Five Years

A friend once said to me that a child's birthday is as much a celebration for the parents as it is for the child. At the time, I smiled and nodded along, having very little understanding of how true that statement actually was. On the weekend we celebrated Felix's fifth birthday. Our spirited and loving middle child. Never before has that notion felt stronger than it did as I reminisced the past five years. Five long, challenging years, filled with just so much of everything. As I sat in the park and played cars with Angus, while Bonny napped in her pram and Felix occupied himself just near us, I felt a fond twinge of nostalgia flood over me. I remembered the day before Felix was born five years ago so vividly. Those days when our family was small, in comparison to now. When my attention was directed onto one little being. How simple, in hindsight, things really were back then. And how complicated, at times, things are now. It was poignant that I was able to spend that hour or so sitting in the warm Winter sun, playing cars with my big boy. A fitting way to reflect. Then the following day we all lost ourselves in the excitement that is turning a whole new number. A number Felix has been waiting to turn for such a long time. And he enjoyed every moment of his day. From their footy games in the morning, to his party with dear friends in the afternoon. Seeing his little freckle dusted face filled with joy meant everything to his Daddy and I. We've travelled a bumpy road with our beautiful boy and learnt more than we ever thought possible in the process. Definitely something worth celebrating. 

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. 

Super Parks

Ah, the surreal world of the theme park. I was an adult the first time I set foot in one. It was Dream World, with my best friend and we loved it! I missed out on the adventure park type holidays as a kid, so I'm making up for lost time with my own children. And it was a little extreme. Scott and I decided to choose the three park super pass option to get the most value and varied experiences. Oh my, the energy of it all. A complete overdose for the senses. But incredible fun and such wonderful memories to take with us. Dinosaur Island at Sea World was a personal fave. So life-like, the boys are still not entirely convinced the prehistoric beasts haven't made a comeback. 

Twenty Twelve... Over & Out

Twenty Twelve was a massive year. Brilliant in many ways, not so brilliant in others. But that's a year. So much happens and we're left at the end wondering just where the time went.

And we saw twenty twelve out in the nicest of ways. New Year's Eve, at home, with great friends, christening our new outdoor space. We also took the opportunity to celebrate our big boy's birthday. Five this week and I am shaking my head about where those years have gone. He is such a character these days, with a beautiful little sense of humour, a kind heart and so much love for his family and friends. He changed my life on that Summer's day five years ago, and along with his brother, will always be the best thing I have done. 

Slow Motion

I've always said it, that the more I have to do, the longer I take to get it all done. This week has been no exception. Mostly, I felt as though everything was moving very quickly around me... but I, was in slow motion. My own little coping mechanism, at this crazy time of year. We attended Angus' end of year concert at preschool and it was absolutely adorable. Brought tears to my eyes, that's for certain. Something about watching a class of four year olds sing The Lion Sleeps Tonight, just got to me.

We celebrated the fifth birthday of a very special young man, with a lovely pool party and lots of fun and laughter. Today, we hit the beach, as the temperature soared... and enjoyed a tasty, greasy, lunch of fish and chips, in a cabana overlooking the ocean. And I have continued to receive THE most gorgeous photos from friends and customers, with their precious babes sporting Button Tots creations. Easily the best part about this small business of mine. 

MYLO XYLOTO

Twelve years ago, Coldplay released one of their first ever hit singles, Yellow. It coincided with an incredibly happy and special time in my life. When Scott and I went from mates, to a couple. So each and every time I hear it played, I get goosebumps and sometimes tears in my eyes, but always a huge smile across my face. And for the last twelve years, Coldplay seem to of written the soundtrack to our relationship. In my eyes anyway.

Last night, a dream became reality. We saw them live in concert. I am running up quite a playlist of fabulous bands and world class acts, of who I've had the pleasure and fortune of seeing in the flesh. Coldplay have just been bumped to the top of that list. Scott and I have experienced some magnificent nights out in our time together and this one was no exception. Just like that crazy young(er) couple from twelve years ago, all wild and free (for the night anyway), we drank and danced and sang song after song at the top of our lungs. I was literally transported to another world, under a shower of colour and sparkle and music. A night I never want to forget. Ever. 

To all the girls

The boys have so many girl friends in their lives. Because most of my friends have daughters. Which is kinda nice for me, as I have all of these little surrogate daughters, to spoil and adore. And watching them grow up with my boys, makes me love them like family. The last couple of weekends we've celebrated two of those special princesses birthdays. There is certainly something lovely about a girly party. Takes me back to those fabulous childhood days of pink and pretty, once again. I feel very lucky to be part of these memorable moments and I'm glad the boys can be exposed to a splash of feminine influence too.