Growing up

My maternity leave is drawing to a close and the time has come to once again entrust our precious baby to the hands of a virtual stranger. The carer we found for Lulu Bean couldn’t be more ideal – a gentle, patient lady who loves babies, so much so that Lulu is one of four babies in her care (Four! At once!). Lulu hasn’t often had the pleasure of company her own age. A group of baby friends and some independence from mum, dad and big sister will soon see her realising her potential and blossoming into her own little personality.

In her short life, Lulu Bean has quietly observed everything around her with a huge smile on her face, seemingly content with everything, everywhere, all of the time. She is radiant.

Last week she enjoyed her first couple of days away from us. She was overjoyed to see us when we collected her and in her silent fashion, expressed her joy with huge smiles, and energetic slaps around our head and shoulders.

Today when I left her she pressed her face against the window and cried a desperately sad howl. She was fine a few minutes later, but my heart still broke a little, knowing that she was missing us. How I wish I never had to let her go...

Project 52 - August

My Four Hens Project 52

 

Week 32 - this image makes me a little sad!

Week 33 - some random poses from some backyard visitors

Week 34 - this beauty is as stunning in black and white as she is in colour

Week 35 - outgrowing her first pair of shoes *sniff*

Season's end

The outpouring of love and support from your family and friends as you bravely (and in your typical glamorous fashion) journeyed through your final weeks is a testament to the type of person you were and how very much you are loved. I am so much richer for having known you, and am lucky enough to have had the chance to tell you how you impacted my life.

You were one of the most extraordinary people that I could ever hope to know. I am devastated at the thought of going to your funeral. I have no doubt it will be a joyous celebration of an amazing and extraordinary life, but it is too soon. It's just too soon.

The world isn't quite as bright without you Pam.

A truly extraordinary woman, a mother and friend whose love knew no bounds, Pam, you taught me so much. 

That a mother's love is a force to be reckoned with.
 
That it is never too late to take a chance and change your path.

That when your heart is filled with love and joy and laughter, your life will be too.

xoxo

South bound

The anxiety has lessened so much I can't quite believe it. The impromptu road trip seemed to work wonders on my driving anxiety (although certain roads must still be avoided).

I was a little nervous about flying to Tasmania, so what better way to 'cure' me completely of my fear of flying than spending a day in an airport, hopping on and off planes but never actually going anywhere? 

We arrived at our destination over 12 hours after wheels up from our starting point. Particularly frustrating as a direct flight to Hobart would only take an hour and ten minutes... After a long day in an airport with two little ones, I had never been so keen to get on a plane and feel that familiar but once dreaded force of the plane leaving the tarmac. 

The delay was worth it of course, Hobart never disappoints. It was a real pleasure to explore the city on foot, and once again it felt like I was 'home'. Shed a happy tear here and there. Sunset and sunrise were spectacular. Why don't I live there again?

Our girls travel beautifully, but after three trips this year that involve flights (a stress in itself which requires us to be super organised) I am looking forward to being home for a while. This week we traveled to see the incredible musical production of The Lion King (our second time, first time for the little ones. The Bean was enthralled from start to finish, much more engaged thatn I had hoped) and suddenly car trips seem like a good thing to do! You don't have to carry every single little thing you may possibly need or think you need for an unknown time period of between one and fourteen hours, for a start...

*****

A beautiful baby boy made his dramatic entrance to the world, a longed for little brother for The Bean's bestie. Welcome little man, you are so loved xo

Project 52 - July

My Four Hens Project 52

  

Week 28 - Something tells me he is going to make me pay for this...

Week 29 - Any excuse to stop for 5 minutes and enjoy a cuppa!

Week 30 - This little guy is loud like a rock star

Week 31 - Mt Wellington towers over the city of Hobart, one of my favourite landscapes

Begin again

 

Sometimes all it takes is:
a wrong turn and sheer stubbornness to lead you down a new, (lonely, foggy) road;

a friend having their life turned upside down;

and an event that inspires you to live large;

to make you:
forget to remember that you are anxious;

be truly grateful for, well, anything and everything...

and to take a giant, uncoordinated, leap out of your comfort zone.  

*****

A wonderful, surprise trip to Tasmania is approaching - a long-ish weekend away with our girls, no itinerary, no hire car, 'forced' to explore my favourite city on foot...

I haven't freaked out when driving anywhere in the last few weeks. Surely that means I can get on a plane?

Life is good!

Project 52 - June

My Four Hens Project 52

Week 23 - This mobile has hovered above both of my babies. Their lives are passing in a blur. Made an appearance in week 23's eye candy
Week 24 - What fun this was!
Week 25 - A wrong turn resulted in a very long detour, but led me to this beautiful spot, almost completely hidden in the fog. Made an appearance in week 25's eye candy 
Week 26 - Shot through the car windscreen, this old bridge was an unexpected pleasure. Made an appearance in week 26's eye candy
Week 27 - A 'Frozen' obsessed toddler was beside herself at visiting the snow (surprisingly close to home!)