Little Girl

Over the weekend, Little Girl turned 4 and I've been thinking lately about our time so far as Mother and Daughter. This journey has been both joyful and loving, tiring and testing. At times it has been hilarious and at other times, just plain hard. There have been moments where I have wanted to cuddle her so tight and never let go, and, with that very same child, moments where I have wanted to throw in the towel and run away.

Despite the emotional roller coaster, through all the tears (both hers and mine) and the tantrums (mostly hers), I love this child with all my heart, with every inch of my often tired and weary body and I would do anything to protect her and keep her safe.

My most memorable moment with her so far? Although amazing in their own ways, was not when she was born. Nor was it on seeing her first steps or hearing her first words. It was actually more recent, taking place on the first morning after bringing home her new baby brother, from hospital.

Little Girl had struggled with the idea of me having another baby and the last few months of my pregnancy were hellish for both of us. On our first morning home from the hospital, Little Girl walked out of her bedroom and placed herself on the lounge. Baby boy and Hubby were still both fast asleep. Little Girl just sat there on the lounge. Ever so still, ever so silent. I sat down beside her. I reached out for her hand. She reached out also, taking my hand and gripping it tightly. We sat there on the lounge, together, both silent, both still.

Our mutual silence spoke loudly. I felt so close to her, through the simple act of holding her hand. I felt so vulnerable at that moment and I sensed her vulnerability also. I was just a girl, holding hands with another girl. I was no more wise nor brave than her at that time and yet somehow I was able to comfort and reassure her, without words, that everything was going to be okay.

It was such a raw and powerful moment. A moment in which I truly became a mother and the moment I fell even more deeply in love with Little Girl.

Sunday Drive - A Mullet, A lost Brother and A Number 2

{A Sunday drive is an automobile trip typically taken for pleasure or leisure on a Sunday, usually in the afternoon. During the Sunday drive, there is typically no destination and no rush} - Wikipedia

Last weekend was our first Sunday drive in a while. We've had other things going on, including me working. Okay, so it was only a week's work, and I probably spent more money on my new working wardrobe (including new handbag and shoes) than money earned on the job. At least now I am  assured of looking great for my next job interview.

Our destination for the day was a place called North Brother, located on a mountain-top in Laurieton. It's well known for breathtaking views and as a launching pad for mad people who like to jump off things paragliders. After my Dad gave Hubby some directions on  how to get there, we headed off with the kids buckled in to the back seat.

Our first stop was to pick up some lunch to take with us.  On my way to the shop I had an unexpected run-in with a nasty female. She looked me up and down and said  "You have a baby coming". I said "I beg your pardon, no I don't, it's just my billowy top that makes me look that way". She then said "No it's not. You have a fat tummy". I had to stop myself from bitch-slapping her there and then, and remembering the fact that she was probably only 9 years old, seemed to do the job. I thought about finding her mother and giving her a serving about her daughter's rudeness, but the best I could come up with was to turn to the little monster and say with a smile "NICE MULLET" in reference to the hairstyle that she was so smugly sporting. (note to self: must pay more attention to getting rid of post baby blubber and when dealing with children, I am supposed to be the mature one).


After the faux pregnancy experience, the rest of the day was a bit of a blur. We had lunch in a park that wasn't called North Brother (hubby was not paying attention to directions handed out by my Dad). Little Girl did her first 'squat in the bushes wee' (so proud), because we couldn't find a toilet. Then it was panic stations all round when she proudly shared with us that there was also a poo coming. It's amazing how much harder we tried (and succeeded) to find a public toilet on hearing this news.

A nice park where we had lunch that WASN'T North Brother

It was smiles all round on finding a toilet

It was on our way home that we finally found the turn off to North Brother and despite the fact we had written the place off as non-existent, we took the 2.5 kilometre road up the mountain and were pleasantly surprised with a magnificent view of the region. We took some photos, breathed in some lovely, fresh, high-altitude  air, then jumped back in the car to avoid the plague of mozzies hovering around our ankles, and drove our way back home. Mission Accomplished!

Beautiful views of Laurieton (and beyond) from the North Brother Lookout

Edible? Bush Berries?

Life Isn't Always a Circus

Last Saturday started out as a great day. The Circus was in town and I had 3 red-hot ringside tickets in hand. We had driven past when they were setting up the tent and Little Girl was so excited. "I want to see the clowns Mummy". This would be followed with me explaining that they were still putting everything together and that we would be going soon. "When's soon Mummy?" I would say this Saturday. "When's Saturday Mummy?". It got to the point where I would no longer drive past the Circus so as to avoid the barrage of endless questions.

Much to Little Girl's delight (and mine), Saturday finally came. Hubby and I were getting ready to go with Little Girl. She was so excited. We parked the car and walked to the entrance, showed our tickets and bought something to drink. I wanted pink fairy floss. Hubby said no. I protested. He still said no. I sulked. He ignored me.

We barely made it into the tent. The performance had already started. Let's just say that the Circus was not how I remembered it. It was very dark inside the tent, a smoke machine billowed out great cloud puffs around the ring. I couldn't see a bloody thing. The performers were dressed up as spooky looking trees and mythical creatures that seemed to surge forward, closer and closer to the audience. The music was eerie. and the tent was beginning to feel claustrophobic.

So, when I turned around to find Little Girl had literally scaled her Daddy's body in one motion to get into his arms, I wasn't surprised to discover that she was scared out of her mind. She was shaking and crying and telling us she wanted to go home. I insisted we stayed a little longer, in the hope Little Girl would overcome her fear. She didn't. So, we went home.

In the car on the way home, I looked at Hubby. He looked a little disappointed. I was disappointed also. Our 'inner' children had really wanted to see the circus. My 'inner' child was kicking and screaming in protest.

We reassured Little Girl that all was okay and followed up with a trip to her favourite park.

So, what did I learn from this experience? Well, that things don't always work out the way you want them to. That there are some things you simply cannot control, e.g. a child's fear. And, that my sulky face doesn't work on my husband.

When was the last time YOU went to the Circus and what was it like?

Sunday Drive - Going Coastal

I know, I know. It's a little late this week, but I have been busy trying to find a real job. No luck as yet but hopefully something will come along soon.

Anyway, for last weekend's Sunday Drive, Hubby and I decided to take the kids up the coast to Crescent Head, with the idea of a dip in the ocean and a yummy lunch when we got there. So, we threw the kids in the car and headed north. 

Being the adventurers that we are (??), we chose to go the back way instead of taking the highway. Our trip began with crossing the Hastings River on a car-ferry. During the 10 minute crossing, Baby boy happily chewed on the tail of his sister's mermaid doll, whilst Little Girl gave me a serving for looking out of her window instead of my own. 

With yet another bumpy dirt road ahead of us, I turned to the back seat to tell the kids all about our exciting day ahead, only to find both of them were fast asleep (mental note to self: kids fall asleep fast when driven on bumpy dirt roads).

Asleep already?

Although there wasn't a great deal of visual excitement along the way, we did pass a few tea tree and fruit tree farms (didn't manage photos of said farms though as too busy photographing self, photographing self). 

Roadside Delights

Our arrival in Crescent Head was met with some serious disappointment. The surf was all brown and dirty from the recent downpour of rain, rain and more rain. The only one's brave enough to go in were the mad-keen surfers, who were catching waves out past the brown-ness. After reading a piece in the paper a few weeks ago about sharks preferring to hunt for food in murky waters, coupled with a fear of sharks that has never returned to a rational level after watching Jaws the movie as a youngster, I decided we would not be swimming that day.

We let Little Girl run wild in the park for a while (to burn off some energy after sleeping all the way to Crescent Head, and then some). Then we headed for the hills, well, that is, we drove up some steep streets to get a descent view overlooking Crescent Head. We found a lookout with a water tower that looked like it was painted by local school kids. Little Girl was very impressed and we ended up driving around it a few times so she could look at all the sea creatures.  

Next stop was the local fish and chip shop to grab some lunch. Whilst waiting for our grub, Hubby and I had a chat whilst Little Girl caught up on the latest celebrity goss and fashion trends. Baby Boy kicked back in his pram, not a worry in the world. 

Junior fashionista and Baby, king of chillin' 

Seagull Fodder enjoyed in the park

In an attempt to walk off our chips and milkshakes, we walked around for a while, me taking some photos along the way. 

Pretty Hibiscus plants surrounding the Crescent Head Surf Club

Nice one-cheek  bum wedgie Little Girl (hehe)

On our way back to Port Macquarie, we came across a cute beach on a back road and I'm guessing the locals like to keep it a secret, so I won't be telling you where it was. There was a small group of houses around the area, most likely inhabited by surfies, beachgoers and fishermen alike.

Another Quirky Letterbox 

We drove back on to the ferry as our road trip was coming to an end. 

Despite not having a swim at Crescent Head, the day turned out alright, with beautiful sunshine and blue skies. Hopefully, we'll head back there another day when it hasn't been raining. 

Till next time,

Jode x

Sunday Drive - Waterfalls, Psycho Turkeys, Quirkiness & Chocolate Cake

On Sunday morning, Hubby Jas and I decided it was a good day to jump in the car and go exploring our new surroundings. So, we buckled the kids in the back seat and off we went. With no map and no real plans on where we were headed, we decided to try and find the waterfall that we had heard about a day earlier. 

Fifty kilometres of bumpy dirt road, a Barbie DVD, a toilet stop and multiple sand-fly bites later, we were standing at the top of Ellenborough Falls. Hubby walked out onto the viewing platform for a closer look, me joining him once I had convinced myself that the platform wasn't going to break off and fall (dramatically) to the bottom (serious fear of heights) and that neither of the kids could fit through the gaps in the metal bars (okay, slightly paranoid mother around heights). 

Ellenborough Falls

Bumpy dirt road which doesn't look so bumpy, but believe me it WAS bumpy

The Falls were breathtaking and well worth the trip. There is a little kiosk at the top of the Falls, run by a lady named Kim, who makes and sells a mean home made sausage roll. Be sure to look out for the psycho Bush Turkey that chased Little Girl around the parking lot a few times, with her screaming her head off and yelling 'Daddy, Daddy, the chooks? are chasing me'. Now before you go pulling out your copy of 'What Bird is That?', These birds are not really aggressive. I think this particular one was just after the kids' sausage rolls and not actually intending to peck them to death as my daughter believed at the time.

The kids enjoying their sausage rolls in the safety of the car (Bush Turkey still lurking )

The Bush Turkey in question (just look at that murderous bird) 

After the Falls, we headed off in a different direction which took us on yet another dirt road, through a few really cute little towns. I can only assume some of these towns were inhabited by artists, hippies and creative-folk alike, with many properties fronted with quirky letterboxes and other interesting works of art (or at least I think it was art).

Quirky Letterbox

Community hall with interesting bamboo archway

Bamboo work of art or something else???

Not so quirky letterboxes, but interesting all the same

During our road trip, we saw a deer farm and lots of dairy cows. The countryside was so lush and green. We passed a property named 'Lamington Drive' and another named 'Misty Mountain'. We also crossed lots of old wooden bridges, with fresh water from the falls running underneath.

Deer Farm (not a bad photo, seeing it was taken from a moving car, with me hanging out the window like a mad woman)

Token 'cows in paddock' shot

One of the many old bridges we crossed over

Before heading home, we finished off an awesome day out, with coffee and a yummy piece of chocolate cake, shared by all of us, from a cafe in Comboyne called Mad Cow or Udder Cow or something with Cow in the title (cannot remember exactly as I was overwhelmed with all the cow paraphernalia for sale that was hanging around the place).

Mmmm!

I really enjoyed writing about our day out and decided to try and make 'Sunday Drive' a regular story to share each week. So... be sure to check back next week to hear all the adventures of our next family road trip.

An Update on Our Sea Change

It has been 2 months to the day since we left our little unit in Sydney and headed north to Port Macquarie, in search of a new start and a new place to call home. It has been 20 years since I lived under the same roof as Mum and Dad, and despite my reservations before we moved in, it has been better than expected, so far. Although I am certainly not the same girl I was at 17, causing chaos and constantly keeping my parents on their toes. If anything, it is now my kids causing the chaos (of a different kind) and they are certainly keeping Mum and Dad busy.

Hubby Jas has landed a job already, which is just awesome. We thought it was going to take many months before one of us got some work. The job is in the IT industry, which Jas came from in Sydney. He has gone from working for a company of 900 employees to a job in Port Macquarie that includes just him and the boss. Undoubtedly, he has some adjusting to do here. And, I can't believe this job appointment included a new iPhone. I am now officially the only person in the whole universe who does not have an iPhone yet!

I am attempting to enrol Little Girl in preschool for 3 days a week. She is missing the interaction with her little playmates back in Sydney and I am missing time without kids. I can happily report that Little Girl is wearing undies (or as she calls them unny-pants) every day now and goes to the toilet on her own (insert ridiculous grin of a proud mother here). Our Baby Boy is now 10 months old and crawling super fast. He has 4 teeth and can say da-da, mu-ma and ba-ba. He also waves when I say bye-bye to him - precious times.

I cannot believe that I have moved 400 odd kilometres north of Sydney only to discover that the Sydney Funnel Web Spider is very, very common here in Port Macquarie. In the 37 years I lived in Sydney, I never saw a single Funnel Web and in the 2 months here, I have already seen at least 3 of them in the garden. If you can visualise this, I just did that thing where you stand up quickly and proceed to jump around, brushing off imaginary spiders from your body whilst saying ewwwwwww.

I am missing my Sydney friends and family, dreadfully at times, so we may have to plan a trip there soon. In the meantime though I'll be concentrating on getting to know the locals in Port.

Till next time,

Jode xx

Photo a Day Challenge - Day 27 to 30

Tomorrow is the last day of the Fat Mum Slim January Photo-A-Day Challenge. I've enjoyed snapping away at different things during the month. There is another challenge starting for February, but I think I'll sit this one out and do some of my own stuff for a while. Hope you've enjoyed the photos and if you want to check out other blogger's photos, click on the first link above and scroll to the blog list at the bottom of the page.

Little Girl eating lunch

Tacking Point Lighthouse, Port Macquarie

Eggs

Kite Surfers enjoying the windy conditions at Lake Cathie Beach

Photo a Day Challenge - Day 26

Bright pink kid's drinking cup lid with straw.

Photo A Day Challenge - Day 15 to 16 and 19 to 25

NYE 2011 Fireworks - This year I made no resolutions, just a promise to take better care of me and to be happy. This was Little Girl's first fireworks.

I love this button!

I love Smarties!

My Baby Boy.

Light reflection on glow mesh purse.

Well, actually they're not my shoes. I borrowed them from Barbie.

1960's Salt & Pepper Shakers.

Lollies - Fruit Tingles are my fave.

I made this cushion a few years ago. It's made using the reverse side of denim. It now lives at my Mum's.