things Thursday

1. Jimmy has been a bit unwell for the past week with some kind of respiratory virus. It's made him sleep terribly and be a bit snotty and generally a grumpy little thing. However, we had a big weekend just past and none of the things that we had on could be rescheduled so we just had to push through. He was doing quite well at keeping it together all things considered, until we got to his baptism. Just before it was due to start, a terrible smell emanated from him. I briefly considered ignoring it, but a quick check ensured that was not going to be a good outcome. I had to ask the priest to please delay the start, while Mr Fork sprinted to the car with Jimmy to clean him up. Apparently it was heinous. It was also equally uncomfortable dealing with an entire church full of people looking at me and knowing what had happened. Motherhood. Keeping it real.

2. On the topic of keeping it real, I got the following pearler from Ellie the other day. We were having a conversation, and clearly I must have said something that offended her sensibilities, because all of a sudden she burst out with:

E: "Stop talking mama, it's off-putting"M: "Excuse me? Do you even know what that means?"E: (with little hand raised) "Just stop talking mama"

I have never said that. Daycare has a lot to answer for!

3. I'm loving the cooler weather! Now that it is cooling down, I'm revelling in comfort food like hot chocolates and pasta bakes and this gorgeous apple crumble slice (recipe courtesy of Liz, which I followed faithfully except I subbed something in for the eggs). What are your favourite foods to eat in the cooler months?

Happy Thursday!

Three things Thursday

Thursday again, which means I'm sharing three snippets of things that happened or that I found interesting during the week!

1. Ellie had her first proper dentist visit. By that I mean she sat on the chair (on daddy's lap) and with some gentle encouragement, allowed the dentist to count her teeth and have a poke around her mouth. I was so proud, and if I'm honest, rather thankful that the verdict was her teeth are fine. Previously she's screamed blue murder on even looking at the dentist chair as we take her with us whenever Mr Fork or I have a check up. At least I know that my unwanted advances chasing her around the house with a tooth brush are paying off!

2. Jimmy is developing a decided preference for lying on one side, despite me sneaking in to move him while he sleeps and positioning his room so that he looks toward his less favoured side. As a result, he is developing a slight flat spot. I know that some cultures think a flat head at the back is attractive, but he just looks wonky. My physiotherapist recommended lots of tummy time, but also getting a fit ball and rolling him around on it. Quite frankly, every parent should have a fit ball. I don't know how I survived without one for so long, but all I have to do is wrap him and bounce and instant calm. Hooray!

3. I have got snow peas ready to harvest. Well, to be strictly honest, I had snow peas ready to harvest, and then I showed Ellie, and she picked and ate them all. I can't be mad because really, she's eating greens and I know they're good ones because I grew them so I know exactly what was involved in producing them (nothing! Clean, organic yumminess!). Here is photographic evidence before they got eaten

What's been happening during your week?

Three things Thursday

I read something once about parenting that said the days are long, but the years are short. I think the same can be said about weeks, as every time I sit down to write my Thursday posts, I think, Thursday already?!

1. Jimmy is having his christening in a few weeks. I've been looking around for a suitable outfit for him for what feels like forever. Until I had a baby boy, I didn't realise how hard it is to shop for clothes for them. Girls are totally spoilt for choice with lots of cute small outfits, boys, not so much. If all else fails, I have managed to find a cute set of (what appears to be pyjamas) clothes with a collar, buttons and all other things which check the appropriate boxes. Let's hope it doesn't come to that (although frankly at this stage I'm ok if it does!).

2. This week has been hard has both children seem to be going through a bit of a sleep regression. While Jimmy in no way at all sleeps through the night, I can at least usually rely on him now to have a decent long stretch of about four hours. Not so lately as he is back to waking almost hourly. Ellie also seems to migrate to our bed on most nights. Cue zombie like mama. If coffee didn't have such a dehydrating affect on breastfeeding, I would be having it way more often than my necessary scant cup a day right now!

3. On that note above, sometimes the day just calls for a sweet treat, am I right? I chose a macadamia tart as although it's pretty much the same thing, it just sounds way more healthy than a 'caramel tart'... yes?

Happy Thursday to you!

Three things Thursday

There's been a bit of blog silence this week. It wasn't particularly intentional, just that life got in the way a bit.

1. Jimmy has been a bit ill over the past few days. I suspect it's something that Ellie brought home from daycare (thank you germ fest!). Nothing serious, but as he is still breastfed, I've been taking extra care of myself to help look after him - plenty of water, probiotics, vitamins and rest. I'm hoping to pack maximum benefits into his milk but it's hard for me to get as much rest as I should and look after myself when there is still a toddler to mind and a house to run.

2. Mr Fork and Ellie came home from weekend swimming lessons bearing a surprise bunch of oriental lilies (my favourites!). They were closed when I got them and they're gradually starting to open now... every time I walk into the kitchen they smell amazing.  Hooray for pretty blooms!

3. I know I'm late to the smoothie bandwagon, but how amazing are they? I had a delicious one recently - a vegan, paleo friendly salted caramel smoothie. I know, right?! Ingredients, which are just sort of added to taste were: dates, cashew butter, maple syrup, sea salt, coconut milk and ice. Blend. YUM! If you were into them, you could add half a banana too (I loathe bananas).

Do you have a favourite smoothie recipe? Care to share?

Three things Thursday

What a week! I feel like this one just flew by.

1. Since last Thursday, two of my friends have had babies. While I'm quite sure that Jimmy is my last baby, there is something to be said for meeting a brand new tiny human for the first time, and that special, unique baby smell!

2. I've done quite a bit of eating of sweets over the past week. To start, Mr Fork and Ellie got me some vegan cupcakes for Valentine's Day. Then we went on a family outing for more churros. Finally it was Shrove Tuesday this week so of course Ellie and I had to celebrate with pancakes, and quite frankly I think pancakes are best with maple syrup all over them! Luckily I'm breastfeeding constantly so I don't really have to be too concerned with calories and can just revel in the consuming of them.

3. Today is Chinese New Year. 2015 is the year of the sheep (some call it the year of the goat but I think it's a sheep). We had a family dinner at Mr Fork's parent's house last night, and that kicked off the festivities, which will go for another two weeks. As always, I love this time of year - there is lots of food, family, socialising and traditions that I love for my children to be a part of. Also, did I mention food? Ha!

What has been the high point of your week?

Three things Thursday

1. I know I said in last week's post that Jimmy was having his 100 day celebration this week. I had grand intentions of taking plenty of pictures of the event but he was passed around like a little parcel between all the people there, so I just lapped it up and spent the time eating uninterrupted instead. I didn't get a single picture, he was so happy and I was so busy. The only times he came back to me were for feeding or nappy changes (typical!).

So here's a picture from tummy time play this week. My chunky little boy has cracked the 7kg mark and looks very cheerful about it (my neck and shoulders, not so much)!

2. There are lots of Jimmy pictures on my blog lately, but poor Ellie has been a bit neglected. Here's a picture to make up for it. She is growing into a little person in her own right... full of two year old personality, tantrums and plenty of attitude. I snapped this at breakfast one morning while she was staring out the cafe window at a passing dog walker. She does love animals.

3. Lately I have been craving fruit. Peaches, nectarines, berries, apples... I can't get enough. As far as cravings go, there are worse ones to have I suppose, and fruit is particularly delicious at the moment... have you been craving anything in particular lately?

Three things Thursday

Welcome to the first week of February! Is it just me or is this year just flying by?

1. Is anyone else obsessed with mason jars lately? Lots of places that I frequent seem to serve drinks in them, and I've even seen people using them as lunch containers, using them to store salads and quaffing smoothies from. Me, I can take them or leave them - while they're cute, they aren't the biggest container and they're pretty heavy (although the handle is handy and I do like the occasional novelty of them).

Peach tea in a mason jar

2. Yesterday I took Jimmy and braved my first 'bring your baby' movie with him. Even though he was wrapped nice and snuggly, and they'd catered to babies with the lights left dim and the sound lowered, he fussed throughout most of the show. I guess he is just not a musical appreciating baby. I on the other hand thoroughly enjoyed watching Into the Woods.

3. This Saturday is Jimmy's 100 day celebration. Traditionally in Chinese culture it marks the end  of the first three months of life... in other words, the end of the fourth trimester. In days past, there was a belief that these 100 days were when new mothers and babies were must susceptible to illness so they should stay indoors during this time... in the days of high infant mortality, if baby survived 100 days it was a cause for celebration. (Obviously I have not observed the staying inside tradition!)

It is important to Mr Fork's family to have this celebration, and who am I to turn down a party? I do however refuse to have Jimmy's head shaved for the occasion as tradition dictates! I don't care how thick and luscious it is supposed to make his locks! Stay tuned for delicious food pictures though!

How is your week going?

Three things Thursday

I do love a short week. Of course, it could be argued that as I don't 'work' per se, public holidays don't mean the same thing. This is true, but a public holiday is still an extra day that Mr Fork has at home with us, and that's always fun!

1. Mr Fork and I had thought about going on a mini break somewhere over the Australia Day long weekend, but we left it a bit late to book, so that's an activity for another time now. Instead, we spent some time at home, some time out and about and even indulged in the well known Australian tradition of running through the sprinkler in the backyard. Jimmy is still too little to enjoy such things, so he alternately ate and slept in the wrap, but Ellie had a ball. Hooray for water!

2. I made some time to tend to the garden, so I have lots of things growing now. I've tidied and weeded, and in one of the garden beds there are snow peas, lettuce, coriander and parsley all newly planted. I can't wait for them to be harvestable size!

3. There is a turn of phrase out there known as 'ninja vegan' where something is unexpectedly vegan that you wouldn't expect to be. For example, Aldi has fruit and jelly cups that contain no gelatine and are actually vegan. Ninja vegan for the win! Another ninja vegan item is the churros from San Churro, as is their dark chocolate dipping sauce. We went there over the long weekend as it was hot, and they had air conditioning (and I like churros).

Mr Fork and I get the plate for two with one milk and one dark dipping pot and it's a match made in heaven. There aren't a lot of meals we agree to share but this is one (yes, churros are a meal!).

Ellie was won over by the children's churros, which came with dipping chocolate and sprinkles!

How is your week going?

Three things Thursday

Where did that week go?

1. I have a 12 week old. As in, a three month old. Forget about where the week went, those three months feel like that have disappeared in the blink of an eye! Look at this little cutie!

2. I finally feel like I'm starting getting on top of this whole 'mama to two' thing now. It's partially to do with Jimmy sleeping in longer bursts and partially to do with me just getting it together. Either way... it's just working out for me at the moment. Win!

3. Feeling in a particularly generous mood last week, I made Mr Fork and Ellie pulled pork and hand cut potato chips for dinner. It was a bit of a win really as they devoured it, and now they're both asking if they can have it again soon. Seriously, I cooked that sucker all day. It's not something I'm going to repeat on a weekly basis my hungry hoards! Although the chips... well, my they were delicious. I could be convinced to whip those babies up again soon!

How's your week going?

Three things Thursday

In an effort to put a bit more regularity to my blog posts, I'm going to attempt to commit (as much as one can with two small children) to posting more often this year. I'm one of those people who responds quite well if I have a goal to work towards and a deadline to hit. Consequently, to hold me to account, I'm starting a new thing, three things Thursday, where I will talk about three things (oh I know, so unexpected!). Ha!

1. This week, Jimmy reached a new milestone. For the first time in his ten weeks of life, he slept for a period of six hours. SIX HOURS IS PRACTICALLY OVERNIGHT! And yes that needed to be in all capitals and bold. I felt like a new woman. My boobs felt like they were melons about to explode.
2. I want to know how I got lucky enough to get a baby who will only day nap for a decent period when he is on me. I honestly don't remember if Ellie was like this, and if she was, when did she start being able to sleep on her own? Some days I am just so touched out. Thank goodness for baby wearing... but... touched. Out.
3. How good is pecan pie? Seriously, it is amazing. Look at that piece I ate because um... Jimmy wanted it (and so did I). Does anyone have a fabulous pecan pie recipe to share? Or heck, while I'm reaching, does anyone just want to bake me pie? 

How is your week going?