Stills. The Melbourne Edition.

1. Two glasses of Chandon, all foggy and sweet.

2. We stumbled across a second hand book market. I was in heaven.

3. A real Autumn-covered ground.

4. Chris about to devour his entree' at dinner, Friday night.

5. Saturday's Breakfast menu.

6. A gorgeous, glary City view.

7. Side street fruit vendor.

Linking up with Em today.

A Weekend in Melbourne

Sorry for my lack of presence here in Bloggy Land lately.

I once read a poster that said "Live first, Blog later". So, that's what I've been doing. And this weekend was all about living. I did not open my laptop screen once and although I love this blog and writing about my adventures, the break was also very welcome.

Chris was in the USA all of last week for a very quick business trip. And when I say quick - I mean he spent more time traveling & sitting on planes than he did actually in America. However he got to explore San Francisco briefly and was captivated & keen to explore again. One day, not too soon though! Enough planes and time zones for now :)

Before the USA trip was booked we had arranged a child-free weekend in Melbourne to conincide with the AFL Dreamtime Game. It was kind of a big deal - to be traveling interstate for a whole weekend - leaving children behind. The USA trip slightly changed our plans - resulting in Chris and I meeting in Melbourne instead of traveling down together.  

I hate flying. With all of my being. But it's a means to an end, it's a convenience and it's the one thing I have to deal with, if I want to live an adventurous, big life.

Every plane flight over the past 5 years, I've done with a baby, toddler or both in tow. I've been distratced by bottles and snacks and Dora movies and tantrums. But this time, I had to face my fear; head on.....on my own.

I'll be honest. I was a mess. After a week of single parenting and very little sleep, I dropped Ella at school and Ryder at Chris's parent's house, and headed down to the Gold Coast airport, solo. It was rainy and windy and miserable. My heart was racing, I was sweating. I was a knot of anxiety. Anxious about leaving the kids for a whole weekend. Anxious about being 2 states away from them. And very VERY anxious about the flight. I cried.

I only just admitted this to Chris the other night - and am now taking a jump and admitting to you guys too. This is depressing and slightly horrific.....but everytime I get onto a plane, I'm convinced it's my last living hours. I look at the other people on board and ponder that these are the people I will die with. I feel lousy writing that. Dramatic even. But it's how my brain works as I come face to face with one of my biggest fears. Chris and I talked about it. He asked when the fear of flying began for me. And as I tracked back through my years of travel - it was indeed since Nick's crash and death in 2002. That reality that, yes, planes really do crash, not just on movies, sunk in and has never left. Maybe I need therapy.....or maybe I just need to get over it. Either way, flying ain't my thing! {The way back....with Chris next to me....was much better. No tears and I hardly even broke a sweat - PROGRESS!!}

Anyways.....on to more positive things. Because Oh Lordy....the weekend was ALL POSITIVE!

I survived the flight. Virgin got me to Melbourne safely. Stepping out into the world, still alive & surprisingly quite calm, was a magical moment.

This is Adam {above}. Him and his fancy Audi chauffeured me to the hotel. To meet my Prince.

It was all very romantic, really.

And then I got to our suite. HELLO MELBOURNE! AND HELLO CHILD-FREE WEEKEND!

It was very spech. And I found my Prince asleep, all jetlagged and snoozy. But hey, without kids around, you can curl up in bed at 2pm!

The feeling of freedom sunk in. We had nowhere to go, nothing to do. No one was waiting for us or relying on us. No one to feed or dress or play with. No routine or schedule. Just us, and a weekend of nothingness yet everything; lay ahead. Bliss - pure and utter bliss.

We laid around and talked. Proper, grown up talk about our previous weeks and experiences. We had long showers in peace and wore white fluffy robes. We left messes, knowing we wouldn't have to clean them up. Lovely, I tell you!

It was so nice to be just the two of us again. We got to talk, really talk. And laugh.

We got to connect.

And let our hair down and have some fun.

The drinks flowed, the dinner was Ah-Mazing and we truly had one of the best nights in a very long time.

We ate dinner at KoKo {Japanese restaurant} in the Crown Casino. If you're ever in Melbourne - I highly recommend!

Yes, I drank way too much and kept eating for the sake of eating - but it was such a fun night.

After dinner, we had a bit of a play and explore in the casino - where I won on a Tinkerbell Pokie Machine :))) And some coffee, greasy wedges and calamari at midnight from Room Service topped the night perfectly.

A slow, queezy start to the day and a 9am sleep in, on Saturday - exactly what the Doctor ordered, I'm sure! And then we set off to devour the City.

It was lovely to experience a real Autumn. With brown fallen leaves and that iciness in the air.

We walked for a couple of hours - shopping, tasting, simply looking around.

It's such a beautiful city. Vibrant and busy.

That's what I love about exploring different cities - seeing everything through new eyes. Although most cities are so alike, they are all so different as well. The culture and atmosphere. The people and sights. The transport and building structure. So much to see, so much to take in. 

Saturday afternoon rolled on, with hot baths and lazy sessions of reading and snoozing. I kept saying to Chris "Oh it's so quiet!" And although I missed the kids and thought about them constantly....I also truly loved the peace....the space....the calm. For the first time, in a loooooong time - I shut off. I shut off my brain and my pace. I relaxed - truly relaxed.

We then dolled up and walked the 5 or so kilometers into the MCG. Not a great idea in heels- but enjoyable all the same!

I saw the perfect Autumn leaf  - all lonely and still, on the side of the road.

The footy was such a cool experience. 86 000 people in one place. A sight I'll never forgot. The atmosphere was electric. We caught up with friends, ate, drank beer, cheered loud and celebrated!

Go Bombers!! It was a good game - and a good win!

Sunday, kind of disappeared. We slept late {oh, it was heavenly} and enjoyed a room service brekky. Adam picked us up at 10am and off we went to the airport to begin the journey home.

Both Chris and I were refreshed and ready to get back into reality. We were both hanging out to see the kids. We missed them. So much!

Hugging their little bodies and kissing their perfect faces, I felt grateful for the break but ever so grateful to be back. They had an absolute blast with Nanny and Pa.

It's now Monday - life has resumed as it was. Work and school and appointments. Messes to clean, bags to unpack, meals to cook, deadlines awaiting. I need to wake up and get back into it.

Thank you Chris for such a romantic and wonderful weekend. MWAH!

Have you ever stayed in Melbourne City? I can't wait to explore it more one day!

We stayed at the Crown Towers in Melbourne. If you're looking for luxury and style - you MUST stay here! It will not disappoint, I promise!

Beaching.

Today, we arrived at our annual 'Summer holiday'.

Before checking into our 'usual' hotel room, we christened our holiday with a quick beach play, followed by a Sushi lunch and a swim in the hotel pool.

From there, we unpacked bags and got set up in our room. Ryder and I did a big grocery shop and..... a trip to the bottle shop of course.

Chris took Ella and Jayden to the 'American Candy Store' and back to the swimming the pool, while Ryder and I went to Starbucks to stock up on my favourite instant coffee granules.

And then we finished off the day with a lazy dinner or picky foods and antipasto out on the deck, overlooking the coastline.

Perfection I tell you!

I have been looking so forward to this week.

A week of sun-kissed babies, long swims in the pool, sandy toes and salt-crusted cheeks. I can't wait to devour all things summer, have family come and stay. And seep this holiday for everything it's worth!

I do love me some summery goodness!!

***********

Tonight, after I put Ryder down to sleep in his portacot and poured myself a Mojito, I drank in the serenity of this place. I love our new tradition of coming here, to this exact hotel, and exact room, every summer.

Even though clouds littered the sky this evening and rain drops sporadically fell, I still admired the beauty of this place. I breathed in the salty beach air and exhaled. Ready for a week of nothing.....as well as a week of so much!

I love summer.

And summer holidays!

Cheers!

Hello Twenty Twelve. In Paradise.

I am writing this post from paradise! I wish I could use words to truly set the scene & describe my surroundings right now, but I don't think any words will really do justice of what I can see, and how I feel right now! I'll try though!

It's just after 5am. Chris & Jayden have gone on a deep sea fishing charter, Ryder is snoozing in his bassinet, Ella is munching on cereal & I'm sitting on the balcony of our 11th floor apartment, coffee in hand, laptop on table, overlooking a scene that may be close to that of heaven!

I have a panoramic view of the glorious Sunshine Coast. I can see to the ends of the Earth of vast ocean. I can see the slither of sun as it's rising over the horizon. I can see perfectly breaking waves as they are rolling & frothing into the shore. I can see white sand, early empty streets, eager beach swimmers, boats & motivated runners. It's bliss.....pure bliss! And I don't want this week to end! Being here on holidays, with my family, has been the PERFECT start to 2012! It's allowed me to relax, to reflect, to cherish, to be inspired & to be recharged! Gosh I love holidays :)

This time last year, we were up here on the coast for some family time, but we were at Coolum. On return, I declared my love for Coolum and announced our exclusive relationship! And although I pride myself on being a committed & honest person, I'll come clean & admit, that I have been cheating on Coolum with Mooloolaba! Only minutes from each other......but a strong competition for my love :)

I took the above photo yesterday, whilst out on a morning walk. The beach was magic! The water looked like a sheet of glistening glitter, with the sand so perfectly fluffy & white.... and at 8am, the beach was already littered with playing families, sunbakers, swimmers & keen surfers.

Mother Nature has been kind to us! Clear warm nights, and long sunny days. A perfect Summer really! Apparently a heat wave is making it's way up from down South. I guess we'll just have to do more of this:

Above: It's tiring work, this holiday business :)

And, just as much as beach walks, pool swims & cafe dining....I'm also LOVING inside quiet time, having a newborn around & watching siblings play!

He's such a happy little boy!

Home or away....I could never get tired of these pudgey little baby feet! He's so delicious :)

We're here for 4 more days, so I'm sure I'll have more to share soon......and I'll tell you about my fun on the Mooloolaba Missile {a video of us on it to come!!}....an amazing, adrenalin experience I shared with my step-son 2 days ago!! FUN FUN FUN!!!

But, for now, I'm logging off, going to pour myself another one of these {yum}:

And make some more memories with my family!!

Happy twenty twelve!!!!!

P.S. Sarah from Special Moments set the challenge of recording/posting a photo-a-day for everyday of 2012! There's 366 days in this year! The photos are to be of something we're feeling grateful for or something that makes us happy! I loved the idea of this! Hey, who wouldn't want to find the good in everyday?? It also appealed to me, as I just started reading "The Gratitude Effect". You can follow my daily pics of gratitude and/or play along on my Facebook page!

This was DAY ONE :)

Recent Happenings....from turf to surf.

Today..... I am 40 weeks pregnant! Full-term!! Wow!! Yahoooo!

We were given 2 due dates with this bub ~ October 28th came up in the most recent scans due to his size & growth & 1st of Nov was the original due date calculated on my cycle. Of course, I've been going by the 28th of October as baby's DD....coz it's sooner....and to be honest....I WANT HIM OUT!!!!!!!!!! I know it sounds petty & ungrateful....but I am well & truly over it now. I have gained 30kg+ now....every possible part of my body is swollen & full of fluid. I have Split Pelvis Disorder which causes me a world of pain during the night. My patience is almost non-existent & my frustration levels are high. I am ready....ready to meet this little baby & start the next chapter!

However.....the past few weeks have gone by quite quickly & we've been busy! I have refused to let the pain & discomfort of end-of-pregnancy stop me from LIVING life....so we've been here, there & everywhere! I've tried to squeeze in as many day trips with my girl as possible, we've been shopping almost everyday {a mixture of me trying to be organised & a craving to be out & about!} and we even squeezed in a last minute beach getaway last weekend :)

Last Friday, I wanted to do something we hadn't done before....go somewhere new! And with Ella very much into 'hands on learning' and persistent on her farm party ideas, I decided to head down to a public farm on the Gold Coast, not far from us. My Mum came along....and we had a great time being part of the farmlife for a day :)

Mum & Ella 

Milking Cows

My girl & I....on an old farm cart :)

Mum & Ella went fossicking :)

And Ella found some GOLD & treasures :) 

Whilst at the farm on Friday, Chris rung from work. Our conversation went something like this: CHRIS: "Do we have anything on this weekend, apart from Ella's dance classes on Sat morning?" Me: "Ummmm.....no not really, why?" CHRIS: "I think we should go up the coast for a few nights!" ME: "Ok!" CHRIS: "I'll book somewhere.....bye!" And just like that we were heading away....I love last minute plans :) 

Friday night we went to a charity cheese & wine night to raise money for a special yet very sick little boy, that one of Chris's business associates was hosting! It was nice! And I hope the money raised will make a difference in this amazing little boy's life! 

Saturday morning, we were up early, packing bags of clothes, swimmers & sand toys....went off to ballet....then jumped in the car & headed 1.5 hours North to Mooloolaba. 

It was a good few days away :) Are you apart of INSTAGRAM? {my new addiction} Coz, that's where I documented & put up most photos of the weekend! If you're on there, find me; clairechadwick {username}. 

We wined & dined & got sun-kissed. We stayed up late, got up early. We caught up with Chris's Pa & Ebony! We hung with friends & enjoyed the amazing surroundings of the local beaches. Australia really is a gorgeous place...and I love living here! 

Hehehehe!!! These mirrors gave us MANY laughs :) Saggy boobs, double chins, ape-long arms & stumpy legs :) 

Except this one.....made me look pregnant LOL:

No comment on the shoe-eating crocodile......oh the silly things we do :) Gosh, we had a laugh!! Happy Days! 

We went to Underwater World! Ella loved it! In fact, I think we all did :)

Bubble Girl! 

Ella, Karen & Baby Annabelle :)

I've said it before....and I'll probably say it again.....but I love being near the beach! It truly is the perfect way to revive the soul and recharge the batteries! The amazing sunrises & sunsets. The salty layer left on your skin. The sandy goodness. And the fresh crisp air.....nothing beats it in my books :)

But....we're home now....and the nesting is well & truly underway! Hopefully sooooooon, our little baby will be here!!! {send me some baby dust please!!} 

My feet are pulsating with a numbing, swollen feeling......they look almost fake.....like a blown up rubber glove. So I'm off to lay down & put them up!

Goodnight All.

A Roadtrippin' Getaway to the Beach.

Sometime last week, as I relaxed at a picnic with a couple of close friends, and the freedom feeling of Spring & school holidays & Maternity Leave sunk in; I said a simple sentence without much thought; "This weather is gorgeous!! We should go away to the beach!! Maybe up the coast!!" It was just a random, impulsive thought!

A few days later; Monica sends me a text; "Accommodation up the coast organised, do you want to go Tuesday?"

Me: "Ummmm.....hell yes!"

So, on Tuesday, we packed up the car with bags & sand toys & bed sheets & lots of {unhealthy} snacks & headed off on a 'girl's {plus 1 baby boy} getaway". 

I love last minute plans....they always seem to be the most fun, don't you think? We headed up the North Coast to the lovely Caloundra. The road-trip up, should've taken 1.5 hours.....but it took us 3! Coz we made a selection of stops on the way {We picked up Mon, then I had to pick up some prints from the printers, then send them off to clients at the Post Office, then stop in at an old friend's, then refuel our tummies & petrol tank!} It was nice....just taking our time.....no hurry, no timeline.....we just cruised!

{The view from the back deck....as the sun set!}

{The view from the front deck as the sun rose.......GORGEOUS!!! I liked those apples, I tell you!}

The days just flowed from there! We had no plans, nowhere to be!

So we dined & wined & beached & parked & shopped & lazed & swam & played & simply enjoyed being sun-kissed, sandy & in the presence of gorgeous souls. 

Above: My Beach Babe :)

{Ella & Baby London}

{We 'balanced' inside play with lots of outside time!}

{I found a pretty little Mermaid on the rocks!} {Lucky me!}

{I braved the 'springtime' water temps to swim with my girl! I guess being in a pregnant state & having a higher temp than most people helped because I actually enjoyed the chilly sting:))}

{But Ella bailed on me....she was happier on the shore in the scorching sun!}

And on the 3rd day after a morning of beach & pool & 'just being', we packed up!! Jackie headed back a couple of hours before us to allow Baby London to snooze on the car-trip. We changed bed sheets, mopped floors & lugged everything down to the garage.....to discover I had lost the car keys!!!! YEP....they were in Jackie's car....2 hours back South!! Ooooops......let's blame it on Baby Brain ok?!

We made a few frantic calls to Jackie, Chris & Tiffany!! No-one at that time could come to our rescue due to the distance!! So....ANOTHER NIGHT in paradise was to be had....life's tough :)

We lugged it all back upstairs to the apartment & settled back in for another cruisey night :) {once I forgave myself for 'being so stupid', we laughed about it & picked up right where we left off {but without access to a car!}, we walked to the local shops & restaurants, we dined & wined, we went to bed late & slept in {if you can call 7am a sleep-in?} and we beached, pooled & relaxed for another day whilst awaiting the keys in the mail {that Chris express posted!}.

As late afternoon {Friday} rolled around, we cleaned {again} and packed up {again}, we chased the postman to get the keys that he was attempting to shove in the tiny letterbox, and we eventually headed home as the sun set :)

Perfect Getaway really!!!

{The apartment had so many mirrors, perfect opportunity for a Portrait Baby Belly Shot! 35 weeks & counting!!!}

{Above: and this morning view made me smile :) It was low tide....so there was an array of sand banks all through the bay! But check out that lone fisherman on the teeny tiny sand island in the middle of nowhere......just chillin'! No idea how he got there or got back.....but he looked happy!!}

I'm already missing this morning view!! But happy to be home, with Chris & Ella, slipping back into some sort of routine & enjoying the little comforts of home!

Happy Weekend All....no matter where you are!