Friday, February 17, 2012
down in the woods
I was making dinner the other night when Che asked if he could go for a walk. Daniel promptly grabbed his camera and they went exploring down a well-known trail in the woods near our house.
Since that afternoon walk in autumn so much has changed. Che is now four years and four months, a big brother and a little boy. No more baby face! He's a gentle creature; curious and fearful in equal measure.
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che
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danielgrey.com
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nature
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street
Saturday, January 21, 2012
first day, second year
I wasn't nearly as emotional as last year, but as I drove him to Montessori I did start thinking about next year. Next year he'll wear a uniform, meet new friends, have a new teacher, spend more days at school than at home. I may have cried (just a bit).
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che
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montessori
Friday, January 20, 2012
eye check
So it turns out that Che isn't one of those children that has a fear of medical appointments. Last year when we took him to the dentist, he was pretty excited. Earlier this week, when we took him to the optometrist, he literally counted down the hours.
I wasn't too concerned about his eyesight but there are quite a few serious eye issues in my family so I wanted to get the all clear. The optometrist was a rather serious guy who had no choice but to lighten up when Che started talking. Because, when he was asked to name the pictures on the screen, the result was pure comedy:
"Fish, flower, dog, duck."
"Dog, duck, fish, flower."
"Small duck, dog, flower (or maybe it's an arrow), fish."
The 'small duck' got me, who would have thought he would use adjectives in the eye test?! That's my boy.
And the result? Exceptional eyesight. Che's reaction? Pure disappointment. "I wanted glasses!"
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che
Monday, December 05, 2011
blue, white, red (stripes)
Che celebrated his school's annual Cultural Day on Saturday. Paying homage to Europe and all its rich offerings we had to dress as natives of our favourite European country. Considering the plethora of stripes in our wardrobes (washing basket) and my penchant for brie and baguettes, we opted for France, naturally. Bonjour!
I found the carpet in Che's room today and Poet looked on as I fumbled my way through paper/sticky tape creations, books and toys. I stopped for a few moments here and there to watch her discover her feet and realised that pom poms on booties make the best kind of toy (for a four-month-old). Regardless of her current sniffly nose she's still guzzling down the milk - and it's going straight to her cheeks. Seriously, those cheeks - you actually sink into them when you kiss them. I don't kiss, I smooch.
I love the rights that come with being the Muma. Smooches and eyeliner moustaches.
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che
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corners of my home
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montessori
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poet
Thursday, November 10, 2011
baby love
Yesterday I woke up to little feet tapping on my lower back. When I rolled over to greet the little miss she squealed with delight and gooed and gaahed till we decided it was breakfast time. I've been taking more and more photos of her because I know all too well that within no time at all she'll be crawling, then walking, then...
Babies don't stay new for long.
Just this afternoon I witnessed her roll onto her belly, lift her head high and then gaze around with a new love of the world. Another first. She was so proud of herself. And I'm so proud to be her Muma.
I told Tim today that parenthood is addictive. Did you know that Tim and Kesh are having a baby? Nell is beautifully pregnant too (and she sent Poet the most adorable gift last week) Claire is in the waiting phase...her belly is big, her baby is ready
Babies.
Made from love.
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baby love
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che
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poet
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siblings
Thursday, October 27, 2011
we've got kids
A phone conversation with my mum when Poet was about 6 weeks old:
Mum: "How are you?"
Me: "Good thanks Mum."
Mum: How are the kids?"
Me: "What kids?"
Mum: "Your kids."
I remember holding the phone away from my ear and saying to Daniel: "Shit! We've got kids!" This concept, or reality, was probably harder to get used to than when we first became parents. While saying out loud that we were parents to children was difficult, the transition, from the 3 of us to the 4 of us, has been really smooth. I think that has a lot to do with our babymoon and the fact that we don't try and squeeze too much into each day - sometimes getting a load of washing on is good enough (we aim high here!).
So, now that we've got the picture perfect pigeon pair, most people presume that we're done.
"Oh no," we say. "We want four."
Yep, Daniel and I would love to have four kids. Our only concern is whether we can afford four kids. I know money doesn't make the world go 'round but there's no denying that it plays a pretty significant role in our lives. For instance, 2 litres of organic milk (currently $5.29) is not going to go far with four little ones, is it? My solution? We'll buy a cow.
So, while pondering the realities of four children today (an interesting thought process to have while at the hairdresser and spending the first hour ever away from Poet - and subsequently realising that four kids probably wouldn't allow me the pleasure of having my hair done at the rather expensive salon I go to) I stumbled across an article about families. And the gist of the article went something like this:
Is it environmentally-friendly to have more than two children in this day and age?
One interviewee said: "No! The world is full enough. We have no more room for the little tuckers."
And the family advocate, unsurprisingly, said..."Yes! A family of four who grow their own food and raise their children with an awareness of healthy, eco-friendly living is far more essential than the family with one child, a slew of technology and the desire to consume, consume, consume."
So while there were a lot of generalisations and only two perspectives, the article got me thinking and still has me wondering.
I'd love to hear what you think...
bottom photo: "Poet in her cocoon (with new Ikea spotty quilt)"
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che
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family
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poet
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tim coulson
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we've got kids
Monday, October 17, 2011
reptilian times
If you drive up to the Central Coast from Sydney, you'll notice a big dinosaur near the Gosford exit. It's an icon and it's been around for as long as I can remember. Its name is Ploddy.
Yesterday we took Che to the Australian Reptile Park for the first time. We didn't tell him that we were going, just turned up with a picnic lunch and a bunch of surprises in store. Regarded as one of the country's best zoos, it's well-known for it's hands-on approach. But the whole experience is made all the more wonderful if you're good friends with the Head Keeper. And so, we got taken behind-the-scenes to see the baby Tazzie Devils, itsy-bitsy alligators, furry wombats and curly snakes. Che had an absolute ball; always rearing to get to the next animal, the next spider, the next snake. Daniel even got to go behind the enclosures where cobras got a little annoyed by the lens.
The park is home to a range of furry and scaly creatures and the keepers are dedicated to educating the public about them. Conservation is a priority too and, at present, all their efforts are geared towards
Devil Ark - the largest Tasmanian Devil conservation breeding programme on mainland Australia. Sadly, a
genetic tumour disease is wiping out Tasmanian Devils in the wild. To ensure the national icon doesn't end up on the extinction list, the Australian Reptile Park is trying to raise $7 million to establish a successful breeding programme. They also need 6.5km of fencing...read more
here about how you can help.
On the drive home yesterday Che fell asleep in the car and last night, while I was tucking him into bed, he declared the entire day one of his most favourite times ever.
Thanks so much Billy for making it extra special.
Labels:
adventures
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che
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exploring
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family
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friends
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
growing up (too fast)
Every morning for the past week or so I have woken to the sound of Che's footsteps. And every morning he comes around to my side of the bed, gently pats me on the arm and says: "Mum, is it my birthday today?"
Che turns four on Friday and we've been counting down the sleeps. He requested a party in the park with his school friends, a special cake and some party hats. I also told him that because it's his birthday he can request his favourite meal for dinner. "Mum, I'd really like avocado, strawberries, cheese and tomatoes please." I love his healthy choice of meal but he thought about it some more and has since decided on "...pizza from the pizza man with pineapple." So p from the p-man with p it is.
He's grown up a lot since he became a big brother. He's using words like 'brilliant', 'ginormous' and 'outstanding' and his made-up stories have become innocent forms of genius. Yesterday he sat in his room for an hour reading The Big Book of Richard Scarry and after that he built me a robot from lego. On Sunday mornings we bake pancakes together and just this week, on his new vintage 'school-boy' desk he has drawn pictures of our family which Daniel and I have been a bit teary over.
My beautiful boy turns four on Friday. And I wonder where oh where those four years have gone.
Labels:
being a big brother
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celebrations
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che
Saturday, September 24, 2011
confessions
In the hours after her birth, when I was flying oh so high on those hormones, I couldn't quite believe that I had been blessed with a daughter. And while most of the time I was thinking about her eyes (that gaze!) and her lips (oh they're so kissable) and her perfect little body (that's mighty strong) I must confess that I was also thinking about vintage floral. Yep, floral fabrics. And a certain romper featuring a big, red strawberry on front. And the little dress I found an at op-shop years ago and bought 'just in case' I ever had a girl. There's actually a whole drawer full of those 'just in case's'. And then I started thinking about how we can, as muma and daughter, read Little House on the Prairie together. "Oh I have to get her a bonnet," I thought.
When I finally found the time to trawl through etsy (patience, I tell you) I stumbled across little betty designs and there it was...Poet's bonnet. It's beautifully crafted and damn gorgeous to boot. With summer fast approaching I'm pretty happy that it serves as a good sun hat too. So thank you Christy for making it with such care...it will be cherished!
Little Poppet in her bonnet...
As for Che, bonnet's aren't really his thing but hanging out under the bed is. He takes his lego under there and sets up a little town complete with make believe characters and intriguing plot lines. Imagination is a wondrous thing.
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che
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corners of my home
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poet
Thursday, September 08, 2011
guess who came to visit today?
Yep, Tim came over for pancakes and then we headed to the beach and that blue wall. He came to capture the sequel - the Poet that once was the belly. This is the preview, or, as I like to call it, the teaser. Tomorrow you can expect a story of images, a documentation of our little life. The 1, 2, 3, 4 of us.
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che
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family
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poet
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tim coulson
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we live near the beach
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
"c'mon" he says
While I rested, they walked. "Exploring," they call it. Che in his very new Mama-knitted vest. Daniel with his new fancy lens and Glidecam. Beautiful autumn bokeh.
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che
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danielgrey.com
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family
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film
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street
Thursday, September 30, 2010
che che turns 3
Last night I told Che that three years ago I had pains in my belly and I knew he was coming. Daniel told him I was making noises like: "oohhh, ooohhhh, ooohhh". When we had family and friends over this afternoon for cake and celebrations Che told them that three years ago: "...I was a baby and the umbilical cord was on my belly button and Daddy cut it."
The fact that he's old enough to retell his birth story (or at least snippets of it) just mesmerizes me.
This morning he ventured into the lounge room to find a tee pee and some surprises within it. Last week he told me he wanted a strawberry cake (I was so relieved that I didn't have to mold sponge cake into a rocket ship) and I immediately opened to Sipi's Strawberry Cake in the stunningly beautiful Falling Cloudberries. While he played this morning I baked and then we ventured to the beach and the park for play in the sun and birthday treats (dixie cup ice-cream).
He really gets the 'birthday' thing now which means he really is getting big. He's such a big, little boy but he'll always be my baby.
Happy happy birthday Che Che. Thank you so very much for making me a Muma. It's the very best thing I've ever done. I love you so much, even more and even more again. xxx
Labels:
birthdays
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celebrations
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che
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
like bees
...busy we are. It seems that everything is speeding up and it's easy to get in a whirlwind. We travel north next week for a little Spring break and I've got stories to write, washing to do and a million and one little things to tick off my list before we leave.
Che is in the midst of a drastic and seemingly huge growth spurt. His tantrums have become so intense in the last week and he literally shocks himself with rage. It must be so strange for a little one to be so emotional, so angry and yet no know how to deal with it. I'm trying my best to stay patient but I'm noticing that I need a few more breaks myself. Otherwise it's easy to yell and scream back. Not a pretty look.
Today at the park he climbed a tree. Almost three-year-olds climb trees, apparently. They also paint with poo in Dada's wardrobe in an attempt to celebrate Father's Day. I was mortified. I had heard of children doing this but I was convinced it would never happen to me. And because it was Father's Day I couldn't ask Daniel to clean it up. Let's hope that's the first and last time.
Tomorrow the sweet Rummey Bears visit. We're embarking on a little project for a magazine I write for and we'll be spending a creative day in the spring sunshine. Lots to look forward to and lots to celebrate (it's birthday month in these parts).
If you are just beginning to feel the crisp air of Autumn ... happy fall to you.
Labels:
che
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creating and making
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seasons
Thursday, July 01, 2010
the space he needs
I like the process of looking over the day through photographs. Of seeing things so easily missed by the busy wandering eyes of a muma. Another day and another challenging toddler. But just now looking over these glimpses of the last few days I realise that he needs space. He's happiest with his tiny happy foraging bag and the wide berth of the beach. Today I watched as he climbed over all the rocks with the agility and, might I say grace, of a boy. I didn't have to remind him to 'watch out for...' instead I kept my mouth shut and just observed. The beauty of the observer. He found a 'road of shells' and chased the seagulls and nattered to himself about his findings. He spent his time in his world without the need for me to be right there beside him.
In his stepping away I am noticing his independence and his wild and ever-so-wondrous imagination. The look on his face as he contemplates and discovers. It's hard for me to step away because I've been right there beside him for ever now. When I ask him to pack up because it's time to go, when I rush those little legs along because we're running a bit late, when I guide him into my day...that's when the challenge begins.
And so these spaces of time at the beach or at the park need to be longer and more frequent. It's time for me to change our days a bit, create a different space for him. Where he has the time to do things that he wants to do, outside in the warmth of the sun. And I'll watch. And smile.
A friend of mine told me that her little boy inspired so much of her soul searching. Indeed, that is my journey at the moment.
Labels:
che
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parenting
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we live near the beach
Monday, June 09, 2008
pattern
The little things...like the way Che puts his feet together when lying on his belly - Little Frog is his name today. Love these gingerbreadmen-print leggings to keep his feet warm and to make me hungry. Must make Bills iced jumbles (like gingerbread) again soon, maybe his peanut butter & choc chunk cookies too.
The end of the long-weekend is near but I have enjoyed it. A new baby (photos tomorrow), warm soup on rainy days, breakfast at bellyfish with family, yoga classes with lots of students, a new Karen Walker skirt. Love Karen's designs - don't love the price. Such a talented NZ designer who is loved the world over and subsequently charges extortionate amounts for beautiful garments. But thank you Lucie for managing a boutique with a great sale...where the gorgeous high-waisted denim skirt teased me for months with its $356 price tag and then it got reduced to $70. And I was even happier today when I unzipped the side pocket to find this stunning fabric inside:
Print and pattern coloured my day.
Labels:
beautiful clothes
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che
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finding
Che celebrated his school's annual Cultural Day on Saturday. Paying homage to Europe and all its rich offerings we had to dress as natives of our favourite European country. Considering the plethora of stripes in our wardrobes (washing basket) and my penchant for brie and baguettes, we opted for France, naturally. Bonjour!
A phone conversation with my mum when Poet was about 6 weeks old:
If you drive up to the Central Coast from Sydney, you'll notice a big dinosaur near the Gosford exit. It's an icon and it's been around for as long as I can remember. Its name is Ploddy. 
Every morning for the past week or so I have woken to the sound of Che's footsteps. And every morning he comes around to my side of the bed, gently pats me on the arm and says: "Mum, is it my birthday today?" 
Yep, Tim came over for pancakes and then we headed to the beach and that blue wall. He came to capture the sequel - the Poet that once was the belly. This is the preview, or, as I like to call it, the teaser. Tomorrow you can expect a story of images, a documentation of our little life. The 1, 2, 3, 4 of us.
