Some days

August 4, 2015 / Renae / Leave a comment

Some days I write a blog post and when I go to save it, it vanishes. So let’s try this again…

Some days I just want to sit on the sun and drink coffee with Hubs.

Some days I just want to hold this little guy close to my chest and never let go.

Some days I wish for endless energy to keep up with these two.

Some days, this is all I do, all day long. At least that’s how it feels.

Some days I want to just hide away from the world and all the things that come with being an adult and parent; the cooking, the cleaning, the shopping, the washing, the endless filling out of the forms, the constant responsibility…

Some days I miss my family and friends so much it hurts. Some days I just need someone familiar around.

Some days are just awesome. I like those days the best 🙂

If you want something done…

July 29, 2015 / Renae / Leave a comment

…ask a busy person to do it.

Too true, too true. I often describe parenthood as a state of being constantly busy, but in a completely different way than I was before.

Pre-marriage and pre-kids, I was always busy. A week night to myself was pretty rare, and a weekend without plans was unheard of. When we moved to Melbourne, there was a void in my life that I struggled to fill; I had so much time to myself that I had to learn to enjoy my own company a bit more.

And now that we have children, I don’t stop very often for very long during my days, except for my 11am coffee of course, but some days I don’t feel like I’ve gotten anything done. When in actual fact I’ve fed and nourished 3 children with 3 main meals and endless snacks, I’ve sent a husband off to work with a full tummy, a coffee and a delicious lunch, most likely done some washing and cleaning and tidying up, have taken the kids out somewhere, maybe done some shopping… well you get the idea.

Some days feel incredibly unproductive; I feel like I’ve just been chasing my tail around all day, ignoring the kids and hoping they can entertain themselves, yet not actually getting anything useful done. And then there’s days like last Wednesday and today where I’ve been on the go all day and can sit down now with my cup of tea and feel like I’ve accomplished something.

So here’s cheers to Wednesdays. They seem to be the day that sh*t gets down around here!

And now for some more Falling Skies 🙂

Did you know?

July 26, 2015 / Renae / Leave a comment

Did you know that in the last 2 weeks, I’ve written a blog post almost every day? No? Well that’s because those posts haven’t made it from my head to my keyboard in that time. But I tell you what, there have been some crackers in there! For instance, I finally told you guys all about Darby-doo’s baptism; I shared some baking that I’ve been doing; and I shared with you that we are completely hooked on the TV series Falling Skies. I’m totally crushing on Dr John Carter (fine. Noah Wyle) right now. Can you blame me? (Holy moly look at that baby face!!??? Has it really be that long since ER was on TV??)

Did you know I had a big cleaning frenzy on Wednesday and have vowed to keep the place in a respectable fashion from now on, and so far I have!? Our dining area went from this:

to this:

and the kids toyroom went from this:

to this:

I completed my to do list that day and feel great for it. I’ve also been putting in more effort day-to-day to keep it in a nice state so that each morning we’re not waking up to a mess. I think it’s helping with our morning routine as well.

Did you know that I like my bananas to be really ripe? Like really ripe. Like this:

Did you know that I don’t actually know how to turn on our new laptop/tablet? I just press all the buttons on all the sides until something happens.

Did you know that Darby has started pulling himself up to a standing position? He’s not even 8 months old yet, nor is he crawling – just scooting around on his tummy commando-style.

Did you know that he smiles whenever I pull my phone out to take a photo? As per above.

Did you know that I’m a Marriage Celebrant? I did my professional development last weekend and it was so great to meet other celebrants in the area and it got me all geared up again to DO MORE WEDDINGS! Know anyone who needs a celebrant? 😉

Did you know, that for the first time in my life I’m actually losing weight and it’s not as hard as any other time I’ve tried? I’ve just finally (FINALLY!!!!) found my sweet spot. I’m still enjoying life, but I’m just not feeling the need to shove crap in my cake-hole every single day. I haven’t felt this good in a looooong time, nor have I ever believed that a) I can reach a healthy weight and b) that I can keep this up long-term. I’ll update you as I go!

Did you know I’ve been meaning to share an hilarious youtube video of the kids singing Let it go. Which I will do…. now! Enjoy Quinny’s finale 🙂

Did you know that Darby-doo is now big enough to sit in the trolley seat? So this is my view when I’m feeling daring enough to take the three of them for a (very) quick shop:

Did you know that I’ve been blogging for 7 years now and I still love it!? Like, seriously love it. I should do it more often 😉

Cream and sugar

July 20, 2015 / Renae / Leave a comment

I could hear scratching coming from the next room; rummaging, fossicking, and then silence.

I had two choices. Do I go and investigate, or do I drink my hot cup of coffee and enjoy my cuddles on the couch with Chanbe for just a few more minutes.

I knew it might be to my detriment, but I opted to stay in the couch on this cold and windy day. I take my 11am coffee very seriously and it would take a lot to get in the way of it.

I then went to take a look, and this is the sight that greeted me:

She was supposed to be having her daytime sleep.

But, obviously, smearing zinc cream all over her arms and legs seemed like a much better use of her time.

I have started planning some baby-proofing measures for Darby, but it seems I need to Quinn-proof a few of my drawers first.

The pork belly agrees

July 10, 2015 / Renae / Leave a comment

I cannot tell you how much I laughed when, after an hour of roasting this tasty little mushroom and haloumi stuffed pork belly, it came out looking like this:

Even the pork belly has had a sh*t. Day.

I laughed and laughed. I’m not going to lie. My jovial mood can be slightly attributed to my sampling of the craft wine. (Kind of like craft beer but more crafty) And the fact that all 3 children are sound asleep in bed and it’s Friday night and Hubs is home and it’s raining and we get to watch a movie and eat yummy food and drink yummy craft wine and snuggle up together on the couch.

So all in all a good end to a sh*t day.

Except that I just remembered I have a clothesline full of half dry washing.

Had.

Now I have a clothesline full of wet washing. Meh. Whaddayagunnado?

10 things

June 29, 2015 / Renae / 2 Comments

1. We only have 3 episodes of Nurse Jackie left to watch. Ever.

2. I may have developed an intolerance to raw spinach. I seem to feel nauseated within an hour of eating it. Further evidence needed but not very willing to prove my theory.

3. I’m also completely sick of kale. Way too much roughage in my green smoothies.

4. It took me 3 hours to tidy and clean our house on Saturday afternoon and I’ve been feeling amazing ever since.

5. By 4am most mornings, there at no fewer than 4 family members sharing our king size bed.

6. Our nieces arrive on Wednesday to stay with us for a week and we are incredibly excited. So much fun is about to be had.

7. I’ve been attending an exercise class that you can bring your kids to called mummy fit, twice a week for the last few months and I love it.

8. I have very cute kids. Video to come.

9. I have an awesome husband. No video.

10. I’ve been writing this post one-handed on my phone while I give Darby his dream feed.

The end.

Happy Birthday Hubs

June 25, 2015 / Renae / Leave a comment

It was Hubs’ birthday on Tuesday, and after a weekend with his BFF Ben, we had a fairly low-key day. Hubs had to work but he got home at a reasonable time and was met with the smells of his favourite meal; lamb shanks. And so easy for me as well. Win win!

Before that though, I cooked him a yummy breakfast and we did some presents before he went to work.

This was the closest I could get to everyone looking at the camera 🙂 I made a fresh loaf of bread and dropped it off for morning tea, and when Hubs came out to pick it up, he informed me that there was a ridiculous amount of food that people had brought in. 3 different people had made him birthday cakes (which got me off the hook!) as well as brownies, cookies, and other delights. I thought it was so lovely that they made a bit of a fuss for him – he really felt the love!

Chanbe asked him over dinner “how old are you turning Dadda?” which we were very impressed by! Hubs, of course replied “I’m turning 21!” After pondering this for a minute, Chanbe proceeded to say “so on your next birthday you’ll be turning 22. Then 23 after that.” It was completely adorable and very insightful for the little guy!

I was going to bake him a cake, but after I found out how many he already had, I opted for his favourite chocolate mousse. He brought some cake home and we recycled it to sing happy birthday and for him (the kids) (Chance) to blow out the candles.

Happy birthday honey. You’re still my favourite 🙂

He may never

June 20, 2015 / Renae / 4 Comments

After walking around the house and picking up Hubs’ boots from the front door, shirt from the loungeroom, pants from the toyroom and bag on top of the open dishwasher door (yes, this happened), I realised that Hubs may never be the guy who picks up after himself.

I was considering this the other night, and as you do at 9:30pm after a long day, I started thinking of the other things that drove me crazy about him. And then I smiled. Because there were so many things for me to be thankful for. I went to bed, snuggled against my husband of almost eight years, the father of my three gorgeous children, and I was content.

Because even though he may never put his breakfast bowl in the dishwasher, he will always give me a sleep in when he can. I slept in three days in a row last week, one of those days I was in bed until after 10am. He took the kids to playgroup (so many brownie points there!) and then looked after them while I had a physio appointment.

He may never understand why I prefer to clean up the kitchen before going to bed, but after a long day at work, when he comes home to a messy house with feral (but happy) children, with his wife on the couch reading the internet (yes, the whole internet), as long as he is greeted with a big smile, a warm hug and a cold beer, all is right in his world.

He may never pay much attention to the time, which will sometimes mean he’s running late for things, but it also means he gives the kids and I his full attention when he’s around. And all he wants from us, really, is our full attention from time to time.

He may never be interested in the “sensible” choice for buying a car, but he will always have reasons behind his ideas, and expect the same of other people. This may mean I might not get the minivan I want, but it will always mean we will have a great, fun car for our family.

He may never be the kind of guy who will see a household job that needs to be done, but he will take the kids to the park at 5:15pm just so they can get out of the house for a good runaround before dinner.

So even though there are things that will always drive me crazy, they don’t compare even slightly to all the wonderful things he brings to our marriage and to our lives. He really is such a catch and I am so thankful we found each other.

Feeling existential?

June 5, 2015 / Renae / 2 Comments

Google “Uptown Funk” and watch the film clip.

It’s impossible not to smile and want to try some of the moves in this music video. Is that what you kids are calling them these days? Do you remember RAGE? I never watched RAGE. It was too hip for me. I was a Video Hits kinda gal myself. More mainstream. That’s me.

Or that was me, until Hubs and I got together. Since then it’s been all backstreets for us. And it’s been great.

It’s Friday night. A few hours ago we were joined in Rocky by my parents, Hubs’ Dad, and Uncles Ben and Clayton. It’s going to be a great weekend. We are celebrating Darby’s baptism on Sunday, and more friends arrive throughout the weekend. We also have some local friends who are able to share this special day with us.

There’s so much to tell you. Do you know how many times a day I write blog posts in my head? It’s several. Every day. My blog is on my mind often, most days, and it’s times like this that I wish we had a designated spot for a designated computer that I can blog from, with all my photos within easy reach.

It will happen. It will take time to get this beautiful house of ours in order, and we are getting there.

I want to tell you all about how Quindy sings “Let it go” from Frozen all day long. But she says “ellit go” instead. And how Chanbe sings “Brave” just as much, and I love him more each time he sings it. It’s just too wonderful. I have awesome videos of both of these, and I’ll upload them soon.

I want to tell you that life is going well right now. I want to tell you that I didn’t get to bed until after 10:30pm after my last blog post because I had to help out Darby and Hubs and then Chanbe before my head finally hit the pillow. And that I didn’t mind at all. Cos that’s what wifeys/mamas do.

I want to tell you that Hubs has been on a real video clip kick lately, and that’s why I know what “Uptown Funk” is all about. And I really can’t get enough of it. It just makes me happy. And I’m really into doing things that make me happy right now.

And having family around me certainly fits that criteria. It’s going to be a great weekend.

Q: How can it take 45 minutes to walk 1km?

May 25, 2015 / Renae / Leave a comment

A: Because of three kids.

That is literally how long it took us to walk home from picking Quindy up from kindy the other day. Darby and I left home at 2:20pm to walk down to Chanbe’s kindy which is only 650m down the road. Pushing the big pram, this normally takes about 8 minutes. We picked Chanbe up from kindy, and he hopped on his bike that I brought along with us. The whole way to Quindy’s family day care is flat, and Chanbe can really scoot along on his balance bike, so I have to walk quite quickly to keep up. Even so, with all the stoppages, drinks breaks, “my feet hurt can I ride in the pram” stops etc etc etc, the 1.5km can take up to half and hour to complete.

We arrive at Quindy’s kindy (ha ha) and as her educator is giving me a great debrief of the day, the kids play for a bit longer together and the carer has a cuddle with Darby-doo. By the time I put Darby and Quinn in the pram, and get Chance sorted with his helmet, then stop to find Q’s drink bottle, it was about 3:30. The walk home is 1.2km up a bit of a hill.

This is where things start to get ridiculous. Now I have to say off the bat that I’m in no hurry to get home. The longer it takes us, the better as far as I’m concerned. So when Q wants to hop out and walk, I encourage it. and then when C wants to get back in the pram, I say “sure thing buddy”. It’s when they both want to get in, that my back and neck and shoulders let out a whimper. This means I have to strap Darby into the carrier on my front, and push the pram, (18kg) Chance (20kg) and Quinn (10kg) up the small hill. Oh, and Chance and Quinn like to stand up in the pram and try and touch the low hanging trees.

Look, it’s a lot of fun really. Apart from when, 50m from home, Chanbe had a bit of a meltdown – I think he was honestly so tired from a full day of kindy, and riding most of the way home (he was back on his bike at this stage) and he’d just had enough of life really. But we got there in the end, and now that we have a wonderful, glorious, huge backyard, this is what we spend most of our afternoons doing…

I actually have a really cute video of the kids on the tire swing (behind the plane) but I can’t quite get it to work (still getting used to WordPress!) and since then, Hubs put the Red Barron plane bed up as a swing! So. Totally. Awesome.