Point + Shoot – Weekend Wrap Up

I’m a bit late, but I’m here, pointing and shooting! It has been a fun weekend for us. Saturday saw Pebble and I pottering about doing a bit this and a bit of that while Paul helped his brother with some of the last few jobs before he moves interstate. I kept our day low key because it was DATE NIGHT for Paul and I on Saturday night, and I wanted to make sure that Pebble was nice and relaxed, and not too tired (but tired enough, you know?). We had a little excursion to the shops to buy her cousin a birthday present, and that’s about it.

Saturday afternoon we dropped Pebble off at Grandma’s and returned home to chillax with some tunes, some conversation (without interruptions!!!) and a little drink. We were supposed to use our much anticipated Gold Class voucher but ALL the shite movies sold out. I couldn’t believe it! Literally every session was sold out. We were kind of ok with that because there really wasn’t anything on that we desperately wanted to see. There looks to be some good stuff coming up in the next few weeks, so we’ll pop out for a mid-week session then. Mid-week date night! Woo hoo!

We decided to hit up our local pub, which we used to frequent quite a bit more often in the old days. It was SO GOOD to just sit together, chat, laugh, drink, people watch, chat some more. Oh, how I laughed! We really don’t have many relaxed conversations these days. We’re both busy with the (adorable) kid and then any chit chat after her bed time is all business stuff, catching up the mundane communication of this thing we call life. We so very rarely just hang out together, just the two of us. I loved it.

Not to mention the ability to blast music at all hours, stomp around the house and collapse into sleep knowing that I won’t be woken up by a little voice calling “mummy”. I love being mummy, but a break like this is so very appreciated. Thank you Grandma!

Sunday we went to our nephew’s 1st birthday party, a very cute outdoor affair with a jungle theme. We had an easy afternoon of catching up with family and chasing the (many, many!) littlies around the playground. We got home late on Sunday arvo and somehow, before we knew it, the day was done. Goodbye weekend, see you again soon (but not soon enough).

See what other’s are Pointing and Shooting this week at Lou’s place.

How did I get here?

Yesterday I had a few little jobs to do – quick grocery shop, make dinner, tidy the house, take care of the kid. No big deal. In between throwing loads of washing in and out of the machine I whisked Pebble off to the supermarket to get the ingredients for dinner. She insisted on wearing her ‘dancing skirt’ over the top of her trackies, as she does almost every day lately. I couldn’t be bothered getting dressed properly myself, and chose to go out in my mummy uniform of charcoal work out pants (I don’t even know what to call these – trackies meet yoga pants and have a baby), an old, super faded t-shirt with a few holes in it (no bra – gasp!), and my black hoodie that was NOT coming off under any circumstances.

Of course this would be the day that:

a) I bump into one of the parents and a student from my class. A gorgeous family, honestly, they are such treasures. I just wished I was wearing a bra.

b) Pebble wets her pants – the nappy was dry, it was bizarre!

c) I don’t bring a change of clothes out with us.

d) I don’t pack a snack (she’s an EATING MACHINE right now!).

So there where are, in the car park at Woolies with my kid in a tutu and sneakers, stuffing her face with a bread roll. She was having a lovely time.  Sometimes you just have to laugh at life. Then other times you just have to learn how to prepare to leave the house with a toddler. For heaven’s sake woman, have you learned nothing in the last 20 months?

That’s why I write this blog – so I don’t forget moments like these. Gold.

Spaaaaaaaaa

I’ve just returned from 45 minutes of my face pressed into this massage table. Fourty five minutes of having my back, neck and shoulders (oh yes, the shoulders! please, more on the shoulders!) rubbed until they have melted away. I drove home wondering if it was quite safe enough for me to be behind the wheel, I was feeling very fuzzy headed.

This was the last of my birthday vouchers, I’ve been saving them since November… saving them so long that they all expired! Luckily they were still accepted and in the past fortnight I’ve enjoyed these little delights:

and today’s blissful massage. Ahhhhhhhhhhh.

I would never buy these kinds of things for myself, but I love them. I especially love being able to choose my own adventure. One voucher was for a facial, and while I do love a facial I find if I only have one I break out in spots. As I can’t afford to keep up with weekly facials (oh, can you imagine that kind of life?!)I asked to swap. The spa was more than happy to exchange my facial for an experience of the same value and voila, massage a go go. Plus an eye brow shaping! It hurts like a bitch but the results are so much better than my rushed job in the bathroom mirror with tweezers.

Goodbye for now indulgent, relaxing luxury – until we meet again.

Blessed

Today Pebble and I had an amazingly wonderful day. We spent every minute of it together, playing, enjoying, lapping it up. We started with some nice long cuddles in bed before finally getting up to go and pick up some necessities from the supermarket on our way to another Toddler House visit (read more here and here). Pebble was even more ready to join in the play today, and within 15 minutes of our visit she was running laps around the yard with only the odd glance to see that I was within easy reach. By the end of the visit she had toddled off to the sandpit area on her own, leaving me in the yard with some of the other kids. I am really pleased with how well she’s settling in – the squeal of delight when we get to the car park and the cries of dismay when I say it’s time to go are a good sign. This will be tested when I attempt my first proper drop off on Thursday this week. I will say goodbye to Pebble for half an hour, while I go and sit in the car and fret about her emotional well being. She will be fine. I may need a big hug.

Following that successful and happy morning we dropped into mother’s group at a local cafe and met the first new baby #2 of the group, along with two of the newly pregnant mummies. It seems that making second babies is all the rage in this particular group. Nope, not for our family, thanks for asking.

After mother’s group Pebble fell fast asleep on the way home and stayed in bed for a long nap, letting me get on with some chores. I finished the ironing, washed the clay out of Paul’s gardening clothes from the weekend, and cleaned the kitchen. Didn’t I just feel like Super Susie Homemaker?

When Pebble woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed I decided to follow on from one of this week’s episodes of Play School, where they made cars and raced them. Pebble helped me to make a box car for her to ride in. We used an old nappy box, four paper places for the wheels and one for the steering wheel, ribbons for ‘seat belts’, a few stickers and a bit of lace for decoration and LOTS of strong tape. Pebble helped with the folding, sticking and decorating.

Unfortunately the finished product was nothing but mildly terrifying to poor Pebble. I tried to fit her into the car but I’d made the seat belts too tight the first time around, so she got a little squished and quite put off the whole thing. After adjusting the belts and giving all the toys a go in the car Pebble was quite keen to have another. She was soon zooming around the house in her super cool new wheels, looking quite pleased with herself.

With the afternoon looming ahead I thought it would be good to get some fresh air. We grabbed wellies, beanies and a bucket and went outside for a nature treasure hunt. We grabbed interesting bits and bobs from around the garden, venturing as far as the play ground across the road to find the most interesting pieces. Of course, that meant we had to PLAY!

Feeling ready for a nice snuggle in front of the fire with a book, we went indoors and did just that.

Today I am feeling very grateful for all the happiness and health that I and my family experience every day. Blessed are we if we are lucky enough for this to continue into the very distant future. I wish the same for all of you.

Family, friends, markets, oh my!

What a busy and fun weekend we’ve had! I feel absolutely exhausted, but in a good way. On Friday night we celebrated my little sister turning 21 – hip hip hooray!! We went to a pub, some of us ate schnitzels larger than our own heads, and enjoyed a very pretty butterfly covered chocolate mud cake. The baby cousins fell asleep like the little angels that they are, aren’t they sweet?

On Saturday I zipped into the Big W for the one day sale. Bedlam! There were people everywhere, LOTS of mums and dads with their trolley loads of nappies (Huggies had a big special). I got my nappies and got outta there! In the arvo Paul trimmed and re-staked our rose bushes while Pebble and I played, and I got a little bit more party planning done. The poor young rose bushes were so heavy with roses that they were falling over! The growth this year has been fantastic, but the bushes can’t quite cope with it.

Update on the party planning – the first guest list was for 116 people. Um. NO. The second still-large-but-more-conservative list is for 55 people including children and babies. That’s just close family and close friends! I’m still going with the duck theme, more of an indulgence for mummy than for Pebble. I know she won’t remember any of it, but I’ll have fun getting it all ready, and she’ll enjoy it on the day. Pebble loves busy, loud, and lots of people, thankfully, and I think she’ll have a good day.

On Sunday morning, while Paul helped my Dad and step-mum move into their lovely new home, I stopped in at the launch of Lollipop Markets. It was so pretty and organised, and stuffed to the brim with gorgeous, handmade goodies for kids. I bought my step-sister a cute-as-can-be shower gift for a few weeks time, as well as a few (ok, quite a few) little things for Pebble. More about that later …

Sunday afternoon we went to a good friend’s engagement party, where we relaxed on the grass at the local national park and whiled away the hours in their honour. The wedding is in February, how exciting!!! I can’t wait to celebrate with them some more. When all the celebrating for the day was done we went home and tried out Pebble’s new toy – on loan from her cousins while they’re both too big and too little to use it. This walker is just perfect for Pebble at the moment, she’s loving the chance to walk up and down the lounge room. She’s not quite got the turning thing sorted yet, so that’s mum and dad’s (constant) job. Thanks Aunty Skye, big kisses from Pebble xx

Perhaps all that fresh air and walking was just the thing that Pebble needed. Last night was the first. night. ever. that Pebble has slept from 9pm to 7am without waking up. No midnight feed. Only once did I get up to put her dummy back in, at 5am. Wow! I’m not holding my breath for more, I’m not expecting a repeat performance. I’m just enjoying the one night that we had, and I’ll remember it fondly always.

How was your weekend?

Sunday Sun

Today we’ve had one of those Sunday’s that you wish you could have more often. Well, perhaps we could have done with sleeping in past 6.15am, but after that it was perfect. First of all, Pebble had a two hour nap! …pause to revel in that awesomeness….I got a few small jobs done around the house, but nothing too stressful, just the kind of jobs that make you feel better for doing them. Then we trundled off to enjoy a glass of wine or two, a divinely scrumptious meal and good company at Woodstock Winery, where we hosted our wedding reception. They had sent us a $50 voucher to spend and it was just the thing to encourage us out of the house and indulge for an afternoon. And the FOOD! Oh, it was really too good. I kept taking bite after bite and saying, “I want to know how to make this!”. Perhaps even better than the food itself, Pebble fell asleep right on time for lunch!

The restaurant was buzzing, there were quite a few big tables of people celebrating, and lots of babies and children adding to the lively atmosphere. Instead of feeling frantic, the three piece jazz band played light and sparkling music which relaxed our shoulders, and our minds. Our friendly waitress kindly offered to take our order quickly, so that could get in ahead of a large group that had just arrived. Our meals arrived promptly, and the oohing and aaaahing began. Paul and his Mum, Kath, ordered the juicy, minty lamb cutlets, served with potato, feta, pea and mint salad. The jus was absolutely lick-able.

I ordered the market fish special, a crispy skinned lemon and butter king fish with a meltingly soft potato gratin, asparagus and a creamy capsicum sauce. The flavours exploded in my mouth, this was just so, so tasty. I wish I could cook this well. I think the local, seasonal and fresh produce made this dish, and of course the excellent technique of the chefs. Practice makes perfect, I’ll have to give it a go at home.

We all shared a generous serve of butternut pumpkin with caramelised onions, blue cheese and pine nuts. The soft, creamy flesh of the butternut paired perfectly with the sweet and rich caramelised onions and just a hint of blue cheese. The crunch of the pinenuts was the icing on the cake, so to speak.
 
But we couldn’t stop there. Could we? Really? Not when the food had been SO good. We just had to try the desserts, of course we did! Usually we share a dessert, but the offerings looked so delectable that we had one each. Kath had the dark chocolate mousse cylinder, with layers of dark and white chocolate mousse, mandarin foam and mandarin and ginger syryp. It was rich and decadent, and she needed a bit of Paul’s help to finish it off!

Paul had the pithivier (tart, I believe) of local apple and cherries, with local almonds and baileys ice cream. Paul raved about the almonds – you just don’t realise how good something should be until you taste it fresh and well grown.

I’m a sucker for cheesecake and chose the mini baked goats cheese cake with sable pastry, balsamic strawberries, roasted rhubarb, crystallised rose petals (lovely) and balsamic ice cream. Oh MY, this was good! A little bit of yum, with a side of scrummy and topped with delish! It was rich, creamy, fruity, juicy and zingy. Y. U. M.

Topped off with smooth coffee we were well and truly full. We rolled on out of there with mumblings of not having any dinner tonight (but really, those of you who know me know that I never skip a meal). I think one of my favourite parts of the day, though, was using the toilet. Yes, that’s right. Strangely, that’s where I got the strongest memories from my wedding. The reminder of lifting up the train and voluminous skirt, and having a rare moment to myself that day to reflect on the pure and simple happiness that was our wedding day. I loved our wedding. It was the happiest day of my life. If only it took something a little more romantic than a commode to remind me of it.
If you’re in SA get yourself into Woodstock winery. You won’t regret it! (no Woodstock are not paying me to write this. I just love that place!).

Victory!

Have you ever seen a more beautiful sign?

I am proud to say that today I did manage to achieve my goal of finishing the City to Bay 12km walk. Being totally unfit, and having committed absolutely no training time, I aimed to complete it in two and half to three hours. Well... I smashed that right out of the park! I completed the walk in 2 hours flat! It was actually not very difficult, I walked at a fast pace, only slowing down to relieve a very annoying and persistent stitch. I did the first three kilometres with a friend and her family, prams and all, so that slowed me down a bit also. I think next year I could do at least 1 hour 45 mins, maybe even less. Perhaps I could even jog.... some? I'd love to get a group together next  year and make it a bit of a laugh. There was plenty of entertainment along the way today, people dressed up, bands playing on the side of the road, and people from all walks of life joining in.

I have to admit that right now I’m a little sore. Strangely the sorest part, aside from blisters on my heels, is my pelvis!? Across my lower middle abdomen I feel quite a strain, which is something new. I wonder if it’s anything to do with have a caesarean section? Hmmm. I wonder, too, just how much more pain is to come tomorrow and the next day. I’m sure this is only the beginning!

Have you ever participated in a fun run?

Road Trip

I’m taking a road trip away from The Rockgarden for a couple of days to catch a few moments with my loved ones – but I have scheduled a couple of little things for you while I’m away.  I’m wishing you all a lovely weekend, and a Happy Father’s Day for all the Dad’s in your lives.

Point and Shoot

28 July 2010, 10.30am – driving to Nana’s house

Happy baby in the car *bliss*

I’m playing along with Point and Shoot. You can play too!

Op shop bargains

I’ve been feeling a bit bored with my usual walking routes, so this week I decided to try walking somewhere a bit different. I drove Pebble and I up to the town centre to walk up and down the main street. I started at the pub (no, I didn’t go in – a nursing mother nursing a beer is not a good look ;P) and walked to the other end of town and back. The timing was perfect for Pebble to fall asleep as we arrived at the op shop, and I got to have a nosy around. I tried on a big pile of clothes, but left empty handed in that department. I did score four new board books for Pebble though.

They were only $1 each and in great condition. My favourite is My Dad by Anthony Browne. His books are always a hit with the children at school and the Dad in the story loves football! Proper round football, just like Pebble’s Dad.
Have you been op-shopping lately? What treasures did you find?

I still love you

Dear internet,
It’s not you, it’s me.
No, really!
This week (and some of the last) I haven’t been reading as many blogs as usual, or keeping up with Facebook and emails and all those other nifty gadgets.
I have been reading real books, baking, visiting family, reading and singing with Pebble, watching LOTS of Masterchef (it will almost be a relief to say goodbye to that commitment after Sunday night!) and laughing lots.
So please forgive me for not visiting you so often lately. I’ll be back with you soon.
Love always,
Kylie

Turn Around Bright Eyes

Six months old and eight kilograms of gorgeous, FINALLY we got to turn the car seat around for Pebble. I think she likes it.

I remember when every journey used to be torture, for both Pebble and I. Screaming, sobbing, choking. Things have definitely improved since then, and now this is the final hurdle. Now we have two happy girls.