Merry Christmas!

The time has come, the big day is almost upon us.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone who reads this teeny tiny blog. I hope the festive season brings you much happiness, love and laughter.

Please drive safely on our roads and take care of one another. 

At this very moment, the kids are off at Grandma's house while I wrap the last gifts to go into the Santa sacks and under the tree. 

Tomorrow we are having a huge family lunch at my parent's house, then my inlaws are heading over for a hot dinner with all the trimmings.  I'm sure to weigh a few kilos more than I currently do, when I see my Obstetrician on Thursday to check on wee little baby. 

Be safe and merry.

xxx

Image from Able and Game, where I purchased all my Xmas cards. Check them out!

Christmas 2011 Part II

Our first Christmas tree in our new house.

Abi's great grandmother gave her a special advent calendar on December 1st. These were some of the goodies in the boxes.

Christmas lights on our street.

Watching Frosty The Snowman on Christmas Eve.

Abi and Edward opening their Santa Sacks on Christmas morning. Edward loved scrunching the paper more than the gifts, as expected.

My simple but festive breakfast table on Christmas morning. This is the only shot I took, was too busy eating and being merry!

Edward with his great-grandmother Shirley.

Mum's Christmas Tree. It's always decorated with decorations collected from her travels all over the world.

The huge Santa decoration that my parents put out every year for the kids. He moves up and down.

Edward enjoying his Vegemite sandwich.

The parentals.

The kids table where all the action was! Abi with her cousins Mikey and Lucy.

The kids eating their ham and turkey.

All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth!

Lunch included ham, caprese salad, noodle salad, stuffing, asparagus with prosciutto, turkey and curried egg salad. We didn't have a hot lunch this year and it was nice to have a break from the huge, heavy hot lunch.

Christmas 2011

Christmas. A month ago already. It came and went so quickly.

It was a long holiday for me. It started a few days before Christmas with Abi getting sick. Then Edward caught it. And took a turn for the worst. On the eve of Christmas Eve, I had been up with Edward ALL night long. My little babe who usually sleeps so soundly, could barely breathe while lying flat on his back so I had to hold him almost all night. He slept in his old bassinet in our room, just so I could watch him breathe. He coughed and cried and wheezed, it was heartbreaking.

On Christmas Eve, with only about 2 hours sleep under my belt, I got up at 6am and headed to Woolies. And it was packed. At 7am when the doors opened, the car-parks were full and trolleys sparse! So I did my huge shop as quick as I could and headed home. To find James holding both the kids, saying it was time for a trip to the medical centre. Abi was so sick and had already been to the Dr's that week, Edward could barely breathe, he couldn't breastfeed because he was so uncomfortable laying on his side. So off we went. Both kids had a bad case of croup and Edward had a middle ear infection. So we hit up the pharmacy for some antibiotics and headed home. Where I realised I had forgotten some items from Woolies so HEADED BACK there at around 5pm. And it was a ghost town, thank goodness! Abi was really sick when I got home, so James whisked her BACK to the medical centre for another check.

As I wrapped the last of the presents on Xmas Eve, I felt sick listening to my kids coughing and spluttering in their beds. So cruel to be sick on the best day of the year (for kids!) We placed the vaporiser in Edward's room to try and clear his chest.

They were both so sick on Christmas morning, I thought about cancelling the family breakfast I was hosting and skipping the family lunch and dinner too. But we pushed on and the kids were as good as they could be.

On the positive side, the kids were spoiled and so was I. A new coffee machine and juicer sit in my kitchen. A new white kindle sits on my bedside table. Abi and Edward enjoyed being with family and eating all the lovely Christmas foods. Our special day went a little like this:


7am - Kids wake and we open Santa sacks and shower.

8am - In-laws arrive at our place for breakfast including croissants, mangoes, fruit salad, fresh juice and champagne.

9am - Present time. My in-laws were WAY too generous this year and I temporarily lose my kids in all the wrapping and gifts under the tree.

10am - Edward has a nap while we clean up breakfast.

1pm - Drive the 5 minutes to my parents house for lunch.

5pm - Head home to drop off presents and change outfits. Feeling exhausted by now.

6pm - Drive the 8 minutes to my in-laws house for family dinner.

7pm - Dinner is served. Put Edward to bed.

10pm - Head home. Edward feeds and goes straight to bed. Abi is hysterically tired by now. Delirious and sick, she cough vomits in my bathroom and cries in the shower for 10 minutes.

12am - Hop into bed and fall asleep in 12 seconds.

Merry Xmas

As you can see, my children don't do Santa photos. This is Abi's 3rd consecutive year of crying while having her photo with Santa. And I love it. It's hilarious isn't it. The things we do for... tradition? Why do we do this? To show our kids all the weird things we used to make them do? Either way, it's a quick way to blow $50... on Santa photos at my local shopping mall.


The big day is almost upon us. I wish you all a very Merry Xmas and safe holiday season. If you are driving anywhere, please drive safely. And slowly.


I hope you spend this festive holiday with your loved ones, as I will be.


Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, my favourite day of the festive holiday. The 25th December is just so manic and crazy, that I like the quietness that Christmas Eve holds. We watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and sit around the tree and reflect on the year and all our blessings. I am heading to Woolworths at 7AM tomorrow morning to buy food and champagne, wish me luck.


I am hosting a Christmas breakfast and having my in-laws over for croissants, fruit, champagne and gifts.


Then we are heading to my Mum's house up the road for our traditional lunch with family. Mum is planning something special this year and has kept a tight lip about it. I'm sure it will be spectacular as always. My brother is up from Canberra and I look forward to spending quality time with him.


THEN, we are heading to my in-laws house house for a hot dinner, long conversations, playing with puppies and laughter.


Boxing Day, we are doing it all over again. My aunty and uncle are coming to my Mum's place for more festivities. And my inlaws host an annual Boxing Day BBQ too so we will stop in there for more holiday goodness.


I would like to thank every person who read this little blog, left a comment or sent an email/tweet. I promise to be back, bigger and bolder than ever in 2012.


xx Sam xx

Carol Time

I love me a good carol. A good Christmas album. These are the current favourite Christmas CD's on repeat in our festival house at the moment.

She & Him - A Very She & Him Christmas

I love Zooey Deschanel. A have a girl crush, you can read about it here. This Christmas album is gorgeous. Zooey's voice is hypnotic. Sip a few eggnogs, and enjoy some classic favourites with a modern spin. I highly recommend this.

Christmas with the Chipmunks

My husband used to LOVE the chipmunks when he was a small. Now Abi loves the latest mod chipmunks too, so the chipmunks live on in our house! I put this on for James yesterday and he was thrilled. Me on the other hand, I need to skull a few glasses of Christmas sherry before I can handle this album. The things you do for love. Listening to Chipmunks singing Silver Bells. The kids will love it though.

Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas

A classic album. This is always on high rotation at my house, my Mum's, my in-law's place. Yes, Mariah Carey is annoying. But damn, she can really belt out a Christmas tune.

Glee The Music - The Christmas Album Volumes 1 & 2

I like Glee. I'm not a total Gleek, but I do enjoy some of the songs they cover. Both Christmas CD's are fun and easy to listen to. I find some festive albums get a little holier than thou and become overkill. These CD's are great background music for the lead up to Christmas.

Sweet Sacks

I just purchased these for the kids. I can't wait to fill them on Christmas Eve with lots of cute little treats. You can purchase them from Cocoon Couture.

Endless Summer

Finally the warm weather is here. A welcome change, from that "in between" spring weather when you still need a jacket and jeans.


After reading some summery posts by Corinne from The Daze of my Life, Kristi from Giggles Down Under and Emily from The Beetle Shack, I've been inspired to post about the upcoming summer season.


I love summer...

Late night dips in the pool, the first ocean swim, bbqs with family and friends, fish and chips, sunsets, drinking a really cold beer, the smell of fresh cut grass, sunscreen, beach hair, wearing thongs or even better, barefoot, maxi dresses, watching the cricket over the xmas break, wrapping xmas presents, big storms, starting a new year with a fresh perspective and hope.


And I've found my theme song for the summer, check it out below.

Merry Christmas

image

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and safe New Year.

Drive safely, take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Thanks for stopping in at Good Mum Hunting, I appreciate every single comment.

xx

Last few days...

New House Renovations -  Have knocked down walls

The ensuite in the master bedroom. This was a small bathroom + small walk in robe, now it will be 1 large bathroom with double shower and double vanity.

Abi enjoying custard at the McKinnon family Christmas dinner last weekend

McKinnon / Robinson family sitting around the unique decorative tree with toy decorations

Abi with her Aunty Weezie at the Sydney Aquarium on Friday. We had a great day although the aquarium itself was a bit of a letdown. Wildlife World next door is much better in my opinion.

Rainbow on the M2 last Sunday. It was a double rainbow. I managed to control myself, unlike this guy.

Abi looks REALLY sleepy in this photo. This was taken at the David Jones window display at the city store today.

Lux Xmas Wish List

Michael Kors Chronograph watch. I have this in black already, but the yellow is CUTE!

1 week's vacation here in Bora Bora

Holga 120FN Camera

Louis Vuitton Denim 'Sunlight' Tote

Ray Ban :Ladies Specs



Single Parenting again

As I type this, James is boarding his flight to Singapore.

I desperately wanted to go with him on this trip for many reasons. To finish my Christmas shopping, to stuff myself full of dumplings, catch up with old friends and most of all, to take Abigail back to her birth place.

But Singapore being strict with their medical system, restrict entry into the country for pregnant women past 28 weeks pregnancy. This is to stop tourists and locals of neighbouring Malaysia/Indonesia/Thailand who used to cross the border to give birth and receive the amazing level of medical care which is prevalent all over Singapore.

Although I am only 27 weeks, I didn't want to risk arriving in Singapore and being turned around at customs!

James travels to Singapore often and I'm sure there will be an opportunity to go next year after the baby is born. I would love to take Abi back to see some of her old friends and try the local cuisine and see the sights.

My favourite mall in Singapore is The Paragon. Designer labels everywhere, but also quirky shops and a whole level dedicated to Children's shops. The basement level is a huge foodcourt with a massive Din Tai Fung outlet. We used to eat here at least twice a week, stuffing ourselves with pork buns and dumplings.

We had a whirlwind weekend of Christmas shopping, a progress inspection at the new house and yesterday, my inlaws had their family Christmas lunch because most of my inlaws will be away on the 25th December. I envoked an early slumber last night by stuffing myself full of turkey, roast vegetables and apple sauce. The meal was delicious. I actually like that I have another 2 weeks to prepare my belly again before another big meal on Christmas Day.

Abigail was an absolute gem as we shopped all day Saturday. We spent a few hours in the new Sydney Westfields which wasn't too busy. I did get tired quite easily as I'm starting to carry a big bump and required little pit-stops every few minutes. We took her to the park in Pyrmont just before sunset so she could run around and play. I will miss that amazing park when we move to the suburbs. But our own yard with play equipment is much more fun and convenient!

Tomorrow my Mum is coming into the city to stay with me for a few nights which will be a blessing! It will help curb the lonliness and we plan to Christmas shop and enjoy this one-on-one time with eachother. I can't wait!

Xmas Gift Ideas - Random & Cool

Lego Digital Camera - $169

Translucent Porcelain Egg Candles - $30

Hairglasses Headband - $20

Lil' Vampire Pacifier - $4.99

Holga 120 TLR - $175

Yoda 4G Mimobot 2.5-Inch - $39.95

King Ken Series II 3.5-Inch - $7.95

The countdown is on!

Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas


Finally, December is here. The countdown is on till Santa drops into town.


This is one of my favourite carols ever. I actually don't like Mariah Carey AT ALL but her Christmas album is stellar. I've been nice all year, I'm sure of it. I'm writing my list today.