The Six Of Us

My pre girls

2012-02-03T12:56:00.001+08:00

{Rach in Pre-Primary} {Belle in Pre-Kindy}

My 2 big girls started their pre years this week. Both have had a great few days and can’t wait for it all to begin again next week! Here is a look at Belle’s first day of Pre-Kindy:

She was quite shy at first but had a huge grin on her face by the end. She told me on the way home she wanted to go again tomorrow! Fingers crossed she remembers the fun she had next week!

The start of our busy life

2012-01-30T08:07:00.001+08:00

begins today! School is back this week. Among other commitments like Mum’s Group, ballet, Toddler Jam and MOPS which all start up again in the next week or two. Rachael begins full time schooling and to be honest I am a little sad! She is great company at home. A wonderful little person to chat to, to do crafts with and a huge help with her younger sisters and brother. I am going to really miss her!! Belle also starts her first taste of formal education with pre-kindy. We sent Rach when she was 3 and she absolutely loved it. I am sure Belle will be the same. This week we made up a scrap book page of all her loves to put in a ‘get to know me’ book at pre-k which I just had to share.

Bring it on!

God bless, Jess x

Our new table!

2012-01-23T22:03:00.001+08:00

We have been on the look out for quite sometime for a big long dining table as our new dining room is quite long and our current square table looked a bit odd. In October 2010 we went to Sale to visit my brother Jake an his gorgeous family and I was super impressed with the dining room table he made for his family. I casually mentioned that perhaps he would like to make us one one day, not giving it another thought. Well, he remembered and over the Christmas break built us our new 3 meter long, 12 seater dining table. We love it so much! Thanks Jake, you are so very talented and thanks Lou for painting and varnishing it!

I love that even though you guys live so far away, we have a little bit of you in our home.

Mahli talks!

2012-01-14T20:13:00.001+08:00

Please excuse my goofiness but here is a sweet video of Miss Mahli smiling, cooing and well, just being plain adorable!

God bless,

Jess x

Time flies!

2012-01-10T20:12:00.001+08:00

…when you are having fun! I have been absent but with good reason. I have just had the happiest, most fun filled 3 weeks. It all started with Jake, Lou, Sunny and Scout arriving from Sale, then our week holiday in Geraldton with the family, a wonderful, relaxing and blessed Christmas, Camp Buma 2011 and then a week of building and family times at our home. It has been awesome! Here are a few snippets of the six of us last few weeks:

{fun on the trampoline}

{cooling off in the pool}

{ice cream, ice cream and more ice cream}

{uncle ez love}

{Mahli’s before her first swim, pool side relaxing}

{3 girls on Christmas day}

{Mahli and me}

{Mahli’s first Christmas}

{cheers}

{2 awesome dads}

{Eli Malachi, chocoholic!}

{present opening}

{Our kids were very spoilt, thanks Oma and Opa!}

{Christmas crackers!}

{Christmas feast!}

{Camp Buma, getting ready to abseil}

{Mike about to take the plunge}

{Mike on the 30m descend}

{Opa’s shadow}

{Rach on the slippery slide}

{Belle’s turn}

{Go Eli!}

{Camp Buma 2011 – photo from Sunny and Scout Photography}

As you can see it has been a wonderfully fun past few weeks!

Next post I’ll share what’s been going on with building at our place. But for now,

God bless,

Jess x

Mary had a baby boy

2011-12-18T20:53:00.000+08:00

This morning, Belle's 'Little Blessings' group at church sang us all a song they had been practicing. It was Belle's first time up on stage and she was so excited! She was beyond adorable! Here's the first verse of their song, 'Mary had a baby boy'.

My chubby bunny

2011-12-17T08:07:00.001+08:00

Mum’s Group Christmas Party

2011-12-15T08:28:00.001+08:00

There was food, oh so much yummy Christmas themed food. There were presents. There were big kids, little kids and one sweet baby, all playing together so nicely and there were Mums. A lovely way to wrap things up for 2011. Love my Mums!

Capturing all 4

2011-12-12T07:28:00.001+08:00

Well trying to anyway!

Here’s a little glimpse of the chaos/fun of trying to get all four kids looking and hopefully smiling at the camera…

{Oh my, would you look at Rachael’s face!}

{Something is funny! I really love this one}

{And the little dude is off}

{Mayhem}

{There were tears}

{Where are Dad’s keys?}

{The problem with an iphone as a bribe is no one is going to look at the camera!}

{Who wants an ice cream?}

Fortunately I did get a couple from the 150 photos I took that I am happy enough to frame but you have to just love the ones in between too!

A Mahli update

2011-12-07T19:53:00.001+08:00

Our littlest one is 6 weeks already! And my dutiful brother Nate reminded me it’s been sometime since I posted about Miss Mahli so this post is just for you bro!

Mahli had her 6 week check at the paediatrician today and passed with flying colours! She currently weighs in at a whopping 5.76 kilos! You go girl! She is starting to sleep a lot better at night thanks to her reflux medication. Yup, reflux. That’s been fun! It took us a while to figure it out that was what was causing Mahli so much distress. She still only catnaps during the day as she prefers sleeping on her tummy on me but I am going with the flow at the moment, soaking up those newborn cuddles.

Rach, Belle and Eli simply adore her. I was a bit worried how Eli was going to cope but he is smitten! He kisses, pats and cuddles her at any given chance! Mind you, his mischievous side has come out even more during breastfeeding sessions as he knows I am preoccupied!! Other than being a bit naughty he has coped really well!

Mahli has started to enjoy mat time and interacting with the toys above her in her play gym. She has started cooing at the pictures on our wall – just like her siblings did! They are apparently much more fascinating than Michael or myself. She has however been giving us the most gorgeous smiles, so she can be forgiven for talking only to my paintings!

And now, a photo upload!

{1 week}

{2 weeks}

{smile!}

{3 weeks}

{4 weeks}

{5 weeks}

My bumblebee

2011-11-30T07:21:00.001+08:00

A little glimpse of Rachael, my bumblebee ballerina from dress rehearsals on Monday. Her first concert in front of a huge audience is this Thursday. More photos to come!

Thanks Simone for the photo.

The last 2 days…

2011-11-16T17:59:00.001+08:00

Michael has gone back to work so I am flying solo with the 4 babes. I am completely and utterly exhausted.

This parenting 4 kids gig is tough. I’ll be honest.

I haven’t showered, brushed my hair or even opened up my makeup case.

The leggings I am wearing today, I wore yesterday and last night.

My kids have spent almost the entire last 2 days in their pyjamas.

I have lost count of how many hours of TV they have watched.

The house is such a big mess. I really, really don’t like having a messy house.

The folding pile is huge. Thankfully the kids have spent the last 2 days in their PJs otherwise it would be bigger.

My baby does not like sleeping in her crib. My arms are her favourite place to be. I sit here typing with one hand because she is in the other.

The other 3 are running wild around the house as I type. I have shut myself in the study for 5 minutes of peace and quiet.

I am mean when sleep deprived. The kids will tell you. I am apparently a grumpy Mummy. I admit I have been quick to lose my temper in the past 2 days. Mainly because the kids are making my house messier. And I hate mess.

I have lost track of how many times I have said ‘ssshhhhhhhhhh’

If it wasn’t for some of my wonderful family and friends we would not be eating.

Even though the last 2 days have been crazy, it’s moments like these that make it all worth it:

I love them.

Who’s who?

2011-11-13T21:01:00.001+08:00

Mahli’s birth story

2011-11-11T18:32:00.001+08:00

My due date came. The 24^th of October. This was new territory for me as my 3 previous babes were all born around Week 39. I was to be honest anxious. An induction had been booked for Wednesday the 26^th as my Obstetrician was about to go on leave. I was in a few frames of mind about the induction. One, I was terrified as it was new to me. I was fearful that an induction would hurt more. I was scared about intervention. That it might lead to be possibly having to have an emergency caesarean. I really wanted a natural, spontaneous labour. Secondly I was angry. I was upset my Obstetrician was going on leave. Why did my baby’s birth day have to be determined as a result of her holidays? I wanted my body and my baby to determine its birth day. Lastly I was somewhat happy to have an end date. Never before had I had enough of being pregnant. This time I had. Plus I really wanted to meet my baby!

I had a midwife appointment scheduled for the morning of my due date. I was hoping for some sort of stretch and sweep or at least an internal to see what was going on down there. I got neither. Apparently my midwife doesn’t do those things. I remember thinking, what the, isn’t that part of your job description? Anyhow, I had taken a shot of castor oil before the appointment and upon confessing this to her, she exclaimed ‘don’t do that to yourself, have a curry instead or some sex, both are a lot more enjoyable!’ I decided to go for option 1 and bought the hottest curry I could find, a beef vindaloo, for lunch. Oh and I took it with another shot of castor oil. I was getting desperate after all! That afternoon I drank copious cups of raspberry leaf tea and Michael and I went for a long 2 hour walk. The walk would normally take about 45 minutes but we had to stop every 5 minutes or so as a result of very tight Braxton Hick contractions. I was getting excited that maybe things were happening however, as soon as I stopped walking so did the tightenings. All my natural induction methods were for naught. Or so I thought!

About 10pm I felt my first wave. You’d think by my 4^th baby I’d recognise it, but no, I was insistent that it was bowel pain thanks to overdoing it with the stimulants! 20 minutes and 6 contractions later I got Michael to phone the hospital who told us to immediately come in. We called our family to let them know things were happening and Deb, my wonderful support person who just happens to be studying midwifery! We packed the car, heated up the heat pack, kissed our 3 kids goodbye and left them in the very capable hands of my Mum. I was dreading the hospital drive as I like to walk off my contractions but God was so good to me. I hardly felt them at all. I managed to focus on the words of the worship songs that were playing and tune out the pain. I actually thought that perhaps I didn’t have any contractions on the ride to hospital but Michael assured me that every 2-3 minutes I’d groan!

We arrived at the hospital just before 11pm and minutes later I found myself in birthing suite 1, the same room I had birthed Rachael in. It felt special, knowing that I birthed my first born in that room and I was about to birth my final baby there too. The next 30 minutes were a complete blur. I remember spewing that hot vindaloo all over the bathroom (lovely!) and the midwife asking me what seemed a myriad of questions. My lovely husband kept the heat pack hot for me and put on my worship music. I managed to walk off a few of the contractions but in the end found comfort in standing and rocking through the waves. And being vocal. Normally I am quiet during labour but this time it felt good to groan loudly! The midwife did suggest at one stage I try to breathe through the contractions rather that groan but I promptly told her it felt good to do so! It was releasing! I also tried some visualisation techniques during the waves but they were so intense and coming so quickly I hardly had any time to rest between them. Groaning worked far better. At 11:30pm I felt ready to give up. I was getting no breaks between the waves. Classic Jess sign that the transition stage was starting! I was given an internal at that point which revealed I was already at 8cm!! I was so filled with joy, knowing that I was nearing the end and I would soon meet our daughter. After that I had some gas, focussed on my music and swaying through the waves. My Obstetrician finally arrived at about 11:45pm (apparently) and by then I was up on the bed leaning over ready to birth my baby. 2 pushes later, at 12:02am and 12:04am Mahli Lily Joy joined our family.

Mahli (pronounced mar-lee) was a name I’d discovered weeks before her birth. We found it quite tough finalising her name throughout the pregnancy. After all, we had already used 4 of our favourite girl’s names. But when I came across the Hebrew name Mahli I knew it was going to be her name. And Michael, who is normally the pickiest man when it comes to baby names, loved it immediately! Mahli means ‘strong’. Our eldest daughter, Rachael prayed every night for a healthy and strong baby, so the meaning was very special to us.

Lilies are my favourite flower and seeing how Mahli was born in spring, the name Lily fit! Joy is my most favourite word. It is a happiness that comes from our heart, the kind that overflows. To me, joy is happiness because of all the things God has done for us. And boy, He has done so much for us! We are truly blessed. To think I was once told it would be very difficult for me to have children…and now I have 4!

We are so full of joy, our family feels complete.

Hospital stay

2011-10-30T10:40:00.001+08:00

We had a lovely relaxing stay at St John of God Hospital for the final time. The staff as always were awesome. When I have time to collect my thoughts on Mahli’s birth I’ll share her birth story, but for now here is a major photo upload of our hospital stay. Enjoy!

{freshly born}

{first photo of all 4 kids together, a little crazy…sign of things to come, perhaps?}

{the six of us!}

{about to home & first time outside}

{home}

Introducing…

2011-10-29T12:43:00.001+08:00

Mahli Lily Joy

25th October 2011 at 12:04am

4094g / 9 lb.

51.5cm

Absolutely divine

Week 40!!

2011-10-24T12:15:00.001+08:00

Wow, I am in shock! I never thought I’d ever make it to week 40! Week 39 has been my week for my last 3 babies. B4 clearly had other plans!

But this Mama wants this baby out! So on today’s agenda are long walks, hot curries, castor oil and raspberry leaf tea. Fingers crossed this happens today or tomorrow. Induction is booked in for Wednesday.

Week 39

2011-10-17T09:41:00.001+08:00

We are still in one piece! B4 has been very good waiting for Oma but you can come out now sweetheart! Anytime!

Week 38

2011-10-10T10:35:00.001+08:00

This week I’d like to dedicate this post to braxton hicks. You have been my constant companion these past few days. I find you very confusing. You are not painful in any way but after hours of tightening on and off I manage to convince myself this is pre labour and the fun is going to begin very soon. Every night I go to bed thinking tonight is the night! Each morning I wake up wrong. I’ve never really got to experience you before this pregnancy. But if you are giving my uterus a workout so on the big day she’ll be very efficient and deliver ‘the goods’ aka B4 in a couple of hours, by all means keep on going! Work it!

I’d also like to dedicate this post to my other constant companion. The little dude. He knows something is going on. He’s all of a sudden taken a liking to my hip and for the first time in 6 months we’ve had sleeping issues. Seems as though he wants to be at my side all day and night. Though I have to admit, I am enjoying those extra cuddles. He’ll only be my baby for a few more weeks/days after all. Just wish he wasn’t so heavy!!

Nesting has also begun. Why do us pregnant ladies do this to ourselves?! I feel like a nutter bending down scrubbing and wiping the floors when I could just get the mop out or constantly picking up the kids’ toys when I know very well that 5 minutes later that be back all over the place! Seems like a mindless waste of my energy, yet I can not help myself! Nuts I tell you!!

I had another growth scan last week which showed B4 weighing in at 3.4 kg! That’s 100g less than what Eli and Belle were at birth! Head circumference is average (phew!) but baby has a chubby tummy. Luckily that just slides on out. If these scans are accurate, my predictions are I’ll have my first 4kg baby. Better put some of those 0000 clothes away and get out the 000!

Edible Finger Paint

2011-10-07T13:01:00.001+08:00

I have discovered the most wonderful blog for kid’s crafts! It’s called The Imagination Tree. Browsing yesterday I came across a recipe for edible finger paint. So this morning I whipped up a batch and lets the kids go wild! They loved it!

A definite winner in our house!

Week 37

2011-10-03T09:48:00.001+08:00

Dear baby,

The time is almost here sweet one. Your dad and I can’t wait to meet you and as for your siblings, well you are the talk of the town. Now that it is October it is baby month. They are very excited!

Your movements have slowed down a bit but that’s okay, I know you don't have too much room to stretch in there anymore. You still like to remind me of your presence with lots of hiccups and the occasional kick in the ribs!

Every twitch and niggle Mummy thinks, is today the day? But I know you are going to be a good girl and wait for your Oma to arrive. But if you do decided to come a little early, that is okay too. We’ll make adjustments.

Now that you are officially ‘term’ the countdown begins. What day will be your birth day?

Love you little one, Mummy xxoo

Cuddly Animal Farm

2011-09-30T16:48:00.001+08:00

Today we decided to treat the kids with a trip to the Swan Valley to visit to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory and Cuddly Animal Farm. Oh and winery tastings for Michael! It will be (most probably) our last little adventure with just the 5 of us before the much anticipated arrival of our newest addition.

The animal farm would have to be the highlight. This little farm had everything a kid could want! There were baby ducks, chicks, guinea pigs, bunnies, baby goats, calves, ponies, turkeys, lambs and all the mummy animals; all of which you could feed and interact with. The kids loved looking at the animals, albeit from afar! Eli was far the bravest and fed some guinea pigs and bunnies and wanted to pat every animal in sight! The girls did brave up and bottle feed some kids. The farm also had an awesome playground, bouncy castle and tractor rides.

{Feeding the guinea pigs, goats and lambs}

{Feeding the ponies and kids}

{I spy some turkeys and calves}

{bouncy castle fun and tractor rides}

We had such a lovely day out with our three kinderen. They really are three of the most awesome kids I know! Such constant reminders of the love God has for us! And we’ll be adding to them soon; how blessed are we?! Now comes the time for ultimate hibernation and relaxation before our 4th bambino arrives. Well I can plan to rest and relax right? :)

Ballet Concert

2011-09-27T12:34:00.001+08:00

Yesterday we witness such sweetness. The ballerinas from Rachael’s ballet class put on an adorable concert. Their teacher, Miss Katherine did a spectacular job leading the girls in 2 Acts. Act 1 we witnessed positions, plies`, rises, sotes`, tondues` and classical walks and Act 2 was comprised of sashes`, retires`, 2 different tondue` exercises and a shonge`mon. All new words I am becoming well acquainted with!

All the ballerinas did a wonderful job and there were lots of proud parents in the room! Me of course being the most proud. Well done, Rachael, you are a beautiful ballerina!

{warm up dance}

{first position about to start plies`}

{rises}

{well done gorgeous girl!}

Week 36 – How low can you go?

2011-09-26T12:48:00.001+08:00

Midwife check up this morning. B4 is very healthy. She has a good strong heartbeat and put on quite the acrobatic show for the midwife. The girl can kick!

The first thing the midwife did say was ‘you’ve dropped!’ which upon examination revealed the head is almost engaged! Eeek! Even though there still a great deal of unknown, predictions are I’ll deliver early, perhaps 2 weeks early even but babies do tend to come when they are ready, so I could still be on time/late. Only time will tell! And don’t stress Mum, it is highly unlikely B4 will be here before the 14th. :)

I am feeling great and just can’t wait to meet our newest addition. 2 babies of Mums I know have been born in the past few days which did make me an teeny tiny bit jealous. I want to meet mine! But I need to keep focussing on treasuring the last few weeks of my last pregnancy (unless God has other plans for more little Crouch babies!).

We are pretty much organised. Lists have been made! I have done the labour and hospital bag lists and started packing them. The kid’s routine has been typed, printed and stuck on the pantry door and my labour songs have been chosen and loaded onto the i-pod. Just the car seat needs to be installed and then we are done. Bring it on baby (just preferably after the 14th ;) ).

The Six Of Us

2011-09-20T16:58:00.001+08:00

Seeing as how soon there will be six of us, it was time to make a few changes around here.

The party

2011-09-17T12:13:00.001+08:00

A few days before Belle turned 3 she had a little party with her Mum’s group friends.

There was lots of yummy party food, pass the parcel, present opening, playing both in and outside and a polka dot birthday cake.

Belle took a few attempts to blow out her 3 candles, and everyone cheered when she finally did. You can see Rach’s elated cheering in the photo above!

Thanks to all who came and helped her celebrate!

A year of 2

2011-09-15T12:43:00.001+08:00

Today is the last day of Isabelle being 2 years old! We have had such a fun year with her, discovering more and more each day what a cheeky, cute and funny little girl she is!

Here she is, on her first and last day of being 2!

We love you Belle Belle!

Spring Bump photo shoot

2011-09-14T19:23:00.001+08:00

My lovely sister in law is an amazing photographer. I was blessed enough to have her back in WA for her sister’s wedding this past week which worked out perfectly for a bump photo shoot. Here are some of my favourites:

For more and to check out the rest of her awesome work head to Sunny and Scout photography!

Yee-haw Cowgirl

2011-09-11T18:53:00.003+08:00

Rachael had her first dress up birthday party for the year this afternoon. The theme: And old fashioned roundup at the ranch. Rach and all her little kindy girlfriends dressed as cute cowgirls. The cowgirls squealed with delight when a pony arrived for them to pat, feed and have a ride on. Rach was super excited and braved her very first pony ride. For those that know Rach well, this was a big thing for her! I was so pleased at her confidence at giving something new a go and being so brave. We all had a rootin tootin time!

And proof for Mum, a video:

Feet up

2011-09-08T16:00:00.001+08:00

I wish!

Pardon my absence over the past couple of weeks and probably for the next few. Third trimester tiredness has well and truly set in. Add the fact that I have had a silly virus for the past month I am a walking zombie. I pine for the days I can sit down and put my feet up but with 3 very active kids already and a million things to do, it just doesn’t happen! Okay, little whinge over.

Five

2011-08-26T20:52:00.001+08:00

Last Sunday our beautiful girl turned 5! We celebrated the day with a sleep in, opening of presents and playing with presents followed by an afternoon tea with a few family members. A low key affair after the busyness of party day. Rachael had a great day, thank you to all who called and sent her cards and gifts. She felt very special.

{opening up presents}

{afternoon tea}

Happy 5th birthday our sweet Rachael, may you always be abundantly blessed. Love you!

A picnic in the park

2011-08-20T20:01:00.001+08:00

Picnic was the theme of Rach’s 5th birthday party. We had a lovely time celebrating our eldest girl’s birthday in the park with her Kindy girlfriends. The weather was beautiful, with exception of some crazy wind which threatened to blow the whole party away and the company was gorgeous.

Reds, greens and whites dominated in decorating with red & white checked and ladybird table clothes, picnic bunting made lovingly by my Grandma, flowers in vases, green stripey straws, red and green jelly cups, red striped popcorn bags, spotty apple thankyou loot bags and a raspberry and white chocolate three tiered birthday cake.

{Sisterly love and one of the only photos I got of Rach who was too busy playing with her friends!}

I can’t believe my first born will be 5 tomorrow! Love you Rachie!

August…so far

2011-08-12T21:02:00.001+08:00

I’ve been a little quiet since returning from our holiday. And it’s because we have pretty much done nothing exciting. Just the usual school drop offs, ballet, work…. our usual daily routine kind of things. Uploading photos from my camera tonight though, I did discover a few things…

We now have a patio. And limestone pathways. These two additions have meant gardening for Mike! He has been a busy trooper planting grass (thanks Leanne and Graeme!), building limestone walls, putting in soak wells, installing reticulation, planting trees; the list is endless. The kids have had a ball digging in the dirt, playing with all their outside toys, chasing the chickens……yes, we got 3 chickens named Inca, Otto and Pepper but they are off to a new home on the weekend on account of them being the noisiest creatures ever!!

In other news, Eli is now walking full time. After he took those few first steps it didn’t take him long to convert. And after months of pushing his walker around he has the best balanced walk out of all my kids at that age. The only time we see him crawling now is when he is pretending to be a lion. Bless him. So much personality is coming out. He is talking a lot, still pointing a lot, he makes animal sounds, points to body parts, gets into mischief, he has started to use a spoon, loves chasing after his big sisters, loves, loves, loves Chuggington, and loves pulling every single book of the bookshelf and ‘reading’ it.

Rachie turns 5 in just over a week. Five! I can’t believe how quickly these precious years have flown by for my first born. She is amazing. Such a kind hearted girl who always looks after her siblings and likes to help me out around the house. She loves school and ballet and her music lessons. She reads, really well. Her teachers finally have her on an accelerated reading program which she is loving. Mind you even those books seem to easy for her. Such a clever girl. We are in party planning mode here at the moment. She’s invited her kindy girlfriends for a picnic in the park to celebrate. More on that later.

Miss Belle is still my most cheekiest and funniest kid. She has us in stitches! We’ve started going to a music program called ‘Toddler Jam’ each week which she absolutely adores! It’s nice to have something for just for her (and Eli!). She is starting to get very good at drawing, though unlike Rach who at Belle’s age liked to draw people, trees and flowers, Belle instead likes to draw monsters and snails! Her favourite pastime of all would be dressing up and as soon as I put on music she automatically runs over to a dress up box (we have 3!) and puts on a tutu skirt because according to her, you can’t dance with out it!

Baby 4 is growing well. She is a very active little one, especially at night! Belle and Rach have felt a few kicks now and were very excited! They quite often run up to me just to cuddle and kiss my belly! So special, this sisterhood bond. Eli still has no idea he’s about to become a big brother in a few months. We talk about the baby all the time and point to my tummy and say baby but he just doesn’t get it. He is only 16 months after all! I can’t remember if Belle was the same when I was this pregnant with him.

Michael, as always, is simply wonderful. We bought him a new car; a little zippy Mazda 2 in black which is pretty cool. It’s manual though which I have discovered I may have forgotten how to drive. Must push in clutch!

As for myself, I am cherishing my family, the baby that grows inside me, our home, my friends and all of God’s amazing blessings.

And that sums up August… so far.

Bremer Bay

2011-07-28T20:49:00.001+08:00

{My favourite, Mike and his boy walking on the beach}

We had such an awesome holiday last week. We headed off down south to visit Michael’s family in Katanning, spent a few relaxing days by the beach at Bremer Bay and then a quick overnighter in the picturesque Albany.

We were blessed with sunny weather the whole week. In fact, we didn’t see a drop of rain until we got back to Perth!

Bremer Bay would have to be the highlight of our holiday. We spent hours at the beach, walking through the white sand which felt like walking on corn flour, amazing! We collected shells, splashed about in the water, built sand castles and even went skinny dipping – the kids, not us! We went on a 4WD adventure to see some whales which left our Prado not looking so new anymore! We drove through rock terrain, loose sand and 30ish ‘puddles’, one of which was just too deep and long to drive through; resulting in a nearly 2 hour detour back home!

It was such a lovely week with our awesome little family. Our last as a family of 5. Next time we travel there will be 6 of us!

Here are a few of my favourite snaps from our holiday:

Thankful

2011-07-28T19:39:00.001+08:00

{27 weeks and 3 days, a little face saying hello}

Super thankful right now to many prayers answered! I had a obstetrician appointment today and found out 3 wonderful bits of news.

Firstly, tests revealed no gestational diabetes this time! I am beyond thrilled. No blood prick tests three times a day and no not allowing to eat sugar. I am still going to try and follow a low GI diet though so I don't end up looking like a hippopotamus!

Secondly, my placenta has moved north so it’s no longer blocking my cervix! Praise God! I have done 3 natural births and after the wonderful experience that I had birthing Elijah I really really wanted to still have the ability to try and replicate it. And now that is a possibility!

And finally, B4’s head is down and will most likely stay that way.

I am a very happy and thankful Mama right now. Thanks God!

Holidays

2011-07-22T19:11:00.001+08:00

A little glimpse of where we have been for the past week. Will post more once I have sorted through the plethora of unpacking and dirty washing! I think I’ll need a holiday to recover by the end!

Week 25 (and a half!)

2011-07-14T19:41:00.001+08:00

Whoops! So much for keeping a weekly pregnancy diary! I think it is because I have very uneventful pregnancies I don't have much to report on. My Obstetrician assures me these are the best pregnancies to have!

With 3 kidlets already sometimes I forget I am pregnant until the evening when I can finally put my feet up. B4 then lets me know she’s there with big kicks and somersaults. Never will I get tired of this amazing feeling, such a special bond between the two of us. Michael has felt a few kicks here and there but just like our three before, as soon as he puts his hand on my tummy our little one seems to settle down and stop moving around! I tell him it’s because of his gentle, soothing nature. And it does come in handy late at night when I need sleep and the little one has other plans!

Coming up in the next few weeks I have my gestational diabetes test. Two kind of wonderful hours on my own to read a good book, drink the most awful green goop, be drained of blood three times and pray pray pray that the results come back negative. Having it twice before I don't like my chances but I am still hopeful.

I also get to see B4 again with a growth scan coming up in a fortnight. My placenta will also be check and I am hoping it has moved clear of my cervix. I just can’t wait to have another little glimpse of our little one.

Can’t believe I am almost at the end of my final second trimester. Yikes!

First few steps

2011-07-13T12:40:00.000+08:00

Finally captured on video!

Cubbies and Umbrellas

2011-07-11T17:11:00.001+08:00

We started Day 2 with Uncle Ezzie off with an indoorsy kind of day. The kind where you build cubbies and stay in you PJ’s for most of the morning. Uncle Ez built the most amazing cubby which entertained the kiddlets for most of the morning. I of course was thrilled as it provided me with 3 uninterrupted hours of cleaning and baking! This Mama could get very used to having her teenager brother around!

The afternoon saw us going for a stroll in the rain so the girls could try out their new Charlie and Lola umbrellas. Love.

Uncle Ezra

2011-07-10T18:35:00.001+08:00

is here for a whole week, yippee!!

We LOVE Toy Catalogues

2011-07-10T17:51:00.001+08:00

Not only do they provide hours of ‘reading’ but the best thing to do is cut them up and make collages!

Oh, and I couldn’t resist posting a picture of this face:

She was actually asking me, very seriously I might add, the name of one of the Disney princesses! Tiana, in case you were wondering!

Rachael’s first book

2011-07-04T19:10:00.001+08:00

Rachael came home from kindy very excited this afternoon. She proudly presented me with her very first book. She apparently did it over 2 kindy sessions, which is probably why the story shifts from being about a diamond to putting a fire out. But it is so very sweet.

We are so proud of our clever girl!

At my side

2011-07-01T14:47:00.001+08:00

I have 2 companions permanently stuck to me. One needs to be there as she has a need for my womb to grow healthy and strong. The other not so much. Eli is going through a terrible clingy, whinging, ‘needing’ Mum phase and it is driving me slightly crazy! Today the only time he wasn’t sooking was when sleeping! The weekend can’t come soon enough for me! The only thing that seems to keep him happy is been carried around which this pregnant Mama just can’t keep doing. When I put him down however, I get this:

Ahhh, fun times!!

Dr Belle

2011-06-30T16:27:00.001+08:00

Oops he did it again….

2011-06-26T14:10:00.001+08:00

Cheeky little monkey!!

A lazy Saturday afternoon

2011-06-26T14:09:00.001+08:00

The girls doing what they do best….colour, stamp and draw.

Big Airport

2011-06-26T14:05:00.001+08:00

The airport would have to be Belle’s favourite place to visit. We are quite lucky to live within a 10 minute drive to a light craft airport which we regularly visit so Belle can get her dose of planes for a week. This Friday however, we thought we’d treat her to a trip to the ‘big airport’. It’s been the best bribe all week too! Each time she got into mischief or was being stubborn we would say ‘if you want to go to the big airport….’ It worked a treat, every time!

We were also amazed to discover the International Airport has an outside playground and BBQ area. And it’s got a much better viewing point for the landings and take offs.

Story time

2011-06-17T17:46:00.001+08:00

Miss Rachael has taking over my duties at story time it seems. Her love and talent for reading grows more and more each day and I simply adore listening to her read to Belle. Such a clever kid!

Hurricane Eli

2011-06-17T17:43:00.001+08:00

Oh my, I have another hurricane in the making! I thought Miss Belle was a whirl wind…Eli is much much cheekier. Little monkey gets into everything!! Point and case, this week:

Please, please, please may Baby 4 be more like Rachael……hehe!

Cars

2011-06-09T16:34:00.001+08:00

Eli LOVES them. One of his first words was ‘car’ and now he also says ‘toot’. He loves pointing them out when out and about and he also points to the sky when a plane flies overhead and shouts ‘car car’ car’. It is super cute. Love my boy!

Happy little vegemite

2011-06-08T16:48:00.001+08:00

Love him!

19 weeks & 2 days

2011-06-01T11:00:00.001+08:00

Perfectly and wonderfully made. Thank you God.

{front profile}

{waves hello}

{two sweet feet}

{side profile}

{our shy little one, two arms crossed over face}

Proof…

2011-05-29T17:38:00.001+08:00

…that I let my kids get dirty sometimes…

Weeks 18 - 19

2011-05-29T17:32:00.001+08:00

Almost half way!

I have my 19 week anatomy scan this week, so soon will have some more lovely pictures of Baby 4 to share. And yes we are finding out the sex; with a garage full of clothes we need to know so we can sort things out! My money is on a girl, but only time will tell.

In other weekly news I felt my first flutters this week. Such a beautiful moment. I love relaxing on the couch even more now as Baby 4 starts what I can only describe as it’s ‘blip blip blip’ movements. I cherish it!

Thirty

2011-05-22T14:36:00.001+08:00

30 years ago today the most wonderful baby boy was born. His parent’s called him Michael John.

13 years ago I met him and what began was a beautiful friendship.

10 years ago friendship turned into love.

9 years ago we we married.

4.5, 2.5, 1.1 years ago we became parents to 3 of the most beautiful children. And in 5 months time, parents to 4 of the most beautiful children.

Michael you have been one of the biggest blessings in my life. I thank God each day that he brought you to me. I love you so very much.

Happy 30 years.

{Picnic in the park}

{We are family}

First Ballet Lesson

2011-05-16T19:31:00.001+08:00

Tutus, leotard, ballet slippers, pirouette….words that have been filling our home of late and in high concentration after school today as we headed off to Rachael’s first ballet lesson. She was beyond excited to begin her lesson with Miss Katherine and after a few initial tears had a wonderful time. I am always amazed to see how quickly Rachael learns and today proved to be no different. She watched closely as Miss Katherine demonstrated the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position and did her very best to replicate them.

Rachael Allegra, ballerina in training.

Nate & Ruth’s wedding

2011-05-14T21:35:00.001+08:00

On the Mother’s Day weekend we headed to York for 2 nights for a huge family celebration. My brother Nathanael married his stunning girl Ruth. Nate and Ruth’s wedding was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to. All their months of planning, preparation and hard work well and truly paid off. It was so well orchestrated, everything flowed just beautifully. A vintage style affair, there was lace, there was old bottles, typewriters, books, jars with flowers, lawn games, old fashioned cocktails, a marquee filled with lanterns and fairy lights. My words just would not fully described how lovely everything was, so instead, some pictures:

{the flower girls and the pageboy/ring bearer – poor little poppet was sick!}

{some of the lovely vintage themed decorations}

{Belle, the dancing queen who at 11pm still did not want to leave the dance floor!}

As you can see it was quite simply a very lovely wedding. I unfortunately didn’t get as many photos as I would have liked but I was in charge of 5 kidlets so didn’t get many opportunities to get my camera out. Lou was the official photographer and will be posting the pictures on her new photography website: Sunny & Scout Photography in the coming weeks.

Congratulations Nate and Ruth, may you both be abundantly blessed in your marriage and Ruth welcome to our family!

Be blessed,

Jess x

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!

2011-05-14T19:19:00.001+08:00

During Jake and Lou’s visit we caught up with Lou’s 2 sisters and family and spent a glorious sunny day at the Zoo. We hadn’t been since forever and Rach and Belle loved every moment. We were very fortunate to see most animals, usually a lion sighting is a rare occurrence, but on this day both the lion and lioness were in full view!

Be blessed,

Jess x

Cyclone and a Hurricane

2011-05-14T18:52:00.001+08:00

We recently were blessed, thanks to a certain two people getting married, to have Jake, Lou, Sunny and the delightful Scout staying with us for a week and a half. 4 adults and 5.5 kids under one roof made a full, busy, crazy, but very fun house! Oh and messy! Especially with Hurricane Belle and Cyclone Sunny roaming from room to room. Point in case, the activity room:

It was spotless 5 minutes prior, until I left to make myself a cup of tea!

Be blessed,

Jess x

Playroom

2011-05-14T18:41:00.001+08:00

Another room in our new home has been completed, the kid’s playroom! Now only if it would stay this tidy all the time! But I guess that wouldn’t be much fun!

Be blessed,

Jess x

Weeks 14-17

2011-05-14T18:37:00.001+08:00

{Baby 4 at 15 weeks, face, hands and feet evident}

Slightly uneventful but I think that is a good thing! The highlight of this time was my first Obstetrician appointment. Dr Anna was running an hour late due to being up in the ward delivering a baby but I was very fortunate to have Jake and Lou here, so while the kids stayed at home with them, I relaxed and got to read a whole magazine in one sitting – something that hasn’t happened in years! The appointment went very well and Baby 4 is right on track with his/her’s growth. The best thing about these appointments is getting to see to wonder of your baby moving about, and in my case with this appointment, doing somersaults right before my eyes. Such amazing technology we have nowadays. I get a little teary every time I see the wonder that is growing inside me!

Energy wise I feel revived! No more daytime naps, energy to play with the kids again and I am even making it past 8pm at night!

Be blessed,

Jess x

Easter

2011-05-14T18:03:00.001+08:00

Last Easter Sunday something very special happened. Our beautiful son was born. Now, just over a year later Elijah was well and truly apart of our Easter celebrations. He knows all about brightly wrapped foil products and what lies beneath. He can spot bunnies and Easter eggs miles away and starts to whimper and salivate slightly. He is well and truly a choc-o-holic (just like his Mother!).

We had a lovely long 5 day weekend at home, attending a very moving church service on good Friday and a wonderful celebration on Sunday to rejoice in Christ being risen. The kidlets were very spoilt with chocolatey treats from their Grandparents, so much that all we needed to buy them were some hunting eggs! Once again our Easter egg hunt was inside – 2 years in a row it has rained on Easter Sunday! Mind you, seeing how our bag yard is currently dirt, it was probably a wise, clean move!

Be blessed,

Jess x

Dear poor neglected blog….

2011-05-14T17:04:00.001+08:00

It’s been nearly a month since my last post. As usual my only excuse besides sheer laziness is incredible busyness! I promise to find some time over the weekend to catch up. On the agenda; Easter, playroom shots, Weeks 14-17 of Baby 4’s journey, our visit with Jake and Lou, the zoo, Lavendale Farm and last but not least the much awaited event in our family for the past year – Nate and Ruth’s wedding. See, it’s been a busy month? :)

Eli’s dedication

2011-04-19T14:58:00.001+08:00

On Sunday we committed in front of our friends and family to raise Elijah in a loving Christian home. A home that always seeks God and commits everything to Him. One of my favourite scriptures in the Bible comes from Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This is our hope for all of our children.

{Before the service; Opa with Eli, possibly my most favourite picture at the moment}

Just as Jesus welcomed and included children, we wanted to acknowledge and thank God for our son: “He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.”(Matt 18:2-5).

{Our family and my brother Zachary who gave a lovely prayer to Eli (thank you!)}

{Rachael was a little shy, overwhelmed by the congregation and the lights!}

Thank you God for Your continued blessings in our life. Words can’t quite express how grateful I am for Rachael, Isabelle and Elijah and with Your help I pray that they will be always loving, always seeking and always serving You.

Party in the Park

2011-04-19T10:36:00.001+08:00

Seeing how we currently have a backyard of dirt and opened boxes we thought a party in the park to celebrate Elijah’s 1st birthday would be just the thing. What we weren’t counting on was at the end of April a 36 degree day! Thankfully 30 minutes into the party the clouds came out and hid the sun’s warm rays.

{The cake – double layer chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream icing, yum!}

We had an awesome time celebrating with close friends and family. Eli did too, even after he managed to skin his poor little feet on some wooden steps…note to Mum, must put shoes on the little dude from now on!

{Opening presents}

{blowing out the candle}

Thank you to all who came, you made our (very warm) day!

Week 13, just peachy

2011-04-18T08:36:00.001+08:00

Hello second trimester! First, I am not sad to see you go! I am excited about what lays ahead, a renewed energy and hopefully no more sickness!

Actually this week has been awesome, the sickness really did ease off. My only issue (which may be a slight overshare, but this is my journal after all!) is a continued difficulty in peeing. It happened with the first 3 babies and this week was particularly bad. My obstetrician when I was pregnant with Rachael almost had to insert a catheter to help drain things but fortunately the 2L of water I drank prior was enough to get the flood gates open. Apparently it has something to so with the growing uterus pushing on the ureter and until the uterus pops out of the pelvis it can continue to happen. Fingers crossed it happens this week – although looking at me now you’d have thought I’d already popped!!

{image}

Point & Shoot 3

2011-04-18T08:09:00.001+08:00

This weekend was very special to us. Not only did we celebrate Elijah turning 1, we celebrated his dedication service. It was beyond busy but so very joyful. And there are many more photos to come!

For more point and shoot fun head to sunny & scout.

Elijah’s room

2011-04-12T19:29:00.001+08:00

Eli’s room is the first room to be completed in our new home. And I am very happy with it! I’ve been collecting things for his jungle themed room since before his birth and just love how it has all come together.

A lot of his room decorations have been handmade; the bunting by my Mum and me, the Humphrey cross stitches by my Grandma and a few of his wall art’s by my good friend Wendy. The rest I have bought off Etsy (love), Tiger Tribe and Printspace.

Now to get the rest of the house done!

Point & Shoot - 2

2011-04-11T08:29:00.001+08:00

This picture pretty much sums up our weekend – and the days before it. All three little cuties have been struck down with a nasty head cold. Poor sweet Rach has copped it the worst with her watery red eyes, tap for a nose and constant cough. I caught her saying over and over again ‘ Nose, stop dripping now!’ If only her nose would listen.

For more point and shoot fun head on over to sunny and scout.

Colin Buchannan

2011-04-10T19:37:00.001+08:00

On Wednesday we went and saw Colin Buchannan perform. You may know him from playschool (back when I was a kid some 20-25 years ago!). He is also a very famous Christian kids singer. Lots have people learnt to memorise scriptures thanks to his catchy songs.

I sadly have to admit that we have no Colin CD’s and DVD’s in our house so the girls had no idea who he was when we went along to his concert. But that didn’t matter because they absolutely loved it! All week they have been talking about the character’s Colin dressed up as, Nudgy his sidekick and singing some of his songs. He certainly left a lasting impact on them.

Time for a trip to our local Christian Bookstore to pick up one of his CD’s so I too can sing along with them!

Week 12

2011-04-10T19:09:00.001+08:00

Whoa, have 12 weeks seriously gone by already? I’ve known about you for 10 of those weeks now B4 and you’ve let me know your presence every single day. Mama has been sick, sickity sick. So I am convinced you are a girl. Your brother never made me sick, but your 2 sisters sure did. In the busyness that is our family though little one, I am glad that you let me know you are there. And as an added bonus I have apparently lost weight, which is awesome!

I have realised that in my past 3 pregnancies I have loads of photos to remember the happy occasion of carrying and birthing my 3 precious children but I have never journaled that journey. So, my plan is to try and reflect each week on the week that was. For the final time.

To bring us up to date, here’s what has happened in the past 12 weeks.

I found out after a few days of heartburn (which I normally never get except during pregnancy) that to my surprise I was expecting. It took a little time to adjust. To be honest even though Michael really wanted 4 children, I wasn’t 100% sold yet. I was thinking if we were to have 4 that a bit bigger gap between Eli and the baby would be good. God obviously had other plans and I am so very grateful.
The all day sickness started around week 5 and only now do I occasionally have part of a day that I don't feel nauseated. Now I generally get sick late at night which I guess with 3 kids is a blessing because at least they are in bed and I can lay down and relax. On that note, yes, the housework has been suffering!
The tiredness also started around week 5. It is amazing that growing something so small can be such exhausting work. I am blessed that all 3 kids rest from 12 to 2 each day so I sleep then. And again, yes, on that note the housework has been suffering!
I seem to be regaining some energy of late. I have started cooking again and instead of sleeping during the day I have been watching reruns of Grey’s Anatomy. This past week I managed to watch all of season 2….aaahhh, Denny Duquette.
I have given up holding my tummy in because I have well and truly popped. My body knows what’s going on. There’s no holding back now. I am a little embarrassed to say, but I feel I look like a first timer at 20 weeks. But that may also have to do with the layer of fat that has accumulated during the last 3 pregnancies!
I have been having headaches for the past few days. I never get headaches and don’t remember getting them with the other 3, though apparently my husband (and Mum!) do remember!
We have already decided on the baby’s name. Both for a girl and boy. How’s that for organisation?

Love you B4 xxoo

{image}

Point and Shoot - I

2011-04-04T16:54:00.001+08:00

I haven’t participated in blog community things in forever. But seeing how my wonderful sister in-law is now in charge of Point & Shoot I thought I’d better get my act together!

Eli has been attempting to walk with his walker in the past few days – you can tell he is concentrating really hard as his tongue is poking out. Love!

For more Point & Shoot fun head here.

One

2011-04-04T11:43:00.001+08:00

My special little boy is one today. I know everyone says this but I seriously can not believe how quickly the year has gone!

Now that you are one:

You crawl properly. Except if you want to get somewhere fast – then you pull out your commando moves.

You pull to stand and have started to cruise, just a little.

You have FINALLY FINALLY said Mum. It made Mum so happy! Other words include Dad, car, ta, dog and woof.

You love books, especially ‘Hide and Seek Jungle’ by David Crossley. We read that book at least 10 times a day. Mummy wishes she could find his other lift the flap books.

You are a great eater. You love meat and won’t touch anything else if you discover that it is on your plate. A real little carnivore.

You are finally sleeping through the night and it is bliss.

You flap your arms, bounce up and down and say ‘e e e e’ when you are excited.

You still loves morning feeds and cuddles with Mummy and secretly, she loves it too.

Your hair is longer than your sisters at this age. Mummy feels a little odd not being able to clip or tie it back. Time for a haircut perhaps.

You have lived in 3 different houses since you were born!

You are a very cuddly boy. You like to be held – a lot!

You still have 2 sleeps a day. We’ve tried cutting it down to 1, but without 2 you are one grumpy baby!

You are the most precious baby boy we have ever laid our eyes on. We love you so very much,

Happy 1st birthday Elijah Malachi!

a lovely little surprise

2011-03-21T08:00:00.001+08:00

Just when we thought we were done, we have been blessed with this:

Our final addition will be joining our family in October. I found out on my 30th that I was expecting (what a birthday surprise!). It took a few weeks of adjusting but we are thrilled. We are very thankful that we have built a 5 bedroom home and now we are on the hunt for a 7 seater car!

So far this baby’s journey has reminded me a lot of my pregnancy with Rachael. I have been very very sick. And super tired. So much for my theory about breastfeeding while pregnant and not being sick! Elijah is still feeding from me, though we are in the process of weaning as I am finding feeding 2 babies quite tiring! The only set back we have had with Eli’s weaning is finding out he is allergic to dairy which has made things a little tricky! He is now on soy products which he seems to be accepting.

So that is our big, exciting news. It has made things extra crazy around here with all the packing, painting and other new house stuff going on but I have been very fortunate and blessed that I have a super wonderful husband who has been doing everything, including cooking after work (as it makes me throw up!). So thank you my beautiful Michael; you are the most awesome, caring and selfless man and I would be completely lost without you!

Vertical

2011-03-19T15:53:00.001+08:00

Elijah has been really busy this week.

He has learnt to pull up to his knees and in the past few days to his feet. There’s nothing cuter than seeing him on his knees bouncing up and down – he is very excited to be able to be upright just like his sisters. And I now need to learn to keep small items up even higher!

Eli also learnt to sit himself up from a lying down position so you can imagine the fun we have now at bed time!

Pink Cast

2011-03-19T15:45:00.001+08:00

Zac’s informal photo shoot just before he parted ways with his lovely pink cast.

Packing

2011-03-14T10:49:00.001+08:00

Is what we have been up to lately and why I have been so quiet. We move in less than 2 weeks! So very happy!

{image}

Ten apples up on top

2011-03-05T08:19:00.000+08:00

Read by Rachael (just a small snippet of the whole book she read!)

Standing…

2011-03-01T17:23:00.001+08:00

…or perhaps just leaning but it is a huge improvement for this almost 11 month old!

Last week Eli was only interested in being horizontal. He still is the champion of all champions when it comes to rolling and he is crawling 60% of the time but vertical land? Forget it, he just hasn’t been interested. Until now.

Actually, it wasn’t until I made a bold statement at Mum’s group last week that he wouldn’t be standing before his 1st birthday that he started being interested. Cheeky thing!

He started pulling up on low lying things, like our block trolley, then me (if I am lying down) and only to his knees, but in the past few days if he is sitting in my lap and there is something to pull up on in front of us, he’ll try his hardest to get up on it and today – success!

When all is quiet…

2011-02-28T16:11:00.001+08:00

it usually means someone is up to mischief!

Today at our place

2011-02-25T16:43:00.001+08:00

it is so stinking hot.

House update X

2011-02-24T18:16:00.001+08:00

The building of our new home is pretty much wrapping up! Within the month we should be moving – I can’t tell you how super excited I am. This past week all the painting has been completed inside and out, paving done and doors and door handles installed. From what we can see the only things left to do is the installation of the garage door, insulation installation and site clean up.

{finished paintwork – the bottom render colour is actually A LOT darker than we chose – we are investigating this!}

We also met with out landscape designer this week to design our front garden. I had drafted what I wanted the garden to look like and the landscaper loved it! We are additionally planting 7 white standard roses, 4 at the front and 3 at the side behind the hedging. I really liked the symmetry of our garden – and then they added a street tree – oh well! Still looks great and I am very thankful we don't have to do a thing!

Baby Chocoholic

2011-02-19T14:54:00.001+08:00

Even with a puffy eye Eli looks delicious!

House update IX

2011-02-19T14:09:00.001+08:00

So it’s been awhile since our last house update and you’ll be pleased to know (as we are!) that our builders have been busy little bees. This past month we’ve seen the remaining cupboards installed, the stone bench in our kitchen installed, sinks put in, tiling complete, toilets installed, hot water system installed, painting of the ceilings, cornices, eaves, doors and frames, all electrical fittings complete and all final plumbing jobs done. We bumped into the painter this morning who plans to finish the painting this week – final coats and the front exterior and our pavers have been delivered for the front driveway and pathways too.

It’s getting very exciting as there is not much left to do! Better get started on that packing! Some pictures:

{hot water system, our shower and kitchen}

{my new 900mm oven and cooktop –love!!}

Birds for Belle

2011-02-17T19:30:00.001+08:00

This week I have been designing a sweet birdie wall art for my sweet Belle. I appliqued the birds and branch and ironed them onto a blue piece of material before attaching it to a canvas. I was pretty happy with the outcome! Though for some reason the bottom and top looks a little warped and I can’t figure out why – oh well! I am only a beginner :)

Belle is completely stoked and wants it in her room now but she’ll have to wait a few more weeks. Our new house is almost complete – we should have the keys by mid March!

Sisterly love

2011-02-17T19:23:00.001+08:00

Belle has really been missing Rach while she’s at kindy and at any given moment will embrace her in a big hug. Completely warms me.

Was I bored today…

2011-02-17T19:14:00.001+08:00

…perhaps, but it does look pretty.

My creative space

2011-02-10T14:10:00.001+08:00

This week I have been creating some wall art for Rachael’s new room. She is going to love it!

When left alone..

2011-02-07T16:33:00.001+08:00

…with Rachael, Elijah gets a girly makeover!

Double figures

2011-02-04T12:11:00.001+08:00

Happy 10 months to our joyful boy!

Kindergarten

2011-02-03T11:59:00.001+08:00

We are about to head off to Rachael’s first kindy day – she is super duper excited! Big breath Mum!

Tomorrow

2011-02-02T21:25:00.001+08:00

You once were a newborn babe in my arms.

I’ve witnessed your first smile and laugh and delighted in it.

I’ve seen you grasp, roll and sit.

I nourished you for 14 months and fed you your first solid food.

I’ve seen you crawl, stand and walk.

I’ve heard your first words, sentences and you sing your first song.

I’ve been blown away by how you learn – from simple colours, numbers and letters, to puzzles, drawing, writing and to listening to you read.

I’ve delighted in how you have love and cherished your siblings

and tomorrow……

Tomorrow I will witness your first day at kindergarten.

My firstborn. My daughter. All grown up.

I love you Rachael xxoo

So very blessed

2011-01-29T22:09:00.001+08:00

to have these three in our lives.

Morning tea @ our house

2011-01-28T10:17:00.001+08:00

The girls like their morning tea to be fun. Each day I try to come up with a new idea to impress them – here’s what we have had so far this week:

{people}

{flutterby butterfly}

{humpty dumpty sat on the wall}

And for those thinking ‘where’s all the fruit?!’ – don't worry, afternoon tea time is exclusively dedicated to fruit! Pictures on that another time :)

Kids Cooking 101

2011-01-27T16:48:00.001+08:00

Ingredients

popcorn, rice, milo, pasta, corn chips, sultanas, water

Utensils

measuring cups, wooden spoon, tongs, spatula, mixing spoons, pots, pans, pretend stove top, whisk, sieve, rolling pin, mixing bowls, one sink of hot soapy water, one bin

Method

1. Let Junior Masterchef apprentices take over kitchen - well at least the kitchen table

2. Mix, pour, shake, spill, splash, bask, cook, stir, fry and whisk all ingredients until you have a nice consistent slurry mixture

3. Shudder as the littlest Junior Masterchef eats her creation, then pry from hands

4. Replace masterpieces with real afternoon tea

5. Secretly dump masterpieces in the bin

6. Soak, wash and clean all utensils

{lick}

{whisk}

{Belle’s final masterpiece}

{yummy, yummy, eating said masterpiece}

House update VIII

2011-01-22T17:43:00.001+08:00

After sitting still for over 5 weeks, work has finally started once again on our new home! Lock up occurred this week as well the installation of half the kitchen and bathroom cupboards. We now have doors and shelves and rails too. Some pictures:

{front door}

{kitchen; from the front}

{kitchen; from the side}

I am already a little bit in love with my super long 12 drawer kitchen bench – even better there is no sink in the way!

Eli Crawls

2011-01-22T17:25:00.000+08:00

Finally, the little dude has started creeping forward! I just love his little wing tucked under too, so cute!

Our Cheeky One

2011-01-21T20:51:00.001+08:00

How we love her!

30 and fabulous

2011-01-19T21:28:00.001+08:00

Today was the perfect day weather wise. 30 degrees to me is the perfect temperature for outside fun. And we soaked up every ray of sunshine this afternoon. We jumped with colourful balls, we felt sand between our toes, we swang high in the air, we laid on the rug and stared at the sky, we let the sun kiss our cute little toes. It was fabulous. Now only if I can convince myself that in a few short weeks (eeek!!) that 30 years is also fabulous!

Trampoline fun

2011-01-15T18:50:00.001+08:00