Sunday, March 11, 2012
because I knew you would ask...
the daffodil-yellow bonnet is the handiwork of a clever little knitter known as dover and madden. Unfortunately my knitting skills don't extend beyond a basic cast-on, knit, change colours, knit, cast-off repertoire. For now I'm getting quite good at tying up the bonnet and emphasising the importance of wearing such an adorable hat.
"She doesn't understand what you're saying," says Daniel.
"I know, but it makes me feel better if I explain it to her."
Poet rips the hat off again and laughs.
She's all tongue-sticking-out (see last photo) blush-cheeked, fired-up cuteness this week. She's ready to rumble and, quite literally, tumble her way around. Daniel and I, we've parented before, but this time it's a completely different ride.
Labels:
handmade
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poet
Sunday, December 11, 2011
a new perspective
It feels like only yesterday that I lay in bed with my new baby, cuddled up in the warmth while the rain fell down for an entire week. But no, it was almost five months ago.
Poet is pure joy. She has this fabulous ability to look you straight in the eye, lean forward, and get exactly what she wants. She giggles and squeals and gives the very best hugs. She radiates happiness and attracts attention wherever we go (this makes shopping a rather lengthy process).
Poet, Poe Poe, Poppet, Little One. We love you!
Labels:
poet
Friday, December 09, 2011
brown paper packages
...are best when they're tied with up with string (go on, sing it, I know you want to). The parcel delivery man has been on our doorstep rather frequently of late as I get all the pressies organised. Che and I have been making our Christmas wrapping paper and I'll tie each present with red and white twine. Personal, simple, special. Just the way I like it.
The next 10 days are busy, busy as I try to finish all the editorial work that's due before Christmas. Add into the mix Che's last week at Montessori, a meeting with a wonderful woman that will hopefully result in plans for a very exciting project, Christmas tree decorating (although I hear our wet winter has led to very small and sad looking Christmas trees), yoga classes and Christmas baking. Whirlwind I know.
I'll also be posting two book giveaways - one for your children and one for the Mumas (it's a book every. single. muma. should read).
I hope in the midst of fairy lights, candy canes and deadlines you find some space to "settle in and settle down".
2. "Poet's Rabbit" - arrived wrapped in a map and tied with teal string. Melissa custom-made it so beautifully.
Labels:
celebrations
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package
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poet
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.
Labels:
che
,
corners of my home
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montessori
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poet
Monday, November 28, 2011
tiny dancer
Poet attended her first wedding on Saturday night. The verdict? She likes to party. Seriously party. She even thought she was important enough to hang out at the bridal table for a while there, entertaining the bridesmaids between the main and dessert. As for this week's feats...she's got the coy 'I know I'm gorgeous but I'll act nonchalant' look mastered and she's getting rather good at blowing raspberries. Dribble, anyone?
The past few days she has been referred to as Miss Squawk-a-lot...hmmm, she looks sweet but she can scream like the best of them.
Dress: an op-shop find from years ago. I remember thinking: "I'm sure I'll have a baby girl one day, I'll buy it just in case."
Labels:
celebrations
,
poet
Saturday, November 19, 2011
convert
Labels:
cloth nappies
,
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.
Labels:
baby love
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che
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poet
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siblings
Monday, November 07, 2011
ebb/flow
Pirate Che on his unmade bed/turbulent sea attended his second party of the week which confirms that he's got a better social life than his parents.
Poet has just become a bit of a chatterbox. If she's not sucking on her hands, she's gesticulating wildly and squawking like the morning birds (at sunrise!). There's a rooster across the road too so clearly she's just joining in on the morning chorus.
3.5 months is when everything shifts. It still amazes me, on this second round of motherhood, that the bond between mother and baby is so very strong. I'm still so connected to her. The cord was cut but we still flow with the same rhythm. And just this past week, as she has opened those big eyes a little wider, found her sing-song voice and discovered her own strength, I felt the last of those pregnancy hormones vanish - hence I was tired, headachy and generally a little blah. The ebb and the flow of it. I have managed to pick myself up - I'm eating with more awareness, drinking plenty of water, getting into bed early and slowing down just a bit.
I was feeling really good this morning. And then I dropped Che at Montessori. One of the dad's was walking towards me, he knows our family, met Poet only last week, and he pointed at (and touched!) my post-baby belly and exclaimed: "Oh, you've got another one on the way!"
Did anyone say BIGGEST FAUX PAS EVER!
I just keep telling myself what I tell every single one of my pre-natal students: "It takes you a year to conceive, grow and birth your baby. It will take a year for your body to return to (a semblance of) its former self."
My mantra for the day - perhaps for the week.
Labels:
ché
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dress-ups
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poet
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post-baby
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
in the early evening
...she wriggles her toes in the sunshine while I swoon over her milky white chubby thighs. My beautiful bonny baby.
Labels:
poet
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)"
Labels:
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
Friday, October 07, 2011
knock knock: weaver of words
I always envisioned a little dark-haired, bright-eyed girl that would be Poet. And now she's here. When a little gift arrived from Claire earlier this week I knew, in my heart, that Poet's name is perfect for her. Seeing it on that gorgeous knock knock sign up there (the floral! the blooms! the colours! the stitching!) was enough - she is most definitely Poet. We sometimes call her Poe, or Poe Poe or Poppet. Che calls her Baby or Sooky La-La. She may weave words, she may not. All I know is that she's weaved a lot of love into our family and our home.
Some things about Poet:
- She's a wriggler - a mover and a shaker
- e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e says: "Oh those lips!" when they meet her
- And then they say "Her eyes are so big!"
- She's very social, likes to be in on the conversation
- She drinks milk - a lot of milk, a lot of the time
- Her cheeks are getting mighty chubby
- She was born in the water, her birth sign is water and she is happiest in water
- Every night since she arrived she has slept next to me - oh so precious
- She reminds me that no matter what's going on in our life, we are so blessed
I'm all for filling our home with beautiful heirloom pieces that will be treasured by us and by our children. Poet will, no doubt, have her knock knock sign for ever. And there's something incredibly special about just that. Thank you Miriam for threading love into each and every (hand) stitch.
Labels:
corners of my home
,
poet
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.
Labels:
che
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corners of my home
,
poet
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
far cuter than
Poet is nine weeks today. Yesterday I packed away the 0000s. Today she is cooing and ahhing and smiling and sighing. She's far cuter than the creature that decided to share our home this morning.
What would you do if you woke to your almost-four-year-old calling from the lounge room: "Mum, there's a snake on the windowsill."
You wouldn't believe him would you. Because it's just shy of 7am and you're all sleepy.
But then he says it again and you think to yourself that it's probably best you check it out.
So you wander up there expecting to find a worm or a skink (small lizard creature) and instead there is a 2 metre diamond python sunning himself on the outside windowsill while your child sits on the couch reading - completely unperturbed.
"See Mum, a snake," he says.
"Oh, a snake," you say.
And then for the next hour there's text messages to a friend who knows reptiles, a visit from neighbours in their pjs and the wondering of where it's been living and where it intends to go next.
Diamond Pythons are perfectly safe and even a little bit shy. They keep mice and rats at bay so if you're not completely freaked out, they're good to have around.
Our newest addition meandered back to the roof which is where he's probably been sleeping all winter. And perhaps it's where he'll stay. Oh!
Labels:
ché
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corners of my home
,
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.
Labels:
che
,
family
,
poet
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tim coulson
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we live near the beach
Sunday, August 28, 2011
the growing and birthing of Poet Winter
It rained in October 2010. On and off the clouds grew heavy and eventually they let go. In October 2010 my parsley and mint were thriving in their terracotta pots.
She was conceived in the spring time while the rain drops fell.
Labels:
being a big brother
,
danielgrey.com
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family
,
natural birth
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poet
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pregnancy
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
water baby
Born in the water. Oh so happy in water. And look at those eyes. Yep, they're big and beautiful and I could gaze into them for hours. I do gaze into them for hours. Precious little Poet. 5 weeks today.
Labels:
natural birth
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poet
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water baby
Friday, August 05, 2011
you're home now
In the newborn haze where you're sleep deprived, blissfully happy and unable to comprehend the simplest of questions, days melt into one another and before you know it another week has come around. The sweet spring sun has started to beckon and we've left our abode a few times, only to return a short while later, happy to have been out in the world but so pleased to be home again.
Of course when we do go out, the little bundle curled up in the sling attracts a lot of attention. It's been slightly heartbreaking to watch Che as he meanders in the background and regardless of how much Daniel and I bring him into the conversation, for most people there's nothing quite like the allure of a newborn. He's been having nightmares too and so most nights he ends up in our bed. Four in the bed and the little one said...
I've been making sure I give him as many cuddles as I can, telling him how much I love him several times a day and encouraging him to interact with Poet. What has been so incredibly awe-inspiring as a parent is watching him take her in. He ponders the size of her hands, kisses her forehead and come really close when I'm feeding her.
But, there has been one thing that he has said, since she was born, that leaves me silent and a little teary.
Every day he comes really close to her and says:
"You're home now Baby."
Like she's been waiting to come.
Labels:
babymoon
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being a big brother
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ché
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family
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poet
Thursday, July 28, 2011
babymoon checklist
Before Poet arrived I was well aware of how I wanted to spend the first few weeks of her life. It was my priority to have a 'babymoon' - a restful period where I could recover from the birth, connect with my newborn and take good care of my self. As of today I am yet to venture past the letterbox. As a result I feel wonderful. It's liberating to give yourself permission to just 'be'. Truth be told, I couldn't imagine doing it any other way.
The transition of Poet's birth was an incredibly powerful experience. I was left on an almighty high and then a few days later, day three, I was sore, tired, emotional and needy. It was incredibly comforting to know that everything was taken care of. It's been 12 days since her birth and I haven't had to make dinner yet. The washing, cleaning and cooking has all been taken care of.
I've learned through the comments that many of you are either currently pregnant, planning on having a baby or pondering the possibility of adding to your brood. And so, I bring you my babymoon list. A collection of things that have made these early days of rest possible (and comfortable).
- Ready-made meals. "We don't need gifts, but we would love food," I said to family and friends. In the first few weeks, a warm, hearty meal is absolutely priceless. I informed those that were willing to cook for us that we desired comfort food that didn't have too much garlic or onions (creates too much wind for baby) and definitely no sage (sage is the herb you eat/drink when you want your breast-milk to dry up - if you want to produce more milk you should consider fennel and dill). We've been blessed to eat beautiful lasagne, wholesome soups, slow-cooked organic chicken, casseroles, quiche and the most delectable chicken pie from the lovely lady next door.
- Banana Bread - ok, so it's not a necessity but my gosh I have enjoyed a mid-morning cup of tea with a slice of toasted banana bread. Yum!
- Water - every time Poet attaches I get so very thirsty. I actually found it quite hard to quench my thirst in those first few days.
- Hot Water Bottles - With every baby the after-pains (contractions encouraging the uterus to return to its original size - the size of your fist) get more intense. I literally had to breathe and moan through each and every one of them. Ouch! Hot water bottles were my saviour.
- Luxury toilet paper - I usually buy recycled but I treated myself to the ultra-soft expensive type. I wasn't overly sore after she was born but it was nice to use soft paper. In the 24hours after birth you pee about 3 litres of fluid so it's nice to have comfy toilet paper at the ready.
- l'il Fraser Wraps - the greatest baby wrap. Ever. Poet had her hands up near her face in my womb and since she was born, they've always gravitated upwards, which can make feeding and sleeping difficult. She loves to be snug and wrapping her in a l'il fraser ensures she feels safe and, thankfully, sleepy.
- Bonds wondersuit - when you're spending lazy days at home with a sleepy newborn, there's nothing better than a warm, cosy, easy-to-wash wondersuit (for baby, not for muma)
- Queen Bee Nursing Bra - there are so many maternity bras out there and it can easily become a confusing and expensive shopping trip. I've loved this no hook, no strap version that's comfortable to wear while sleeping and incredibly supportive.
- Yes to Carrots Nourishing Baby Lotion - We haven't bathed Poet yet - we don't want to wash away her purity. Little babies don't need baths and they most definitely do not need soap! But, this natural moisturiser has been lovely for me! I like the fact that it's made from organic ingredients and it smells lovely - there is no overpowering scent which is good considering Poet is always close by. She wants to smell her muma and her milk - not synthetic floral!
- LOVE AND CUDDLES AND SMOOCHES - make a babymoon all the sweeter...make the world go 'round.
I'm working on Poet's birth story at the moment. But I've also got something to share. Daniel set the camera up in the birthing suite and it took a photo every two seconds. The result? A timelapse of labour and birth, set to a song we listened to while I was pregnant. It's an emotional and beautiful capture and regardless of the fact that you can see my bare bum, it's something that I want to share. Because, if it encourages even one woman to prepare for a conscious birth experience, then it's worth it. Hopefully I will get around to posting it in the next week.
Labels:
babymoon
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natural birth
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poet
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
ps
Five hours after she was born we came home and went to bed. Today, one week later, I've ventured out of the bedroom feeling rested, content and incredibly blessed. There's been so much to reflect on, a lot to take in and, of course, the imagining of what the days will bring.
Poet Winter is simply gorgeous - a wide-eyed beauty with the knowing and curiosity of a wise little being. Che adores her but, as was expected, he's been a little challenged by the change. I think the hardest thing for me has been the sudden multi-tasking of being a muma of two. Attempting to attach Poet, breathe through after-pains (whoa - intense!) and include/chat with Che was difficult. But, we got there.
The grandmas have been here everyday - they have cooked, washed and tidied. We have only had a handful of visitors. Just as we had intended. Most of the time it's just been the four of us - getting to know each other. Our new little family.
Thank you, so much, for all your well-wishes, congratulatory messages and 'loves' of her name. She is indeed our little Poet. And with initials like P.S. I do wonder whether she'll always have something extra to say.
Labels:
being a big brother
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family
,
natural birth
,
poet
It feels like only yesterday that I lay in bed with my new baby, cuddled up in the warmth while the rain fell down for an entire week. But no, it was almost five months ago. 
...are best when they're tied with up with string (go on, sing it, I know you want to). The parcel delivery man has been on our doorstep rather frequently of late as I get all the pressies organised. Che and I have been making our Christmas wrapping paper and I'll tie each present with red and white twine. Personal, simple, special. Just the way I like it.
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!
Poet attended her first wedding on Saturday night. The verdict? She likes to party. Seriously party. She even thought she was important enough to hang out at the bridal table for a while there, entertaining the bridesmaids between the main and dessert. As for this week's feats...she's got the coy 'I know I'm gorgeous but I'll act nonchalant' look mastered and she's getting rather good at blowing raspberries. Dribble, anyone?
Pirate Che on his unmade bed/turbulent sea attended his second party of the week which confirms that he's got a better social life than his parents.
...she wriggles her toes in the sunshine while I swoon over her milky white chubby thighs. My beautiful bonny baby.
A phone conversation with my mum when Poet was about 6 weeks old:
I always envisioned a little dark-haired, bright-eyed girl that would be Poet. And now she's here. When a little gift arrived from Claire earlier this week I knew, in my heart, that Poet's name is perfect for her. Seeing it on that gorgeous knock knock sign up there (the floral! the blooms! the colours! the stitching!) was enough - she is most definitely Poet. We sometimes call her Poe, or Poe Poe or Poppet. Che calls her Baby or Sooky La-La. She may weave words, she may not. All I know is that she's weaved a lot of love into our family and our home.
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.
In the newborn haze where you're sleep deprived, blissfully happy and unable to comprehend the simplest of questions, days melt into one another and before you know it another week has come around. The sweet spring sun has started to beckon and we've left our abode a few times, only to return a short while later, happy to have been out in the world but so pleased to be home again.
Before Poet arrived I was well aware of how I wanted to spend the first few weeks of her life. It was my priority to have a 'babymoon' - a restful period where I could recover from the birth, connect with my newborn and take good care of my self. As of today I am yet to venture past the letterbox. As a result I feel wonderful. It's liberating to give yourself permission to just 'be'. Truth be told, I couldn't imagine doing it any other way.
Five hours after she was born we came home and went to bed. Today, one week later, I've ventured out of the bedroom feeling rested, content and incredibly blessed. There's been so much to reflect on, a lot to take in and, of course, the imagining of what the days will bring.
