After The Storm

A few weeks back we experienced a once in a decade weather event. It was the mother of all storms and lasted for the best part of two weeks. Crazy strong winds and an absolute deluge of rain. Our local park saw a pretty significant sized tree unearthed at the roots, much to the delight of the kids in the neighbourhood (perfect cubby house opportunity). And strangely enough, our area wasn't even close to being the worst affected.

One place that really did bear the brunt of the wild and woolly conditions was the beach. Literally tonnes of sand was lifted and blown every which way. Coming to rest on footpaths, grassed reserves and even inside beachfront dwellings. So the operation undertaken to reconstruct the beach was somewhat mammoth. I have not seen anything like the number of diggers, tractors and every other type of earthmover in the same space all working at once. Let alone on a (usually) populated beach. Thinking the littlies would get a kick out of the display of action, we wandered on down for a peek. Felix was in a bit of a mood and seemed more interested in what we would pickup for lunch. And Bon Bon was just content with the breeze on her face and the sun shining down. So I think the 'big' kid ended up gaining the most satisfaction from our little adventure.

Being Mum

There is nothing easy about being a mum. It is a constant grind and even when you think you might have worked it out, you haven't. Because it never stops teaching you and all of the learning, is on the job. So much responsibility lying heavily upon your shoulders. Weighing you down, almost smothering you with each new challenge. It's relentless and at times, thankless. Some days you get to the end and wonder how on earth you are supposed to get up the next morning (or sometimes, even in an hour's time) and do it all again. Where will the strength come from? The perseverance and positivity to say 'tomorrow is another day and I will make it better than today'. 

But it comes. And you rise and you see their fresh little faces, wrinkle free and soft. Hear their chirpy voices babbling on with innocence and wonder. Not a care in the world (except for maybe when breakfast will be ready). You smell their sweet, clean hair & feel the warmth as they snuggle next to you for reassurance as they begin a new day of adventure. They need you and love you unconditionally. Because you are mum. A privilege and an honour to have received. Mother's Day prompts me to think about this enormous role I've undertaken and it reminds me of all the sacrifices my own mother made for me and my brothers. It's not easy, but it's worth it. It's what I always wanted and I know that without it, I would be lost. It has made me a better person in so many ways and for all of these things, I am grateful. 

One

My delightful girl. How is it possible that we have muddled our way through your first year of life? You arrived in our lives at a tumultuous time, but add to that turmoil, you did not. More so you were (and are) a shining beacon of light and hope. A beautiful piece of something I always wanted, yet didn't realise that fact, until they placed you in my arms. And you have brought us all nothing but joy ever since.

Your first birthday was a magic celebration. Overflowing with loving family and dear friends. Colour and noise, laughter and tears...mainly from your Mama, but of course they were happy tears of pride and gratitude. You behaved so very unlike yourself throughout the party. Quiet and reserved. Taking it all in, a near impossibility to crack even the slightest smile from your sweet face. It was a tad overwhelming for our wee Bonza...the name your Daddy and I have affectionately called you since the days when all you did was snuggle. But you still are THE BEST little snuggler. And on your first birthday, I was blessed with plenty of those, as you perched on my hip and carefully observed everyone gather around, to celebrate you and soak up the happiness you have brought to our world.

By the time we got home, you were back to your usual busy self. Pottering (yes, you did walk *just* before your first birthday!) around, getting into things, chattering and most importantly, smiling your wide, eight-toothed smile. What a year it was. One that tested and taught, overwhelmed and inspired, gifted and stole. Your sparkle was the constant that kept me going, because that's what babies (and children alike) do for a family. You have to keep on keeping on and that is a really good thing. My little ray of sunshine darling girl, you are One.