The Magic of Christmas

It doesn't take much to make me lose sight of the joy that is this time of year. I have been known to stress about everything from decorating the house, to the number of names on my gift list, to what I'm going to cook for Christmas lunch, to the overall expense of things, to the increased traffic on the roads, traffic in the shops... and so on and so on. And if I am being completely honest, the last few years, I've just struggled through the motions of the lead up to December twenty five. It's a little sad to admit actually.

But this week, has seen some incredible moments, which have kicked the season off beautifully. One of my very best friends in the world gave birth to her second child, a boy... a beautiful boy... named Toby. On Friday evening, I visited them both in the hospital... and it was just the loveliest way to spend a couple of hours. I left feeling totally intoxicated on that precious newborn glow... and I was a teeny bit excited to gift a collection of my Button Tots creations for the little sweetheart. Last night, was Scott's work Christmas party. The first one in fourteen years, I attended as a guest... because the previous thirteen, I was an employee at the company. But nothing has changed I'm pleased to say. Still lots of laughter, still lots of drinking, still lots of dancing and still a fabulous night out with friends.

Then today, the ornaments came out, the tree was dressed and this evening, the lights switched on. And the magic of Christmas is alive and well in this little home. 

Speed of Life

I'd love to be able to tell time to slow down a bit right now. Because it's flying. So many things to complete, to attend, to be involved in. Great... but crazy, all the same. Days are devoted to the boys and cleaning and shopping and catching up with friends, when we can. Nights are consumed by sewing... and more sewing. It takes time and energy and most nights, I am dog tired and dozing off on the  lounge... then the thought of a couple of hours creating, gives me just the boost I need. I'm enjoying my little business very much at this point in time.

The weekend just gone was a lovely one. On Saturday, I went along to a Baby Shower for a friend who always swore she would never have children. Deep down, I always knew she would. So it gave me great joy to put together a little bundle of Button Tots goodies as part of her gift for bubs. And I even managed to throw in a teeny tiny singlet adorned with shamrocks, to compliment Dad's Irish heritage. On Sunday, we hit the beach, as a family... and it was glorious. A perfect (almost) Summer's day, by the sea. That, is the speed I like my life to travel at. 

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. 

Who Knew?

I have always loved children. I knew from a young age that I wanted to have babies and be a mother. So at nineteen when I met my first serious boyfriend, I thought I was ready to start a family. And if fate hadn't stepped in and changed my course, I probably would have been married by twenty one, with a baby on the way. How lucky I am that someone was watching over me, because I was so. not. ready. 

But ten years on, married to the true love of my life, paying a mortgage and working hard... the time was right. I'd look at mothers endeavouring to control wayward toddlers in the shops and would wonder just what they were doing wrong. How they were unable to make their child take notice and listen and understand. Surely if they were kind and loving and nurtured that little one, then they wouldn't be having meltdowns of epic proportions in public? At work, I would quietly stew when colleagues spoke of their children unfavourably. How they came to work to get away from them and I recall one woman in particular quite unashamedly admitted she just could not be with her children full time. All of this baffled me somewhat, as I knew once my babies were born, I would want to savour every single minute of time with them and definitely not choose to be running back to work, to escape them?

And now, almost five years into motherhood, I finally see the flipside. Daily. It is so bloody hard. I want to love and adore and do every possible thing under the sun for my boys. And for the most part, I do. But my pre-conceived ideas of parenthood and raising children have totally come to bite me on the proverbial. Those notions of reasoning with screaming two year olds and spending each hour of each day playing and laughing and learning... well, they have flown out the window. It's intense, it's relentless, it's exhausting, it's frustrating and more often than not, incredibly thankless. I am at the tail end of a pretty exceptional year in some regards. A year that has sped by at the speed of light in parts and in others, dragged on mercilessly. I find myself asking 'why didn't anyone tell me it was going to be this hard', a lot lately. And then I remember, that's right, they did. I just didn't want to hear it. Some things you gotta experience, to appreciate. Now I know, twenty nine is quite young enough to take on the responsibility of being a Mama. 

When all is said and done, I love (and will forever love) them unconditionally. Would be impossible not to.

Festive Range

Just more of the same this week. Busy Mama, busy boys, busy Dada, busy house. Angus had his orientation for big school on Wednesday and I was remarkably less nervous than I thought I'd be. Nostalgic, emotional... yes. Nervous, no. I was proud of him and how he took it all on board with a smile and unbridled enthusiasm. I have no doubt come the end of January, I'll be a wreck. But for now, we're all excited and looking forward to the next chapter. The guys have almost finished the kitchen and yard. All that remains to be completed are the splash-backs in the kitchen... an integral part of the overall aesthetics, because currently it's an ugly space, full of holes and gyprock. I have been cooking up a storm however and loving my new appliances and huge amount of bench space. Scott has been in Melbourne on work and I managed to squeeze in a dinner with my mother's group gals last night when he got home, always a great night out.

The other thing keeping this Mama extra busy is my little Button Tots business. Absolutely loving creating new pieces, whipping up custom designs and delivering finished products to some beautiful customers and supporters. I am in no way ready for Christmas... though my range tells a different story. Button Tots now has a small selection of festive singlets, onesies and tees just in time for the lead up to December twenty five... and some cuties to model them. So much fun!

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.

Little Pirates

So another week rolls by in a blur and sadly, I find myself writing about our life and day to day experiences less and less. And at the moment, not a day goes by where I don't think that I have bitten off more than I can chew with the various things I'm undertaking. But I'll slow down and stop to breathe... next week, I'm sure of it.

On Wednesday we went on a fabulous outing to the Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour. And we have the gorgeous Karla from Ironmum Karla to thank for that. She kindly thought of us when offered passes for a special pirate experience, to which she could not attend... and we gratefully accepted, thank you Karla. WOW, the boys had an absolute blast! From a guided tour to free play time and a delicious morning tea, then on to the Pirates Adventure Land, for even more hands on fun. It was a great morning. The perfect place for a couple of rowdy buccaneers.