Happy Mother's Day

Here's my card, which I adore. It's from Abel and Game, my favourite card shop.

Beautiful, simple words were strung together. Abi signed her own name and drew a chocolate cake and her and Teddy too.

We are off to Doyle's at The Rocks for a family lunch including 9 adults, 3 preschoolers and Teddy too.

I hope today is special for each and every Mum out there. To the old and young, the Mum's who are expecting a wee bub soon, to the Nannas and Grandmothers. My heart goes out to anyone who might struggle through today. We lost our Nanna right before Mother's Day and the feelings were still so raw when we had to celebrate a few weeks later. Go easy today my friends.

With that, I'm off to pick outfits and sip my latte.

Happy Sunday to you all and Happy Mother's Day!

Bon Iver Live

In late November, I purchased tickets to see Bon Iver at the Sydney Opera House. I cried tears of happiness when those sweet tickets arrived in the post and I tucked them away safely until that special day.

That special day came yesterday. I have been excited about this show for so long, that I was actually nervous on the drive into the city last night. Would the show be all I wanted it to be? Would they sing my favourite songs? 

After a pre-show drink at Opera Bar, we hurried over to the Concert Hall and took our seats.

What transpired for the next hour and 45 minutes was nothing short of miraculous. I started crying about 13 seconds into the first song. I couldn't hold in my feelings any longer.

The setlist was absolutely perfect. A mix of old and new. The crowd and myself were in awe, respectful and enchanted by what we were all witnessing. If I had to pick a favourite track, then Perth, Beth / Rest, Towers, Calgary, Blood Bank, The Wolves [Act I & II], Creature Fear and Re: Stacks would have to top the list. 

Tears flowed as my heart swelled with love as every song seemed better than the last.

If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you will know that music is a passion of mine. Almost gospel like. It's my religion. It's all around me, always. In the car, on my ipod at the gym, when I blog, in my house, always on.

When I got in the car and digested what I had witnessed, I realised that I had just seen the best show of my life. It was utter perfection. And best of all? I am blessed enough to be seeing Bon Iver again in 4 weeks at Coachella Festival. 

If you haven't already heard the brilliant Bon Iver, I highly recommend that this video below be the first taste of their talent. 

The latest act to record a unique set are Bon Iver who recorded their set recently at Air Studios, February 2012 in London.

Speaking about the simply shot but stunning session, the filmmakers behind, artists Iain Forsythand Jane Pollard it told Q: "Sometimes the simplest ideas really are the best - two remarkable musicians [Justin Vernon and Sean Carey] in one of the best recording studios in the world, both playing incredible Steinway pianos. No jiggery-pokery was needed, we just captured what happened in that special moment."

Coachella Music and Arts Festival

James and I did something completely spontaneous this morning, at 5am. We booked tickets to Coachella Festival in Indio, CA.  

I've wanted to attend this festival for years. YEARS! And now I am. Yes, I am nervous about leaving the kids for 7 nights but I know they will be in good, safe hands of my mother and mother-in-law. The mother guilt kicked in, as I clicked "confirm order purchase" but then James reminded me that it's been nearly 2 years since we've had a holiday together. I'm 30 and still want to do everything on my "life list" before I get too old, before I have another baby, before many things.

The timing, when will it ever be right, to leave the kids. But right now, we have the money, and James has a break from Grad School and it's our 5 year wedding anniversary in June, and the lineup, MY GOD, the lineup is so amazing. Read those bands, it's SO up my alley. I know a whole bunch of people going too. Friends from Sydney, New York, London, Dubai, all coming to Coachella to dance in the desert and soak in the sun and tunes.

I am beyond excited. Wet my pants excited. Heart beating fast excited. Since we are going to the States in October for a month, this trip in April will only be a quick one. 2 nights in LA, 3 nights in Palm Springs. I am perusing accommodation choices in LA. On previous visits to LA, I've stayed in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood and on Sunset Blvd, so I really don't mind where we stay.

I plan to shop till I can't walk anymore. To eat mexican food till my belly hurts. Drink margaritas till I giggle. I cannot wait. And when I come home, I will cuddle and kiss my babes and be content, that I did something for me. 

California, here we COME!

Prince Edward

Looking a little rough here, not much sleep yesterday

What I've learned about my son Edward in 9 days:

• He doesn't like being swaddled for bedtime.
• He loves hearing Abigail's voice and his eyes follow her around the room.
• He is very, very sweet.
• He seems more quiet and placid than his sister was when she was newborn.
• He loves to sleep in my arms.
• He loves being in the water and loves having his head massaged.
• He is so small that 0000 size clothes are baggy on him.
• He prefers to cluster feed than sit on 1 breast for 45 minutes.
• He is my little prince.

30 minutes old

1 day old

First bath at the hospital

My 3 loves

Father and son

Wednesday mornings at Fox Studios Markets

Today Abigail and I headed to our favourite Wednesday haunt, the markets and playground at Fox Studios in Moore Park. We used to frequent the markets every week without fail, but lately have been busy / sick / on holidays, that we haven't been.


Last night as I tucked Abi into bed, I said that we would go to the markets and she replied "Flowers, playground, milkshake, guinea pigs, home". That's our usual little schedule of play. I go buy some fresh flowers from the market before they sell out of the good stuff, then we head to the petting zoo / playground and then get a milkshake on the walk back to the car. Abi has a brilliant memory!


Today was no different. It was rather busy with school holidays on, but not too bad. Abi was squealing with excitement in the car ride there. I bought 3 bunches of amazingly fresh tulips for $15, what a bargain! We petted guinea pigs, lambs, pigs and bunnies. Abi loved tickling the guinea pig's nose and whiskers.


The playground was busy and I sat next a mother with a 2 week old baby girl. I forgot how small babies are. How much noise they make when the cry for a feed. But also, I forgot how amazing babies really are.

On the drive home, Abi told me about how great her day was. And that she loved me. I cried in the car, navigating through taxis and buses, completely blessed and humbled by her honesty.


We have had a few hard moments this week as I am weaning Abigail off her dummy but today made it all better. Fresh air, wind in our hair, children laughing, mothers smiling and most of all, Abi and I, walking hand in hand. Here's my day in photos.

Abi LOVES these little guys.

Outfit is Bonds Tee, Gap Jeans, Dr Seuss for Converse shoes.

This lamb was very interested in trying to eat my jeans which already have rips in them.

Seriously. Look at her. Melts my heart!

What a pair! This little pig was pretty friendly and followed Abi around till he settled under her chair. I want one!

Abi saying "Back and Forth" on the see-saw.

$15 for these tulips. They are devine and brightened my day. I saw other ladies looking as I walked back to the car, admiring them wrapped up in brown paper.

Abi picked the orange ones for contrast. She loves picking flowers and touching the buds.

Bye Bye Sydney

image

Our bags are packed. Abi's are too.

We are heading to the airport, and she is heading to Grandma's house.

Tomorrow we are off to Qualia on Hamilton Island. And we won't be back until Thursday night. I will miss my baby girl so much, but at the same time, I am looking forward to getting away for 3 nights.

Weather forecast is great. Sunshine. 28'c. Humid. Perfect.

Bye bye stink town. See you next week with a light tan.

xx

Island In The Sun...

Trying to get in the mood about the trip tomorrow but my mind is elsewhere.

We are still heading heading to Bali tomorrow, because I know Pop would have wanted us too. All my family and my in-laws have insisted that we still go. And not stay home for the funeral. I'm not 100% ok with the whole situation yet, but what can you do. Since we have had a few months to prepare for Pop's passing, it isn't as much of shock as sudden death.

Next Wednesday, the same day as the funeral in Sydney, is actually James's 30th Birthday. We will celebrate life and love and family.

Back to the packing now.

17 sleeps till our Bali sojourn

That's right. Only 17 sleeps till we head north to Indonesia to celebrate James's 30th Birthday. While our trip is only 1 week in duration, I am positive it will be enough to refresh the batteries. My in-laws and brother in law are joining us on the trip.

We have a private villa booked in Uluwatu on the southern tip of Bali. The villa comes with a full staff that include Villa manager, Chef, Driver, Security, House Keepers, Babysitter and even a Spa Therapist who comes to the house for spa treatments. I might never want to come home actually. The owner of the villa has 2 small children herself, so I don't need to take anything with me. High chair, cot, booster seat, car seat, and toys are already available in the villa. Getting closer to perfection by the minute.

I plan to read, swim, spa and eat amazing local foods. Since we have a private car with driver, we plan to explore parts of the island we have never been to before. This will be my 3rd time to Bali. My husband and his family, this will be their 5th time to Bali. The locals are lovely, caring and honest people. Shopping in Seminyak and Ubud. Drinking cocktails in cliff top bars, watching the sunset. I can't wait!

We have been telling Abigail that she is going on a plane in a few weeks and she seems to get excited. It's only a 5 hour flight so I'm not too worried about it. She has flown longer flights in the past so hopefully it will be a breeze. I have a whole family of help, sitting right beside me as well.

This is where we are staying. I couldn't resist posting these photos. 17, 16, 15... Hurry up!

Hello NEW Car!

Today we bought a new car! The car that I originally fell in love with 2 months ago. And now it's mine!!

The Volvo XC60. We test drove 3 different models of the car. Then we went over to BMW and test drove the new X1 4WD. It's barely a 4WD though, not much bigger than the 1 series coupe. I admit, the BMW was really nice, but pretty small in the back. The boot in the Volvo is bigger too, which is important to me. There is a 3 month wait for the BMW as well, but the Volvo just landed in the country and I will have my new car in 3 weeks. Which really helped make the decision easy for us.

Here is my new car. Need to think of a good strong name for him. Volvo. Vovo. Iced Vovo. Olvo. Olva? Oh gosh, ok, maybe he will just be XCEEEEEE.

Mine is Black Exterior with Cream leather interior. We drove behind one last night on the Harbour Bridge and it was so cute and fiece! When you brake hard, the brake lights are a special LED pattern that flash at you. Disco Volvo!

Now I am officially a Volvo driving Soccer Mum! Woo!

1 thing ticked off my list. 9128 things to go!

xx

Learning Curves

Today was hard. We viewed 8 open houses and except 1, they were all a big disappointment.

I cried on the way home from the last house. We left Abigail with my mother as she Abi is still not 100% well and I'm sure the last thing she felt like doing, was being driving around, getting in and out of the car etc. It was easier doing the house hunting without Abi because we could really look around with a fine tooth comb and actually inspect the house top to bottom.

Today made us realise that perhaps we should just build a new house on our land. We drove to our block of land after we picked Abigail up and sat there, gazing at the possibilities. Our future, Abi's future, on this block of land. I hate being a Virgo sometimes, my terrible procrastinating and indecisiveness plagues me often.

I realised that, while my life is really all over the place at the moment, the issues with the car, the house. These are all temporary. I have my health. My husband and daughter love me, we are a very happy little family. I am thankful for all my friends who care about me and my family who support me through thick and thin.

I am grateful for where I am, right now. Tonight. With love and happiness in my life. Yes, I don't own a home yet, but that will change very soon. And yes, recinding on the car contract was very frustrating and time consuming, but it's just a car. It's not the end of the world.

Images via weheartit

City Living

Some days I really have to pinch myself.

This is what I wake up to every day. We live right in the middle of the city of Sydney, some days I love it, others I hate it.  I love the convenience of the city, everything is within walking distance. I loathe the pollution, the noise, the sirens, traffic and insane drivers.

Abigail is not allowed on the balcony unless we are out there with her. We have to constantly clean the balcony, due to pollution and dirt. Some nights I find myself sitting outside, watching the boats sail by, breathing in the salty breeze. The suits have commuted home to the suburbs, the buildings are quiet and dark.

A beautiful autumn afternoon in March...

xoxo