on motherhood..

note blurred picture as a symbol of the newborn haze (also it's from my iphone) 

but it's the one I wanted to use for this post for all that it represents 

of those special, difficult, joyous and exhausting days. 

Motherhood, that's a big topic, huh!  

I'm writing this post, not to cover motherhood entirely, I'm no expert and the enormity of that is just way beyond me, argh the spectrum here is extreme to say the least!  I am writing it because my sister in law has just recently had her first baby.

As the big sister to my brother and mumma of four, I'd like to be able to help wherever I can.  To drop in the odd meal, have more than the odd cuddle of the newborn and to offer advice when it is sought. It's hard though, the offering of advice.  What I have come to realise after four babies and hearing other mumma stories over the years, is that we are forever learning and trying to find our way, and it changes from one child to the next.

What I want to tell this sweet, dedicated beautiful new mum, is that we are all just working it out as we go..still! Every child is different, and after every child each mother is different.  We all continue to grow and learn as each day dawns and each new phase begins.  The learning is endless.

There is no right or wrong.  There is only what works for you at the time.  If your newborn wants to feed constantly and you are able to accommodate, then do.  If you need to get things done and can't face another feed so soon, then look at other options.

All of our situations are so variable, they change all the time, especially with additional children to tend to.  But first time round, listen.  Listen to your baby.  Listen to your body.  Listen to your heart.  Listen and be a tune to what is happening around you and do what feels right, for you.

Some days you will do nothing more than sit and feed and hold your baby all day long.  Other days you will shower and cook a meal and maybe even leave the house!  It's all so unpredictable, but if you can, just appreciate each day for whatever it presents.  Don't have expectations and don't be disheartened when things don't go as you'd hoped.

Know you are doing a wonderful job on the good days and the bad.  Be kind to yourself, and know that none of us are experts, no matter how in control and well balanced we may appear.  None of us have all the answers, and none of us are in a position to judge or be judged.

We are mothers.  We have been given the greatest privilege to be doing the greatest job in the world. It's hard work, and believe it or not, it really does get harder the older they become, just like they say it does..and I'm only 12 years in!

Love them.  Listen to them.  Be there for them.  When people offer their words of wisdom, take only what works for you.  Enjoy the good days and the hard days, for those newborn days are over within the blink of an eye.  You know what, you will never be an expert and you will always question your ability, decisions and parenting style. Lets not even talk about the guilt!

What I'd like to say most sincerely from the depths of my heart, is welcome to motherhood you glorious, capable, wonderful woman!

...and I am here whenever you need, and for whatever you need, always x 

made by hand..bonnets

It may be Spring, but these little blossom bonnets have been in high demand.  I'm having a lovely time making them but isn't it funny how almost as soon as there is a little warmth in the air, I have a natural urge to be using lighter yarns.

So this will be the last of making with wool and onto my cotton rug I go...right where I left off last summer.

What have you been making?  Join in over here....

random happenings..

Its been so long since I posted random happenings around here.  I've found it difficult to sit and write my blog, even though there is a post being written in my head just about every night as I lie in bed. There's loads to say, and nothing all at the same time.  I'm hoping I find my groove again soon, I miss it.

Last weekend my parents came to stay, we celebrated fathers day with 2 of my 4 brothers.  For one, it was extra special because this was his first fathers day.  We welcomed my new nephew, Tex, to the family 3 weeks ago and he is divine. Dad came equipped with his chainsaw ready to work as always. Sadly, we had to cut down the big old willow out the front of our place.  A climbing favourite that was no longer safe. I've had people coming to collect trailer loads of branches to make use of, and I saved just a few for a simple wreath.

This little guy has had me in awe of his bravery and composure.  The mother of the year award will not be coming my way any time soon.  He was desperately in need of a haircut.  I clipper it myself, always, but I haven't made the time in months.  So amongst the after school madness last week, I decided it was time.  In my haste I started, straight up the middle of his head without the measure guard on. Yes, I did. 

I couldn't believe what I had done, and while trying very hard to keep calm, the middle guy comes out and screeches "What are you doing!! Are you making him bald!!", at which point this little guy totally, and understandably, flips out, while I try to fix the hideous mess.  It was traumatising for all of us.  A hair appointment was made and the best that could be done was done.  A hat has been worn ever since and most likely will be for another week at least.  We might find it a funny story in time. 

Spring arrived and the warmth in the air has been so energising.  I woke yesterday with sunshine streaming through the window and I couldn't get out of bed quick enough.  I hurried everyone out of the house and we walked to the beach to soak it in.

I was desperate to be out, feeling the sun on my skin, the crisp, fresh ocean air on my face.  The waves were amazing.  Loud and constant.  We could hear them roar way before we could see them, it was a perfect morning to be there.

These two wander and chat, and I noticed how much the middle guy has grown in the last couple of months. They are such good mates. They bicker of course, but they're the first at each others side when one of them is hurt or feeling sad. 

We sat to watch the big cargo ships, imagining what it would be like to be so far out at sea.  We watched the people out running and walking their dogs, and a man doing some kind of tai chi and meditation and I wanted to join him. 

The big boy climbed sand dunes and took some pictures for me in between.  He announced recently that he doesn't want to have his picture blogged or instagramed any more.  Sad but true, so be it.

We're more than halfway through the year already and I can't quite believe he will be at high school next year. He's excited and nervous all at once.  Suddenly there seems to be loads of stories flying around about what goes on at high school, and he's beginning to feel very anxious.  Times have been challenging to say the least, a post I've written that one day I might be brave enough to share.  We really need his secondary school experience to kick off in the most positive way. 

This little girl is the light of his life, and I suddenly realise why we have been blessed with her.