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. 

An Artist's Impression

Another treasure made it's way home from preschool, for Father's Day. A framed drawing of Daddy, by Angus. And once again, it filled our hearts with love and pride to see our precious boy's impressions on the page. It also gave us a bit of a laugh, at the inclusion of a few details he may not have been so familiar with back in May... when he produced a picture of me, for Mother's Day. I love that he gave Scott clothes... and hair... and ears... in this latest work. So gorgeous. We couldn't be happier with our his and hers set. We'll hold onto these ones forever. 

Growing

First week back at preschool and I received a lovely surprise. Angus' half year report. I actually had no idea teachers even wrote reports for preschoolers, but they do and his first one ever, made me smile. I have no doubt in these early years every child's report is full of praise and encouragement. The way it should be. But seeing such lovely things written about him filled me with complete love and pride.

He is growing up so very quickly, my biggest boy. And although at times he's a handful... mostly, I'd like to hit the pause button on this precious period. I snapped a couple of quick pics the other day while waiting for an appointment. When I looked at them I saw what I already knew deep down. He's not a baby anymore. Always my baby, but not a baby.

Joining in with Faith Hope & a whole lotta Love once again, after a few week's absence, for Snap It and today's topic of: Growing.

Bunking Down

I should know by now, when a salesperson describes the assembly of an item as 'easy', never to believe them. Because they were his precise words when I purchased bunk beds for the boys. "Oh it's super easy... nothing like IKEA furniture". Threw in a little dig at IKEA while he could too. So the bunks were delivered this morning, all flat packed and neat. And three sessions, totalling five hours later, I finished those godforsaken beds. Three sessions, due to the mind warping tangle I found myself in, trying to build the frame. It was all kinds of crazy inside the three by two metre bedroom. And at many stages I thought I could literally go bananas. Missing two pages of the instructions certainly proved tricky. Thankfully, they were for the last part of the assembly and I kinda had the gist of it by then. So I winged the ladder and safety rail.


I do not know how the tradies do it. My back aches, arms are weak and hands cracked and sore. Though I am never one to back down from a challenge and I'm as stubborn as a mule when it comes to finishing something I start. They do look rather cool and I'll now add bunk beds to my list of flatpack furniture conquered. But by far the best part was seeing the look on the boy's faces. Priceless. Aches and pains and hours out of my day aside, it's worth it.

Aquarium

I remember being at a children's party many years ago and to this day I don't think I've ever seen so many presents gifted to one little person. At the time it made me feel slightly nauseous. The sheer excess staggered me and I left feeling quite uneasy about the scene I had just witnessed. Since becoming a Mama, I've started to understand the indulgence aspect somewhat... or at least more than I did back then. Grandparents and other relatives, friends and neighbours, all want to spoil babies and children. And it is their prerogative to do so. But excess when it comes to my children, still bothers me. For this reason, I generally set aside a portion of birthday and Christmas presents and gradually farm them out throughout the year. My way of helping the boys to appreciate each and every gift and the people who gave it to them. It's a personal opinion, one I feel strongly about.

I am also a firm believer that experiences can often be more enriching and rewarding than material possessions. So, for Felix's second birthday, we didn't buy any presents at all. And he was none the wiser. What we did do, was venture to the Sydney Aquarium, as a family, to celebrate in the loveliest of ways. A first for all of us and the excited squeals and wide-eyed wonder were not reserved just for the little ones. Scott and I had as much fun watching the boy's reactions, as they did experiencing them. And though Felix will almost certainly have no memory of his second birthday celebrations in the years to come. We most definitely will. 

Bright Spark

I have long admired the rainbow layer cake. With so many of them popping up around the place, every time I think to myself... I'll give that a crack one day. And my littlest babe turning two this week was the perfect opportunity to finally try it out. Phew! I am glad the boy's birthdays are six months apart. As fun as it was to bake six individual cakes and whip up two double batches of butter cream, I think I need a nice gap to prepare for the next cake inspiration to unfold.

Today we had a lovely little celebration with some wonderful friends. The children were so beautifully behaved and had a great time running around keeping warm, despite the freezing cold temperature. It seems such a long time ago when my darling Felix entered the world. Yet I remember the precious moment like yesterday. As with his big brother, I will never forget his sweet baby breath in those first seconds after he was born. As bizarre as it sounds, I honestly wish I could bottle that scent. There is simply nothing as pure and fresh. He is a dynamo, our little man, but we all adore him so very much and the spark he has brought into our lives.

Eeyore Love

We are hosting a house guest this week. Angus brought Eeyore home today, complete with diary, to fill with drawings, stories and photos, of our days together. I've heard quite a bit about this exercise over the past couple of months. And Angus could not be more thrilled to finally have his turn. He has grand plans to make Eeyore feel very much a part of the family throughout his stay... starting with an episode of Playschool on the lounge this afternoon. It quite literally warmed my heart to see. I'm also feeling almighty grateful the preschool didn't send home silk worms or an axolotl, like they did when I was at school. This one is fairly low maintenance.

Giants & Jumping

There's a never-ending supply of thoughts and ideas, flowing through the mind of a four year old. As one phase goes out, another comes in. The world of make-believe takes centre stage, with talk of wizards and magic, dinosaurs and... giants. Angus has a total pre-occupation with giants at the moment. He tells all sorts of stories about the mythical creatures. They "have hairy legs like Daddy... they're loud... and they are not allowed inside". Because naturally, they are giants. Last week, over dinner, I noticed him inspecting the ceiling in our kitchen. After some minutes, he revealed that indeed a giant "may actually fit in that room of our house... as the roof is pretty tall in there". I am fascinated by the extent of his imagination at present, it keeps me on the hop constantly.

His other obsession, is more of a physical one. The boy loves to jump. Onto things, over things, off things. This is a phase I feel may be here to stay for a while. Any opportunity to scale a set of stairs, climb a small fence or wall and shoot to the top of play equipment, is conquered with great enthusiasm. And whilst it makes me wince in anticipation of the pain that may be felt, I do find it quite amusing too. He is such a boy and some urges are obviously far too great to control. So I'll be on standby, at the ready, for come what may and just let those grey hairs take over my whole head. 

Twenty Three Months

In less than a month, my baby will be two. I started this blog when he was just five months old and I feel like this has been the best possible record of his first two years that I could ever have. I can't quite believe how quickly the months have flown, but this only acts as a reminder to savour them, for everything they are. My lovely boy is becoming so independent of late. Putting things away, helping Scott and I around the house, making us laugh with his cheeky sense of humour. Sure, he is feisty and wild and downright frustrating. He can push me to the brink and back again at times. But on the whole, he's an absolute delight. And as I've always said with Angus... I could have a dozen boys like him and still want more. But I'm grateful for just one. He's so very special to us. For a long (jealous) time there, I thought I'd never be able to say this... but these two are now like two peas in a pod.

Looking very Incredible Hulk like, busting out of his SIZE 2 Charley Bear onesie... obviously a small make.

Farewell Baby Thumb

We all breathed a small sigh of relief at the return of preschool today. I love having my biggest boy around and miss him when he's not nipping at my heels, but he NEEDS preschool these days. He's no longer the thoroughly dependent baby I held back from day care until three years of age. Nor is he the shy fellow I agonised over changing preschools for, at the end of last year. The reality is, he has grown so much this past year. In size and stature. Bursting with confidence and enthusiasm. 

I'm glad I captured a few shots of 'Baby Thumb' while the phase lasted. It is one of those adorable things I'd like to remember... but a dependency I knew had to run it's course, sooner than later. So as the habitual wrapping of the thumb has gradually slipped away, without fuss, I'm both relieved and a little saddened. Baby Thumb, we will always hold a special place for you, in our hearts. And we'll cherish these memories forever. 

Angus & 'Baby Thumb' ...three years of age