Changes

Life is in full swing at the moment. This year has been awful, crazy, busy, quiet and just when it seemed like smooth sailing, life threw another spanner in the works. 

Just when Daisy was born, James' work put off a whole bunch of people. We were lucky and he was safe but we took a pay cut. We were just rolling with the punches. Things were all up in the air because promises were made but we had nothing in writing. 

We have been super super lucky and J was chosen along with 25 others to start training and help to set up a new mine. I am so proud of him and we're feeling truly blessed. We haven't seen each other a whole lot these last few months, with interviews happening on his days off and then working away for 5 days, we were so happy to find out he would be training an hour away but it's still 5 days a week and I'm trying to keep things in routine for Seb. 

So in between school days and J's early starts it's been pretty hectic. We've had a few bad car trips and we're all pretty exhausted but so so happy. So happy that our income is safe, so happy J has been given this opportunity. So happy to have my dad visit and help out with the littles.

In a little over a week J will be on holidays so we'll be making up for lost time with beach trips, Christmas and NYE and lots of family time. It's becoming increasingly hard to get on here to blog but I'm trying my best, if you wanna keep up with us I'm always in Instagram; @shmive.

Crazy cat

I was reading a post over at girls gone child about one of her twins who they call a wild child. Everything about her was Seb. I never thought anything of his behavior because he's not a 'bad' kid. He's a handful and he will push and push until you're at the edge of a cliff thinking that down is the only way to end the madness but he can be so sweet and sometimes you can't even tell that he's trying to manipulate the situation. I just assumed every toddler was that way? Maybe?

Here are some examples of my crazy.

'Seb, climb out of the car while I get your sister out' 

'No mum I'm driving' as he climbs through the whole car with his dirty shoes, kicking things that should not be kicked, but god forbid if you try and stop him.

'Here Seb put these shoes on'

'Noo, gumboots!' 

'No your feet sweat in gumboots, it's too hot'

'GUUMMMBOOTTSS!!!!!!' 

Picking your battles is key, give the kid his damn gumboots even though it's 30 degrees and he's wearing board shorts. He realllyyy loves his gumboots.

'I get milk'

'No Seb just wait until I've finished feeding Daisy and I'll get you milk' 

Blatant ignorense and milk is all over the kitchen and a drop is in the cup which, in sebs book, means he did well. This also happened with weetbix.

If you ever tell my kid about inside voices, he gets louder and louder it's ridic, when daisy is sleeping he always finds the noisiest toys to play with right outside her door. I put those toys outside in the rain. Mother of the year right here.

Last night we had a tantrum about bed, it hasn't happened in sooo long and this literally came out of no where and was about nothing. Seriously, he could not tell me why he was crying (screaming). It was insane. 

I had a shitty week last week, both kids were trying to kill me I swear, Seb wouldn't eat his dinner and I gave up, I was sick of the battle, I went to the couch and cried, full on ugly crying. Seb came over and put his arm around me, he said don't worry mummy, I help you. But he hadn't been helping, he'd been the opposite of helpful but those sweet words coming from that terrors mouth made me realise that everything would be okay. And it is. He stopped trying to send me to an early grave, he started listening (sometimes), he started sleeping like a normal person again, he stopped waking up his sister and only peed on her once. 

Sometimes he just needs to see his mum loose her mind to put him in his place.

Daisy.

I've been neglecting this space again, so lets just say I'm a fortnightly blogger? Life and two kids take up all my time.

My girl is two months old tomorrow and she's still the sweetest thing. She's mostly in four zero clothing because she's a tiny 9 pound but growing steadily! She's smiling and cooing, especially at her brother, even when he's driving his toy cars over her face.

Daisy was giving me big stretches of sleep at night but that has ceased, back to three hourly feeds, she's lucky she's got a cute face.

Hoorah

I was just re-reading my post a few weeks ago about Seb and I realised how much can change in such a short amount of time. 

I mentioned him having a bottle to go to bed and how I never saw us being able to kick that habbit but guess what? We have! I don't even know how it happened, one day he was told he'd have a cup of milk on the couch before bed, no more bottles and we've never looked back! 

I also said that it was going to be really challenging to get him to do his number twos in the potty...now he's pooping in the potty like its a walk in the park! I'm pretty proud to say that Seb is 100% toilet trained. 

This kid has had so many changes in the last 4 months. He started day care, he got a sister, he's no longer having bottles and is toilet trained. He's dealt so so well with all these hurdles and for that I am immensely proud of him. He's leaving his baby days behind and is turning into a real little boy. But he'll always be my baby.

Welp.

I've been quiet on the blog front again, only because two kids man, woah.

It's awesome and hard and storms and rainbows. It's totally up and down and I feel like I'm on speed everyday trying to get stuff done. But the stuff can waitbecause  there's books to be read and cuddles to be had. Good times. 

The thing I'm finding the hardest is getting ready to leave the house. There's getting Seb to go to the toilet and then dressing him while Daisy either cries or waits patiently. Then there's the dressing of the baby while Seb chills, and then promptly pisses all over his fresh clothes. So there's another outfit change. Then the baby shits and the cycle continues. 

I get the baby asleep and the toddler occupied enough that I can get ready, while stuffing my face with a semi healthy breakfast *whatever is fastest* then the baby starts crying because the brother has taken her dummy while she was sleeping. Then there's some yelling about leaving the baby alone, then there's me throwing in the towel, piling us all in the car while I'm half ready and giving the finger to mornings like this.

A few hours pass and I'm laughing at the horrendous morning, my life now. I love it.

It's not so hard this parenting business. I remember it being harder with only one child. The days J is home are pretty cruisy but it's generally always 'mum,' I'm the fixer, the one they both want to hug, the feeder. I'm fine with this, dads are meant to be the cruisy fun ones but I want them to realise I'm the fun one too, they'll see.

 

The adjustment

James has been gone for 3 days now and we are surviving you guys! 

I feel like I worried so hard about being alone with two children that when it actually happened it wasn't as bad as I thought. 

Seb's been great, I'm still up with him once a night which is just annoying but not hard. He's been napping and going to bed relatively easy, he helps with Daisy and loves to hug her but it seems that in his mind his life hasn't changed much. He'll happily play outside or watch peppa pig while I feed his sister. Daisy sleeps so much right now that I still have time to do everything I always did when it comes to Seb and I have sooo much more energy now that I'm not pregnant so my house is pretty much spotless too. I'm not bragging but I feel pretty damn good about my situation right now, I know things will change when Daisy is awake for longer periods but for right now I got this.

Daisy is pretty much my dream baby, she is the best feeder and I've had no problems breastfeeding this time. I'm up with her 2-3 times a night but she's so efficient that I'm back asleep half an hour later. She's still super tiny and only fitting in a couple of four zero outfits but mostly five zero, she gets weighed Tuesday so I'm interested to see how good these boobs are at plumping up my tiny girl.

We ventured out of the house without Daddy today, I'm surprised how well we did. It was only the markets but we had no toddler melt downs and Daisy just slept, she even went over her feed time by an hour. My kids are champs. So far so good!

Seb

I thought id do an update on the bigger of my babies since most things are about baby Daisy right now.

He's adjusted prettyyyy well to being a big brother he's had his days when he wanted to be the baby and be carried. He's cried and told me I'm only Sebbys mummy not Daisys but I couldn't expect him to be 100% fine bringing a baby into his house. 

Day care or "school" is going awesome, he loves it and I love sneakily watching him play when he doesn't think I'm there. It's the cutest. He just seems so big and independent but as soon as he sees me I get a big 'mummmmyyyy' and an even bigger cuddle followed by an 'I missed you'.

For the later half of this year sleeping hasn't been great with Seb, he was waking up multiple times wanting to get in our bed, I think it's safe to say that we've pretty much broken this habbit now we just have to try and get him to stop having a bottle in bed, that's going to be tough. He's also back to have a three hour nap in the day which couldn't be more helpful to me, hello afternoon naps for everyone!

Crazy old me decided to toilet train Seb two weeks before Daisy arrived, we're still going and it's a long long road. I didn't realize just how tough it could be. Seb is the most stubborn of children and it drives me crazy, if he doesn't want to do something that you want him to do and he's in a mood, be prepared for a fit. We've pretty much got pees down pat (at home) but we are no where near getting him to poop in the potty. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! I just keep reminding myself that it will happen it's not like he'll be going to high school in Nappies it's just going to take time.

She's here!

I cannot believe it's been a week already since Daisy was born. Why does pregnancy go soo slow but the baby days go so god damn fast? I've sat down to write this post approximately 4 times, finding longer then 10 minutes alone doesn't happen often now as most parents would know. So I type this while nursing, multitasking FTW.

Daisy is a tiny little thing, she weighed in at 6 pound 8 and all her clothes are massive on her, she's an awesome feeder so hopefully she starts packing on the pounds so I can dress her up like the doll she is. That's what girls are for I'm told. I can't get over how different the second time is, maybe I'm more relaxed but something awesome is going on here with my cruisey baby, I'm hoping she's always this way. 

Not too much has changed around here except I'm much better at doing things one handed. Seb has taken the new arrival surprisingly well, he calls her sister and asks for her of a morning, he likes to hold her and tell her not to cry but most of the time he pays no attention to her. I know it could all go downhill very fast but I'm keeping my hopes high even when these hormones are trying to bring them down. 

J goes back to work on Friday so ill be doing the solo parent thing. I'm pretty effing scared. I have two awesome kids 90% of the time but that 10% can make things realllyyy tough. Dinners are going to be a challenge but I'm trying to just go with the flow, I've got this. Right?

38 weeks

I'm at the stage where I just want to meet her now, I'm dreaming of who she'll look like and when its going to happen. Will I just be at home? Will I be out? Will J be here? Ahhh the suspense.

We went to Australia zoo on Friday for the first time, Seb had an awesome time, he's at such a good age to do things like that now, only if daddy is present, he plays up on me, he must know I'm slower these days. Kid is smart. We walked for 4 hours and watched a show, it was such a nice family day and a great thing to do before we become a family of 4, no doubt we'll be laying low for a little while adjusting to the new addition. I thought walking for a good part of the day would get this girl going but guess what? Nothing, nada, zilch. Not even any false contractions. Girl is stubborn.

Seb has been awesome this last 5 days or so, sleeping through the night again, communicating better and better, still being mega cheeky but in a funny way not so much a naughty way. We're toilet training and while it can be frustrating he's taken to it like a champ. He hated the potty 2 weeks ago and now he's telling me when he has to go! its really awesome watching him just 'get' things. He's at school today so I'm thinking the toilet training will get easier after today if he's watching the other kids or it could go backwards because he's not home on his potty and he has to wear pants hah.

So that's where we're at right now, nothing exciting just playing the waiting game. regardless, she will be here THIS month.

Wah, wah, yay.

I don't usually like to whinge on here but who am I kidding I am definitely a massive whinger. I'm going to be truthful, I'm having a difficult time, I woke up with the flu yesterday, womp. Being 36 weeks pregnant is tough enough with exhaustion and then being too uncomfortable to get a proper nights sleep, mix that with a sore throat and a blocked nose, it's disastrous. 

I'm so ready for this baby to come into the world, I've said it before and ill say it again, I do not like pregnancy. I love the reward at the end but sometimes my view of the light gets blocked by an eclipse. She's going to be here eventually, I know that but it's tough guys!

I'm so glad my lover has been home the last few days, that guy is incredible. My house is spotless and the child has been occupied. If he wasn't driving with me Tuesday, I would've covered myself in puke. How he managed to pass me that spew bag in the nick of time still amazes me. It's going to be a hard time saying goodbye for his next shift at work but I will be full term the next time he comes back! 

It hasn't been all bad, my littles baby shower on Saturday was amazing. Even though I said no presents, little miss got spoilt. I have some incredible friends.

35 weeks

How far along are you? 35 weeks 4 days

How big is the baby?: around 18 inches about the size of a honey dew melon

Maternity clothes: maternity singlets always. The weather is warming up so I've just been wearing dresses which is a nice relief from struggling to find pants!

Stretch marks?: No, fingers crossed.

Sleep: is actually getting better

Best moment this week: it hasn't happened yet but my baby shower (sprinkle) is on Saturday and I'm sure that will be awesome

Movement: heaps, up in the ribs!

Food cravings: currently nothing, just whatever isn't going to make me queasy.

Food aversions: nothing that I can think of off the top of my head, food in general just hasn't been awesome.

Labor signs: Braxton hicks, back ache. Bring it on I'm so ready haha

What I miss: Feeling normal

What I am looking forward to: catching up with everyone at the shower and eating cake muhaha.

What else has been going on I hear you ask? Not a whole damn lot. I seemed to have gone into hibernation mode, I pretty much don't want to leave the house. Its tough with Seb, he's getting heavy and lugging a pram in and out of the car isn't much fun. We've been having some great days at home though, his imagination is taking off and its so amazing to watch. He thinks he's hilarious and is always telling me hes funny. He's more cheeky but its hard not to laugh.

Ill have to upload a video of him to show how 'funny' he really is.

The nursery is coming together and when I get her drawers in there ill upload some pics. this post isn't really going anywhere and I'm deliriously tired so ill sign off now.
I'm sure ill be back tomorrow with some 'sprinkle' photos and ill have a big brag about what amazing friends I have. 

We're in

We're all moved in, it took a little more time and effort then we anticipated but it's done and we don't have to do it again for at least another 2 years. 

I'm loving the new space, it's so open and light and the weather has been magical ever since moving day, so having an open bright space has made such a difference in my mood.

Seb ended up with hand foot and mouth virus late last week which is awful for the poor kid, that meant no 'school' Tuesday and a week being housebound. I think we needed the break to just rest after the move so it was a blessing in disguise but I'm so ready to have play dates again, J has been away since Monday so the lack of adult conversation has been a bummer.

This bump seems to have slowed down in the growing department, I still feel big but I know I'm definitely not huge. 6 weeks to go and now that we're settled in the house I am sooo ready to get this girly out. Seb keeps going to the baby's room and saying "baby seesters" it's so sweet. I doubt he actually understands what it means but in a few short weeks I'm sure he'll figure it out!

Pretty excited, over a pram!

I'm actually feeling really organized today! I started packing yesterday and it really didn't take that long nor was it very hard so I have faith that this house can be packed up and promptly! I also organized our bond clean which may not seem exciting to you but it's a step forward in my mind! I'm slowing checking things off my list! 

I finished shopping for baby girl today, her newborn things anyway which got me feeling pretty darn excited to meet this bean and dress her up. I also found the pram I want on gumtree for $350! It goes for $750 brand new so I am doing the happy dance. Ill so be using it with Seb for the next 8 weeks.

I finally feel like I'm getting organized and not just laying around moping feeling sorry for myself, lets hope this energy I have for doing things continues.

Yes, we're alive.

There's 9 weeks left of this pregnancy, hoorah!

2 weeks left until we move, I was excited until I realised I have a whole house to pack. I started today and I may have cried, too bad I can't drown my sorrows in a bottle of wine because today that would have been nice. I didn't realise how much stuff we have, id love to just leave it here and start fresh but ya know, I'm not a millionaire. So ill be doing it slowly, not exactly by choice more the fact that Seb likes to unpack as I pack. 2 year old's can be the devil.

Speaking of Seb, he's going pretty well, I mean, he doesn't listen to a word I say and does the opposite of everything he knows he should do but he's still alive. Silver lining people! 

He still cries when getting dropped at day care but by the time I pick him up he doesn't want to leave. Apparently he's settled in really well and I love seeing him develop and interact with the other kids, it's super cute.

While I'm writing here I thought I may as well do a pregnancy update since who knows when ill be back again. Me and my slack ass.

How far along are you? 31 weeks 2 day

How big is the baby? around 16.5 inches  about the size of a 4 navel oranges

Maternity clothes: I'm living in trackies lately, I've gained more weight around my bum then I would have liked so far and the 1 pair of maternity stockings I have seen to have vanished

Stretch marks?: No

Sleep: sleep is good, apart from the need to pee waking me up and Seb trying to sleep on my head its all going pretty well

Best moment this week: can't think of any, this belly is getting heavyyy

Movement: still lots

Food cravings: nandos! Vegetables also

Food aversions: Curries

Labour signs: Braxton hicks

What I miss: Fitting into my clothes, wanting to leave the house

What I am looking forward to: actually being in our new house to set up baby girls room and having a bath!

'school'

Seb had his first day of childcare this week and loved it.
I had been talking about putting him all year but I clearly just wasn't ready. When I finally went in to the centre it all happened so fast, it was Friday and he started Tuesday. I started to get a little anxious. He obviously wasn't going to hate it, the three times we were in there he didn't want to leave.

Monday night we packed we packed his bag together and explained he got to go to school the next day, he seemed to understand and kept talking about painting at school and playing with the planes.

So we took him in Tuesday morning and I was so nervous at how he would react when J and I had to leave, I don't know why because this kid didn't want to go anywhere with us. I told him we were leaving and he was all like "nooo" and started high tailing it away from me onto the play equipment. Then I had to explain that he was staying and Daddy and I were leaving, then he was all like "okay bye mum" gave me a kiss, high fived James and was on his merry way. Thanks for loving me kid.

Picking him up was awesome, we were spying on him through the door and he was sitting eating his afternoon tea talking to a little boy beside him. So freaking adorable I almost died. Then when he spotted us we got the hugest grin and wave, he then told us to come in and showed us his empty plate. I may have teared up. This kid grew up SO fast. He did super well all day but apparently the first day is the easiest, the second and third can be a disaster but I am just so proud of him.

hi there!

I feel like I haven't posted about general life stuff lately and I certainly haven't been using my camera for some strange reason, my heads all in a bit of a jumble these days, baby brain I tells you. I actually told a lady at the supermarket that Seb was 3, um wtf, just for the record he is actually 2.

My baby starts his first day of child care tomorrow, I'm pretty emotional about it. I know that he'll be fine and it will be so much fun for him but he's still my baby and its hard to let go. the two times I've taken him to check the place out, he's loved it, he hadn't wanted to leave so lets hope this will be easy. I doubt it but lets hope.

After Seb's few weeks of terrible twos we seem to have come full circle and are back on track. He's changed so much in the last few weeks that I think he was just having a development leap and was frustrated. He knew what he wanted but he just couldn't quite get it out. He now knows all his colours and can count to ten, I think he's pretty awesome. Sleep has somewhat improved but he has his moments, there's no point in blogging about it any more because he can be different every night.

So these next 6 weeks are for packing and getting Seb settled in 'school' then we'll be moving and setting up the new space and twiddling our thumbs until baby girl shows up! When I say twiddling my thumbs I really mean being really busy with appointments and play dates and school and life. I cant believe in under 100 days I wont be pregnant anymore or ever again!

 

 

my husbands such a super photographer, that's why these are the worst photos ever, but I think they're pretty funny.