Weekend Wrap

I have a sleeping baby next to me, and only 20minutes to have this post done; before the school pick up. Ryder who normally goes down for his day nap between 11 & 12, didn't crash until 2pm today! So, in a cruel twist of the sleepless-baby-world that I live in, I'll have to wake him soon to get to Ella's school by 3pm at the latest! Ugh!

Our weekend was busy. But delightful.

Friday kicked off with a sunset park play with our special friends; Kirsty, Jet & Brodie. Followed by Chris cooking a delicious dinner and Ryder going to bed without a fight - BLISS! Chris and I enjoyed a slow night of red wine, peanut M & M's and lots of {overdue} conversation. It was so deliciously lovely.

We headed to an indoor playground on Saturday morning for one of Ella's classmate's party. And celebrated being five!

Ryder tagged along and enjoyed every moment.

When we returned home at midday, I savoured a long {much needed} nap with my boy, while Ella and Chris headed out on a sushi date.

Later that afternoon, we went down the coast to check out Chris's parents new house and stay for dinner. The house was fab - I love it! And can see many family get togethers there. The company was great, the champagne flowed and the Thai takeaway was delish. The kids enjoyed a bubble bath and danced along to Pa playing the keyboard. I haven't seen Tony play in about 5 years - it was lovely, and everything I imagined their new house would bring.

Both kids passed out in the car on the drive home and easily transferred into bed, allowing Chris and I some time to enjoy more wine and chats. Cold, wintery Saturday nights beg for wine and couch chats, don't they?

Sunday morning; the kids and I enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast out at a local cafe with a few of my girlfriends. Although chaotic {2 toddlers and 2 5yr olds}, it's these kind of things that make my heart sing. Things like still having a social life with kids in tow. Good food and the bestest of friends, who love my kids and embrace them fully - all of us enjoying life together.

And a quick park play afterwards to burn off some pancake/hot chocolate bursts!

Chris is in the USA this week. His first American trip. It's a very quick {and last minute} business trip and although he is only just about to board the plane now - I miss him already. Thankfully we have a special 'date weekend' planned on his return to soften the blow of being a single Mum for the next 5 days.

I'm using this week to get some stuff done around the house - tile grout needs cleaning, front door needs scrubbing, outdoor furniture needs oiling - fun stuff like that!!! As well as really dig into some work. I think I will use this week to finally finish my children's chapter book. I plan to snuggle into bed early each night with my laptop, a coffee and some chocolate and just write, write, WRITE! However, with a runny nosed boy - I know the best plans can still fall a part....so we'll just take it day by day!

How was your weekend?

Have a great week all.

First Jazz Exam. Tick.

I have very vague memories of my first dance exam. I remember my Mum carefully criss-crossing the satin ribbons of my ballet shoes up around my ankle. I remember the old hall with wooden floor boards and the grand aged piano in the corner. But I don't really remember the emotions or music or flow of the day. I was probably around 5 years old.

My Mum recently told me that she had to take a day off work to take me to my first ballet exam, and she required a Doctor's Certificate to do so. So, off to the Doc she went....faking a bug of some sort. Oh, the things we do as Mums!

Today, was Ella's first dance exam. She's danced on stage and understands the notion of performing and entertainment. But until today, she had never been exposed to the experience of being watched and judged and assessed.

Our little sunshine did well.

She has been excited for weeks. Constantly blaring the song in the car and in the lounge room....practicing, counting, listening.

Dancing - always dancing her little heart out.

It was a quick exam. Four little five year olds - in and out of the room within a 10minute time frame. But she came out beaming. She had a medal in her hand and a sense of pride in completing something new. Something big and significant.

I felt so full of love for how awesome she is. Our little bug is growing up.

I love her!

And to celebrate, before heading off to school for the day.....we had a quick McDonald's treat...

Over pancakes and hashbrowns and chocolate milk; we talked about the exam and how great she felt. She told me all about the examiner.....all whilst clenching her medal close.

On arrival at school, {an hour and a half into the school day} a group of her classmates ran up to her, embracing her wildly. "Where have you been Ella?" "We missed you!" And I smiled and felt forever grateful for the wonderful life she has. Surrounded by so many beautiful souls, egging her on in this journey of life.

Happy Friday All.

We have a park play date organised for this afternoon followed by a weekend full of fun.

Cheers to that!

Eighteen Months.

Today, Ryder is officially one and a half years old. The big 18 months!

I remember in those early days, when he was tiny and sleepy and full of newborn deliciousness, and thinking about him at one, or one and a half, or two. And how those ages just felt sooooo far down the path that I just couldn't imagine him being a walking, talking, moving toddler. The baby-stage feels so slow at the time, but so incredibly fast in hindsight. In just six short months, we'll be celebrating his second birthday. That blows my mind. Coz in so many ways - it just feels like he was born a couple of months ago.

He's now 18months old, and I have trouble grasping the fact that by the next time I blink he'll be two, then three and then off to Kindy! As they say - time flies when you're having fun!

But, right now.....he's 18months. And the right now is what I'm choosing to savour.....

Because 18 months is pretty amazing....

Ryder is everything I ever dreamed a son would be. Plus some.

He's active and busy and strong. He's fast and loud and dirty.

He whines, he cries, he screams and he throws a pretty good tantrum. But he also smiles a smile that lights up the whole world. He gives the best open-mouth, sloppy kisses and his giggles brighten our days, like sunshine. He wraps his arms around me each night as I carry him from the bath to his bedroom and that just may be one of my favourite parts of each and everyday! And some nights when I'm laying with him, waiting for him to succumb to sleep, he grabs my wrist and places it around his waist - showing that he still, more than ever, needs his Mama close.

The other afternoon as we were walking into Ella's school for pickup time, he pointed at a baby in a pram and said "Bab". I responded with the usual "Yes, there's a little baby!" And it was then that it hit me - he's no longer 'the baby'. He's old enough to point out other babies and state exactly what they are.

We're here - at the walking, talking, moving stage. We're well into the brunt of toddlerhood.

I've started taking Ryder to a KindyGym program once a week. It's basically a chance for him to mingle with other kids his age and develop his skills {including listening to other adults and following instructions} all whilst I'm there by his side, guiding him along.

It's such a beautiful time together. Climbing, exploring, singing, playing, imagining, dancing and learning. 

He's clumsy and fast, and a daredevil at heart. He seems to be constantly sporting an egg on the head or a bruised forehead these days. He stumbles and trips and falls. But still dives at life with an adventurous spirit and not a care in the world.

His Daddy is his whole world. Having Chris work from home is both great and challenging - as Ryder just wants to be with his Daddy all.the.time. He just wants to chill out with Chris in the office, or dragging him out to the yard, or sitting on his lap on the couch with a book and a truck.

Like most second children, his skills are amazing. He tries to be like his big sister, therefore is doing things well beyond his age. He understands well and processes information far more deeper than I think our firstborn was at this age.

Sometimes I put music on - just to watch his reaction. It doesn't really matter what song it is, he'll stop in his tracks and bust-a-move. He claps at the end of songs and requests "more more".

Eighteen months is tiring and non-stop. Some days are harder than others. Some days are just pure fun. 

Eighteen months is all about learning and challenging and growing. It's all about pushing boundaries and taking risks. Making mistakes and trying again. It's all about finding our way - creating our own groove.

Oh Rydie-Roo, we're so lucky to have you. You big scrumptious eighteen month old.

It's coming together!

Last week presented a hugely exciting moment for me - my book's front cover was revealed!

What do you think??

Seeing my name in print - the hugest of ticks off my bucket list! This truly is a lifetime wish - a dream come true! And I hope this is just the first of many, successful children's books - written by me!

Trevor, my illustrator is finishing up the colour on each page and then we're all systems go to get this baby formatted and printed! I literally can not wait to hold a copy of this book in my hands.

So Many Sounds will be available in paperback, and in an eBook version.

I am so excited. I hope you too are looking forward to seeing this little dream of mine unfold?!

I have been busily working away here, behind the scenes - organising my book's online tour, making educational activities & resources to go with the book, emailing contacts, plotting Author visits and readings, putting together press releases and contact information packs! I'm learning so much, and am just dying to have this all out into the world!

Have you subscibed to my newsletter on my site? If not, I recommend you do :) No, I won't SPAM you or share your personal info. But I will keep you up to date with the book's launch and special deals/giveaways I will be running!

My second book has been written, and assessed by my editor. She loves it. I love it. And hopefully if all the stars align, it will also be published in the next 6-9months!!! One can only dream.....and dream BIG!

Thanks again for the support. The emails, comments and social media interactions have been fueling me along. I hope you and your kids enjoy this book - it's gonna be a hoot :)

Mwah!

That Big Fat Elephant In The Room {also known as disease}

The weather was unpredictable and all over the place this past weekend. One minute we were blanketed with blue skies, warm sunrays and a soothing Autumn breeze; and then the next minute it was dark, dreary, cold and pouring rain.

It was up and down. A little like my emotions lately.

We've had this big fat elephant in the room the last couple of weeks and it's caused Chris and I to ride a roller-coaster of emotions.

Wednesday, 2 weeks ago, just as we were winding down the day - cleaning up from an early dinner, getting the kids ready for baths and pouring a lovely glass of red to enjoy.....I get a text from my GP, telling me to make an urgent appointment in regards to some test results.Later that evening, I head down to the Doctor's to hear the verdict.

I returned home with bad news; inconclusive news and a pile of results, statistics and referrals.

A recent Pap smear had picked up some abnormalities and further tests were needed. Of course, being the long Easter weekend, we had to wait 5 days before seeing a Specialist. Over that weekend, I went from worry to denial to tears to ignorance to having faith to sadness to trust.

Around midnight on that Wednesday night, I couldn't sleep, I crept into the solstice of our bathroom and cried. I felt sorry and angry and bitter. I worried and of course, thought the worst!!

But then something clicked - In that moment, I decided, once I had let out all my tears, I was going to stop worrying about all the "what-if's"and unknowns and to simply trust the process.

Tuesday, saw me at the hospital with the specialist and undergoing more tests. Words like lesions, high-grade, cancer, and treatment were thrown around. A biopsy was taken and this week we get the final results. 

At this stage, some of sort of treatment will be needed - but what?, I am yet to find out.

I love these two stinkers! {our awesome family Sunday down the coast}

Whether it's minor or something much bigger, there's nothing worse than hearing you have any form of disease. At 30 years of age, I was never expecting to be undergoing a treatment plan for any type of major illness - but who ever expects these things?

Like all other hurdles and storms - we find ways to overcome them, to beat them, to recover from them. With a loving husband by my side, a super supportive family and network of awesome friends, I know everything will be just fine. I truly believe that!

And with two kids who give me a reason to breathe, and get up each day and to live well - I have everything I need. And for that I'm grateful.

The huge planes were coming down to the airport, just near the hotels....they were so low. Ryder was fascinated!

Life is beautiful. And at the end of the day - all that matters is...... people. Not how much money is sitting in the bank.

Living a good life with my family & friends - making great memories - is ALL that matters! Everything else is just a BONUS!

Life is short - Live it well.

P.S. A HUGE thank you to my regular reader Susan....it was YOU, who reminded me I was due for a Pap smear when you commented on THIS POST. And when I found myself child-free after a meeting with my Illustrator one day a few weeks ago{thank you Mum for looking after kids for a few hours}, I snaffled the chance to get to the Doc on my own for all of those 'female checkups' as well as the Flu shot.

My specialist thinks we've caught this early enough and that it will be easily treated - so, THANK YOU Susan :) I ignored symptoms for too long - stupid really!

So I urge all my female readers out there - to STOP putting off those uncomfortable, awkward checkups and DO THEM THIS WEEK!!!

Yesterday....

Yesterday, was a special day.

We did something that we rarely do, something that would normally make me feel guilty, something that was VERY MUCH needed right now.

Ella went to one set of Grandparents for a couple of days, and I dropped Ryder at the other Grandparent's house for the whole of the day.

Chris and I had a day 'off'......all to ourselves!

We cruised around in his car, just the two of us - like the old days, but now with a few more wrinkles, responsibilities and bagged eyes. We laughed and chatted. We had massages {which hurt like hell - my back was a mess of tension knots and nerve pains} and I indulged in a mani/pedi session too. We dined slowly at a restaurant for lunch and simply enjoyed taking our time. We came home to a silent house and relaxed. It was BLISS. Pure bliss. 

Normally, I'd feel guilty to do this --> to be child-free and spend the whole day indulging. But this time, I did not let myself feel this way! Who would've thought?! These emotions can be controlled?!

Lately, I've been feeling so exhausted - mentally drained.....and I'm now realising it's ok to ask for help, it's ok to raise the red flag every now and then, and it's ok to have the odd day off from parenting and work and home-life.

I picked Ryder up from my parent's house after his dinner and bath, and basked in the refreshing mindset that a simple 'day off' had given me.

A perfect day! And I'm feeling VERY grateful to 'Grandparents' right now.

Have a good Tuesday All.