Just a little bit of you

project gratitude: 0201

2012-02-01T20:14:00.001+11:00

February 1: Today I am grateful for this...

project gratitude: 0131

2012-01-31T21:34:00.001+11:00

January 31: Today I am grateful that Tilly slept well during the day. Hoping she does the same tonight.

project gratitude: 0130

2012-01-31T17:32:00.001+11:00

January 30: Today I am grateful for
• Sleepy cuddles
• Iced chocolates
• Coworkers admiring Tilly
• the chance to cook a few meals to freeze
• a relaxing little sit outside with Matilda this afternoon in the warm shade.
• that Toby had a good first day back at work

project gratitude: 0129

2012-01-29T23:41:00.001+11:00

January 29: Today I am grateful for neighbours who deliver homemade dark chocolate ice cream for our dessert, for a return to better sleep for Tilly and a husband who is willing and able to work and support us. Can't believe it's just Tilly and I tomorrow!

project gratitude: 0128

2012-01-29T03:13:00.001+11:00

January 28: Today I am grateful for a visit to the shops, solo- not for anything exciting, just to get some photos developed and a few groceries, but I am very blessed to have a husband who is confident, willing and able to care for our child for an hour.

I am also grateful (and a little in denial!) for my current weight. For the first time since it must be childhood, I have a healthy (ideal) BMI. My weight now starts with a 7, and I can not remember a time when that was the case. The challenge will be to keep it off post breastfeeding.

I am grateful that my friend Jules has found her love and that we could celebrate that together today at her kitchen tea... And that Matilda slept through most of it. :)

project gratitude: 0127

2012-01-27T21:07:00.001+11:00

January 27: Today I am grateful for friends. We had a few people come today who we hadn't seen in a while and it was great to see them. For some it was the first time they'd met Matilda (Jon and Ross) and for others it was a repeat visit (Mary and Jen, mum and dad).

with Rossco Man

I am also grateful for laughter. I was saying to Tobes just the other day that I think we have been laughing more since Tilly was born. I'm not sure if it's fatigue that fuels our giggles or not, but we laugh everyday. Recent triggers include

me spilling my water bottle in the middle of a 2am feed. It went all over Tilly, Toby, me and our bed. Toby was fast asleep but woke up with a face that assumed I'd tipped it over him deliberately. Funny! (and luckily it was a warm night).
me whispering to Toby (when Tilly was sleeping) to put her in the pink sleeping bag and Toby answering loudly, repeating "PUT HER IN THE PINK" several times. We knew it wasn't that funny but we both lost it! Fatigue can be very humorous.
Toby declaring that Tilly looked like one of those plastic monkeys from the Barrel of Monkeys game. See pictures below.

For Tilly getting some sleep now (finally) after not much today.

For therapeutic ultrasound that may move this lump and prevent mastitis.

For Skype that lets me talk to my friend Sarah and introduce her to Tilly all the way away in Cairns, Queensland.

Lastly, I am grateful for old family friends that love and care for us from a distance. Ann lives in Queensland and has known me since before I was born. Look what she made my Tilly and sent in the mail today!

fill the blanks: travel

2012-01-27T20:04:00.000+11:00

Lauren is another new mum, and as I often to, I am filling the blanks from over at her blog.

1. My favorite place i've ever traveled to is Italy. I loved the weather, the language, the food, the wine, the sights, the landscape. We made a souvenir there... our Tilly! :)

2. Africa is somewhere I'd love to go someday.

3. I pass the time on a plane (or bus, or car ride or train) by reading, playing with my iphone and watching the in flight entertainment.

4. My three must-haves when I travel are my camera, my journal and a good companion.

5. My favorite travel companion is Tobes.

6. The craziest thing that ever happened to me while traveling is that there was a tsunami warning on the first night of our honeymoon. We had arrived in the Cook Islands late the night before and were sleeping in. There was a knock on our door from management informing us that the Pacific Tsunami Warning System had been activated and that we should inform them before we went anywhere. What we didn't know was that the tsunami had already hit American Samoa with devastating effects and that the other side of our island had been affected also, with all the water exiting the harbour!

7. The most exotic food I've ever tried while traveling is raw fish 'cooked' in lime and coconut juice.

8. If I could live anywhere else, I'd live in... that is hard. If I could take my friends and family with me, I think that I'd be happy to go anywhere. But today I would choose Tasmania. It's that island at the bottom of Australia (that many people who are not from Australia forget about). It is full of wilderness and clean air and it's gorgeous.

9. I have been to four

states in the U.S.

I don't know that we will be travelling too far from home for a little while now!

project gratitude: 0126

2012-01-26T22:02:00.001+11:00

January 26: Today I am grateful for a quiet day at home and time alone as a family. For the ability to nourish my baby (even when it hurts). For a sleeping girl who snuggles in my arms. For daytime naps. For fireworks on Australia Day that can be seen from our yard. For potatoes with dinner that were cooked just right! For the sweetness of Tilly in a dress for the first time! And that she likes tummy time.

project gratitude: 0125

2012-01-26T18:52:00.000+11:00

January 25: Today I am grateful that Tilly and I left the house together alone for the first time without Tobes. We went to mother's group and it was good to see the mums and bubs again. It looks like there are people in the group that are willing to continue on afterwards and it seems like there are people that I will connect with naturally too. I wasn't nervous about going out with her alone, but it did feel strange to go somewhere without Tobes. We had a lovely little visit from Jennie (from school) in the afternoon and I had a wonderful nap (which was much needed after a night of VERY broken sleep the night before).

There is so much to be thankful for!

Source: peasinourpod.com via Beck on Pinterest

project gratitude: 0124

2012-01-24T22:06:00.001+11:00

January 24: Today I am grateful for lactation consultants! Heather is brilliant and I still can't believe that it is a free service. Thank you God! We weighed Tilly today. She now weighs 4.07kgs... 9lbs. No failure to thrive here!

And, I have a sweet baby asleep already. I'm going to follow now. Night all.

project gratitude: 0123

2012-01-23T22:32:00.001+11:00

January 23rd: Today I am grateful for skinny jeans and tops in a size smaller than pre pregnancy!
For clean sheets and restored carpet post a poo explosion!

project gratitude: 0122

2012-01-22T21:38:00.001+11:00

January 22: Today I am grateful

that we got to church for the first time since Tilly was born. It was great to see familiar faces who are excited to share in the joy of her birth with us. She even got a welcome from the front and a mention in the weekly newsletter!

for a veranda around our house that makes a great spot for tummy time on a hot day.

that Tilly is a good car traveler. We had a lovely lunch today with
Raya, Duncan and Macy and got to see little Winton again- just one week older than Tilly.

for smiles and eye contact from this little girl! Precious!

project gratitude: 0121

2012-01-21T20:58:00.001+11:00

January 21: Today I am grateful

• for the chance to eat sweet treats like the cupcake below now that my gestational diabetes have passed.

• for teacher friends from school who visited today.

• that Tilly let me have a few naps today after our roughest night to date. She has been struggling a bit with wind so it was good to see her in less pain today.

getting some sleep after a long night

cupcakes from Nicole

snugles

project gratitude: 0120

2012-01-20T21:20:00.001+11:00

January 20: Today I am grateful

• that Tilly slept the whole way home from the beach in the car.

• for laughter! It's hard not to laugh when little miss decides to poo when you're changing a nappy... And it travels over a metre to hit a door and the floor. This is a new developmental stage for Tilly where she feels the need to empty her bladder and bowel just as the dirty nappy is removed from the table. It's a gift!

• for 15minute naps that feel much longer

project gratitude: 0119

2012-01-20T21:14:00.001+11:00

January 19: Today I am grateful that mum and dad have a house by the beach. We decided yesterday to head down to the beach for a few nights to have a relax and some time with mum and dad. We haven't done much. I've fed most of the time but it's good to be able to do it without worrying about cleaning the house or cooking meals. And mum and dad are beside themselves to share Tilly- offering to help and to cuddle!
We also took Matilda to the beach tonight in the baby Bjorn. I was very excited to take her down for a quick stop and she got to meet some of our friends too from when we used to camp there too.

Proper (non iPhone) photos to come in a later post.

Tilly having a cuddle with dad

one of my favourite onesies

project gratitude: 0118

2012-01-18T21:17:00.001+11:00

January 18: Today I am grateful for

• my doctor who makes special appointments for us

• our first mothers group meeting- they seem nice!

• some quiet days ahead. I love visitors but I'm also feeling a bit tired and am looking forward to a few days of down time.

project gratitude: 0117

2012-01-17T19:52:00.001+11:00

January 17: Today I am grateful
• for air conditioning!
• that my mum prepared tonight's dinner and vacuumed our house today.
• that Tilly is more settled today and back to 'normal'.
• for the advice and support of friends on Facebook- even those who I knew many years ago for only a short period of time.
• that our Christmas tree and decorations are packed away for another year (at last!).

And because she's so cute...

in my bed getting ready for a snooze

what are you looking at?

Project gratitude: 0116

2012-01-16T20:42:00.000+11:00

January 16: Today I am grateful for

warm, sunny days that allow me to line dry my clothes

Snuggles with these two and the chance to take photos of my daughter... I can't believe that I am a mum!

this face... even when she is unsettled, feeding every hour (growth spurt?), sleeping for short periods and vomiting all over me, mid-feed, just after a shower, twice in a short period of time.

project gratitude: 0115

2012-01-15T18:49:00.001+11:00

January 15: Today I am grateful

that today is Sunday and that Toby didn't have to go to work. It was a longer than normal night and Tilly was unsettled with wind and maybe even feeling a bit cold. It was great to be able to sleep in when she did this morning.
for sun-shiny days that make it comfortable to sit outside.
that I vacuumed the back of the house today (less Sandy tumbleweed for the moment!).

that Diana, our student midwife, was able to visit for one last time. And for her involvement in following through the pregnancy with us.
I am most grateful for this man. Today I have found myself a little overwhelmed with love for him, and for the love that he has for me. Such a blessing. I still can't believe that we went out, let alone that we got engaged, and married and now that we have a baby. I wonder if it will ever sink in?!

project gratitude: 0114

2012-01-15T18:38:00.001+11:00

January 14: Today I am grateful for special friends who visited today, who love Matilda and have supported us through our pregnancy. I know that they'll be there in the years to come too.

Also grateful for the lunch that Mat, AM, Jack and Steve brought. I LOVE hanging out with these guys!

The most beautiful girl in the world

2012-01-14T09:56:00.001+11:00

I dare you to disagree with me!

project gratitude: 0113

2012-01-13T17:46:00.002+11:00

January 13: Today has been a full and wonderful day.

Tilly slept for her normal 7 or so hours overnight and woke snuggly. It's been the busiest day of visitors yet, but there's also been some down time.

Lois (Gran) visited this morning and brought with her the label for the quilt that she's made... too cute! Her and Tobes went out for an hour or two while Tilly and I cuddled at home.

Bec came for a visit and brought Emily with her. Amazing to see what a difference 4 weeks makes to the growth of a baby- though Milly was around 1kg heavier than Tilly at birth! It's very special to have old friends to share this special time with. Matilda got her first set of labels (which I was VERY excited about!).

We swapped babies!

Then.... such a treat! I checked my work email last night (seriously something that I do not do) and found an email from Monique and Morgyn, written just an hour or two earlier. I taught Morgyn for grade 2 in 2010 before they moved to Sydney (sniff) at the end of that year. We have emailed occasionally through that time but not seen each other. Fate had it that they were in Melbourne today and they wanted to know if we were free for a visit. I could not say no! SO lovely to see them after more than a year.
As a teacher, each child I teach has a special place in my heart, but there are some families that you work with who lodge themselves a little deeper. These guys are one of those families. It was brilliant to see Pops again (and we were glad that Toby's hot chocolate got an 8/10!). Just sad that Jenna couldn't make it too!

We will be spoiled with a meal from friends tonight and we have some in the fridge ready for others. I am grateful for friends caring for us through meals in this way. Thank you!

project gratitude: 0112 part 2

2012-01-12T22:27:00.001+11:00

And snuggles with this hairy one..,

project gratitude: 0112

2012-01-12T20:58:00.003+11:00

January 12 : Today I am grateful for

3am interactions

Sandy getting along with his little sister

visits from friends

project gratitude: 0111

2012-01-12T20:51:00.003+11:00

January 11 : Today I am grateful for

my first sushi rolls in over 9 months

my little family

a daddy that loves his daughter

project gratitude: 0110

2012-01-10T20:31:00.001+11:00

January 10- Today I am grateful that we got out of the house for the first time. We had an adjustment with Auntie Anth, got Sandy some new cat food and picked up some bits and pieces from the chemist.

We also had a lovely visit with Toby's mum and she gave us a gorgeous quilt she's made. Mum and dad also visited for a bit this afternoon. Lovely to see special people but also looking forward to a quieter day tomorrow. Have discovered that mornings are best for visitors.

for sweet milk drunk smiles

and a (small) glass of wine with dinner

project gratitude: 0109

2012-01-10T20:29:00.001+11:00

January 9- Today I am grateful for

Lansinoh cream... EVERY breastfeeding mum needs this (and Ural!)

Fitting into my jeans and feeling good about myself

Visits from family... that mum now has a granddaughter and my nephews have a cousin!

project gratitude: 0108

2012-01-10T20:23:00.004+11:00

January 8th- I am grateful for

this smile

taking home this little girl

finishing pregnancy lighter than I started!

project gratitude: 0107

2012-01-10T20:18:00.002+11:00

January 7- I am grateful for

a daughter who is well after a very rough night with pediatrician visits and blood tests.
normal blood sugar levels in Tilly.
high level, caring midwives.
being treated like a normal mum and not someone with a sick baby.
Cooper being able to cuddle Tilly, and being so excited about it!

project gratitude: 0106

2012-01-07T23:10:00.001+11:00

Our little girl! Born safely (at last!) at 9:05am. Rubbish iPhone photos follow but many posts on Tilly to come!

project gratitude: 0105

2012-01-05T14:02:00.001+11:00

January 5- I am grateful for lots of things...

for a pregnancy that has got to full term
for a beautiful smelling rose that we found on our morning walk
for a husband who rubs my back when needed
for a cat who always sits in the window waiting for us to come home
for Tobes deciding to take annual leave prior to family leave so that he's here to support me. Love him!

project gratitude: 0104

2012-01-04T16:35:00.001+11:00

January 4- Today I am grateful for the safe birth of Baby Beer- welcome Theo William! Also for the technology that lets us see photos of him so far away.

project gratitude: 0103

2012-01-03T19:44:00.001+11:00

January 3- Today I am grateful that I got to take a photo of me at 40 weeks pregnant, particularly as they were initially very keen to induce at 38-39 weeks due to gestational diabetes. I'm grateful too that after today's appointment at the hospital, they are happy to let me go another week because she is going so well.

project gratitude: 0101 & 0102

2012-01-03T14:15:00.000+11:00

January 1- for my first omelette cooked by me! Toby is a master omelette maker but I rose to the challenge today and did quite well!

January 2- for swims in mum and dad's pool on hot days

Project Gratitude

2012-01-03T14:06:00.002+11:00

Source

I have decided that this year I will try to take a photo (around about) daily and post them here of things I am grateful for.

There are a few people who do projects like this for the year. I'm not sure how long I'll last, but I'm sure that there will be moments this year where I will need to stop and take in the small moments, when life seems a bit overwhelming. I'm also sure that there will be days where my heart is swelling with gratitude and when I will be tempted to take hundreds of photos!

Posts will be tagged as Project Gratitude. If you would like to play along, comment at the bottom and track back to your blog, or just write something that you've been grateful for that day or week. It will be fun to play along together and to have a collection of our blessings by the end of 2012.

What 40 weeks looks like

2012-01-03T13:57:00.002+11:00

It was VERY hot last night and it was very hard to sleep, but I got a few hours in the end and survived my first consistent night of strong Braxton Hicks. I also managed a 3 hour 'nap' this morning when things had cooled a little and feel much more prepared today for if anything happens. Off to the hospital soon for our check up.

Watch this space!

Fill the blank: New Years

2011-12-31T10:55:00.000+11:00

I'm playing along with Lauren again for the last time this year. :)

This time next week I may have a daughter... that is very strange! I hope that you guys have a lovely night tonight and a wonderful 2012!

Now... to the blanks...

1. New Years is sometimes overrated! I enjoy the start of a new year and the fresh slate that it offers, but I think that people make too much of the new years eve celebrations and then are disappointed. My favourite nights have always been spent with close friends getting together for dinner and a few drinks.

2. One of my New Year's resolutions will be to settle into life as a family of 3 and to be the best mum I can be!

3. A New Year's resolution I've made in the past was to lose weight and keep it off. That was around 5-6 years ago. I've pretty much done it! :)

4. The most time consuming resolution I ever made was probably the weight loss one. It took a good couple of years to get to goal.

5. This year I will be spending New Year's Eve with Toby. It will either be a very quiet night at home, most likely going to bed around 9:30pm, with Toby going to sleep earlier and me tossing and turning until midnight... OR it will be an eventful night in the hospital! :)

6. If I could wish one thing for my new year it would be to have a healthy little girl and for Tobes and I to be great parents, while maintaining our relationship at the same time.

7. 2012 is going to be monumentally different to any other! Full of changes and challenges, highs and lows and lots of firsts!

Nursery Tour

2011-12-30T22:00:00.001+11:00

Hi everyone! I hope that you are all managing to stay cool as the temperatures begin to climb.
Can you believe that we are nearly at the end of 2011? 2012 will be here before we know it!

I've been promising my interstate friend Sarah photos of the baby's nursery for far to long... here they are... lots of them!
I hope that you like them.
I'm a bit smitten with this room.
I find myself nesting in here most days now. It is most certainly the neatest and most organised room in the house... but I can't promise it will stay that way for long! ;)

Who completes you?

2011-12-28T10:28:00.000+11:00

Source: spiritualinspiration.tumblr.com via Beck on Pinterest

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-26T16:38:00.000+11:00

8am: Awoken from deep sleep. Opened a few pressies in bed before showering and having some breakfast (Toby decided on hindsight that the leftover trifle probably wasn't the best choice).

Toby with his European beer stash

I was directed to my email account and a voucher to spend on scrapbooking goodies!

9-9:40am: Church, where we giggled as we watched this...

9:40-10:50am: Back home to prepare for the rest of the day.

11am: Arrive at mum and dad's to collect a bottle of vino from the offsite 'cellar' for lunch.

11:30am-5pm: Christmas Lunch at Lois' place with Anth, Frank and friends of Lois, Ray and June.

My cheese platter

Lois' lovely table

Lois tucking into lunch!

Anth and Frank getting into the bon-bons

Tobes and I about to start lunch... actually, I think that Tobes may have started!

My lunch... yum!

After lunch we took a fair break, to digest lunch and open our pressies!

Pressie time! Frank loved his electric guitar from Anth.

Anth and Lois opening pressies

Back to the kitchen and then to the table to enjoy our dessert!

Assembling desserts

Lois pouring the flaming brandy over the pudding

Pudding time!

Anth's meringues with double cream, mulled berries and organic fresh berries!

5pm: Realised the time and thought it best to get to my mum and dad's.

After a little sit down, we decided it was present time!

6pm: The heavens opened and we got something of a white Christmas!

6:30pm: Dinner time... leftover cold meat and salads, then the obligatory pineapple pudding. It's not Christmas without it!

9pm: Home time for us. Just enough time for a sit on the couch, a snuggle with Sandy and an earlyish night.

Christmas has come and gone again for another year! I hope that yours was wonderful.
What did you get up to?

Ho Ho Ho!

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000+11:00

Source: mufninc.blogspot.com via Beck on Pinterest

Our last Christmas as a family of 2

2011-12-24T22:21:00.000+11:00

We had some fun playing with the camera tonight and I am quite happy with how they turned out.
Next year there will be another little person in these photos (on the outside that is!).

Wishing you all a Christmas filled with love and peace.

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T22:18:00.000+11:00

It's been hot here in Melbourne the last few days and the air-con received a workout today.

There's been cleaning and cooking, wrapping and wriggling (from a certain little lady!) and eating and unwrapping tonight with my immediate family. They came over to our house for dinner and I think that it's given me a taste of what it could be like to host Christmas. Maybe next year?! :)

Here are some photos from today. I love Christmas!

Fill the Blanks: Christmas!

2011-12-24T10:55:00.002+11:00

Here we are again. It's (just past) Friday and tomorrow is Christmas Day! :) Here are my Christmas blanks from Lauren.

1. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is spending time with those you love and singing Christmas songs- the oldies and the newies!

2. The thing I love most about Christmas is the childhood wonder of it all. I love the lights, the Christmas story, the traditions, the food and spending time with family and friends. I also love the it signals time for relaxing and easing into the Summer holidays.

3. The holiday season is a time for spending with family and friends and for thanking God for the best Christmas gift- Jesus!

4. My favorite thing to eat at the holidays is .... ooo! This is hard! Usually I would say that I love the shortbread and gingerbread, shortbread cased mince pies and my spiced biscuits and our family's traditional Pineapple Pudding, but I won't have too much of that this year! I love a proper ham and roast lunch... yum!

5. I will be spending Christmas with my immediate family on Christmas Eve night, then Christmas lunch we will share with Toby's mum, sister and her partner and some friends of my MIL. Dinner will be a small 'left-overs' affair with mum and dad and their place, and maybe some taggers along from their lunch.

6. Tis better to (give or receive?) At Christmas time, the giving! But birthdays are all about the receiving! :) My mum is a real gift giver though so I don't really have to choose between one or the other!

7. I'm dreaming of a calm, fun Christmas that's not too hot!

Merry Christmas all!

xoxo

Interactive place value

2011-12-19T14:10:00.001+11:00

GREAT site for explaining trading and place value.

More similar manipulatives here.

Card Games

2011-12-19T13:58:00.002+11:00

Just want to remember this site for when the kids are a little bigger... or I'm back in the classroom!

Baby shower: Part 3

2011-12-16T07:30:00.000+11:00

One of my favourite parts of the baby shower was the line of onesies that guests could write their advice on. Simple and sweet.

One more little fun challenge. Wait and see if anyone got it right!

My family birthday celebration

2011-12-15T14:30:00.000+11:00

Just a few photos from my family birthday dinner on Sunday night. Very low key after the baby shower.

Ty and Coops help me to open my pressies

What is it Cooper?!

CAKE TIME!

Baby shower: Part 2

2011-12-15T07:30:00.001+11:00

Yesterday I left you with food, friends and the promise of games. Here they are!

I had to dress a doll in a nappy, bib and onesie against my 'toughest competition'... my mum and mother in law! I won! :)

Mum giving it her best and earning 2nd place

Lois and I doing our best

Nearly finished there (after one poor baby lost it's nappy!)

Once the dressing was done, the guests were invited to cut a piece of string that was (meant to be!) the circumference of my belly. Kat just beat Rach in that challenge, but I must say, my friends think that I'm a heifer! ;)

Measuring up Modelling my 'bump'.

Everyone gathering the length of their string...

Kat with the winning length!

After all of our games, it was time for more food and the opening of presents. I was VERY spoiled! Here are a few of the goodies...

Before long it was time to go, but there were people to thank...

Mary and Anth... baby shower planning champions!

The mums... for all their help on the day.

My lovely Tobes, who is going to be a GREAT dad!

And dad... who in traditional style, returned from his bike ride with the boys, walked into the back room and yelled that it was time for everyone to leave! Mary of course, not to be outdone, announced that the stripper had arrived and dad began to take off his shirt. Yes... this little girl may need counselling with her family and friends, but she will be well loved!

Tomorrow... some last minute advice from the shower...

It's a baby shower!

2011-12-15T07:30:00.000+11:00

I was so spoiled on Sunday when Anthea and Mary hosted a baby shower for our little girl. It was so special having the girls together and celebrating the upcoming new little one! The shower was held at our home so that everyone could have a squiz at her nursery. :)

The girls went all out with decorating and creating food that was delicious (even for those of us on restricted diets at the moment!). They set to work early, setting tables and decorating. My mum and mother in law also helped with the food and setting up. And Rachel was a trooper when clean up time happened!

The decorating begins!

Some of the delicious food... including the infamous meatloaf cupcakes.

One of the styles of fabric bunting

Punch and pretty things

Love, love, love this!

Over the kitchen bench

Once the place was looking FANTASTIC it was time for the guests to arrive! :)

We mingled for a while at the start...

With my friend Raya who is also due early January !

hello Jules and Jen!

lovely to see Em again (her mum is a master quilter!). Enjoying the food table with Rach.

Ish with Mary and Anth

Carolyn and Ish- we've been friends since year 7.

It was soon time for games.

37 weeks

2011-12-14T15:17:00.001+11:00

I've borrowed this from Erin over here... I can't believe that I am 'full term'!

How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain? around 5 kgs

Maternity clothes? Jeans West maternity skinny jeans, belly bands, simple tops and cardis... boots the last few days (it's turned cold again!)

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: It's been better but it's also been worse. I'm waking every few hours for the toilet. Waking early in the morning (around 6am).

Best moment this week: My baby shower... it was so lovely to celebrate with all those lovely ladies! (more on that soon!) It was also fun for mum to come along to an ultrasound with me last week and to have the doctors say that they're most likely going to let me get to term now rather than induce!

Miss anything: I've really been feeling like comfort food this week... hot chips and chocolate. I also miss sharing an occasional bottle of wine with Tobes.

Movement: Yes. Though it's more wriggling now, not kicks.

Food cravings: not really

Anything make you queasy or sick: Nope

Gender: Girl!!!

Labor signs: Nesting a lot! Braxton Hicks (they're starting to hurt!), changes in bathroom (sorry if that's TMI!)

Symptoms: Starting to get more tired in the last week. Some more painful braxton hicks.

Belly button in or out? In, but more 'open' than it used to be. I can 'pop' it out but it doesn't stay.

Wedding rings on or off? Still on.

Happy or moody most of the time? Feeling happy and well... really feeling the healthiest I have in years.

Looking forward to: Meeting our little girl and getting her home. It would be kind of cool to have her here for
Christmas but I'm not sure that I like our chances!

Busy rest day

2011-12-13T23:30:00.001+11:00

Today was a quieter one and I loved it. It was certainly productive though.

Not long to go now :)

Fill the blank: Love

2011-12-09T16:19:00.001+11:00

It's Friday and you know what that means.... following with Lauren

1. Love is a real blessing. It is what makes people do amazing things for others. Love it more than a feeling, it is a choice, a commitment and a constant putting of others ahead of yourself.

2. Being in love feels like being invincible. Those warm, fuzzy feelings in your tummy. The feeling that you don't need to eat or sleep! That everything is right with the world when the two of you are together.

3. My favorite quote about love is "Spread love everywhere you go: First of all in your own house... let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness". -- Mother Teresa

4. The most important thing in a relationship is integrity. That means respecting the other person, communicating what you are thinking and feeling, being honest and honouring the commitment that you have made to each other. Having integrity brings trust.

5. A "deal breaker" for me in a relationship is the other person not honouring the promises that they made to me and not being willing to work on improving things.

6. The way I show love in my relationships is by seeking to put the other person first and to make their day better in some way. Doing little things that I know that they like. Sharing the load and taking some of theirs if I can.

7. I love Tobes!

What about you? What do you think about love?

Have a great weekend!

It's my birthday!

2011-12-08T17:33:00.001+11:00

The lemon curd bites that I'd like to eat tonight if I could!
Source

Today I turn 31! :)
Who can answer this for me? Why is it that the older we get, the less exciting birthdays feel?

That said, the day has been quite fun. Better than I expected.

I had breakfast with 2 girl friends at home this morning, then headed in to school for the Junior Unit Christmas party. It was lovely to see the kids and to catch up with some parents (hi Trudi!).

Tobes treated me this morning with a new laptop. :) My 'old' one is leased from school so won't be mine for much longer. I'm looking forward to using the new one. So much more room and more powerful so I can actually do some photo things on it too. Could be good if I decide to start my photography business in the next few years.

Tonight we're off for dinner at a favourite Vietnamese restaurant to celebrate with Lois (Toby's mum), Anthea (Toby's sister) and Frank (Anthea's partner).

And Tobes just came home with a lovely bunch of flowers for me. Beautiful!

I have the air-conditioner on here. It's 30 degrees Celsius and for the first time this pregnancy, I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable.

31 before 31.. how did I go?

2011-12-08T12:01:00.001+11:00

In January this year I blogged about a list I put together. It was called 31 before 31.
It listed 31 things that I wanted to achieve by today, my 31st birthday.
Let's have a look and see how I went!

1. ~~See the Eifel Tower~~- done!

This was an amazing experience. We found Paris to be a place of real contrasts- rich/poor, clean/dirty, fancy/slobby...but I LOVED this part of our time in Paris. I'd get excited each time we saw the tour and we walked by it every night. Of course, the night we (finally) had the chance to go to the top of the tour was extra special because it was on that day that we discovered we were pregnant.

2. ~~Go on The Sound of Music tour~~- done!

The hills were alive indeed. Lots of singing and movie references were scattered around our 3 nights in Salzburg. This has been a favourite movie of mine for years. As a child I would get up very early in the morning to watch it before school (crazy I know!). It was amazing to be where it was all set- to feel like I was living in the movie. Even Toby was blown away by the beauty of the area.

3. ~~Eat pizza... & gelati & cheese & tomatoes & wine in Italy~~- done!

And with style. I would return to Italy in a heartbeat. It would be AWFUL to have diabetes in Italy- their pasta and focaccia and pizza is amazing. It's worth travelling there for the food alone. Eat, pray, love had it right when you go to Italy to eat! Cheap wine, fresh seafood, simple food. I don't think that I've ever been happier after eating than I was in Italy. The forth photo in the top row is representative of how we returned home each night from our evening meals. Big smiles across our faces and feeling very satisfied. It's no surprise that bubs was 'made in Italy'. :)

4. ~~Meet some of Toby's European family members~~- done!

It was wonderful to meet the people that Toby has told me about over the years and to get a better feel for Frank, Toby's dad who I never got to meet. Staying with family for sections of our trip was a real highlight.

5. ~~Settle into a new church home~~- done!

We've been attending our new church since returning from Europe and have become a part of a great small group. We love the people there and look forward to getting more involved in the years to come.

6. ~~Begin trying for a baby~~- done!

This one was blacked out as being private in the original post, but what a blessing... we got pregnant the month before trying! Here's the test result and me on that day.and me on Monday...quite the difference!

7. Photoshoot something at sunrise- Something to try next year!

8. ~~Eat pizza at Giant Steps again-~~ done!

9. Have a picnic with Toby and take photos- we did have a little picnic of fish and chips by the river, but not as I meant when I set this goal. Next year!

10. ~~Bake a Red Velvet Cake-~~ done!

11. ~~Get more done of my sheep cross stitch-~~ done!

Hopefully this will be finished by time that bubs arrives!

12. Begin a veggie patch at home- we have a rocking herb patch but again, not what I had in mind. Next year again.

13. Blog at least once per week- I had some months when I did this, but I've preferred to let this blog be more of a 'write when inspired' thing. That said, I do intend on keeping quite regular. I hope that this will be a bit of an outlet for me next year.

14. Walk at least twice per week- again... this has been inconsistent. I've walked most days for the last few months but certainly have not been consistent throughout the year. I have lost a bit of weight this year though and that was the intention of walking, so I guess it's a win.

15. Photoshoot Marysville post fires- nope. :(

16. Write letters to Cooper every month- CLOSE! But I did miss a month or two. I've loved getting closer to Coops through this though and I know that he loved getting letters in the mail.

17. ~~Pay off a chunk of our mortgage-~~ done!

18. ~~Get to farmers markets where possible-~~ done!

19. Bake a loaf of bread- another time.

20. Establish more consistent quiet times- Hmm... how did I go with this one. There were times where I did this more and where I enjoyed some journalling and reflection. I've enjoyed being a part of our small group and growing with them. On reflection, taking the pressure off of myself and allowing some time to 'be' has been good, coming out of our previous church experience. There may be some more down time for me I think, but I do hope that I will desire to spend more time with God in the coming year.

21. ~~Look into IPL-~~ done, and decided against it.

22. ~~Be creative in everyday lift-~~ done!

23. ~~Take photos every week-~~ done, though sometimes on my iphone! Next year will be more on the DSLR.

24. ~~Scrapbook with friends- 3 times~~ done... more times than three!!!

25. ~~Share my faith with others-~~ hard to know if I should cross through this one? I feel like I have, but not in an in your face way... I think that I like this way better. I'm crossing it through!

26. ~~Get a professional massage-~~ done, in the past 2 months for pregnancy. It's been VERY good!

27. ~~Focus on the positive-~~ done, and feeling better for it!

28. ~~Be a supportive friend and family member-~~ hope that I've done this!

29. Cook something from every Donna Hay magazine- not quite, but we made a fair dint in it. :(

30. ~~Drink more water-~~ done!

31. ~~Go on a camping trip with Toby-~~ no proper camping holiday, but we did spend 3 nights in the tent at mum and dad's beach house in January! :)

and that's it...30 is over and 31 is here. I'm pretty happy with how I went. Now to start thinking about my 32 before 32 list!

Merry December!

2011-12-01T15:52:00.001+11:00

It has arrived! I'm working my way through my December Daily. Here are some photos of the beginning process. More to come!

On the go

2011-11-30T12:34:00.001+11:00

Here's lunch for today, eaten in the car before heading in to see the doctor (who didn't show up yesterday!).

I got a sleep in today and it was great!

School... the final week

2011-11-21T23:47:00.001+11:00

It is currently 6:15am but lucky me has been awake for hours already. I'm not completely sure why. I know that I was uncomfortable last night and that I feel stiff in my muscles. I suppose it could have something to do with the fact that I've got less than one week of teaching to go. That is crazy!

Yesterday we had our normal weekly assembly. I was on the road to work when I realised that it would be my last one, and that flowers are typically given on someone's final assembly. As we wandered into the hall I noticed that 2 of my girls were up on the stage with this MASSIVE bunch of flowers. "Yep, this is happening," I thought.

When the time came I was asked to go onto the stage. Those two girls thanked me for all the good things I've taught them and wished me well with the baby, then handed over the flowers, as best they could, almost swaying under the weight of them! Then it was my turn to talk. I think that I did ok but I was certainly aware that my throat began to tighten throughout my short speech. I remember saying that I was lucky to have taught in a school like mine, that in my 8 years I would have taught over 170 children and worked with thousands more. How much I am looking forward to being a mum but at the same time I will miss the children and staff of the school. How I look forward to visiting with my baby and maybe even teaching some of them here and there in a few years time. My principal then spoke and thanked me for the work that I've put into the school over my years mentioning that the children I've taught will have many special memories of me, but that the rest of the school can too when they receive their school magazines next week that I have been largely responsible for.

I think that Friday is going to be a big day.

Am I excited? Certainly.

Will I miss the kids? Most of them! ;)

Can I believe that this time next week I will be a 'homemaker' and not a teacher? Not at all!

Fill the blank!

2011-11-19T09:04:00.001+11:00

Friday again and I thought that I'd play along with Lauren once more to fill the blanks!

1. A nervous habit I have is rising the pitch of my voice!

2. Something that makes me sad is enforced slavery- especially in countries like ours where people should know better. I can't believe that things like that are able to happen under the noses of government.

3. Today I am thankful for the cool weather and the rain, one more week of school, kids that write me sweet cards and notes, being nearly finished with my reports, a healthy little one inside me.

4. My favorite room in my house is hard to choose! The back living room/kitchen. It's where we do our living and it's nice to have the light and space out there.

5. I can't stand it when I let someone through when driving and they don't say thank you. It drives me nuts... especially when I'm pregnant it would seem!

6. If I had an extra $100 to spend on whatever I wanted today I would stock up on pretty papers to scrapbook my new little bub! And I'd get sweet embelishments too that I normally couldn't justify. Or... maybe I'd bite the bullet and go for a massage... that would be GREAT!

7. The last person I hung out with was my Tobes and our families last night at my brother Tim's birthday.

An after dinner walk

2011-11-13T20:03:00.001+11:00

From the classroom: Where babies come from

2011-11-13T17:10:00.000+11:00

I've been meaning to share this story for the longest time.

Picture this, blue skies and a sunny day. Another teacher and I had gathered outside with our classes to make the most of the early Spring weather and share lunch. I teach grade 1/2 and we are paired up with buddy grades, in my case year 3/4s.

So my tummy was just starting to show at this stage, and the other teacher decided to play a little game.
She stuck her tummy out fat and said, "Now kids, which one of us looks the most pregnant?".

They didn't skip a beat and started to yell out that they already knew that it was me.

There was then an interesting discussion with a boy that I taught a few years ago.

J- We know that it can't be you Miss D.
Miss D- Really? Why is that?
J- Well, because you aren't married!
Me- Hmm...you're right that lots of people are married before they have babies and that's what Mr X and I have chosen to do. But not everyone is married when they have babies. In some families people choose to not be married.
J- But that's not right!
Miss D- Why's that?
J- Because... you know... that thing that happens... on the bed!

We did our best to keep it together and to try and move on, until another voice piped in... "Excuse me... I'm trying to eat my lunch here!"

Quite a funny moment, and an interesting one to explain.

I understood what J was getting at. Tobes and I chose to wait until we were married to have sex because we believe that's what God asks of us, and we were happy that we did wait. But I've also got the maturity and understanding to know that not everyone (in fact, few people) share our convictions. It's tricky explaining that to a little one.

What would you have done?

My weekend looked like this...

2011-11-13T16:55:00.001+11:00

Report writing for the last time in I'm not sure how long. Phew! One more weekend of teaching to go for me folks... I'm not sure that it's sunk in quite yet!

11/11/11

2011-11-11T17:57:00.001+11:00

Quite a special date today.

The eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year two thousand and eleven.

At 11am we stopped in the classroom as we do each and every Remembrance Day to remember those who have served and lost in wars and armed conflicts.

We are grateful that we live in such a free country.

And we look ahead to a time when war will be no more.

Today...

2011-11-08T09:00:00.001+11:00

Today I am at home again.

Today, Toby is working from home which means that he can come to some appointments with me... I am very grateful.

Today there are thunderstorms, complete with lightning that have soaked the garden. They came throughout the night too, waking me every few hours.

Today there is a very active little one in my tummy, head down, butts up to the right!

Today this quote has been cracking me up!

Source: etsy.com via Beck on Pinterest

Today I hope to get lots of reports written.

Today we will visit our regular doctor and get some feedback before going to the hospital to meet the endocrinologist.

Today I expect to come home on insulin.

What are you doing today?

A new drink

2011-11-05T21:25:00.001+11:00

So with this GD thing, I'm watching carbs quite carefully and avoiding sugar from anything other than fruit completely.

It's been hot today and after dinner I felt like something desert like but that wouldn't spike my blood sugar levels. This was my answer...

Crush a tray of ice together with half a cup of low fat milk and a sprinkle of decaf instant coffee. Whiz it all together and you have a tasty, icy drink. Yum!

30 weeks

2011-11-02T17:37:00.000+11:00

Before heading off to work

I said a little while ago on here that I had had a bit of a rough week. Don't get me wrong... nothing terrible has happened, but we just had some surprising news in the form of a failed glucose challenge test then glucose tolerance test. I was *just* over in both of these results which earns me the delightful label of 'Gestational Diabetes'. This is no big deal. It is very common. Being very overweight in the past and still carrying a few extra kilos has contributed, as has being 30 or over and having diabetes in the family.

The part of the label that I found most difficult was that I felt I was being judged. Although I feel that I am looking pretty good at the moment and prior to pregnancy, my mind went back to 'fat Beck' and I felt judged as that too. It was a dark few days, not helped by the fact that I was having some pelvic pain also, which is now well under control.

You can see below though that it's not all bad! I am smiling lots still! I have decided to take this on with an 'I'll prove them wrong' attitude! I am eating so well- loads of salad and veggies, more protein than normal and less carb., no sugar at all. I've actually lost 2kgs in the last 2 weeks which is certainly not the intention. The hospital knows and is fine with it, we're just keeping an eye on things. I am certainly not hungry or feeling deprived. My blood sugar levels (which I test 4 times a day) have for the most part been low, with the exception of 3 readings which can be put down to slowly eaten healthy meals when entertaining and testing my sugars a little too early. I'm walking around 30mins a day too which I'm actually enjoying!

I'm back at the hospital tomorrow for Diabetes Education session 2 and hopefully not a talk from the endocrinologist telling me that they want to put me on insulin. Be prepared for a sad blog entry or a long silence if that happens tomorrow!

I'm actually 31weeks today, but these photos were taken last week, at 30 weeks. My tummy has certainly popped more in the last 2 weeks and Braxton Hicks contractions are a daily occurrence.

At one of our favourite places while showing Mark & Anna around

Mummy and Daddy!

Loving my bump... and my skinny jeans!

Car tummy

2011-10-22T12:02:00.001+11:00

On the way to collect our friends from the airport and this is my view. My tummy is growing!

Bigger update coming up soon. It's been a bit of a rough week.

Pretty things to bring good cheer

2011-10-20T14:56:00.001+11:00

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Beck on Pinterest

Source: purlbee.com via Beck on Pinterest

Source: martawrites.com via Beck on Pinterest

Source: louboosandshoes.blogspot.com via Beck on Pinterest

The past 2 days

2011-10-18T23:02:00.002+11:00

Source: aliedwards.com via Beck on Pinterest

Life has felt a little like this the last 2 days. I've had an appointment with the midwife which went really well. Everything is right on track. Although she says that I look small for my dates, I am growing right on track- yay! :)

The only issue was that my glucose challenge results came back at 0.1 higher than normal, meaning that I had to do the glucose tolerance test today. 3.5 hours of waiting, drinking more glucose drink, injections and waiting some more. Results are expected back tomorrow. There are worse things in the world than gestational diabetes, but I'd rather not have to deal with that just now.

I've been so tired, however an extra and unexpected day off was helpful with an afternoon nap and lots of rest.

I was able to have a 30min massage before my chiro adjustment which was great and we started our antenatal classes tonight. They were unexpectedly good. In fact both of us really enjoyed it and learned new things. Fantastic.

Hoping that the next 3 days will go by quickly. Looking forward to spending some time with our Pommy friends Mark and Anna over the weekend.

Affirmation

2011-10-14T16:14:00.000+11:00

Source: None via Erin on Pinterest

There are certainly too many to count.

I don't know about you but I am most certainly a words of affirmation type person. It's my natural way to let people know that I love them to affirm and praise through words. It's also one of the main ways that I like to receive love. When someone praises me in word, I remember it for ages and it means a lot to me. Words of affirmation is my love language.

I really wanted to write down today something that just happened, so that I won't forget. And to be reminded down the track too.

There is a lovely family in our school community who is moving interstate next week. I taught their eldest child two years ago. It was a challenging year for several reasons. The child has some special learning needs and this made school less than a safe and happy place normally. We were all getting used to what worked for the child, how we could best support them and how to make them feel safe and happy at school. Their mum, who I now consider my friend, would say that they are not an easy family. I respectfully disagree. Certainly their situation is somewhat unique and there was a fair amount of time spent considering this individual child's needs throughout the year, but it was a delight. In my career it's often been the 'hard' kids that leave the biggest mark.

I love that this family came to my wedding. That at the last possible minute, the child decided to come too. Dressed in Saturday house clothes this child who found change and social interaction challenging was first to run to my car and to thrust a letter into my hand. I teared up seeing them there. I was so glad that they made it. I love this family.

They have celebrated other milestones in my life too. A card when we bought our new home. A gorgeous gift when we found out we were pregnant. And there have been lots of chats along the way too.

Tonight when their mum and I were having a chat after school she spoke to me of the impact myself and another teacher had had on their eldest and their family. I teared up but kept it together. I will really miss them.

To be told that I was a God-given gift to them (and that they are atheists so that's saying something!) :) That the love that I showed for their child made a difference. That they know the motivation for that love came from my faith. That although school times haven't always been great, they don't regret being here because of those two years with another teacher and myself.

That is the affirmation that I thrive on. That touches me and validates who I am and what I do.

I can't wait to be a mum, but I have a feeling that I am going to really miss the special relationships that form between wonderful families like this one.

xoxo

Fill the blank Friday!

2011-10-14T15:06:00.000+11:00

SO GLAD that it is Friday today.

Week one back at school has been good, but really tiring. It's amazing how much the energy levels are impacted by a few more weeks of baby growing!

Playing along with Lauren.

1. The most selfless thing I've ever done was also one that I've wanted forever, so really it feels like it's for me too. You do feel pretty selfless at times though when you're pregnant. My body is no longer my own!

2. When it comes to working out I am lazy! I like to walk with others and I have been going to a mum's in training class, which makes me exercise. I don't think that I will ever love it though!

3. A woman should always make sure that she takes care of herself as well as others.

4. I wish I could multiply my time and then I'd finish all those jobs that need doing... and still have time for fun!

5. A best friend is a god-send, absolutely necessary, someone who has seen you at your best and worst and loves you just the same.

6. I can't get enough of pinterest!

7. This weekend I am doing a whole lot of nothing much! Putting in some quality time with the hubby and enjoying some time in the sun. Ooo and cleaning the spare room for our English visitors soon!

What about you?!

Fill the blank

2011-10-09T20:06:00.000+11:00

Playing along with Lauren again... late!

1. Something popular that I can't stand/just don't "get" is the mustache thing. I REALLY don't get it. What is so cool about putting mustaches on things?

2. Something unpopular that I secretly love is taping Dr Phil everyday and watching it after work or on the weekend.

3. When I've had a bad day I like to head home, watch some TV and surf my google reader and pinterest.

4. I'd prefer a night in with friends to a night on the town any day.

5. Something that makes me nervous is the thought that I may not enjoy being a stay at home mum, when it is what I've always wanted.

6. Something worth fighting for is love. It's always worth it.

7. When people think of me, I hope they think that I am a good wife, friend and mum. That I love my family and friends.

9/10/11

2011-10-09T17:58:00.001+11:00

Happy 9th October 2011.

Here's some views from today.

I gotta feeling

2011-10-06T14:52:00.001+11:00

Another favourite...

Everyday I'm shuffling

2011-10-06T14:52:00.000+11:00

The kids in my grade LOVE this song. I can't tell you how sick I am of hearing them (and 6 and 7 years old!) repeating the line "everyday I'm shuffling"... or modifying the words... suffering... starving...
It is certainly going to be a memory that I will carry with me when I leave the classroom in late November to start my new job as a mum.

A friend posted this on facebook today. I smiled big and laughed out loud. There's something about mob choreographed dances that I love.

Tuesday

2011-10-04T23:43:00.001+11:00

A full day... I got up at the same time as Tobes as he had to go to work. I quickly hit the washing machine with 2 loads. The sunny weather dried them off in no time.

I also visited the guest/spare room and cleaned up the present wrapping supplies, making cute little labels for the drawers.

But that was all a little too much too quickly and my heart started to race so it was time to sit still for quite a while and take it easy.

A lady from church dropped in and asked if I wanted to make some cards with her so I made these 6 cute little owl cards. :) Love them!

To the shops for some grocery shopping then home to fill the fridge, cook dinner (and make some mess!) while cooking Donna Hay's salted caramel and vanilla cheesecake. Yum!

Watching some telle now waiting for the cheesecake to cool enough to put it in the fridge so I can join Tobes in bed and go to sleep.

How was your day?

New jeans!

2011-10-04T23:12:00.004+11:00

26wks 5days

Here I am last night... 26 weeks and 5 days pregnant, and getting bigger!

I had a very exciting time last Tuesday (before I was hit by a killer cold that knocked me out for the rest of the week). I went to a big shopping centre and I tried on the last maternity jeans that I knew of.

Prior to Tuesday I had experienced no luck in the jeans department...

~~Target~~
~~Big W~~
~~Pumpkin Patch~~
~~KMart~~
~~Best & Less~~
~~Mother Care~~

So I set off to try Ripe and Jeans West.

I've never been a skinny jeans wearer, but who knew that they would be the ones that worked best. Not just best from a bad bunch. They actually looked good! The Ripe ones were great, but at $129 a pop I thought that was a bit much, especially considering I would not usually pay that much for jeans.
I set off for Jeans West resigned to the fact that I would probably need to buy the Ripe ones, and I was ok with that. I have discovered how much I wear and love my jeans!

BUT... when I got to Jeans West I was sold! The assistant was also pregnant and wearing the jeans and I got to see how they wear when they are worn in. Their skinny jeans were also the best fit, super comfy with a nice high elastic waistband that goes all the way up over the bump. :) And the best part, they were $109... for 2 pairs! I walked away with a dark blue pair (pictured above) and a black pair which are a bit thicker. Bargain!

I LOVE my jeans! And nope, I am getting nothing from Jeans West for raving about them... they really do fit best!

Scrapping: Venice & London

2011-10-02T09:00:00.000+11:00

HAPPINESS hand in hand

Journaling reads: hand in hand as we explore & discover Venice 21 Apr 2011

I really like this page. :)

Hyde Park

Journaling reads: 6 May 11

Tobes and I were sitting in Hyde Park, London, enjoying a picnic for lunch when we spotted this little squirrel. A lady was reading nearby with a bag of almonds and offered me some to feed him. I was surprised to say the least when he scrambled up my leg and munched away!

Scrapping: jess & butler's night

2011-10-01T09:00:00.000+10:00

jess & butler's night

Journaling reads:23 Jan 11 @ Max's Restaurant, Red Hill

Kat, Jess & I before tea.

Kat, Joelle, Jen, me & Rach take a moment!

Scrapping: 2010 catch up

2011-09-30T09:00:00.000+10:00

School holidays mean catching up on scrapbooking around here. Other the next few days there'll be some new layouts and some recent ones that I've not photographed before.

1 year

Journaling reads: Our 1 year anniversary- we traveled to Shoreham on a Fri pm & enjoyed our Stonier Waterwheel Saturday night. Sunday lunch was 3 courses @ Montalto. Delcious meals, great wine & remembering the highs of the year.

home sweet home

Journaling reads: > Settlement 26 Nov 10

Journaling reads: 22 Jan 10 An evening walk to the inlet with Jess, Jen & Tobes at Inverloch.

Scrapping: baby

2011-09-29T16:37:00.000+10:00

It's been very exciting to get to scrap these pages... and I'm glad to do them now before bub's arrives and I have no time to tell the stories! There are 2 layouts here which I put together yesterday.

The top layout is all about the journalling. I wanted to remember the story of the day- getting the pregnancy test in Paris and our surprised reaction when it was positive!

The bottom layout is strongly inspired by the Susan Weinroth page under mine. I have always loved it and wanted to scrap something just like it. Now is the time! :) Some ultrasound photos are kept inside the circles. So many of my favourite patterned papers are used on this page!

Source: susanweinroth.typepad.com via Beck on Pinterest

Scrapmaps

2011-09-29T13:43:00.005+10:00

I've been going through my laptop and doing a bit of a clean up. I found these and thought they were worth posting! Enjoy! :)

Our little family

2011-09-29T09:00:00.000+10:00

25 weeks 4 days

Here we are on top of the hill, when the wind was not blowing so hard! I'm finding it a bit strange looking at this photo of myself here. My tummy is really clear!

Below are some snaps of Tobes and I.
I love him!

Our weekend

2011-09-28T17:54:00.002+10:00

This is the view from where we stayed last Saturday and Sunday nights. Talk about stunning (and not bad for an iphone pic!). We stayed in a little cottage called Hut on the Hill. It is located in Heathcote, about 30mins from Bendigo in country Victoria. The 'hut' sits in the middle of a sheep paddock on the top of a hill with 360 degree views of the landscape. Kangaroos and sheep can be seen in the immediate and nearby area. There was PLENTY of wind on Saturday. When we came home from dinner it was challenging to get back into the house because of it- and Tobes had to move the car so that it wasn't parked underneath a gum tree! The skies were so clear though and the starts were stunning. If only it were warmer I would have happily watched them for hours.

We spent our time relaxing at the hut- reading, napping, sitting in front of the telle and the fire. We ventured out for delicious meals at Domaine Asmara and Flynns, and a yummy afternoon tea at Cellar and Store.
Toby took the opportunity to make the most of me as a designated driver to taste some wines. All were fantastic, so our wine fridge is now 7 bottles richer!

On Monday we celebrated our anniversary by driving home! :) We stopped off at the pink cliffs, enjoyed a lunch of steak and onion pie and we shared a snot block (that's a vanilla slice- delicious) in a park in Castlemaine, then hit the road for Melbourne.

Such a relaxing weekend and a lovely way to start our third year of marriage.

Pics of us (and my growing tummy) tomorrow!

2 years today

2011-09-26T08:00:00.000+10:00

2 years ago today we said I do. I'm glad that we did!

We've got some big changes coming up, but they're good ones.

I love you Tobes and I am delighted to be your wife!

xoxo

The view from here

2011-09-25T12:30:00.001+10:00

It's ok, yes?

A-Z of me

2011-09-25T09:06:00.000+10:00

This has been doing the traps for a little while now so I thought that I'd jump on in and have a go too. :)

A. Age:30

B. Bed size: Queen, shared with the lovely hubby :)

C. Chore that you hate: hmm... not a fan of mopping!

D. Dogs: I like them. Starting to regret not getting that customs Lab a few weeks ago. I could use the helper to get me more motivated to walk. We're thinking of getting a dog next year.

E. Essential start to your day: A hug.

F. Favorite color: I like yellow at the moment.

G. Gold or Silver: Absolutely silver.

I. Instruments you play: I sing. I used to learn the violin but I'm not sure anyone would care to hear me play now (or then if I'm honest). I can still rock out a mean tune on the recorder. ;)

J. Job title: Year 1/2 Teacher

K. Kids: one in the oven... going well at 25 weeks and 4 days today!

L. Live: Melbourne, Australia

M. Mother’s name: Heather

N. Nicknames: Beck... there's actually not too many at the moment.

O. Overnight hospital stays: None yet. Gimmie 3 months though!

P. Pet peeves: mean people who don't care about others.

Q. Quote from a movie: "Oh, I'm afraid I don't work with the males... 'cause I used to be one!" - Mrs Doubtfire

R. Right or left handed: Left.

S. Siblings: One younger brother and two lovely sisters in law (one younger and one older).

U. Underwear: Yes... I wear it. And it is getting bigger.

V. Vegetable you hate: I don't think that I hate any veggies. I don't love artichoke.

W. What makes you run late: Spending too much time checking pinterest and facebook.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Teeth, left arm, left wrist, knee, nose, spine, chest, brain scans too! Surprised I'm not glowing!

Y. Yummy food that you make: Roast chicken, Choc-chip cookies, stir fries, creamy corn and bacon chowder, wombok salad, sticky date pudding

Z. Zoo animal: Giraffes and seals.

Fill the blanks

2011-09-24T08:45:00.004+10:00

It's *the day after* Friday so here we go!

1. The best thing I did all week was finish the school magazine editing and get it to the graphic designer, in time for the holidays! :)

2. Holidays make me super happy.

3. Pets are annoying when they miaow and knock on the door too early, but generally lovely!

4. Toby is the best thing about my life.

5. With the cooler weather I am looking forward to snuggles under blankets on the couch and sitting in front of the fire at the beach. That said it's actually turning to Spring here, so I am looking forward to wearing floaty maxi dresses, sitting in the sunshine and taking lots of photos.

6. Something that's on my "wish list" right now is to have my reports written before I go on family leave. I'd also really love some maternity jeans that fit!!!!

7. This weekend I am going to visit the country with Tobes to celebrate 2 years of marriage. :) Lovely!

You?

Flowers from the kids

2011-09-23T12:20:00.001+10:00

We have just finished our swimming program and were waiting for the bus to arrive to take us back to school. I'm not sure if it's the springy weather, the fact that today is the last day or term or that my tummy is growing, but today my girls and boys were very sweet and picked me this little bouquet of weeks. They're flowers to me!

Coops and I

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000+10:00

Sandcastlle building in Broadbeach. Mum snapped
this photo of us from the balcony of the apartment.

I've been looking through some old photos recently and wondering where the time has gone! Most of these photos were taken on a family holiday that we went on in August 2007. There is one taken in September 2007 at a final soccer game for the season where Rach, Coops and I went to support the boys.

What strikes me is how much Cooper has grown since then! He is so small and round faced in these photos.

These were the days that he loved jumping into photos and smiling BIG. When he and I would sit in the back seat of the hire car and listen to '20 good reasons' by Thirsty Merc, with Coops slurring through the words of the chorus enthusiastically. He loved The Wiggles and couldn't get enough of Wags the dog (now it's Ty that's Wiggles obsessed!). It was a time when I was 'Arnie Bear' because he couldn't quite get his mouth around Auntie Beck.

Coops and I still have a good relationship but like everything, it's changed over the years as he has grown up more. Now we are drawing buddies. When he gets to mum and dad's he asks to go to the craft room. We collect our supplies and spend time drawing posters, making masks and models. He wants to be out in the backyard- kicking the footy, playing tennis. He enjoys sleeping over here in the school holidays and having some computer time. And this year I have been writing him letters- initially monthly but I've got slack. He loves getting his post in the mail and casually says to me, "thanks for the letter!".

Cooper is a very special boy. In 4 more years time he will be 11 years old! What will I have to write about him then?

Currumbin Sanctuary Aug07

Soccer supporting Sep07

Dreamworld Aug07

Seaworld Aug07

At the Aquarium Dec10

Riding the trains Aug11

Blossom

2011-09-19T08:32:00.000+10:00

I've been loving watching the apple blossom in my front garden. I took these photos of them on the weekend .
Stunning!

Fill the blanks

2011-09-18T12:58:00.002+10:00

A couple of days late this week, but...

1. You should always take time to give a warm greeting and a hug to those you love.

2. Friendship and sunshine make(s) the world a happier place to be.

3. I can hardly wait for our baby's birthday in January. :)

4. Saturday is my favorite day of the week.

5. Something totally dumb and ridiculous that I love is getting to that silly, delirious state of laughter late at night when I talk nonsense to Tobes and tickle him.

6. If I could I would keep a functionally tidy house all the time. I would visit the farmers markey to get my groceries and be motivated to walk every day. I would also have the time to scrap both by myself and with friends more often.

7. I rather like cuddles and days in the sunshine.