Happy. Sad. Leap year day.

February 29th. A whole extra day this year and how did I spend it? Well it was my off day which meant Josci and I went to her swimming lesson this morning. She enjoyed it for the most part, except the part where she had to lie on her back. She was fine with it last week but not to thrilled this week. The same goes for bathing. She performs each night now before bathing and doesn't want to stay in for too long. I hope this passes because bath time has the potential to be such a fun time.

Monday night I made yoghurt again. The first few times I have made strawberry and I quite liked it. I decided to try vanilla. All I can say is that it tates like pudding it is so yummy. Jos loves her yoghurt so I gave her some of it and she polished it off (even tried to lick the bowl out!)

I also made bobotie for dinner and bonus - enough for tomorrow nigh too. So after Zumba we are sorted, hubby doesn't have to try cook and entertain Jos, who is pretty needy at this time of day, making cooking or anything that does not involve holding her or being near enough for her to jump on you, impossible.

Jos spent much of the day trying to get up into a standing position. It was so funny to see her 'walk' (wobble) past me in the bathroom. She did it over and over again and despite a few flops she is slowly getting the hang of getting into a standing position and taking a few steps.

When daddy got home, I didn'e even hear the garage door open, I just heard Jos squeal and crawl off at a speed. Only then did I hear the door and realise she knew daddy was home and was eager to see him. Once again they went outside (while I slaved away over the stove LOL) and Jos rode her pink bike with her crocs and sunnies. She absolutely loves it and races around on her little bike as fast as her skinny legs can carry her.

I am on the mend too, although it seems the pills make me rather tired or maybe that is just a side effect of mastitis? I don't know. I still felt a little feverish this morning - well like I was having hot flushes and a little bloated - but I am coping and things are subsiding. Woohoooo.

On a sad note, my uncle (my dad's brother) passed away today. He has been ill for a while and was suffering. As one gets more ill and you have to take more meds, it just seems to be a vicious cycle - one thing gets better, but often a problem is caused elsewhere. A husband, a father, a son, a brother, a friend. No doubt he will be missed.

Ice cream bahahaha

I felt better today. The antibiotics - however awful they taste and smell - are working as did the ice gel pack I popped on after arriving home from school. Well I had the ice pack on one side and yesterday I popped a nappy in water and put that in the freezer and put that on the other side. Never thought cold could be so nice. I really must try cabbage leaves though, everyone says they work wonders. I think 'Dolly' may be right as rain for Zumba :)

Joscelyn had another good day at school. Isaac was not there today, it was just the girls: Aimee, Ella and her. Apparently she hid behind the curtain and then peeked out at Ella. IT seemed that there were some giggles and much enjoyment. I reckon she learnt this from her daddy who hides behind the curtain in our bedroom and 'peekaboos' at her.

She is getting more and more curious. She battled to open our bedside table drawers but finds it quite easy now. I have pens and things in there I don't really want her to play with but she delights in all the 'treasures' she finds in there. I had a little chuckle last night when I opened my drawer only to find one of her bowls. It really is a mystery how that got in there.

When hubby got home today we took her out on her bike again. It was rather bright out so we popped her sunnies and a hat on. She usually tries to pull off her sunglasses but I think she realised they actaully help and happily biked in sunnies, hat and even shoes! Her poor toes are still raw from Sunday's racing. She goes really fast too! I really need to sort out my 'first aid' cupboard because I reckon she will have a few falls in the not too distant future.

Anyway, I had my antibiotic so I may be ready for bed - I didnt sleep very well last night - I blame the drugs! Hopefully tonight is better, less hot flushes and weird dreams and waking every hour or so.

Bright spot

Thanks Jacqui – you rock :)

You're the bright spot in my day.

Hello :)

Not quite a photo today but rather an email I received from a work colleague today. It kind of made my day despite waking up feeling like death warmed up - feverish, nauseous and very sore swollen 'ankles' (boobs) and then visitng the doctor only to find out I have mastitis (And tennis elbow in my left elbow - I am right handed and do not play tennis?) Anyway, little things can be the 'bright spot' in an otherwise 'dull' day.

A pack of antibiotics, pain killers and a hefty couple of dollars later and I am all set to beat - no not in tennis- to beat mastitis. (and hopefully this elbow) I hate taking antibiotics, they smell hideous, but rather that than this getting any worse.

On a brighter note, Joscelyn welcomed the new boy to daycare in a most delightful fashion. She apparently got up clse to him and showered him with several cheesy grins. She was apparently much more smiley than usual (perhaps a little crush LOL) and ensured that Isaac felt most welcome by handing him toys and ensuring she passed him toys and shared with him. How very cute. I do hope that this is a glimmer of the little girl that is going to emerge, a little girl who will be the 'bright spot' in somebody's day.

This week I have learnt (from myself and from Josci) that it isn't hard to make a little effort and it can really go a long way. It isn't about being recognised, it is just about being yourself and not letting others influence your judgements or to treat anyone any differently for no apparent reason.

I hope I can keep being like this. IF I want my little girl to be like this I need to set an example.

God bless

up, up...and away

Joscelyn in this photo trying to stand. She stood briefly last night and accidentally took a step. Today I helped her stand ( a little while after this) and then she took several steps - much to our surprise. I was just hoping to get a video of her standing at the very least and maybe a little step. IT hardly ever happens that you get what you want or a first time on camera - this was literally her first time!! So exciting. She got up once from a a sittng position ointo a standing one ( similar to above) but now when she does the above move she finds something to plonk her bum on. So funny. We had a great day. She explored the front on her on her bike this morning and arvo. I baked some spinach, zucchini and feta muffins (only to find my melted marge in the microwave an hour later LOL) also made yummy lamb shanks for dinner. Joscelyn enjoyed her crayons this morning (got them for her yesterday) although she did try eat them - she enjoys making dots. A great weekend. May you all have a happy week xoxo

Perfect pancakes :)

Like yesterday, today too was rainy and called for pancakes. Last time I made pancakes we actually got none despite trying to save them. I am still not sure what happened but gave it a bas again today. I had 2 pans on so it would go quicker. The smaller pan for the sweet ones and the bigger pan for the savoury. Chicken mayo in the savoury ones and cinnamon sugar on the sweet ones. Hubby said that next time I must double the batter because pancakes are so nice the next day...no doubt he enjoyed them. We do still have some left. I only managed one savoury and one sweet. Better keep an eye on hubby who might try sneak mine into his mouth tomorrow morning.

Ironically 'my Sarah' also had pancakes today, so although worlds apart I felt as if I was having pancakes with her too. Her kids looked thrilledwith theirs though, unlike our madam who broke it up and threw it on the floor. I put cheese in her savoury one. We also tried giving her ataste of the cinnamon one. She was not even remotely interested or taken in by the deliciousness...this will probably change.

We had a fairly relaxed day with doing some tidying. The clean washing was amouting to a small Everest so we got through that among a few other things. We also ventured to the shop, just to get out of the house a bit. Josci was a bit cranky and sice the rain did not permit outside play (we were planning on visiting the park and feeding the ducks - daddy was going to be our guard against those very violent geese!)

Joscelyn stood by herself again and even took a step!! Very few and far between. She stood maybe 3 times today without help but we have to position her and it is only very short, maybe 10 seconds but she is loving her walking toy and pushes it around the house. She is also loving her bike.

Before her bath tonight (like most nights) she likes to escape. She thinks it is a wonderful game. Well she went inot the kitchen and put her belt around her neck, then found her bike and there this little bare bottom a(and belt) raced off into the TV room. I must have cursed it when she left the bathroom when hubby said 'We should let her be naked more' to which I replied ' as long as she doesnt wee.' Well she duly got off her bike then stood and kidly made a puddle on the play mat - easy to clean but showered a few of her toys LOL. It is all fun and games..until someone wees. She is such a cutie.

Still raining. Josci asleep and about to watch 'Smurfs' with hubby.

Thief :)

Fun Friday with my little mischief. She loves dollies so when the library lady put it down there was no hesitation. We shared a cinnamon bun, got her weighed and then she frolicked around the house with one shoe on and a belt around her neck. She also stood by herself for about 10 seconds. The funny.thing is she didn't realise it. She thought i was holding her. As soon as she noticed she flopped done. Lol

Flowers :)

After Zumba I was surprised with some flowers. Yay for flowers. Upon asking what type of flowers they are, I was informed that they are 'purple flowers'. LOL. Always a lovely surprise to get some flowers. They were meant to be a surprise, but while getting the mischief out the kitchen while hubby was cooking, I spotted them (in a beer glass - boys! :)).

It was a cool, overcast and rainy day today. Perfect day to stay in bed and watch movies or better still, to nap. Alas, I think thouse days are over - somewhere between working and watching our mischievous madam.

Joscelyn cried a lot through dinner, not sure if this was because she was tired or her gums are sore. She devoured her corn on the cob but wasn't interested in much else except custard of course. When I arrived to get her from daycare I so wished for my camera. There her and the other 3 little ones were sitting around the table, looking very civil and grown up munching on their various nibblies. It was too cute for words. They just sat there happily in what seemed to be a pleasant silence. Aimee is just as thrilled to see as Josci is. I think Aimee would be happy to see anyone, she is a friendly little one. Her and Jos are a similar age and seem to enjoy similar activities, swap dollies and even chase after one another in a sort of 'catch' game.

Last night I took a myprodol. The pain from weaning was getting the better of me. Needless to say I slept through Josci crying. Jacques was still awake which is good and in saying that the monitor in our room was off and I had my ear plug in to drown out the noise of the trucks on the highway and later the snores next to me :)

The weekend is near. No plans yet....

Brows aside

My picture won't upload!! It is of one of my eyebrows coz I finally got the caterpillars waxed!! They were growing like a jungle, , I think I could even hear the chatter of animals living in there. It was far too long and about time!!!!

Had a good day today and school then came home and made us a good dinner of chicken maryland, veggies, rice and corn fritters. Jos ate a fair bit and drank 250ml milk before bed. I think that is why she wakes sometimes in the middle of the night - with a VERY full nappy.

Anyway let me go. Chat soon

Slip sliding, sand slinging and other saga's

I love my days off with my little monkey. She is all over the place and into everything. We had a swimming lesson this morning (Well I think she just goes for the toys and toddlers! Very little leg or arm action happens LOL) she fell asleep on the way home. I put her in her pram and she slept for just over an hour then started whimpering. I lifted her out (she likes to wake 'gently') and she fell asleep on my tummy/chest. She lay on my for a chest almost 45 minutes, well until the guy who was due to come check the smoke alarms knocked so hard he may have bashed the door down! I wonder how long she would have slept for? Her nap schedule seems to be changing with sometimes only one nap. She is tired by 10.30 /11 am though so this means that by the evening she is a bit clumsy and teary.

Anyway we had a good day. I saved her a cupcake that I baked on Sunday. I didnt want to give it to her in an afternoon after she gets home from daycare for fear she would be hyper so she munched most of it before swimming this morning.

Swimming once again went well. Later in the day she insisted on going outside (by pointing and banging on the sliding door) She headed for her sandpit and also wanted to slide but due to the rain it was wet and the grass is her usual 'soft landing, so I had to bring it inside to humour her and much slidign took place in the comfort of the lounge. She even pretended to have a little sleep on it.

It is amazing to see how and what she finds fascinating. Our bathroom bin is like her treasure chest. She was thrilled to find a broken baby proof gadget in there and a soap wrapper. She loves toilet rolls and took to emptying out daddy's bedside-table drawer - drawn to the things we do not want her to have - a small pin badge, a light bulb, and her favourite - an allen key. (I have no idea how you even spell that!! or why all these things are in his drawer anyway without any babyproofing things to prevent her snooping.)

We spent much of the day indoors, we hung the washing on the clothes horse inside, she spent much of her time with her walking toy, up and down the passage, then there was some singing, heaps of playing, couch clinmbing, switching the lamp on and off over and over again. This was followed by emptying out the tupperware and all her plates in the kitchen while I unpacked the dishwasher and did some dishes.

I tell you what, she is really blossoming. We are so blessed to have this precious little person in our lives. She is a fascinating, curious little girl. She loves cuddles and definitely has my heart squished up against her cheek, hugging it tightly.

Hello meds :)

Just a short one. After not being able to take anything more than panadol for the last 2 years just about I can finally take something stronger. Breastfeeding is a thing of the past. Sad to say goodbye to it in a way, but it was time. Hello nurofen for my aches and pains LOL

Had a lovely long chat to my mom (and a short lovely chat to my dad) all the way in South Africa tonight which was great :)

So now off to bed.
Good night

And then there were cupcakes:)

I realise I missed a day yesterday. The day just ran away and I never got round to taking any specific photos, apart from a few that made an appearance on FB. I guess I could have used them on here but a lapse once in a while is probably expected.
I finally got to use my cupcake maker. Whoop whoop. It worked really well. Jacques and I shared one and I saved one for Josci.

We had a good weekend. Went round to friends yesterday for a a lunchtime bbq, Jos had a good slong sleep while we were there as did their little girl, Penny (almost 9 months). She had a swing in Penny's swing, ate some of the yummy lunch and then we went home and she loved going on the slide we borrowed from the toy library earlier in the day. Today we went through to Hervey Bay to the market. Except for the plants and veggies, it was a little disaapointing. We have concluded though that maybe our expectations of markets are too high as it often seems that we are unimpressed by the 'stuff' people pull out from somewhere, including China.

We went to Target and I got a few tops, down from $40 to less than $10. Love a bargain, then for lunch at 'Coffee Club' - food was great, the mixed berry smoothie not so much, so we had Hungry Jacks ice creams to mae up for that LOL - which Jos enjoyed too. (only a few bites)

I attempted an afternoon nap but wasnt very successful unlike Jos who slept over an hour and a hlaf again (and already had a morning nap). Sadly I am not sleeping very well at the moment and how I so long for it????

Anyway, I am am super tired and going to go to bed now. So long sailors, have a happy week.

Cupcakes:)

My Valentine's Day present arrived in the post today. Sadly I had a very cranky Josci to make anything - actually I didn't even get it out the box yet (although she Jos have a good long nap, but woke up in the same mood she went to sleep in.)I am hoping it will be fun and Josci and I can have lots of baking fun with it. Speaking of, we finally have tooth number 7 poking out and I am sure the 8th one is too (but I have been expecting new teeth since December, so I may be wrong and have to wait until May LOL) So the poor baby has no doubt been experiencing some discomfort - solution: CUPCAKES :)

Have a happy weekend

3am

3am. Josci is wailing. Daddy goes in, she falls asleep in his arms after a nappy change. He puts her in her cot and the 'shouting' starts again. We leave her for a bit in hope that she might drift off on her own. Nope, there is still much protesting going on. Mommy wonders if she may be thirsty. Head to the kitchen, put some water in a bottle in case she is thirsty. Go into her room to find her sitting in her cot, holding on to her 'dolly' for dear life and drenched in tears. Talk about manipulation already!!! As soon as I pick her up, she flops her head on my shoulder, silence. Yes, well almost the only sound is a 'click click' as she sucks her thumb. I offer her some water, she swats it away. I sit on the bed and then it happens. Her head partly resting on my chest, her cheeks gently tickling my chin eyes and I feel it. Her gentle, satin soft eyelashes fluttering against my cheek. Butterfly kisses. In the darkness, cuddling my baby girl her eyelashes whispering to my heart. Every flutter reminding me of how blessed I am to have this little girl in my life. 3am didn't seem so dark then. Her hand prints are scattered on my soul, embracing it. My frustration is replaced by sheer love, joy and complete contentment as I stroke her hair and hold her on my chest, close to my heart. This is my daughter. For her it is cuddles for me a cherished moment, imprinted in my memory forever.

Blossoming Baby

Swimming went much better today. Joscelyn actually had fun in the water. She usually makes afuss when the instructors come around and want to take the little ones to demonstrate. ?instead today, the first time, she looked to check things out but within a few seconds she was grinning at me and happily obliging with what she was meant to do. When she had to swim after the ball, usually she just wants to hod on to me. Today she smiled and laughed and really seemed to be enjoying the water. I enoyed watching her have so much fun. Yay. She fell asleep in the car on the way home. When we got home I put her in her pram (since last week putting her in her cot was disasterous) and she slept for over an hour and a half!!! Amazing for her. She did not have an afternoon nap though, kicked up a fuss and cried so she carried on playing. She is probably getting ready to go down to one nap, I just need to try and get the morning one to be a little later so she lasts better in the afternoon.

After she woke up and had lunch we popped in for a visit at Agnes and Penny. (Penny is almost 9 months old) It was good to get out although Jos caused a bit of havoc there. Messed her water on the floor and was sliding her hands in it. We then moved to another room but Josci wanted to go exploring. Agnes said to close the door. No fooling Jos, she had the sliding door open in no time. She just kept wanting to get out and every time she pulled it open she looked ever so proud of herself (no doubt influencing Penny in her bad' habits haha) She did not want to be taken from that spot, nevermind the fact that there were lovely toys that she does not have at our house. Nope, not even that was enough to distract her. We didn't stay too long as I was hoping Jos would have a nap....well a good thought. A thought is all it was though.

Hubby arrived home from work and we went to the shop for a few goodies. Jos did NOT want to sit in the pram and made it very obvious to all the passers by. I took her out and carried her but she was trying to do all sorts of acrobatic tricks (as was I trying to fold my arms like a contortionist so she would not plant her face and tears onto the floor)

Eventually I was holding her arms and letting her 'walk' a bit. She seemed to enjoy that. She first walked at Big W then Coles and after we left Coles she decided to 'walk' down between the shops until she discovered the hair-dresser. (Not very far down I might add) She deciede that she wanted to venture in. Luckily it was pretty quiet - only one client in there. The one lady got out her comb and gave Josci's hair a little comb through. She loved it. Again, usually she shys away from strangers, instead she seemed to be pretty pleased for some attention. I took Joscelyn out in an attempt to get going (it was dinner time) she fussed and made a scene. I carried her a bit, more fussing. So I put her down and let her decide where to go. She decided we would turn around and go back to the hair dressers. She strutted in ( as much she could considering she can't walk on her own yet) and checked the ladies out again, then ventured to the waiting area and bashed the cushion a few times. She then spotted some hair sprays and shampoos. this really tweaked her interest. I could see she was dying to do what she does with my tupperware, pull them down, throw them, bite them and man handle them in any possible way.
We really needed to get home. We said our goodbyes and this time she was a little (only a little) more willing to follow mommy's instructions.

What a cute little girl she is becoming, really blossoming! What a delightful little munchkin.

Now for bed. I am tired and working tomorrow.
Chat soon

Princess Valentine

Got a tiara for Valentines Day today. Wore it at school all morning. Even has matching accessories :) Yay. Sure that when Josci is a bit older she will claim it as her own! One day of trying to feel like a princess was fun. I know some people find Valentines a money making scheme, but what is not to like? Hearts, cards, chocolates, flowers - all in the name of love. We 'love' everyday but why not celebrate it once a year, a special day to make an effort for the one you love? Well that is my opinion anyway. I used to believe it was a money making scheme but would still succumb to the hype. I have now accepted that I in fact am quite a romantic and will from now on celebrate it without any complaints about money making. Pick flowers from the garden, make a home made card, put some extra special attention to details. Little money, lots happy.

Speak to the toes

Something as simple as painting your toes can cheer you up. True! Like a hair cut, massage or something minor but indulgent. To top it off, a skype chat with 'my Sarah' and all is well again.
It has been quite a day, decisions to face and things to be said but my composure has been restored and although my perspective has not changed, I am calmer and content.

I am still struggling with this whole blog thing. Obviously I can't share everything but would love to. The people who drive me crazy, when work frustrates etc. It seems somewhat flawed thsi blogging thing. Not sure if these people might be reading my blog so I guess for that reason I may just have to continue the walk in silence but on that note, I am not letting them know either. Should I? Should I voice my opinion. When does one know when to say something versus when to keep the pie hole shut? I am all for getting it out there but sometimes it may affect another person, the stakes may be a bit high or there are also some selfish reasons...

Well it is time to 'suit up' and make a decision. And if they don't like it, well they can speak to the toes. On that note my happy feet and me say 'goodnight' :) Oh and a big yay for my Sarah! Loved our chat!!!!! Best part of my Monday.

Buzzing birthday party.

We went to one of Joscelyn's friend's 1st birthday party today. Ava is now one, so four of six little ones in my mum's group are one. Jos is the oldest. IT was lovely to catch with everyone again since many of us have returned to work and have not seen each other since last year. Josci had a small nap before we went and was a little subdued when we arrived but soon was investigating all the toys, crawling through the tunnel, played pass the parcel, laughed when they were the bigger kids were hitting the butterfly pinata, indulged in some cake and seemed to have a really fun time. IT was super hot today though, phew. We spent more time inside at the party due to the heat.

Hope you had a good Saturday

Milk tart

Yum

Inside a toilet

Joscelyn has discovered she can lift the toilet seat and likes to throw pieces of toilet paper in there now although she sometimes forgets her fingers are in there. One cannot go to the loo in peace these days. She wants to see all that is happening (and there have been some close calls of her hand and my wee) or unwind the toilet roll, roll it around on the floor, pull it as far as she can go etc.

She had another good day at day care today despite being sniffly and sneezy. She was very pleased to see me though. I was hoping she would nap this afternoon before going out to zumba but she was energised (fell asleep in the car with daddy though - I took her to school then swapped cars and dad took her home) but her nap was very short lived.

I am feeling slightly better today, less fragile. I blame my hormones. Had a great zumba session, still a bit unco-ordinated but getting there :)

Coffeeeeeee

I have no idea why this is underlined or how to get it to stop. I see place to edit boldness or write in italics but not underline. Sorry! Anyway, my morning cup of coffee was what I desperately needed! After a wake up at some point in the night then a 4am wake up, although Joscelyn was ready for the day, I was not. We took turns going in from 4, it felt like forever. We finally got her to sleep...or so we thought when 10 minutes later she was awake again (and the first part from four went on for more than 40 minutes I suspect) then she cried and stopped every 10 mintes at least - very disturbed sleep - until 5.30. Jacques got up then, thankfully, and I managed to get another hour in. I cursed it though and said to Jos the night before that I am off today so we can have a sleep in. Never, I tell you, NEVER do that - there really seems to be an unwritten curse!!!

Still feeling a bit out of sorts today. So many changes I suppose with Jos being at daycare, me working again and having to learn new stuff, deal with work related issues, then trying to get stuff done around the house which seems impossible! Joscelyn is becoming very whiny and sitting near me while I do stuff is not good enough for her. She pulls up on my legs and wants to be held much of the time. I give her loads of cuddles and althoguh she does play a bit on her own, she soon realises she is 'alone' and then the whining and crying begins again. Today she had all of 30 minutes in naps. She fell asleep on the way home from swimming this morning. Usually I can take her out the car and pop her in her cot. This morning as soon as I put her in her cot. She wailed. I left her a bit thinking she might settle, but no, that did not happen. I got her up and we had a little play, then lunch and she was rubbing her eyes so I put her in her pram with her bottle of milk and she fell asleep. I thought I would use the opportunity to have a little rest too. I couldnt have been laying down very long, the wailing began. It was exhausting! She comes out and is happy to be out but then is super cranky. I wish I knew what to do?! I really want us to have fun days on my days off, not cranky ones.

Let's hope it is just a little rough patch - maybe she can sense my emotions and is acting on it, coupled with slowly being weaned (down to one breast feed a day) and still adjusting to daycare.

Holding thumbs for a happy Thursday and even happier Friday when I am off again.

Now to sleep...hopefully.

Slip slops (thongs)

They may be dirty but so nice to pop them on after work! Popped my slops (thongs) in the car and my feet were very happy to greet them today :) I bought a pair of brown work shoes recently and they are still a bit tight. Only paid $10 for them as I was desperate for some slip on shoes for work. I was hoping to get a pair similar to the black ones (earlier in blog) but to no avail so I settled for a pair. Hoping they loosen up soon. Even so, love thongs, especially the starfish ones. They are very comfy!! I also have a black and shocking pink pair.

Work went okay today. Sadly didn't get as much as I'd hoped to done. Just figuring out 'how to' seems to take longer than anything else plus a meeting which left little time for much else.

I am feeling slightly ridiculous today. My emotions seem to get the better of me some days. I know I am being ridiculous but can't seem to help myself. Afterall, 'ridiculousness' is often quite a nice place to hide out for a few days.

Joscelyn had a good day at daycare which was good. She was fast asleep when I arrived to fetch her. When she woke up and found me there she gave a huge grin! She waved goodbye to her friend Aimie who is only a few weeks younger than her. Aimie grins, squeals and waves back. It is super cute!

'My' Sarah left a 'have a happy day' message on my Facebook page which also made me smile :).

To ridiculousness and beyond...(in my comfy thongs)