Monday, September 05, 2011
newness
I feel like I'm only just now coming out of the babymoon cave, just like all those blooms that have blossomed 'round here. It's nice to venture out and see the colour, spot the freesias, magnolias and daisies that are decorating the gardens.
Regardless of the fact that Poet sleeps really well at night, I'm still tired. If I do go out for a few hours I feel extra weary that night. It still astounds me that we live in a world where mumas are expected to get up and go, every day. I'm so thankful that I didn't feel the need to do that, wasn't inclined to race out of the house when she was oh so small. I'm still taking each day as it comes, still going with the flow. During the day she feeds, and feeds, and has a little more milk just in case. I forgot how much a newborn feeds. But gosh it feels good to know her chubby cheeks and little thigh rolls are made from the best food she'll ever have. Hooray for breastfeeding and all that milky goodness (and precious, oh-so-special bonding time).
With this warm spring sunshine that has all-of-a-sudden arrived there's the thought of mornings at the beach, lazy afternoons in the hammock and mango smoothies.
I'm tired, but I'm happy.
And, Daniel took these photos. I haven't quite worked out how to hold a camera while wearing Poet in the sling.
Labels:
danielgrey.com
,
seasons
,
street
Monday, June 20, 2011
remember this photo...
"Next to letterbox number 33 on my wet wintry street. The branches of the cherry blossom are growing moss like bundles."
Daniel has entered it in the Air New Zealand Winter Pix for Tix competition. Basically, if we get enough votes, we'll be flying to snow-laden New Zealand for a winter holiday. Daniel will be up and down the mountain, I'll be sipping hot chocolate from the warm lodge - because on skis I do a pretty good interpretation of Bambi on ice.
Labels:
seasons
,
street
Monday, June 13, 2011
wintry
Four years ago on the Queen's birthday long weekend our seaside suburb was lashed by torrential rain and the wildest of winds. Daniel and I had just moved into this house, I was six months pregnant with Che and we didn't own a heater. Not that the heater would have made much difference because we were without power for three days. I remember sitting on the couch, watching the fifty-year-old gums sway and bend, wishing I could make myself a big bowl of pasta.
This weekend hasn't been quite so bad. We still have power, we have the warmth of a heater and a well-stocked fridge and pantry. But the rain has been persistent, keeping us indoors and rugged up. Our street is the perfect representation of our winter; wet, mossy, gradually becoming more bare. And I wish I could venture out into it, but the thought of getting soaked and coming home with muddy shoes (if I owned a pair of Hunters it would be a different story) isn't so appealing.
So while the wind howls and the clouds loom I'll watch from the window and hope that soon the sun will return.
Ps. Hello to new readers who have ventured here from far and wide...it's lovely to meet you.
Labels:
seasons
,
street
,
weekends
Friday, June 10, 2011
bed
The last few days have been icy and our abode is just a little bit cold. Our big king size bed is warm though and so utterly tempting on wildly windy days. Che always seems to end up in there, a pile of books by his side, the perfect excuse for its unkempt state.
It's almost the weekend and I'm planning on making soup, baking quiche, drinking tea (and hot chocolate) and wandering aimlessly from one project to another. I do like an aimless wander every now and then. I hope, wherever you are, that you stay cosy and warm.
Labels:
corners of my home
,
seasons
,
we love books
Thursday, May 26, 2011
afternoon
Spontaneity is not my forte. It seems it's not Che's either. It only took him a few leaf runs and a bit of encouragement though and he was into the afternoon stroll. His three-year-old mood swings are daily occurrences at the moment and no doubt it must be challenging, knowing that within a few weeks, he'll be a big bro. He's excited though, asking when the baby is going to arrive, wondering why it can't be right now. "I don't like waiting," he says. But wait we must.
Thank you for all your lovely comments on Daniel's film. And I must say that credit for the superbly knit vest goes to my mum, who Che calls "Mama." He calls me "Muma" and yes, it can be a little confusing but he likes it that way. My knitting skills are completely amateur but I feel lucky to have a Mum who can, when time allows, pass on her knowledge of the needles.
For gorgeous newish blog goodness, visit Claire - muma/photographer/stylist at one claire day
Labels:
close to home
,
seasons
,
self
Saturday, May 21, 2011
bump: autumn dreaming
As hard as I tried I just couldn't find a leaf as big as the belly. This week baby grew beyond expectations. When I was growing Che my belly was chubby and squishy. This belly right now is the exact opposite: a hard, round, heavy ball with rather persistent whole-body stretches from the little one inside. I regularly feel a foot pressing onto me and I tickle it back. 32 weeks now.
I woke with a sore throat this morning so tomorrow will include a sleep in, vegie soup, nettle tea, lemon water and lots of rest. We as a family are feeling so grateful for our health and wellbeing this weekend. Daniel's mum was driving Che around this morning when all-of-a-sudden the breaks failed on her car. Thankfully, oh so thankfully, she was going slow and no-one was hurt. Tonight I held him a little tighter and said a few extra 'i love yous' while lying next to him as he fell to sleep.
I just cannot articulate how precious my children are to me. All you mothers understand, I know you do. x
Labels:
growing a baby
,
seasons
,
street
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
pumpkin soup for autumn/winter
I'm loving all the comments coming through on the keepsakes post. It's a beautiful insight into your family cooking heirlooms, everything from breakfast to dinner, sweet & savoury. I thought it only fair that I share with you my favourite family recipes - starting today with my Mum's pumpkin soup. I've already made it about six times this autumn. It's easy, quick, economical, freezes well and, most importantly, is delicious, nourishing and wholesome. We usually enjoy a big bowl with some fresh sourdough or, if we have any in the freezer, some spinach and cheese pastries. Yum!
Pumpkin Soup (to warm your belly and your heart on cold days)
750grams pumpkin, no skin (I use organic jap or kent)
3 tomatoes peeled & chopped
1 large brown onion, sliced
1 teaspoon of raw sugar
4.5 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
salt & pepper
pinch of chilli powder
150mls cream
Peel the pumpkin and cut into chunks. Place in a deep pot with onion, tomatoes, sugar and salt & pepper. Cover with stock - don't use too much stock as the soup will end up too runny. Keep pot covered and cook until pumpkin is quite soft. Spoon into your blender and blend until smooth. If there is a lot of watery residue at the bottom of the pot I usually leave it out - creamy, thick soup is my preference. Finally add chilli & cream and stir. When and if you reheat make sure you don't boil it. Enjoy.
Labels:
cooking
,
corners of my home
,
creating and making
,
seasons
Monday, April 25, 2011
eggy goodness
We rose early, to the excited squeals of the little one who found mini chocolate eggs scattered on the rug. Then we spent the day painting and hunting them and came home with a big bag of chocolate loot. And I'm wondering how on earth we are going to eat them all. Che and I made raisin bread too - sweetened with two tablespoons of marmalade jam. Highly recommended, the recipe can be found in this fabulous book.
It's been raining, often pouring, like it does every Easter around these parts. The kettle has boiled a few too many times today and I'm thinking of upping my self-discipline and saying no to another egg - the chocolate is causing reflux and unsettled sleep. Sometimes the sugar just isn't worth it, although the sweetness....well, you just can't ever get enough of that.
Labels:
celebrations
,
seasons
Friday, April 15, 2011
'round here
It's so hard for me to grasp how quickly the weeks are flying by. In the next few days I'm heading into the third trimester and to celebrate, I'm nesting like mad. Daniel arrived home at 7.30am a few mornings ago (he was out photographing another sunrise) and I already had the vacuum cleaner on. An ominous sign for him because it ultimately means that he has to join me. Later that day when I was cleaning the skirting boards he told me to stop. It was time for tea and rest. I obliged. It's so wonderfully primal, the instinctual need to prepare and feather and ready our home for the little one's arrival.
The autumn sun has been consistent and glorious - perfect for drying newly laundered Orla Kiely bed linen, ideal for walks up and down the street and sublime with afternoon tea at the sunbathed, rose-decorated table. I'm writing my to-do lists and amending them daily - they include things like: find a new car, get a new fridge, air the moses basket, wash the baby's clothes, fit the car capsule, go to Ikea (obligatory for a pregnant couple, no?) clean and organise the kitchen cupboards...
There's also a few things I need to buy before July. I wrote a guest post about them over at little lottie loves.
Within the flurry of nesting I'm reminding myself to go gently. Day by day. By day.
Labels:
corners of my home
,
seasons
Monday, April 11, 2011
to the lighthouse
On Sunday, in luminous autumn sunshine, we ventured north to the lighthouse and explored the rock pools. Che threw rocks into the water for a while, then hitched up his pants and paddled before venturing a little further out towards the sea and finally immersing himself in the water. He had been sick for most of the week - the sunshine and salt air worked wonders and he returned home with rosy cheeks and a keen interest in researching coral.
In the afternoon it poured with sweet smelling rain so we stayed in, drank tea and read books. And then we ate shepherds pie and climbed into bed for adventure-induced sleep. Now that autumn is well and truly here it is so good to dream with the doona pulled right up to my chin. And to feel the dancing moves of the little one, kicking, flipping and high-fiveing - all. night. long.
Labels:
adventures
,
ché
,
growing a baby
,
seasons
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
cloudy sprinkles
A few months ago we took a leap of faith. Daniel had been contracting with a local business for a few years and while the regular money each week was nice, the other bits weren't so. We have our own business which brings in a couple of jobs a week but, as with any trade, those jobs aren't always guaranteed. And so, we decided, for the sake of happiness and well-being, we would focus on other exciting ventures and leave the comfort of a weekly pay.
What has risen out of our decision has been both unexpected and a complete joy. We have, as a family, spent more time together, watching clouds, eating ice-cream, planting herbs, than we ever have. Because we have the time. For Che, whole days spent with his Dad while I type has been a true blessing. They have established such a special connection, bonding over lego and bush walks and beach exploring adventures. A connection that doesn't always involve me and one that I truly believe, will remain strong for the rest of their lives. The 3.5 of us are relishing in slow days, the change of season and good wholesome food. While our wallets aren't as brimming as they once were (although brimming is most definitely an exaggeration) we have found that days spent close to home, indulging in simple pleasures, is absolutely perfect for us.
And while I grow our baby (we are using the term 'our' because for Che, it's his baby too) I'm wondering if perhaps this time is made all the more precious because in a few months, things will change all over again. This baby of ours has, in his or her own way, encouraged a shift in our lives and a recognition of what's most important.
Right now, all is so very good.
Labels:
family
,
seasons
,
we're growing a vegie patch
Monday, March 14, 2011
so far
this autumn there have been paper wrapped pears and sunny afternoons imbued with inspiring reads. I have been tapping away at the keyboard for days on end, grateful for the incredible support of my professional peers as they allow me to work from home. It's perfect really because I can have lunch with the family and take a little afternoon kip when I feel the need. Che and Daniel have been spending beautiful days together, building lego and exploring quiet beaches, while I thread words together. Thousands of words. Phew. My absence from here was in no way intentional. But sometimes, at the end of the day, sitting for an extra few minutes on the computer just isn't appealing. Especially when a baby blanket needs a few more stitches...
Labels:
growing a baby
,
reading
,
seasons
Monday, November 29, 2010
and the winner is
Life has been brimming with busyness and while I have had every intention of coming into this space there has always been something else that's more important. For now I'm focusing on what's most important and not what's urgent. I think it's a good season to remember such wisdom. We've been venturing to the beach but mostly staying home, taking the occasional stroll up and down the street and catching falling Jacaranda blooms in all their lavender goodness.
And although it's taken me an extra week to draw a winner, the lucky lady who will be receiving the udder brooch in the mail is Genevieve. Congratulations lovely. Please email me your address to jodiclairewilson @ yahoo (dot) com (dot) au
Labels:
giveaway
,
seasons
Thursday, October 28, 2010
whirr
At playgroup this morning all of us mums were commenting on the sense of urgency that seems to be creeping into out lives right now. We're all feeling the rush of festivities a little early this year. I was comforted to know I'm not the only one feeling a little overwhelmed.
This morning, before said conversation with other mums, I was feeling incredibly, and rather strangely, organised. I was out of the house and in the car about to run errands before playgroup started. I thought it was a little strange that when I got into the driver's seat I had to adjust it. And then I thought it was even stranger that my key wouldn't fit into the ignition. Hmmmm. I jingled and jangled the key about a bit. Still no luck. Damn, there goes my organsied day. And then it dawned on me that last night, while Daniel and I slept only a few metres away, someone had got into my car and tried to start it. It was such an awful feeling. And then came the guilt because I had actually left one door unlocked. And then, and I'm sure this comes as no surprise, I burst into tears. Big, fat tears and the kind of cry that leaves a nasty headache in its wake. I feel really violated and so very annoyed.
My mum consoled me, my Dad, the mechanic, took the ignition to the locksmith (fingers crossed he can fix it) and Daniel arrived home early with the sweetest smelling roses. Because we couldn't drive anywhere Daniel, Che and I walked up to the cafe this afternoon to have coffee and cake and forget our woes.
Coffee and cake - a powerful combination.
totally unrelated photo of the beach and the rock pool where we will no doubt spend many a summer morning
Labels:
challenges
,
coffee
,
seasons
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
spring fair
Sunday was spring in all her glory - blue cloudless skies and warm, bright, white sunshine. We wandered down the road to the local school and spent a few hours at the fair; rides, good food, a few second hand books and the obligatory jar of Nana Elsie's Pickles. It wouldn't be a school fete without a jar of homemade something now, would it?
And meet Mr Mallard - the newest resident in Mama & Popa's garden. He wears the most beautiful violet feathers on his tail and struts his stuff through the vegie patch. He let me photograph him for a fair while, occasionally quack quacking. His girlfriend was off in the neighbours backyard laying eggs. We're expecting baby quacks pretty soon.
PS. For those of you that asked about the teepee...it's from Dobbin and Drum Toys - you can buy it from my best friend's toy boutique (02) 43851082
Labels:
seasons
,
weekends
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
where the wildflowers are
On the Coast Walk where high cliffs drop towards an ocean that meets sky. A muma whale plays with her calf and the wildflowers of Spring open to catch the bright, bold light, A 3km walk...a long way for little legs. But the promise of a cookie at home ensures the hills, ants and heat are forgotten.
Labels:
nature
,
seasons
,
we live near the beach
I feel like I'm only just now coming out of the babymoon cave, just like all those blooms that have blossomed 'round here. It's nice to venture out and see the colour, spot the freesias, magnolias and daisies that are decorating the gardens. 
Four years ago on the Queen's birthday long weekend our seaside suburb was lashed by torrential rain and the wildest of winds. Daniel and I had just moved into this house, I was six months pregnant with Che and we didn't own a heater. Not that the heater would have made much difference because we were without power for three days. I remember sitting on the couch, watching the fifty-year-old gums sway and bend, wishing I could make myself a big bowl of pasta. 
The last few days have been icy and our abode is just a little bit cold. Our big king size bed is warm though and so utterly tempting on wildly windy days. Che always seems to end up in there, a pile of books by his side, the perfect excuse for its unkempt state. 
As hard as I tried I just couldn't find a leaf as big as the belly. This week baby grew beyond expectations. When I was growing Che my belly was chubby and squishy. This belly right now is the exact opposite: a hard, round, heavy ball with rather persistent whole-body stretches from the little one inside. I regularly feel a foot pressing onto me and I tickle it back. 32 weeks now. 
I'm loving all the comments coming through on the keepsakes post. It's a beautiful insight into your family cooking heirlooms, everything from breakfast to dinner, sweet & savoury. I thought it only fair that I share with you my favourite family recipes - starting today with my Mum's pumpkin soup. I've already made it about six times this autumn. It's easy, quick, economical, freezes well and, most importantly, is delicious, nourishing and wholesome. We usually enjoy a big bowl with some fresh sourdough or, if we have any in the freezer, some spinach and cheese pastries. Yum!
We rose early, to the excited squeals of the little one who found mini chocolate eggs scattered on the rug. Then we spent the day painting and hunting them and came home with a big bag of chocolate loot. And I'm wondering how on earth we are going to eat them all. Che and I made raisin bread too - sweetened with two tablespoons of marmalade jam. Highly recommended, the recipe can be found in this fabulous book. 
It's so hard for me to grasp how quickly the weeks are flying by. In the next few days I'm heading into the third trimester and to celebrate, I'm nesting like mad. Daniel arrived home at 7.30am a few mornings ago (he was out photographing another sunrise) and I already had the vacuum cleaner on. An ominous sign for him because it ultimately means that he has to join me. Later that day when I was cleaning the skirting boards he told me to stop. It was time for tea and rest. I obliged. It's so wonderfully primal, the instinctual need to prepare and feather and ready our home for the little one's arrival. 
On Sunday, in luminous autumn sunshine, we ventured north to the lighthouse and explored the rock pools. Che threw rocks into the water for a while, then hitched up his pants and paddled before venturing a little further out towards the sea and finally immersing himself in the water. He had been sick for most of the week - the sunshine and salt air worked wonders and he returned home with rosy cheeks and a keen interest in researching coral. 
A few months ago we took a leap of faith. Daniel had been contracting with a local business for a few years and while the regular money each week was nice, the other bits weren't so. We have our own business which brings in a couple of jobs a week but, as with any trade, those jobs aren't always guaranteed. And so, we decided, for the sake of happiness and well-being, we would focus on other exciting ventures and leave the comfort of a weekly pay.
this autumn there have been paper wrapped pears and sunny afternoons imbued with inspiring reads. I have been tapping away at the keyboard for days on end, grateful for the incredible support of my professional peers as they allow me to work from home. It's perfect really because I can have lunch with the family and take a little afternoon kip when I feel the need. Che and Daniel have been spending beautiful days together, building lego and exploring quiet beaches, while I thread words together. Thousands of words. Phew. My absence from here was in no way intentional. But sometimes, at the end of the day, sitting for an extra few minutes on the computer just isn't appealing. Especially when a baby blanket needs a few more stitches...
