Painted Jars & Curry

Amongst a sea of glass jars and blackboard paint, little eyes watch me intently. Once I no longer entertain her, little bear attempts rolling onto her tummy. One day little one, one day soon.

While dinner with family tonight was lovely, entertaining and delicious, it will lead to bad things happening in pants I just know it.

Losing It

 

This is Antics, Charli likes to eat him. Charli also likes to sleep with her head in certain positions. Charli's hair doesn't like this. It has started to rub out. The wee dot has two fuzzy patches of semi permanent bed head. One on the back of her head and one on her left side, my baby you are going a little bald. Funnily enough I too am losing my hair! This last week I have found so much hair no longer attached to my head I fear Charli and I will soon have matching balding patches. Post pregnancy hair loss, it's a thing! Another one of those not so glamorous things no one warns you of.

Multi Tasking

3am this morning Charli decides it's a marvellous time for a chat...an hour long chat. Goodness knows what she's saying but creiky dick, this little darling is a chatter box. She has even started 'talking' to my boob, pulling off several times just to have a chinwag and then going back for more.

Still in the mood for conversation this afternoon, no pants Charli was lying on the mat, chewing on her thumb (she hasn't quite mastered a suck), talking away, rolling on her side and grabbing her feet all at the same time. Now tell me that's not some impressive multitasking!

The Stare Down

 

Today little bear and I went to Capalaba to hunt for the perfect green smoothie machine and a wonder around another op shop. The lady helping us with blenders got the stare down from Charli, no smiles just a stare "look at all that hair". Charli bear hiccuped in tune with Goyte on the drive home and when we arrived without a blender but with several frames of various shapes and sizes, Bryce gave me a stare down. These "smell like 'old'" apparently but nonetheless, I have big plans for these babies!

Beautiful Crazy Baby

When little bear gets excited her arms flail about, she makes a laugh/cough kind of noise and her smile dives into her fist. Not the most flattering baby photo but golly, this sums up our little rascal today. Chatting away with crazy little robot arms, little lady you make me smile so very much.

Charli bear must have been pretty darn stoked as we finally left the house today. Perched in the ergo we rummaged through flannerys (organic supermarket), and the lovely lady cooed over Charli while telling me all about psyllium husks (turns out they make you poop good).

On the way back to the car an elderly lady stopped me in my tracks with an "excuse me", it turns out she just wanted to get a closer look at the baby with "all that hair".

While checking in on Charli (who is back in our room =), getting all the use she possibly can out of her cradle)  I find an arm wrestled out of her wrap now gently holding the blanket, soft lips, long lashs, wild hair and chubby cheeks. I can't help but smile when I look at this darling creature we created.

A Colourful Start To The Day

This morning I was changing Charli's nappy when she farted and yes, I got poop in my eye. This happens to everyone right? right!? A little shocked but laughing I called for B2 to assist while I washed out my eyeball and little bear just lay there smiling away. 

Nicely played Charli Bear, niceeely played.

Drooling, nomming, shocker at sleeping, spewing, runny nose, giggling, chewing on thumb.

We got as far as the backyard today for a ride on Daddy's shoulders. 

My little wiggle worm, you have grown so much already. I was admiring you while you were playing on your mat and you just seemed so much bigger than yesterday. You magically shuffle your body around, ending up the opposite way to which you were to begin with. We never see you doing it, but we look away for what feels like a second and find you upside down. I can't imagine what magic tricks/disappearing acts you will be able to pull when you are crawling.You will keep me on my toes, that much is certain.

Cooped Up

You are never really grateful for your good health until you become sick! I miss being well so much. You see I usually suffer from Man flu good and proper, throw a baby in the mix and, well it's not a pretty picture. When you're a Mum, you're a Mum!

 I think poor Charli bear is going a bit mad from being cooped up after her three week stint as a social butterfly. Since we came back little bear has been quite shocking at sleeping/staying asleep/I don't know whats going on!

In happier news, little bear had her giggle on today. I was throwing toys in the air and catching them (well trying to) and it was marvellous, like medicine to my ears (unlike this mornings squeals).

One Sick Mummy

Today I was feeling a little sorry for myself and stayed rugged up in my pjs all day with Charli Bear, we didn't do much.

Charli has been super cheeky, grizzling, yelling or squealing so I come over or look at her and then she just smiles at me, the most gorgeous cheeky little smile! Seems like someone is figuring out how to get Mummy's attention. 

When Bryce finished work, he took little bear for a ride to the super market to get me sickness supplies. This was their very first outing alone together and from what I hear it was a success!

When my two darlings returned I remembered I had almost forgotten todays photo, so Daddy tickled little feet and made big smiles.

Under The Weather

Charli bear was not a happy camper last night. With a blocked nose I didn't want her sleeping in another room, so into the little bed she went. I think we both felt much better being close. 

We had another relaxing day at home, with more feet grabbing and ground spinning. 

It's so nice to be home.

Snuffly Bear

My poor little darling didn't sleep very well last night and this morning had a snuffly nose, sneezes and her pretend cough that may not have been pretend. Only wanting to be held, and after talking to my Mum, I called the child health line which led to the doctors. Of course by the time of our appointment and after cuddles and a sleep Charli bear was no longer broken but my happy little camper once more. With the seal of approval, the wee one and I went hunting through the op shops of Wynnum for china, grabbed a coffee and scored a bargain with baby wipes. 

Once Bryce finished work we all went and got Charli bear a cot duvet and a heater, I thought I left the cold behind- what is this?!

Back In the Big Smoke

***Photo Coming Soon***- Ok this isn't true, I completely forgot to take a photo all day until we were at the supermarket. Bryce was wearing Charli in the Ergo and pushing the trolly and eyeing the cute, I remembered. I pulled out my camera only to find "Change the battery pack" display on screen. Not happy, no photo. We got home and Charli bear wanted sleep and so it seems today is a photo-less day. May this be the first and last.

A day of absolute bliss!Now this bliss consisted of a bath with Charli, about 5 loads of washing, emptying suitcases, playing with Baby bear and a family trip to the supermarket. It really was heaven after three weeks of a wonderful yet hectic trip visiting our home away from home.

After sleeping in a porta-cot in New Zealand, my little darling has made the jump to her big cot in her room since we came back home. Her cradle seems to have shrunk, so I no longer have my wee one beside me. I miss my baby and her little sleep noises in my ear, but our room really is too small to fit a cot.

Charli bear grabbed her feet for the first time today, spun around on the ground in a 360 with no nappy on and pooped.

Fly Away Home

We woke up and decided it might be good to pack (yes we tend to leave things until the last minute), and after the entire lounge floor being covered we managed to stick to our luggage allowance (This was impressive). Charli got to sit with her Nanny and Pop on our trip to Wellington. On the way we stopped to have one last taste of deliciousness that is Burger Fuel. 

Now little Bear slept for two hours on the way down, then some more at the airport so, you guessed it - Charli had other plans for the plane ride. As apparently you can't have it good both ways, we had a very fussy little bear, at least we have the faithful pants off trick! 

Sunday 19th May 2013

Our last day full day in New Zealand and the cutest two year olds birthday party.

Little bear and I said goodbye to the girls and their cherubs and then went on to visit more friends before our departure. It turns out, more people are moving to Brisbane, this makes us quite happy!

Saturday 18th May 2013

Saturday was a lovely polish family affair in Levin. We had a Babcia, two great Uncles, a great Aunty, an Uncle Darren, Aunty Nicola, a Nanny and a Pop and a whole lot of delicious food!

Later on Bryce, Bear and I headed up to Palmy for a farewell dinner with the dutch family. Baby bear jumped her wee heart out while we devoured more delicious food and then "caught colic" as her Daddy puts it. There was crying, quite a lot for a little person and of course spew. After a team effort of trying to get little bear to sleep, my boobs finally won and shortly after it was home time. 

*I promise not to wake you this much when we are back home*

Busy Bees

Hectic is one word for it, awesome is another. Sorry if you have missed us!

We have been so flat out in NZ visiting friends and family, having visitors, packing, flying and settling back in to Australia, my poor wee blog has been a little neglected.

I do have photos, so I will update you all when I feel like enough washing has been done and enough errands have been run =) 

38 Years Of Service

Charli's Pop has officially retired. We were lucky enough to be able to celebrate 38 years of service with him, and all of the family. Having missed an afternoon sleep and then attending a function, my little bear was a trooper. Charli was passed around the ladies and dishing out smiles like a sweetie pie. After having a nap in my arms, Charli woke during Dennis's speech to chat, spew, burp and fill her pants - she certainly gave the people around us a good laugh. We had some photo's and then went out for a lovely family dinner, my wee one drifted off to sleep watching the fire while we had a feast.

Four Months Old

Waking up in Levin with my darling on one side and my wee one on the other was so nice! Especially when you have a male heater to keep the bed toasty in this chilly country. 

We visited Bryce's Uncle and then headed up to Palmy to see my Mum (at work). After Mum got her Charli fix we went to the plaza so Bryce could replenish his winter wardrobe and we got our fix of Burger Fuel. Oh how I have missed you!

In other more exciting news, Little bear is four months old today.

My little cheeky darling the last four months have been wonderful. With your cheekiness and chatter, you definitely are our little girl.

You now weigh just over 7kilos (Turns out the sales were wrong here)

Since we have been in New Zealand you have learnt how to squeal (I wasn't overly enthused about this) 

Last week we caught you sucking your little thumb, which now occasionally makes its way into your mouth
Some times when you grizzle, you sound like you are saying Mum. To young to talk?

You have been on a plane, you were amazing and kindly slept most of the way (thank you thank you thank you)

You have now met many more wonderful people that are very special to us, and you to them

You have touched faces with a horse, had a mouthful of grass and lay in the autumn leaves

You are getting smilier and smilier my happy, chatting little girl

You have giggled a few times, laughed once and still get fidgety when you're excited

You have learnt to jump in a jolly jumper which you love (even though it makes you spew)

If a tv is on or there is a fire going, you do everything in your power to look at it
Oma(Great Oma) put orange juice in your mouth when I wasn't looking, thankfully you didn't like it!

You are touching and grabbing things a lot more now

We hold hands while you nurse
You are rolling on your side a lot

You like sitting up right, and you have become quite curious

You still love when I kiss your yummy little face

Bath Bubbles

Charli bear, Bryce and I went out for Brunch this morning in balmy Palmy. We bumped into my old neighbour which was nice. He sat with us for a while and was making a very good argument about working in the mines. Food for thought.
After giving Bryce a tour of the changes of Palmerston North (which mainly just consisted of more take away joints), we headed back to Mums to pack our things, the many many things to take with us to Bryce's parents. Golly we were packed to the rafters! 

Charli Bear gave the jolly jumper a good run today, finally figuring out how to jump in it. The wee darling looked like a puppet from Team America, smiling away at her sweet new skills.
After a lovely dinner Charli bear had a bath with her Daddy and somebody farted. A little baby can make lots of bubbles.

Kia Ora Daddy

Up 'bright and early' after sleeping in, we headed off to Wellington to pick up little bears favourite man (coincidently he is my favourite man too). On the way we met my oldest friend Jenna in the city for lunch and a catch up. Long gone are the days of tree climbing and mischief (well mostly), we are both parents and her beautiful boy is now 6! Jenna's Mum knitted Charli Bear a gorgeous cardi and the sweetest rainbow vest I have ever seen. I think knitting might be on my list of future hobbies. I drove around Mirimar where Jenna and I grew up while I was killing time before picking my man up. It is so much tinier than I remember, in fact all of Wellington seems quiet and small after living in Australia. Gosh we must be getting used to the hustle and bustle of Brisbane life. 

Bryce finally came through the door, a mixture of yippee and oh dear came to mind. Some one gave him self a haircut/mohawk. But YAAAAYYYYY our favourite man is here.

A Baby Train & A Tea Party

A glorious day! Mum and I baked and made club sandwiches for a spontaneous tea party. Charli slept pretty much all day minus a few hours. I chased Kendall around for a while trying to get some photos before the rest of our guests arrived. After our scones (with jam & cream), sammies and tea we ventured outside to get the baby train. Charli was the only sharp one in the photo so I was adjusting my camera settings when my poor darling child did a face plant on the freshly mowed lawn (a mouthful of grass is not one of little bears favourite things).

P.s.  Bryce arrives tomorrow, and we are pretty darn excited for cuddles!

Mothers Day At Oma & Opa's

Happy Mothers Day

A year ago today (Mothers Day 2012), I stumbled upon two pink lines on a plastic stick after very glamorously peeing on it. Yep. Two Lines. Not one, singular, lone wolf of line, TWO of them! So after staring long and hard at these life changing lines, I decided I should probably let the other party know. This consisted of me walking into our bedroom where sleeping beauty lay and without a word showing him this white, stripy, slightly pee covered stick. Accompanied with a huge smile, a laugh and two words I won't repeat, was this charming mans reaction to my news (followed by tears-my tears that is). We then hugged it out, me crying, Bryce smiling. Yes. Its decided! The stick was broken. This realisation was followed by my darling man hurriedly clothing himself to run downstairs and get more pee sticks. (A different brand of course as this last one was a dud!) Finally we got our one line, but it wasn't mine. Bryce pee'd on a stick too just to make sure they were telling the truth and my friends, they most certainly were. The foundations for our tiny little human had been laid (about five weeks prior that is). 

Looking at this wide eyed, hairy stunner of a child and knowing she is that same little bean that turned those lines pink, and then gave birth to absolutely blows my mind. I am so thankful for my beautiful wee one, Charli bear thank you for coming in to our lives you really are the most incredible little person. 

Now I was on such a mission taking photos of any thing and every that was Oma & Opa or Oma & Opa with Charli that I forgot to get a picture of four generations like I had hoped to (or even just of a mother combination of any sort). A pretty big whoopsie on my part which I am slightly bummed about, but I did get some beautiful photos of my favourite Dutch people with my off spring that we can cherish forever, so no complaining here.

Clare & Irene, thank you for being amazing mothers and role models. We are so lucky to have you in our lives. I cant wait for the day when you both decide to move to Austalia ;p

Oma & Opas

The plan was to be at Oma & Opa's bright and early so we could spend the day with some pretty spunky people. It seemed I had forgotten that bright & early is a foreign concept when Mum and myself are involved, let alone a little bear who needed three costume changes, a sponge down and a bath all before we could leave. We were late already so why not stop at the plaza for sushi and coffee right?

Josh wore Charli in the ergo, which was a fantastic idea as it seemed most of palmy had left getting a mothers day gift to right to the very last minute.

On the road, Robbie Williams and myself filled the car with our combined musical genius (even though I did most of the work) for majority of the trip. 

Arriving 'bright and early' had turned into a 3.30pm pull up, yet we were still greeted with welcoming smiles. I love these two so much, sometimes it hurts a little. We drank tea, played thirty one (best card game ever), talked of many things, ate dinner and then turned in for bed, because yep we are having a sleep over! Opa set the table for breakfast (I love that this happens) and Little bear settled in nicely after dishing out a gazillion smiles for two wonderful people.

The Autumn Starfish

Nicole took the day off work and Madisyn wagged daycare to hang out with me and Charli. 

I find it hilarious that two sleeping babies means eating lunch in the car park to keep said babies sleeping, and it is bliss. We went to the plaza to gather gifts for mothers. I felt wetness on my knee at the baby factory and quickly came to the realisation that little Charli had projectile vomited all over, my top, the ergo, down my leg...my boot and the floor. Whoops. After a quick coffee we went to the park to play and meet Francis and Cooper. Apparently the wind decided a mini hurricane, nice one Palmy. We had three little red noses and three big red noses by the time we left but it was cute. Three bubs all fours months apart. A walker, a crawler and a starfish. One day my darling, one day!

Over The Bridge

My darling friend Sam took the day off work to spend with Baby bear and I. We went for a venture over the gorge to The Bridge Cafe. Charli meet her first horse,  and it was pretty cute. The next stop was The Herb Cafe, wee Charli got a bottom change on a massage table and I shut the car door on myself (not recommend) After a gorgeous day of chatting and cafe visiting Bear and I headed down to Levin to see her Nanny and Pop and meet Charli's little cousin Cohen (a month younger) and Babcia. So great to see family and so much cute in one room! (With all of our visits, I think I will have to do a special Nz post). After finally getting home, uncle J-bird put Charli bear down to sleep again! 10 gold stars and a hi five for this guy! 

Poosplosions & Curry

Holy Crap! What a day! Three poosplosions. 

The first was just as we got out of bed, this is not nice to deal with let alone when you just wake up. This one so so bad we both needed a bath AND I was compelled to photographically document the event.
The Second was in a fabric shop in Levin, the ladies in the store thought it was hilarious when little bed let rip with an almighty grunt. A costume change was preformed on the back seat at the side of the road.

The last and thankfully the least was on the way home after our big day out, requiring yet again another costume change. Where on earth does it all come from you ask? Well, the curry I ate may of had something to do with it but I do believe this little darling is simply a magnificent pooer. (I am so glad I am at Mums, where washing magically happens)

Sorry about all the poop stories but this is how we roll, and I want to remember the good with the downright dirty bits of babyhood.

 In between Charli's rear end exploding, we drove to Paraparam to so Baby Bear could meet a wonderful woman named Lea. We stopped in Shannon for a looksey, levin for fabric, and Otaki for lunch. After our little road trip, we went to Aunty Margs and Greys for a delicious curry dinner (more rocket fuel for Charli). Cousin Rachel was there and took me up on my offer to let her change Charli's nappy,  I love it when that happens. I also love being home to see all the wonderful, silly creatures that are my family.  

Mo Baby

The day started with a school run, fashionably five minutes late Josh rocked up to school with a cracker of a story about Charli leaking poo every where (the only day it doesn't happen). Charli bear and I went and had a cuppa with Francis and Cooper, then home for a nap before exploring the almighty plaza of Palmerston North. Charli just begged me to let her try these glasses on, since there was a moustache involved, there was no way I could refuse. What a Champ! I think she looks like a little piggy in this picture, but my what spectacular glasses! If they were black they would have come home with us.

To end the day my darling friend Nicole came over for dinner while Charli bear dreamt of boobs and bouncing. I can't believe how fast our time here is going, too little time with too much to do!

Jolly

Charli, her Oma and I had Brunch at cafe cuba today followed by a stroll around a few shops. Charli had several admirers at the cafe, eyeing up the deliciously hairy little bear that is my baby. 

On the way home we swung around to Francis's to pick up her jolly jumper. 

Oh my! What fun this little person had. 

For some reason Charli was a little unsettled tonight and did not want to go to/stay asleep. Maybe it was because we had such wonderful guests over for dinner! So after many attempts at sleeping, it became apparent this sweet slumber was not going to happen. Charli got up for what felt like the millionth time, into the jolly jumper she went with us all fixated on the cuteness. The jumper must have been quite jolly as little bear let out her first full on giggle. The most beautiful sound I have ever heard! Im so glad some very special people got to share that moment with us, but I can't wait for her Daddy to hear the bear chuckle. While I was chatting away and watching you tube clips with Jess & Kyle, Uncle J-Bird was an absolute legend and put Charli to sleep walking around the table a gazillion times! Hi five brother, hi five.

Two Charli's

We had lots of visitors today. Little bear has never seen so many faces.

Aunty's and uncles, cousins, children, lovely ladies and family friends, what a treat. Charli smiled, yelled and spewed and had to have several naps to take a break from being the centre of attention. 

At once stage we had two gorgeous little Charli's in one room. One with blonde curls the other a duck face, I am fairly certain the definition of Charli must be 'cute'.

Two Oma's An Opa And A Bath

Charli Bear, her Oma and I went for a drive to Masterton today so my Oma & Opa could meet the cherub. Oh it was just wonderful =) we had a smiley baby, cups of tea, bikkies (boob for Charli), and talks about back in the day. Little bear needed a wee wash so in the sink she went, finding her foot absolutely mesmerising!

Five Ladies, Four Babies & Dinner

Dinner at Sam's was gorgeous. There were four little cherubs of various ages, running, toddling, crawling and starfishing around. There were vintage floral tea cups and plates (My fav!), cupcakes, five gorgeous ladies and lots of yummy food! Little bear and I are so incredibly spoilt with lovely people! The lounge looked like a day care centre and it was adorable, this was a clear indicator that times have certainly changed. Gone are the days of the 'classy' cheese and wine nights or just the downright smashing of our sober cells, It has become very clear that we are growing up! 

Life happens and it is wonderful =) 

Uncle J-Bird

Charli had the worlds biggest sleep in, so when she woke we went and woke up her Uncle J-Bird by sitting on him. You can hardly get grumpy at a baby =). It was great, Josh kept Charli impressed while I showered, went on a washing-chopping-freezing rampage and made a not so delicious green smoothie.

Little Bear met Jess, and then the small one and I went to a gorgeous potluck dinner with my lovely lady friends who I have missed so much! Five ladies, four babies and dinner.

Charli Meets Cooper

Our first full day back in New Zealand was lovely. This glorious country seems to have left the heater on for us, and I am not complaining!

My friend Francis came around with her gorgeous little energizer baby Cooper (who is four months older than Charli). We went out as two ladies and two babies looking for shoes. We accidentally bumped in to more lovely people, and had ourselves a little bit of a coffee club. (Yes the coffee is much, much MUCH better over here). 

I put baby bear down on the grass with Coops and took some snaps of two little friends. In Aussie there really are too many bugs and scary bitey ants to do this, so it was quite exciting. We had some very cheeky little faces from the Bear in the grass but this little bit of love was too cute! 

My beautiful Aunty and Uncle Grey Grey came to let me borrow a vehicle from their collection and meet Charli. I swear all the people I know are just so lovely, giving and helpful! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! 

2,512km Bro

Today was the day we flew 2,512km. 

I must admit I had my nervous tummy giving me a run for my money, after running late due to a massive leaking poo (yet again). Luckily our late was still early and we had time to grab a cuppa and say goodbye to the darling/Daddy.

On the plane, little bear got a little grumpy with the fact her mummy was putting off feeding until we were sky bound. Charli won and managed to finished feeding just in time for the plane to take off. Whoops. After a wee grizzle, baby bear went to sleep and much to my surprise she stayed that way... for the rest of the flight, the descent, going through customs, and most of the car ride! Our fellow sky travellers were commenting on how awesome little bear was =) I was not the frazzled mess I thought I would be, but instead a relaxed and happy lady with a very full bladder. Success!

I never thought the words 'I'm hot' would ever come out of my mouth in this country after living in Australia. Nice show NZ, nice show, though I know you are only pretending. 

It is so great being home, now to begin the visiting binge.

*Bryce took this photo for me to save you all from horrid selfies*