and here we go...

I'm being completely controlled by pregnancy hormones, they've taken over the rational side of my brain and I'm taking a crazy ride on that dreaded emotional roller coaster!  Tears welling up in my eyes over nothing, snapping at my gang over everything, and a desperate need to feel things are in control and in order around here.

Alls great health wise, feeling good, heavy but good.  This little bubba is super hyper and moves constantly, which I love.  I talk to it when it moves, it's like I have company all day long, of course anyone looking on would think I was a bit crazed talking to myself, but we're bonding this bub and I.

The lead up to Christmas is always so busy and gets me a bit wound up, there's so much to do towards the end of year and I feel the need to eliminate stuff, just random stuff that we seem to have everywhere.  This year it's even more overwhelming.  With the business, the new baby, and christmas I'm on a Spring cleaning frenzy!! I've wacked a heap of things on line and sold them overnight, that's actually quite addictive and very cleansing! I've thrown away anything that lies in my path (lego beware!) booked the scrap metal guy to do a pick up and hired a skip for the weekend.

Amidst, this crazed clean out, there's life, the everyday stuff that you can't just eliminate.  Staying in tune with our boys, how they're feeling about all the changes going on around here, how this is affecting them, not to mention what's going on in their own worlds.  The big boys had a big year with lots  trying times but it all seems to be on the improve.  He wanted to apply for the chance to join hundreds of other 11yr olds from all around the world on a camp to India, and while I was excited about such an opportunity and experience for him, the quiet relief I feel that he missed out is like a weight off my shoulders and my heart.  India, for goodness sake! All I could think of was Slum Dog Millionaire! Today he's been short listed and has an interview for a school leadership position as one of next years grade 6 students.  I'm so proud of him just to have been short listed.  If this is as far as it goes I couldn't be prouder.

The middle guy, he's had an unusual year.  I can't say grade two has been his best year, in fact if it wasn't for everything else this would have been the perfect year for us to hitch up a van and take that trip around the country, he certainly would have learnt a lot more than I think he has in class.  But he does love it.  He's a cruiser, and this year has certainly been a cruise.  Emotionally though, he takes things in his stride a little too much.  He's easy to overlook because he handles it, accepts it and gets on with it.  I need to make more time for that one.

The little guy has had his best year yet.  His tempers are lessening and he's thriving at school.  To think how worried I was about him entering the big wide world of school.  He's super excited about this new baby and being a big brother.  He kisses and hugs my belly constantly, and is completely in love with baby already.        

It's all ramping up big time.  I knew it would, and I've tried to prepare myself but boy oh boy, as the pressure of starting a business and learning all there is to learn builds,  it's all I can do to keep my head above water right now and it's only going to get harder.  Of course, it's all going to be worth it in the long run, I know that too.

..excuse the quality of the above pic, I had to download it directly from IG as blogger says I've used up all my photo quota??


  

it's almost that time..

Yep, it's almost that time again, time to get ready for the festive season, YAY! 

I'm updating the shop and there'll be some random items available on my facebook page to pretty up your tree with handmade Christmas cheer..

I love this time of year, and I'm busting to get our place all christmas ready.  Just the sight of sparkly fairy lights in the shop windows and dainty ornaments dangling on display makes my heart sing..

learning the ropes, an update..

my creative space is jam packed with learning the ropes..

our official start date is only 2 weeks away, so we've spent most waking hours training, practicing what we've learned over and over, making mistakes, following our wonderfully patient mentor around and trying to absorb as much as we can.

it's been great fun, and I have to say, I know it's early days and I'm nervous as anything as our start date approaches, but this is such a great job!

the tricky part is being organised with the house keeping and meal preparation.  I think this weekend will need to be spent in the kitchen cooking up a storm and loading up tasty dishes for the freezer to take the pressure off a bit.

As this little bundle grows, night time comes along and I'm exhausted.  It's getting a bit tricky to find a comfortable sleeping position.  It seems baby is seriously in training for the Olympic gymnastic team, and sleep is not as sound as I'd like, so it's nice to be able to work and train from home.

I've not picked up the hook in ages and I miss it.  I'll get back to that soon though, it's always quite therapeutic of an evening and I've gifts I need to make!


more creative spaces here...

springtime frivolities..

we enjoyed a ladies day out at a local winery, all dressed up with our pretty frocks and facinators, champers, sparkling mineral water for me of course, and lots and lots of laughs...

this sweet old bike was roped into some shenanigans as the day went on, pictures best left unpublished, though this one of my gorgeous girlfriend I can't help but share..

it was so nice to be all dressed up and lady like..

but I have to say, with the extra weight of the little bundle, my feet certainly appreciated the crisp coolness of the ocean today.  Springtime weather at it's absolute finest.. 

52 weeks of grateful...

six..

The baby boy is SIX!

Six years ago that little guy came bursting into our world, perfect as can be and cute as a button! Really, he was the most divine little being and we were head over heals in love the moment we set eyes on him.

Birthdays always make me reflect, the boys hang on every word and we laugh as we go through the traditional story telling of the day they were born.  I've said it before, I am convinced that birth stories are a reflection of their individual personalities and who they are today.

This little guy was different to the other two.  The first sign of labour beginning was the exact due date, early in the morning a slight spotting in the shower.  Mum was staying with us, she arrived the day before. I'd been over due with the other two, so we thought there would be plenty of time.  But he's punctual this one, everything is done on time and to perfection.  The day went by slowly, the odd contraction here and there, lots of cups of tea and sitting on the sunny deck.

I was so mentally prepared for the birth of this baby, I wanted to experience every moment, and was completely in touch with every breath, every movement, I could feel my body getting ready. I wanted to keep things as normal as possible for our other boys, so I still took the big boy off to kinder and picked him up as usual.  Mum kept our very busy 2yr old entertained, and he kept her distracted.

Hubby was working locally, just waiting for the call, and by dinner time we called him.  Off to the hospital I went. Upon arrival the midwives decided I looked way too good to be in labour (yes, I put on some lippy and fixed my hair, I wanted to feel good doing this I was completely in the zone), they examined me and said I was hours away, maybe even days, and that I'd be best back at home where I could relax.

My heart was telling me otherwise, I knew this baby was close, but home we went.  The look on my poor mum's face when we returned home was filled with worry and concern.  She knew too.

I climbed into bed, the contractions ramped up very quickly and within 40 minutes I knew I had to get back to the hospital, quick!

In the car, frantically driving back to the hospital, I could feel his head.  He was born within 8 minutes of stepping through the hospital doors.

To this day, when he makes up his mind to do something, he does it.  There's no faffing about, no procrastinating. He's determined and head strong, he has a temper you wouldn't wish for anyone to bare the brunt of, and he has the kindest heart, the most loving adoring personality.  His brother's are his best friends, they are his world.  He is witty, clever and capable of anything he puts his mind to, but you don't dare try to help, he's fiercely independent.

We love you to bits beautiful Eddie boy.  Happy 6th Birthday my darling!