NappyDaze

Big Brother, Lil Sister

2013-06-16T16:56:00.002+10:00

From the minute we announced we were finally ready to give Master H a sibling, the question that quickly followed the obligatory gushes of congratulations was this: “So, how do you think he will handle the competition?”

It was a valid point - this beautiful boy had been the centre of our entire universe for 4 and a half years and having to suddenly share the spotlight surely would not come easily.

Imagining all sorts of worst case scenarios (a skill I have honed to a fine art), I envisaged us having to take turns acting as sentry making sure he didn’t suddenly cart his sister out for kerbside collection, when he realised she was actually here to stay.

So to hear this little sentence that Master H uttered, completely unprompted, yesterday morning over breakfast, said it all:

“I think Zara is the sweetest girl in the whole entire world!”

It’s been a refreshing (and welcome) surprise, seeing him unfurl this previously unseen sweet and sensitive side. Every morning she wakes Master H clamours to be first at her side, cooing “hello little darling”, or if she cries he will do a funny dance for her, trying to make her smile. In fact, if anyone was to be the annoyed party in this relationship it might be the little sister, as she has been known to cry when her big brother’s antics end up a little too over the top! She's yet to quite understand her crazy big brother and his comedian antics, and sometimes only has a withering stare to offer in return when he gets a little too intrusive of her personal space.

The clincher came when Master H saw fit to hand over to his lil sis his most beloved possession, Eye-Ore, his constant companion since he was the age of little ZaZa. No one has ever been allowed permission to play with this most treasured toy, yet, here he was, letting it be her comfort one day as she cried. I almost wept myself with the beauty of it!

Of course, it isn’t all a Golden Book of good times on the big brother's part too. During a period of incessant infant unhappiness, Master H grumpily suggested we chance his sister’s name to “LOUD” (pot.kettle.black) and on another occasion when we weren’t bowing down with immediacy to his demands (due to the fact we had a baby to tend to, how rude!) he sullenly suggested it was maybe time to give the baby girl back (to whom, I am not quite sure…)

Naturally, this explosion of adoration cannot last forever. I'm betting the minute Lady ZaZa is crawling and able to infiltrate his space (and god forbid, his toys) the expiry of this loved up sibling state seems a sure thing.

But, all in all it is safe to say I have never been happier to have been wrong in predicting future behaviour. And until she is messing with his perfectly crafted replica of Jurassic Park or pulling apart his painstakingly built Lego creations the big brother seems more than happy to keep showering his beloved "darling sweetie" lil sister with more love than I have ever seen him express for anything before in his life - even more than his adored Eye-ore...

Weeding out the parenting doubt

2013-06-01T21:07:00.000+10:00

Today I had the displeasure of stumbling across a very abrasive parenting article that left me feeling like I must be a candidate for worst mother in the world. Why? Because, God forbid, I’m a Mum who is working on getting their baby into a routine and occasionally has to let her baby cry.

It haunted me all day, that damn article; such was its strong message that to do differently was WRONG. And thus, the inevitable seeds of self-doubt began to blossom, with questions, like weeds, creeping out to twist themselves around the thoughts in my mind.

Am I a bad mother because I am trying to bring some sort of structure into daily life, so that I feel I have some tiny semblance of control? Sure, I know in reality who is calling the shots around here, and that there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” when it comes to babies and routines, but if it makes me feel less like I am about to lose my shit, isn’t it a good thing to try and introduce one?

Am I a bad mother because I find it impossible to meander along, going with parenting flow? Sadly, I need organisation in my day, even if it’s loosely based. If you have other children, I argue you never need routine more. If I didn’t have a strict night time schedule to stick to I would never get two children bathed, fed and in bed by a reasonable hour. And because most nights of the week it’s just me here to oversee it, I need to be even more organised. Without a routine we’d none of us be fed and in bed before overtiredness set in.

Am I a bad mother because sometimes I have to leave my daughter to cry? That at times her only means of getting to sleep involves screaming the house down? Because when you have tried everything else, and still she is fighting sleep, sometimes you just have to put them in a safe spot and walk away. You need to catch your breath, you need to regroup. Hell, you might need to curl up in a ball and cry right along with her too. (Been there, done that too.)

Am I a bad mother because I have another child that requires my attentions too, therefore rendering it impossible for me to sit around cuddling my baby all day, like some would recommend? That because he has his own important needs, it means I literally do not have the luxury of being able to jump to it every single time I hear her start to cry? Don’t get me wrong, I wholeheartedly detest hearing her cry and I am all for lovely, squishy baby snuggles, but the truth of the matter is I do not have the chance to cuddle all day long. Last time I checked the dinner didn’t cook itself.

So, after second guessing myself all day long, and feeling raw with inadequacy, what I eventually remembered was this: if all that I do as a Mum is infused with love then there can be no harm in having routine. As well, I reminded myself everyone is entitled to their own opinion (and no other subject is more fraught with them than parenthood!) and I could simply agree to disagree and move on.

I shook off the self imposed weeds of self doubt from those who might question my mothering style and reminded myself of all the heart melting smiles my little lady gives me: she is the best judge of whether what I am doing is working or not. And I'm guessing by the looks of this I aint doing too bad at all...

Memories of Mother's Day

2013-05-27T13:48:00.001+10:00

Although more than a few weeks have passed since the May milestone that is Mother's Day, (having an unsettled baby most days since then are a good enough excuse for the delay, right?) I wanted to share a few photos and memories of this special day.

What made it so memorable wasn't so much the blissful 6.15am sleep-in, indulging in my absolute fave breaky in bed with my Mum & Sis (Vegemite ladden croissants, in case you were wondering...), the gorgeous gifts (both bought and handcrafted by Master H - super cute!) the cuddles from my cute kids, my husband happily taking over the household reigns, having my gorgeous sis, brother-in-law and beautiful nephews, as well as my wonderful Mum all under one roof for a weekend (even if it was a NOISY roof, thanks to some over excited little boys!) or getting out to enjoy the glorious Autumn weather. While all of the above was very welcome, what made my most treasured Mother's Day yet was being able to experience it with some other Mummies who I adore, but never get to see enough of: my mum and my sis. It was also the first one where I finally felt like (in the words of Master H!) our family was "complete"..

And even though Master H was lamenting all week the he fact that there is no such thing as 'Big Boy's Day' (to which I replied, EVERY DAY is his day) both he and The Husband really made me feel like one special "Mumma".

So, on this, my "day off" from domesticity the memory I will treasure most is 7 of my most cherished people in the world - myself, my, sis, and our too gorgeous gaggle of kids - piling onto our bed (having a King Size comes in handy for situations such as this!) to share in the fun, as well as the effort my lovely Husband went to, to ensure I got a taste of the appreciation they have for me. This Mumma was certainly feeling the love!

(Lucky it's a big bed!)

Learning to fly

2013-05-18T20:52:00.002+10:00

Source: sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net via Donna on Pinterest

It was time to pound the park pavement again; I was on a mission both to get my little Lady ZaZa to sleep, as well as try to shake off the tentacles of despair that were threatening. I glanced upwards, and not so much noticing the brilliance of the flawless blue sky above, I instead honed in on a bird struggling to fly. Its wings were flapping away in earnest, yet try as it might, it was going nowhere fast.

I could sympathise; I felt exactly the same way.

The last few days have been on the tougher end of the baby parenting scale. And although I’ve been investigating every possible cause as to whatever it is that is making my little lady unhappy and anti sleep, the answer continues to elude me. Like the bird that was stuck in some immobile vortex, I too feel like I’m exerting all the energy I have, but in reality am just left flailing my arms, continually stuck in the same spot.

It’s hard to keep despair from creeping in. You are working so damn hard to remedy whatever is the problem/s, you pour your heart and soul into seeking solution, but still come up empty handed. It shouldn’t be demoralising, but when you are feeling completely spent, and having nothing to show for it, that is just what it is.

The week has been etched in loneliness which hasn’t helped. It’s always the way after I farewell my visiting family, a little black cloud will descend over me in the days after their departure. The fact I overthink everything of course does not help either, but to do the alternative and not even try makes me shudder. Oh yes, I would love to be able to paint on a sunny smile and “just go with the flow” - for the record, I tried that on Wednesday and Thursday but by Friday when the crying crescendoed in direct proportion to the lack of being able to get her to sleep it was benched.

The voice of reason in my head tells me to do whatever is easiest to survive this stage. But I am so damn scared of creating bad habits – and besides that, sitting around all day long and nursing a baby to sleep is a luxury I don’t have access to.

I need to remind myself she is only 11 weeks old (though it feels a lot longer though at the moment?!). I guess it is because our beautiful baby has teased us with a taste of those days (at times, WEEKS!) of unproblematic parenting, where she self settles, sleeps for long stretches in the day and night, that when they suddenly vanish, you panic and wonder what you have done wrong. You ask yourself in slight desperation, 'how did I manage to break the previously contented baby?'

I'll take a deep breath now, and think again of that bird, who I watched with great intensity. It did not give up, it did not plummet to the ground. Eventually it was able to take flight, and perhaps tomorrow I might rediscover my parenting wings again and soar just as high.

Gained: One Baby. Lost: One Set Of Social Skills

2013-05-07T20:30:00.000+10:00

Source: culturalcrosspollination.tumblr.com via Donna on Pinterest

A funny thing happened on the way out of the maternity ward; I seemed to misplace my social skills.

I've always considered myself an extroverted introvert (sounds strange I know - you have to be one to know one though) but ever since we welcomed our beautiful baby girl into the world my ability socialise with ease has vanished. Maybe it was the extreme fatigue, the heavy dose of post c-section drugs, or perhaps the fact my hormones had staged a coup and were currently holding me hostage from rationality (or likely a combination of all three!) but whatever the reason, since leaving hospital I've found myself happy to play the role of the recluse.

The realisation only really dawned on me on Friday, when I fronted up to my first Playgroup since Lady ZaZa was born. I hadn’t been around that many people, all clamouring (albeit nicely!) for my attention, eager to see the little lady and pass on their lovely messages of congratulations. But half an hour in, after the swell of well wishes receded, it was all I could do no to lock myself in the toy cupboard and hide for the remainder of the time there. Not only was I finding it tough speaking to the largest group of people I’d been amongst in over 2 months, but I felt like I’d forgotten how to make small talk – either that or I was just too exhausted to try.

And while with those nearest and dearest to me I've not encountered any self imposed anti social behaviour, I'm aware I have been slipping in other areas. Such as the long list of phone calls I need to make, the thought of which has been too taxing to do. Likewise even with electronic communication. I’m great at reading an email or text, but not so at replying – or at least in a timely manner. Even my neighbour remarked, after having not seen or heard from me for well over a month “oh, so you haven’t moved house then?”

The good news is as of today I figure I must be slowly slipping out of this social funk. At Mothers Group (the 3rd one I have forced myself to attend) I found myself actually enjoying it and chatting with relative ease to complete strangers. Maybe knowing they are in the same foggy haze as me makes it easier to connect somehow...

So if you are reading this and I owe you a phone call/email/text/play date/general get together consider this my formal apology. Know I am not being purposefully anti-social and that slowly but surely, this self imposed solitude is melting away. Normal social transmission will hopefully resume soon!

Hands Free Happiness is a Baby Bjorn Carrier

2013-05-02T09:55:00.000+10:00

Sponsored post

Most parents can attest to the desire for an extra set of hands when they are tending to their children - and when one child happens to be a newborn, you never need them more!

So,what is one to do when you have a husband who who works long hours and no extended family on hand to pop over and help when juggling the unsettled little one, while amusing the full on 4 year old, and keeping the everyday household duties under control?

If your bank account doth overflow, you hire a nanny, chef and cleaner. If like the majority it doth not, I suggest you invest in a Baby Carrier Miracle.

The very kind people at Baby Bjorn Australia sent me my very own to test run, knowing that I'd have my hands full. Voted the best baby carrier/sling in the 2012 Mother & Baby Awards for me it has been a Godsend! Whether strapping it on for the short walk to my son's (not so pram friendly with 3 separate gates to negotiate before you even get inside) daycare , or donning it during the dreaded witching hour, when my unsettled little Miss Zara likes to make it know she has had herself a long day, it provides a win-win solution. She gets a snuggle and I can still go about the nightly chores of cooking and cleaning without having to try to impersonate Houdini at the same time!

Off to daycare!

Snuggled up to survive the witching hour

While I admit the first few times I strapped it on I felt like I was going to need a university degree to work out what clicked into where, it quickly becomes second nature. Might I recommend you check this cool instructional clip out here - if I hadnt rushed head first in, I think I would have saved myself some time!

For those worried about how this affects your spine, fear not. Unlike pregnancy, the clever designers have also ensured your body will not suffer by lugging around this extra weight. With an ergonomic, adjustable waist and lumbar region, wide shoulder straps and cushioned in all the right places, you can easily make all the necessary adjustments from the front to ensure your bub's weight is being distributed evenly between your waist, back and shoulders.

Besides the fact it frees me up, I love the lightweight mesh material, which is breathable and still manages to look stylish. What works best for me though, as I am the main user of it, is leaving it all set up bar the right hand top and side clips and then simply slip in and secure it on at a moment's notice. Because we all know baby's can be a tad impatient, it might just earn you some extra peace sooner! And I am ALL ABOUT making life easier, and thanks to my Baby Carrier Miracle, it is going a long way to do just that!

Two thumbs up from this Mum,
thanks Baby Bjorn!

For more information about price, stockist, and it's fab features, check out the Baby Bjorn Australia website by clicking here

My thanks to Baby Bjorn Australia for gifting me the baby Bjorn Miracle carrier. No money was paid for my opinions and they remain entirely my own.

Miss Zara Rose, 8 weeks on

2013-04-26T14:55:00.000+10:00

So, it's now been 8 weeks since we met my little Lady ZaZa on that oh so rainy Friday, on that oh so special date of 1.3.13 (has a nice symmetry, much like her big brother's birth date, 20.08.2008) and already she has begun to blossom from baby to a beautiful little girl.

This week, especially, has been pay off for the sleeplessness and the stress. We have been blessed with an abundance of beautiful smiles - and some much bigger chunks of sleep (hallelujah for that!) - but just so we dont let me get too cocky, Zara of course still throws in some very unsettled anti sleep days too, just to remind me that she is but a baby, who's very purpose in life is to be unpredictable.

While welcoming number 2 child isnt as scary (or overwhelming) as when you are a first time mum, it still has been confronting at times. When there is such a big age gap you feel you have forgotten (or had just conveniently blocked out) any memories of what it takes to care of a newborn. You've suddenly spiralled back to square one and you feel like the life you were just getting back has slipped very far out of reach once more.

But I wouldn't have it any other way - the baby OR the big age gap - because these two little people truly do, even on the toughest days, just make me melt.

A mother's wisdom - plus your chance to win!

2013-04-20T09:49:00.000+10:00

*sponsored post

A funny thing happens when you become a fully signed up member of the motherhood club. Suddenly everyone, from the stranger in the elevator, to the well meaning relative will begin to impart words of parenting wisdom that, while given with the warmest intention of help, won't always resonate with you. And while you can wave some of it off with a diplomatic nod and a smile, there is one person whose wise words you should heed: your mum's.

Because there is no time in your life that you appreciate your own mother more than when you become one yourself. It's as though you finally see clearly why they have said and done all those years as you grew, because now, as you look down at the helpless tiny bundle you've been charged with making grow into a fine human being, you suddenly realise you know nothing of what it takes to do this - especially with your sanity intact!

To honour all the pearls of wisdom our beloved Mum's have passed on, online greeting card company Yellow Postie invites you to share your stories on their Facebook page. They would love to know what it is that has resonated most with you, what it is that has helped you along the way in life that you have never forgotten.

The best bits? Besides the fact all of submissions received will will be collated for the soon to be launched Yellow Postie "mum's wisdom" eBook, there will also be a $500 shopping voucher awarded by the judging panel for the best entry. What better way to repay your mother for all that sound advice than taking her on a well earned shopping spree?

And while growing up my Mum's old favourite catch cry was "if it's not on, its not on - AND even if it is on, it's not on", now happily the Nanna to 4 grandchildren, the best lessons she has passed on has been to trust your instincts, and that a happy mummy equals a happy baby. This might mean you do things differently to how others expect them to be done, but if it safe and works for you and your child then what anyone else thinks is irrelevant. And trust me, with a 7 week old now in my world, there have been MANY times of late I have needed to remind myself of this.

So be sure to head over to the Yellow Postie Facebook page and click on the words of wisdom app (https://www.facebook.com/yellowpostie/app_194975693850063) and share your story to win!

A Little Light In The Darkness

2013-04-04T11:33:00.000+11:00

His little hands stretched out in the inky blackness of the pre dawn, stroking my face.

“Would you like a cuddle Mumma?” he asked softly; his voice still thick with remnants of sleep.

Whispering yes, I allowed myself to be enfolded in the arms of my 4 year old son who was now stretched out alongside me on the lounge, seeming to want to be at my assistance while I battled to get my 4 week old baby girl to sleep.

With his arms now woven around my neck, he leant forward and planted a big sloppy kiss on my cheek (you know the type; the one where you utter "MWAH!" for full effect?). And even though my back straightened in fear that the sound echoing into the silent night may have been enough to rouse the finally sleeping baby who was mere metres from us in her rocker, instead my heart began to melt. It was if our roles were reversed – he knew this time it was me in desperate need of a dose of comfort in the dark.

In that moment I felt like he was saving me from tumbling head first into a big black hole of sleep deprived delirium, reminding me that even though your eyes feel like they have been sprayed with pepper and scrubbed with sandpaper, that your body screams out with a weariness that has not known an uninterrupted, blissful night sleep in about 6 months now that this too shall pass. There are always lights in the darkness, you sometimes just need a sweet, simple reminder to seek them out.

A little less shellshocked, second time around

2013-03-25T11:25:00.000+11:00

Day 25 of life with a newborn has dawned and with it, my first real test.

The husband has left for work at 5am and come 5.30 its just me and my two now wide awake kids about to tackle the morning tasks together. And somehow, even with a baby who refuses to go back to sleep and wants to cry for 2 hours, we managed to make it out the front door and to my son's preschool at 8.15am. I even find time to brush my hair before hand and make sure my outfit matches.

It may not sound like much of a victory to many, but for me, it's rather significant. For when I think back to this stage with my newborn son 4.5 years before, there would have been no way I could have accomplished this - especially alone. I was a sleep deprived, insomnia suffering, anxiety riddled wreck who'd have chosen to stay in her PJ's all day long if possible. I did not adjust well to what The Husband called "the new normal"; literally, I was shellshocked at how dramatically life changed when a (catnapping) newborn was thrown into the family mix, at how much pain I was in thanks to the not so lovely post labour complications I was battling and at how bone jarringly tired I was, yet still had sleep elude me at the times I was actually able to close my eyes.

And while this time around I have certainly had my wide eyed moments of overwhelming fear, insomnia and anxiety, they thankfully have not returned with the gusto they arrived with on my first time round the parenting track. I'm far more present, and have the foresight to know the tough days don't last forever (even though at the time I begin to feel as if they truly will) and that even if I have days where I shed tears, I know I will also find things that make my heart sing. Like seeing my baby girl's first smile.

So while I'll no doubt have my share of shellshocked moments still to come, I remind myself it truly is my privilege to be the mummy of the beautiful baby girl...

World, meet Miss Zara Rose

2013-03-15T16:02:00.000+11:00

A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE HAS COME INTO THE WORLD

WELCOME, MISS ZARA ROSE, 1.3.13

And because I am busy being besotted with my little lady and seem to be bereft of the right words to convey how we feel, I will just have to rely on these photos to paint the picture for me.

Enjoy!

Letters, Part 1: what I want my little man to know...

2013-02-27T05:42:00.000+11:00

To my (not so) little man,

Right now the house is swathed in darkness and you are still encased in the snug grasp of sleep.

I look at you with my heart overflowing - so many emotions struggle for supremacy. How I am excited for you that you will soon have a sibling, which will see a whole new side of your personality blossom, but it is not without tentacles of fear attached. These last few days all I can think of is "this is the last time it will just be we 3 doing this", or, because we spend so much time as a twosome, "this is the last time it will be just you and I..." and, while I am of course looking forward to this next chapter of our lives, I still cant help but feel a stupid sense of sadness at saying goodbye to the precious times we share, just the two (or three!) of us.

Is that silly to feel such a way? That I have made myself consciously soak in these moments as if I'm parched and may never drink again? I don't know... Let's blame pregnancy hormones if that is so...!

Whatever the case, I can't help but worry. Do you know life is about to alter for you - for us all - in a big way? Even though we've talked about this for 9 months, will you be able to grasp the enormity of the change? Will you cope? Will you even care? Will you take in all in your 4 year old stride and surprise us all?

It's a big ask, I know. You have been the centre of our universe alone for almost 1700 days - that's quite some time to have life revolve around only you. I just hope you know (and I will remind you often, I promise you) that there is room in this Mummy's heart for both of you. No one will be sneaking over into the space you've occupied solo for so long; rather I am going to be the lucky recipient of a heart that expands. It did the same when you came along, and I know it will again in the near future when we meet the little one who will complete our family circle.

So even though it might be a rocky road to adjustment as a family of 4, that you will be dealing with an overtired and emotional Mummy (hey, nothing new there I hear you say!) and beloved Daddy who suddenly has his attentions divided and cannot dote on you alone, there will never be a time where you are loved any less than the mammoth amount you are now.

Thank you, my (not so) little man, for your patience during this rather arduous pregnancy - for understanding why Mummy couldn't suddenly keep up and for all the times you persevered anyway in making me attempt to do so. And no matter what lays in wait in your world, I'll keep loving you more with every day; there is nothing that could ever change that fact.

Always yours,

Mummy xx

To Nest or To Rest - that is the question

2013-02-21T09:20:00.001+11:00

Source: thepracticalmommy.hubpages.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

"Don’t be surprised if you wake up one morning and it’s as if blinkers have been taken off your eyes. There’s dust and dirt everywhere and you won’t understand how it’s not been obvious to you before now" (Huggies Mum To Be newsletter, Feb 2013)

Um, hello, was that sentence written specifically for me? Sure, I am likely being far too perfectionist in my outlook, but cant help but agree that this nesting phenomenon is the root cause of why everywhere I look I see something that seems to have been sorely neglected in the cleaning stakes. Any glance around my home unearths previously unseen dust, dirt and general decay and I wonder incredulously how I could have not seen it all before?

The quandary arises then, at such a late stage in the pregnancy (almost 38 weeks!) do I declare to ignore the dust and dirt in favour of some R&R or do I continue on as I have the last month and push myself to capacity to ensure everything is in a sparklingly clean state before baby arrives?

I know the right answer is to relax as this will become an even more foreign concept once we welcome a newborn into the family fold. But I find it hard to do so when my Nesting to-do list glares back at me from the fridge with items still to be scratched off for completion, or the marks on the unwashed walls or badly disorganised kitchen cupboards taunt me.

As one who is also not used to the notion of taking it easy, I cant help but feel guilt whenever I get the chance to put my feet up. I'll think "I should keep moving, there is much to do." And while the Husband has been a champ in assisting with my array of unlikely cleaning requests, I'd not be surprised if he was suddenly thinking me just a tad cray-cray for having the sudden urge to polish the front door and screen along with every visible light switch in the house.

Epic exhaustion from the joys of a combined carpel tunnel and general pregnancy limited sleep may soon see to it the resting wins out over the nesting. Plus there was the uncomfortable incidence of after vigorous day of tackling my to-do list I was left feeling like early labour was about to commence - and I am not in an hurry for that! I'm also starting to think the fact my beloved Dyson decided to die on me last week might also be some sort of sign from on high that it is time to take a breather...

So from today (well, as soon as I'm done with sweeping and mopping, maybe rearrange a kitchen cupboard or two...) I vow to do more of the rest and less of the nest. Surely in a few weeks time I'll be too damn tired to either notice (or care) about my unwashed walls, right?

Were you a 'nester' or a 'rester' - or was there some magical way you effortlessly managed to combine both?

There's a chair in there... Steelcraft Snack Time Highchair Review + Giveaway

2013-02-14T10:37:00.002+11:00

Its no secret my life has been consumed by all things baby at present; and having such a large gap between my two has meant some of the necessities needed in phase 1 of parenthood have not stood the test of storage or time; namely Master H's high-chair. So when I was approached to review (and give-away to one lucky NappyDaze reader!) the newly launched Steelcraft Snack Time Highchair (RRP $99) it was with great glee I freed myself from the manky old one that had been wallowing in storage and eagerly familiarised myself with the newest product on the market, launched this month.

Even though I knew I was a few months off needing this baby product, as soon as I saw its list of features I knew it had to be mine. You see I always had regrets about the old one we'd used - it was bulky, incredibly tricky to clean and, most annoying of all failed to convert into a toddler suitable state. (Oh yes, the things you learn AFTER you've had the test run with the first child...!) The removable legs mean that down the track it converts into this convenient (and cool!) little number:

Of course, when you bring together inquisitive babies attempting to master the art of eating it is always a recipe for mess. But the handy hygienic traits of the Steelcraft Snack Time Highchair of a 3 position adjustable and removable tray, a snap on easy clean second tray, as well as a detachable, easy to clean vinyl seat, my sanitation and spotlessness worries were being assuaged. Sure, it will always be the one baby item guaranteed to get filthy with every feed, but these factors will help fellow perfectionists like me feel more at ease with their cleanliness concerns.

It's other fancy features include:

Seat support crotch which ensures your child is strapped securely in place in high-chair as well as a five point safety harness
Additional padded insert for when your child is older
For those poor on storage space it has a basket for items such as bibs, bottles etc and also folds flat so it wont become the unwanted centrepiece of your kitchen

Now, for the fun part: the generous people at Steelcraft have kindly offered one Snack Time Highchair (RRP $99) to one of my NappyDaze readers. All you need to do is leave me a comment below telling me what you loathed most about the highchair you have and how this one would make mealtimes in your home a whole lot easier!

Entries close Thursday Feb 21 at 12pm AEDST and are only open to Australian Residents. Please be sure to leave an email address too so I can contact the lucky winner!

Please note that while I received a Steelcraft Snack Time Highchair in order to conduct my review, no other compensation was procured and all opinions remain my own.

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses
** CONGRATULATIONS TO BRON FROM BIG BROTHER, LITTLE SISTER, WHO WAS SELECTED AS THE LUCKY WINNER**

A guaranteed way to make a pregnant mumma weep

2013-02-12T18:23:00.000+11:00

We all know it doesnt take much to turn on the waterworks when you are riddled with pregnancy hormones. So its no surprise when my suddenly Mini-Picasso son came home from preschool with this offering last week, it made me a bit weepy...

Yes, there we are, almost to scale (except sadly my legs arent quite so long!) me complete with a happy bubba resting there in my tummy!

I've entitled it 'Life Imitating Art' and hope that it serves as a good sign that he's super excited to meet his new sibling in a few shorts weeks!

The "boys weekend" (where everyone wins...!)

2013-02-05T15:40:00.000+11:00

Fact: Since becoming a mum I have never woken to the sounds of complete, golden silence - nor even spent an entire 24 hours utterly home alone.

I vaguely remembered the vestiges of such a luxurious activity from my pre parenthood days; where stillness seeps into every corner of your home and no little hands try and yank you from your slumber before the sun has even broken through the night sky. Where you can languidly stretch out your days to a pace that suits, and the only schedule that exists is the selfish one, that does not include wiping bums, dishing out snacks, or being forced to kick a soccer ball about the backyard.

From what I recalled, it was some sort of bliss...

So the Husband came up with a novel suggestion a few weeks back in an attempt to help his heavily pregnant wife who had been battling with sickness and fatigue and proposed the following: a boys weekend for he and our 4 year old son so that I could have one last shot at rejuvenating myself before my life takes on it's busiest slant yet.

Naturally, there was part of me that did Toyota star jumps at the thought of 24 hours to myself in the comfort of my own home, but being 35 weeks pregnant, it not only put an end to such physical activity, but of course also made me think about whether it would actually be a good idea to be left all alone at such a stage. So, a compromise was struck and off they went for their boys weekend - a whole 20 minutes from home.

Even though my plan to use up our reward points from a certain mega player in the business world (I wont divulge who as I am currently fighting them for reimbursement and shant jeopardise my chances - yet!) was thwarted, the weather was disastrous (well for those that wanted to be outdoors) and the 4.5 star resort apparently left a lot to be desired, it did not dampen their enthusiasm. Both of the beautiful boys in my life had themselves a time that they will treasure, a time that was solely for the two of them to carve out magical memories that matter only to they. Even the simple fact The Husband suggested the special activity so that he could do something that would be a precious token of the bond he and his boy share, and to go to such an effort so that I could literally put in none for a weekend, was heart melting stuff.

And considering life is about to change in a huge way for this family, and my little man spends most of his weekdays craving Daddy-time, it was a perfect way that they could cement their own unique bond before the new baby comes along and The Husband's world gets swallowed by the enormity of his job.

It may have been a boy's weekend but we were all winners in this instance. For even though the heavily pregnant home alone wife did not get to sneak away to some fabulous destination, it was the thought of being ensconced in the sanctuary of her silent home, with only her book and DVD's for company (and under strict instructions NOT to do any chores) who was still in bed come 10am Sunday morning when the travellers made their return home who also felt like she'd had a brilliant weekend escape. For she savoured every moment of solitude, as if it was a bounteous bottle of magic elixir, knowing it would be her last for some time to come.

Excelsior - and a shot at a silver lining...

2013-01-30T10:34:00.000+11:00

“This is what I believe to be true; you have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining” (Pat Solitano, Silver Linings Playbook)

Source: Uploaded by user via Donna on Pinterest

There are moments in life that become punctuation points. There’s the before, the after. And I assure you, seeing the blockbuster movie Silver Linings Playbook Saturday night was one for me. Although we'd arrived intending to take in something completely different (good ol pregnancy brain here stuffed up the movie times!), apparently the universe was quite keen for me to see this instead – and afterwards I knew why…

It had been a tough week. The relentless heat was taking its toll on my pregnant body, sleep had been sparse, morning sickness had made an unwelcome return and my patience levels for people (in particular my poor 4 year old son!) and the outside world in general plummeted to non-existent status.

Underpinning it all was a gnawing anxiety. I had gone from being deliriously happy about the impending birth of our baby to being filled with fear instead. All the emotions of the early days of newborn parenting had begun gushing back at me, and I was starting to feel far more panic than excited anticipation. All the worst case scenario “what if’s” were plaguing me, and every time someone asked about the impending baby we’d be soon welcoming into the world I’d unconsciously reply with a tone dripping in dread and a frightened look plastered across my face.

But it wasn’t until I was encased in the darkness of the car, on our way home from the movie that I summoned the courage to say something to The Husband.

“I’m freaking out about everything at the moment,” I admitted. “I haven’t coped so well this week and I worry about what I might be like when the baby comes.”

It was then he reminded me what the main character in Silver Linings Playbook, Pat, had as his mantra: “Excelsior” – ever upward. That even though he was battling his way through the bleakest period of his life, he was still trying to look up, to search for those silver linings.

“Most people lose the ability to see silver linings or even though they are always there above us.”

It was a sign, and much like De Niro's character, Pat Snr, says to his son,“Let me tell ya. You gotta pay attention to signs. When life reaches out with a moment like this it's a sin if you don't reach back...”

It was time to stretch out my arms and grasp on to the good instead of allowing myself to wallow in pessimism and fear. It was time, just like Pat says in my opening quote above, that I worked just as hard at staying positive as I did feeding my negative thoughts. And you know what? It has brought back my AWOL emotions of calmness and rationality ever since I made a conscious choice to switch.... And I'm thankfully back on track to my very own shot at a silver lining.

Source: utilitarianism.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Patience is a virtue - or so I am told...

2013-01-25T17:10:00.000+11:00

Source: vibhy.tumblr.com via Donna on Pinterest

I don’t know whether to blame the heat, the to-do list, the demanding child, the pregnancy hormones, the morning sickness that seems to keep making a belated reappearance or perhaps all of the above but damn my patience levels are being stretched thin.

Being an Aries, I’ve never been patience personified anyway but lately it’s taken on a whole new non-existent dimension. Every little thing is setting me on edge; the disastrous state of my house with toys scattered from end to end, the Mount Everest of washing that needs to be folded, ironed, packed away… the fact my bathroom floor need to be mopped because my son can’t take proper aim and then tried to clean it up with my freshly hung hand towel, his frustrating habit of selective hearing, meaning by the 3rd time I’m asking him to do something I find myself screeching like a banshee in order to get his attention, a wish list of things I want done before bub is born mocking me from the fridge, seemingly stagnant as there has been either too much else to do, or the complete lack of energy I’m feeling of late… My get up and go is apparently gone AWOL with any energy I have on days like today is reserved for doing battle with the boy who seems to sense I am on edge and is ready to take full advantage.

It has to be the heat taking its toll, I know. Having not been pregnant during such an extreme summer it’s all I can do to explain it. Last time was so different – in fact I always said I never had a problem being pregnant back then, quite enjoyed it even, but this time… not so much fun at all….

I’m starting to think I should lock myself away from the public on the days like today when I’m feeling unwell and my temper is more frayed than the denim shorts of a 14 year old girl. Like earlier, it was all I could do to not snap at the cranky old couple who run the local post office, who took great delight in holding a loud conversation with an older man about how parents today have no idea how to discipline children, how they come into their shop, touch all the merchandise and ignore any requests from mum or dad to stop, have no respect blah blah blah. Of course there was my son doing exactly the same… I almost dared them to say something to me when it was my turn to be served, I felt like I was ready to unleash. Perhaps they saw the glint of a crazed pregnant woman in my eye as they dared not utter a word.

The poor husband and son have had to bear the brunt of this bitchy me and I am sure they shake their head in wonder at how easily I am losing it over the simplest things. Even I am incredulous at myself sometimes but seem powerless to make it stop. Poor husband too has been trying to everything in his power to make life easier for me whenever he can and I am eternally grateful for that. And every night I check one final time on my sleeping son I feel such a rush of guilt for my erratic behaviour its all I can do to stop the other hormones unleashing with a flood of tears!

So, even though this post has been so depressingly pessimistic I’m actually already feeling better from unfurling it from my chest which has to be a good thing, right? Maybe it also will act as a disclaimer if you wonder why I am not acting like myself or be an open letter of apology (in advance) for why I might be best locking myself away from humanity until the heat dies down and I stop feeling like I am spending each day lurching from task to task instead of with a spring in my step.

And hopefully the husband and son can use it to better understand why they feel they are living with an impatient, possessed woman and hopefully still manage to love me – and put up with me! Here’s hoping tomorrow is a (cooler) day, sprinkled with far more positivity and patience!

The plan is... there IS NO PLAN

2013-01-22T10:51:00.001+11:00

Source: allmodern.com via Donna on Pinterest

I stumbled across some reading material recently, a piece of fiction in fact that I'd written myself, back in 2008 that was full to the brim with suspense, melodrama, dramatic quotes and ironic humour.

It was my birth plan.

Reading through it, I didn't know whether to squirm with naive embarrassment or laugh at the irony of how it turned out as opposed to how whimsical and spiritual I'd envisaged the whole process to be.

Which is why, when asked at a recent midwife appointment if I had my birth plan in order, I had to stifle a snide giggle.

Certainly there is as much debate that rages about this (somewhat sensitive!) topic as there is time spent pacing the floor trying to soothe a newborn to sleep, and like anything, opinions can wildly differ. So, without wanting to offend anyone, I thought I'd share just why I wont be bothering to put pen to paper with a birth plan again.

Looking back, I am sure some of the issues I had adjusting to life as a mum stemmed from the deep disappointment I felt at my labour straying so very far from what I'd aimed for. And there is no way I want to set myself up for that sort of distress again. I can't even let myself buy too much into the fact I am set down for a scheduled c- section, such is my distrust in things going to plan when it comes to pregnancy. Mother Nature, I've learned the hard way, tends to have other ideas and try as I might fight this truth, I know the only thing I can do is surrender to that fact and understand that what will be will be.

Quite simply the only semblance of a plan I have - other than that the Doctor please delivery my baby safely into my arms - is: THERE IS NO PLAN. And control freak that I might be, I am more than happy for this to be my mantra as I stare down the barrel at baby number two coming into this world. No expectations, no demands, no pressure on myself to meet any clearly specified goals, replacing all with trust in the medical team and hope in those watching down from on high: that the beautiful baby I have have been nurturing from within for the last 9 months comes to meet its very excited parents and big brother, healthily, safely and sound.

A day dedicated to counting blessings...

2013-01-17T16:55:00.000+11:00

It's almost 2 years since my Dad rediscovered his passion for all things motorcycle and treated himself to a brand spanking beauty of a bike. It's therefore almost been 2 years that I subconsciously started holding my breath, praying we wouldn't ever get a phone call like last night's.

It could be far, far worse, I know. I cant even bring myself to think too much of how bad it might have been because as well as there being no point putting myself through such torture, the thought of early labour doesn't entice either! Instead I have spent the day focussed on counting my blessings, every chance I get sending a silent prayer of thanks high above to his guardian angel who saw to it Dad would get up and limp away with only bruises and scratches to show for such a scary moment in time.

Sure, his beloved bike and all his protective gear (and THANK GOD he was wearing it all - it now lives up to its reputation for saving lives!) haven't fared nearly so well but the beauty of that is they are replaceable. He is not.

I know I cant expect him to simply give up something that is his passion, his only pastime that can be just for him. He has worked long and hard his entire life and rarely had time for hobbies. This bike has been a belated interest that brings such joy and I know he wont sell this prized possession of his.

We made a deal though; it was the best we could compromise with, considering. He wont ride again until after his next grandchild is born. I can feel threads of anxiety already weaving their way into my mind as the end of this pregnancy nears, and I dont want one of them being worried this could happen again. Sure, life is a fragile thing and anything can happen at any moment, I understand that too well. I just cant help but feel this near miss was some sort of warning, so I'm making him at least agree he wont tempt fate a second time too soon.

For now though, I just continue to count my blessings, to reflect and be so thankful it didnt end as badly as it damn well could have. My mum still has a husband, my siblings and I still have a Dad we adore, my son and my nephews still have their beloved Poppy and my unborn child still has the chance to meet one of the men I admire most in this world. Whoever it was watching over him, know that you have my eternal gratitude for the fact my father is still with us today.

Unveiling my Vision Board (& giveaway!)

2013-01-07T15:56:00.001+11:00

*Sponsored post

It says a lot about one's foresight for their own future (or in my case, lack thereof) when the vision board project you begin with gusto back in early 2012 begins gathering dust in a half abandoned state and stays that way for almost 12 months.

It was quite likely that way because for the entire year I knew not what my personal plan was. Sure, I knew my family hopes and dreams, I knew my goals as a wife and getting through an extremely busy year, but when it came to me, and what I intended to strive for... not so much...

And quite honestly, it wasn't until I started thinking of how I'd best employ the use of the new range of 3M Scotch Restickable products that I had been sent to review that I spied my neglected vision board languishing under my desk that I finally knew. What better way to tackle this trial than to put this range to the test on a long overdue project that sorely needed some sticky material!

It didn't take long for me to be under way, compiling my assortment of quotes and pictures and creating my collage that was to be fastened together by the Restickable Mini Tabs range. The beauty of this was that by using this size packet in particular I could discreetly create my masterpiece without the cumbersome addition of (tacky looking!) thumb tacks. And if I made a change in where I wanted something to be placed? No problem! The tabs were easily able to be removed and relocated without any of them going to waste. That also means should you want to use them on any other type of surface, you can do so safe in the knowledge that you can do so without any damage to surfaces or oily residue left behind. Win, win I'd say, if like me, you have a penchant for often changing your mind...

After an afternoon pouring over it, voila, I had myself a finished product, all thanks to 3M! Now all I need to do is remember to refer to it, and remind myself to stay on track!

The final product, thanks to 3M!

So if you to have harboured a new year's resolution - or even just have a long overdue hope that you'd like to see come to fruition and would like to make your own vision board as a reminder to chase that dream, the range of 3M Scotch Restickable Tabs will be your best friend in getting this task completed. The lightweight range of mounting materials (available your local Bunnings or Officeworks) come in a range of sizes, tabs, strips and sheets and at RRP of $4.95 it will leave you with plenty of funds left over to put towards pursuing that vision you're working towards!

Also, to help you on your way I'm giving away one complete pack of Scotch Restickable Tabs from their new range to the commentor who best describes how they'd put this range to good use, along with 5 sample packs to the first 4 commenters.

Entries close Thursday Jan 17th at 12pm (open to Aus residents only sorry!) and the judges decision (mine!) will be final. I look very much forward to hearing what wonderous plans you have in place for your pack of 3M Scotch Restickable tabs!

*please note that while I received a range of 3M Scotch Restickable tabs to trial and a fee for my review all opinions (and procrastinations!) remain my own.

Seachanging - 3 years on...

2013-01-03T14:10:00.001+11:00

Unlocking the front door to our new family home almost 3 years ago to today was met with an even mix of excitement and apprehension. You see, we were also prising open an entry into a whole new world. We officially became “seachangers” - even if we only moved 1hr and 45 minutes up the freeway and still help many strong ties to the place we left behind. Our jobs, family and friends would see us make the trip back down the F3 frequently yet we still had a brand new life to build – and all far away from the people we loved most.

It is never an easy feat to up sticks and set up home where you know but one soul. And when you consider it then also equates to much more time spent apart as a family, with all the commuting to be done, it can soon equate to extreme loneliness. Sure, you have your very valid reasons for making such a monumental move (Sydney house prices for one, and our desire to raise a family away from the rat race another huge one...) but still, for all the romanticism that comes with the whole idyllic notion of seachanging, you have to be prepared that you may be in for a long haul before the happiness with feeling truly settled arrives at your doorstep.

The obligatory photo in front of the 'SOLD!' sign...

No surprises then for guessing then that I found the first 18 months extremely tough. Having to push myself out of my comfort zone and make new friends was mentally exhausting, especially in a town like this where many tight social circles existed far before we came along. But persevere I did (mainly after employing these tips I've written about on the Coping with Jane site!) and I am so thankful to now have ourselves a lovely circle of friends to call upon, neighbours whose name we actually know, and a swirling, full social calendar like never before!

And while it may have originally only been viewed by me as a “semi-seachange”, with both of us still holding on to many ties in the city, 3 years on and so much has blossomed. Sure, the husband has done more trips down and back the freeway than he has probably had hot showers in the same period of time but for me slowly doors opened for other opportunities. Having to leave my Nine family after 6 years was hard, especially considering the complete lack of job opportunities here on the Coast, but in its midst came the golden opportunity to try a few projects working from home that I'd never of had the chance to explore.

Life isn't necessarily slower, but it is much more full. We are happy. We are home.

2012 - thanks for the memories...

2013-01-01T15:47:00.000+11:00

This morning as I closed the calendar on 2012 I finally found myself with a rare moment to reflect on the crazy year that was.

I’m not sure how it keeps happening but with every passing year life seems to ramp up another gear and we find ourselves operating at an even faster pace. It has definitely been the busiest we’ve known as a family, but looking back on it I know it was all worth it. The Husband has had his most successful year yet and even though that also equates to him being absent more than ever, I'm confident in the long run these seeds he is sewing will be handsomely reaped.

There’s been plenty of other events to celebrate besides the Husband's accomplishments; the most memorable highlight of course was discovering we’d soon be welcoming a new addition to our little family in early parts of 2013! Like all pregnancies it has its amazing moments and it's less fun hormone fuelled ones... And considering the 3rd trimester has kicked off, it wont be long at all until the little one is along to meet us!

We also got to meet our gorgeous new godson in November, our little mate who was in such a hurry to enter this world he decided to come 7 weeks early! Isn't he divine?

My own writing goals got a work out too - short-listed in a local creative writing competition, just under 43,000 words on my manuscript are complete, 94 blog posts went live, and my best ever year yet with seeing my name in print (and earning an income from some of it - FINALLY!). The foundation is in place to build on in 2013 - baby permitting of course!

There's also been A Night At The Voice, meeting my writing idol Paullina Simmons, a long overdue family holiday (where the Husband get to fulfil a lifelong dream!), plus sneaking in a completely decadent TWO city breaks sans husband and child this year!

So as I say farewell to 2012 I'll remember it fondly, (even with the franticness!) thanks to it being peppered with many special times with our amazing extended family. We’ve been lucky that even though time and distance separates us often, we still manage to make the time and effort to be together. So even if we don’t get the quantity we would if we lived close by, whenever we’re together we get quality. And I’d take that any day.

Roll on in 2013, I'm ready to take you for all you've got to offer!

Cool things that have come across my desk

2012-12-22T11:14:00.003+11:00

As a blogger, you can be sent some cool (and not so cool!) items to review.

Here is a short review of some of the fab things I've encountered of late that I want to share with you.

HAVAIANAS

Just in time for Christmas the super cool summer shoe specialists Havaianas released their best-selling licensed kids prints in a special gift bundle of one pair of Havaianas plus a matching collectible toy. The boys have a great range of Transformer characters to choose from, with My Little Pony featuring for the girls.

My little man was so excited to receive his pair to trial ( see pic on left) - as you can see he picked well!

And for someone who is so anti-shoes as my boy is, these have been a Godsend in getting him to leave the house with enclosed feet :)

For more information go to www.havaianasaustralia.com.au

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS DVD

It wouldn't be the festive season without a new Christmas DVD on the shelves would it? This year we saw the release of Arthur Christmas, a cute story about Santa's youngest son using his father's high-tech operation for an urgent mission on Christmas night. Not many DVD's capture my ever moving son but this one sure does! A lovely new angle explored in the Christmas movie genre.

Be sure to check out the movie preview below or click here for more info.

KURRAJONG KITCHEN - LAVOSHBITES

It is also that time of year when your diary becomes crammed to capacity with social engagements. Whether you are hosting, picnicking, or doing the rounds as a guest, a good option to include in your goodies to take along are the two new yummy flavours of the Australian brand LavoshBites

Kurrajong Kitchen, the Australian brand behind the bite-sized flatbread range of Lavosh biscuits, have launched two new flavours of their beloved LavoshBites – Soy & Linseed flavour and Shepherd’s Bread in Sesame & Sea Salt flavour. And because they are baked, not fried, yeast and egg-free and they are all-natural (no added preservatives to hype up the kiddies!) you can indulge in them guilt free - a win in my eyes!

Go to www.kurrajongkitchen.com.au or www.facebook.com/KurrajongKitchen to get more details.

Pigeon Peristaltic Plus™ Teat.

Naturally this final gift I received wont cater to everybody's needs but with baby number two on the way I figured it couldnt hurt to be prepared, should the same breastfeeding issues arise when I meet bub number two early next year.

The team at Pigeon have the utmost regard for the care of your baby in mind when they created this new Peristaltic Plus™ Teat. It has been specifically designed to allow baby’s natural peristaltic movement while drinking, as well as facilitating a baby’s latch and a natural oral development. They also understand the issue mothers face with nipple confusion and this teat is designed to minimise this.

With over 50 year experience in this field I know I will feel comfortable using this product, knowing how mush research and dedication they have put into place in creating the Pigeon Peristaltic Plus™ Teat.

Please visit www.pigeonbaby.com.au to find out more about this range

*Please note this is not a sponsored post - no compensation was received, although goodies were gratefully accepted to trial in order to bring you this review!

A treasured childhood Christmas Tradition

2012-12-18T19:53:00.000+11:00

"When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things -- not the great occasions -- give off the greatest glow of happiness." Bob Hope

And so be it for me as well for when I think of Christmas's from my childhood, what burns brightest in my mind is quite possibly the most simplest of traditions: the hand picking of the real life tree from the family Farm, hanging each of the individually named baubles (one for every family member, past and present) and celebrating with our large extended family.

Once the calendar flipped to December 1, my Dad would hook up the old wooden trailer that would normally haul fresh produce from the paddocks and together with any of the ‘city cousins’, aunts or uncles who happened to be here for Christmas we’d all scramble to get a position atop its dusty slats.

The cherry coloured tractor would sputter to life and off we’d trundle towards the dense bushland that fringed our beloved Farm where the scouting process for the perfect tree would begin in earnest. In amongst giggles and good natured ribbing finally the ideal one would be selected, felled and attached to the trailer.

Now on foot, we’d traipse back past the dam and up the hill towards home where Nan would be waiting with some freshly baked goodies to feast on while the real fun to me would begin. The kids would be let loose to decorate the tree!

The final product would not be your usual fair found in the glossy pages of some home magazine, oh no. Tossed tinsel would hang where it landed before the scared act of bauble hanging began. And no, I'm not talking about any of the fancy crafted Christmas trinkets you see for sale this day. Nope, it was simply a case of my Nan buying a box of brightly coloured material covered baubles and taking to them with a felt pen to ensure everyone of them was adorned with a family members name. And the fact my Dad was one of 10 kids and I have countless first cousins meant that there were quite a few required!

Check out that tree - not to mention a small selection of the extended family
present on Xmas morn all decked out in our 80's finest!

I have so many happy memories of this most simplest of acts. Each time you dug deep to select the next bauble to adorn the tree it would be with a sense of anticipation – which family member would it be? Your favourite cousin? The latest newborn addition? And when you managed pull your own bauble out? Well, it was almost as good as Christmas itself :)

Its been 10 years since we had our last huge extended family Christmas at The Farm; people and times change as the years pass and life takes us all on different trajectories. Plus, when the once little branches of the family begin to sprout new limbs, it gets harder to maintain such huge traditions. Some simple things stay the same though as you can see - in my house we have started to again uphold the bauble tradition too. And while its a much more fancy one than we had back in the day, the love and thought behind it is the same. Christmas and family will eternally be forever intertwined to me.