3 months on

How many times can you say that you can't believe that much time has passed before it sinks in?



Our cheeky little possum has been a part of our family for 3 months now, clicking over to 3 months old on the 6th of July.


It seems like such a milestone but we started the day as normal, and the rest of the day went per "normal" to be honest. First was the pre sunrise feeding and hanging with Dad before he went to work. We then headed off on our morning walk.

It was a gorgeous and relaxing start to the day, we love getting outdoors.

Liam is always set up with his toys which he plays with more and more. He usually checks out the sky and anything else he can see before dozing off.

I, of cause, am always set up with my camera, which Liam likes to use as a foot rest.

 

It is good to get out and about, checking out the area we now live.

I can't really believe he is that old already, that he has been in our lives that long already.
I feel like our baby is growing at a rate of knots and that if I blink he won't be a baby any more.
We have so much love for this tiny human in our lives and so much amazement watching him grown and learn.

 I feel like things are certainly easier and the newborn days are definitely gone. I miss those first weeks already but I certainly enjoy getting sleep now. I know we will have many more challenging times of teething, sickness, tantrums and who knows what else ahead but this certainly seems like we've made it through the hard slog, for now anyway. I guess it is getting sleep that gives me that opinion but he really is a mostly chilled little man or maybe I am just very good at forgetting the screaming and unsettled times. I'm just going to enjoy this rhythm we seem to have fallen in to. Mind you the other day I had one of those 'I wish I was at work' moments. I'm really not sure what to do with myself.

Our little cockatoo has certainly found his voice, being just as noisy as the birds that his hairstyle mimics. He is just on the edge of giggling, I know one day it will just start. He startles easily these days, any strange or loud sound sees his bottom lip drop and body tense up. Raspberries and making noises and bubbles in all that dribble is the way to communicate these days. We certainly know who is boss in our house at the moment. In saying that though, he still goes with the flow.

These days Liam gets a little excited when Daddy gets home and is usually happy to see him, with smiles to share. He also gets excited when we say bath and when he gets completely undressed. Bath time is always fun and there is a lot more splashing these days and just enjoying the feel and noise of the water. He also loves our morning walks, well I assume he does. He is very relaxed during them and has a little nap. 

These days the hanging toys are a lot of fun and are whacked, grabbed and pulled into his mouth. His hands and fists are another endless source of entertainment and comfort. He is often seen sucking on various fingers and his thumb or trying to shove the whole fist in his mouth. He is certainly gaining more control over his hands, grabbing things that are near him and most recently trying to bring them to his mouth. Tummy time is also more interesting, his little head sitting up high, looking around and doing occasional rolls over when he feels like it. He still loves that knitted clown he was given and these days loves the little, brightly coloured koala that is usually hanging in his pram. Feet are also apparently a fascinating thing and when he realised they were covered up in his suit the other night he spent ages staring at them, I swear trying to work out where they had gone.

I can see him changing, growing and learning all the time. He is such a copy cat and such a personality.

Not only has Liam been on his first flight he has now been on his first camping trip. I feel this kid will certainly have seen a lot when he has finished his first year. I can't wait to experience more with him and share his amazement at this whole shiny, new world  ... and to blow more raspberries on all that chubbiness.

Milestones

This past week has been one of milestones.

My birthday sunrise, before work.

Thursday was my birthday, the big 3 0.

How an earth did that happen?

I am sure my mother is having the same thoughts at having a 30yr old daughter.

I think I've been a bit worried about reaching this age milestone but now I've leapt over that fence, it really is just another number.

Actually, it was a pretty non eventful day with just work, where I did get a little spoilt and get cake (which was needed after a morning of 12 toddler cyclones in the room), and antenatal class. It was over in the blink of an eye. 

I am hoping for a great year ahead and for another awesome 30 to follow filled with fun, family, growth, joy, new experiences and much more.

Saturday saw me reach 30 weeks.

Yet again, how an earth did that happen?

This whole pregnancy is speeding by.

30weeks

This week I also managed to be awake for the sunrise a few mornings AND to get out for photos at the lookout on Lake Morris/ Copperlode Dam road on Friday morning.

How exciting, the sun was actually out! 

Obviously, as per usual, I don't have a life beyond work (51 hours + travel this week) so the small things turn into big things. When I actually realise how many hours I've done between both jobs, I guess my tiredness is justified.

It was nice to get out and enjoy the quiet of the morning.

I better enjoy this while I can.

Speaking of which, 30 weeks means the paperwork for my parental leave from my night fill job has been handed in. End date in sight!

Thursday night we headed off to our second antenatal class, Mr Sparky under duress. I might have had a bit of a bit of freak out about not being ready for all this during and after class but a good nights sleep and this sunrise helped to put that behind me.

Sometimes I way overthink things. Well if you listen to Mr Sparky, it is more like all the time.

But hey, how could a view like this not sooth worries.

A bonus was that because of the recent rain the little waterfall on this road was flowing, not a lot but still pretty to see.

Friday was a day off for me, not that I did much other than washing and paperwork and of cause my little sunrise drive. I did have to go to work that night though. What a way at wreck a day off.

I just pretend my birthday was extended for a day so that I got to spend it more how I wanted to rather than at work like I did.

29 weeks + 6 days - me and my chins and my lens in my back pocket.

What do you like to do on your days off or days alone?

Any milestones coming up for you?

Christmas Day

Our family Christmas is, in a word, chaotic. It is however, a chaos we enjoy. A business full of fun, laughter, silliness, craziness and togetherness.

This year we came to the end of a long and lovely day feeling that it had been a good one. No drama, no meltdowns (unless you count the 3yr old who hadn't had a sleep) and plenty of everyone getting in a helping out so everyone could enjoy the day.

What was going to be Christmas with 14 turned into Christmas lunch with 18 and a very nice group it was, filled with plenty of giggles (and not just because of the grog because most of us were stone cold sober).

Of cause, Christmas Eve left us in a flurry of present wrapping while watching carols on t.v and impatiently waiting for a certain young sir (bro S) to go to bed, so that his stocking could be stuffed and final gifts wrapped. It seems to be a bit a tradition, this last minute wrapping.

I woke up early Christmas morning, as I had been doing every morning. Just in time for sunrise.

A quiet start to the day, after less than enough sleep. It was perfect.

Breakfast had by all and a rush to get out the door for a 7am service. The early Christmas service was a good way to start the day, presents could happen after instead of being rushed before. It was good to have a quick catch up with everyone too, it has been a while since I've seen them.

Back at home we squashed into to lounge room and waited, now that everyone was there.

Waiting is hard when you are 3 and 1.5 years old. My nieces were brimming with excitement and so was bro S. Well honestly, who isn't early on Christmas day.

Then the present opening and copious amounts of paper being strewn around happened. Actually, we have the paper thing down to an art, although this year required a grain bag rather than the normal washing basket for collection.

Gifts were given and faces watched for reactions, we do love the act of giving gifts around here, as a adult it is my favourite part (although the receiving is pretty great too).

Everyone scored well and I hope they all enjoyed their gifts. I know I did.

Then it was time for morning tea, the Christmas cake, a bit of a relax and the putting together of gifts before lunch preparations were started. The extra 4 arrived, another Aunt and Uncle along with cousin and Grandfather. Salads were thrown together, punch mixed and the table laid. It was ham (both baked and fresh), roast chicken and roast beef all round with whatever combination of sides you preferred. Food was passed up and down the table, conversations enjoyed, laughter and teasing and of cause bellies too full, especially once the trifle and plum pudding were devoured.

An afternoon of catching up, chatting and plain old silliness kept things mellow and light. Kids on the trampoline and adults playing with plastic jumping frogs that came in the bonbons. Some had naps and some did not. We had a few showers come across during Christmas lunch so the afternoon was pleasant and not too hot. The extras left, bikes were ridden, pigs fed and piglets played with. A dinner of leftovers was prepared and then everyone headed home for a early-ish night with smiles on their dials and that feeling of family belonging.

It was a lovely Christmas, especially as it was my first home after 3 years of not being able to come.

I hope your Christmas was a great one too!