Journey to Bliss

It's still raining - part 2

2012-01-25T19:33:00.001+10:00

Well it's continued to be torrential on and off here last night and today. Oh and it's muggy, really sticky icky muggy, it's gross, the kids are gross, we are all gross. Thankfully this afternoon there has been a bit of reprieve with the heavy rain and DH came home early due to road closures and sever storm warnings (that were expected this afternoon, but we're canceled). So with a break in the heavy rain we decided to go outside and play with the kids in our sopping wet, water logged back hard.

The kids of course couldn't help but climb into the calm shell which was full of cold rain water and splash around.

DH and I than couldn't help ourselves and started wedding the gardens (they are beyond horrendous at the moment), a job made easier with the ground being so wet. The kids followed us around the yard and we all got well and truly muddy. Ahhh but we had a cool rain water bath so to speak to clean off in a bit, then it was inside for showers and proper clean ups.

A rather fun, and unexpected family afternoon together.

When it rains.....

2012-01-24T19:55:00.001+10:00

When it rains and someone is going a little stir crazy and needs a change of scenery, a circuit breaker if you please. What do you do? Send them outside to play. It's only water, right?

Yep he is in his undies, yep they are on inside out, but hey even with all this rain it is still muggy and sticky here, so fewer clothes make for happier kids.

Cohen enjoyed playing out in the rain for a little bit this morning and especially enjoyed using the chalk on the wet concrete and seeing how the colours came up more vibrantly than they would dry.

Weather forecasters are suggesting that we are in for more of this heavy rainfall through to and including the weekend, I think more outdoor rainy day fun may be had.

What activities do you do on rainy days?

What I've learnt from whirlwind travel with an infant and toddler.....

2012-01-23T14:24:00.001+10:00

Yesterday was one of the longest and tiring days this little family has had in a long time. We were up and on our way at the crack of dawn to get to the airport for our flight to Melbourne for 90th birthday celebrations for my DH's Gran.

Any other other time we or I have travelled to Melbourne it has involved a break of a couple of days and nights away. So please indulge me to a list of things I have learnt with whirlwind one day travelling and flying with kids, especially infants and toddlers.

* Be organised the night before, right down with clothes being laid out. Get yourself ready and then if you have to wake sleeping kids, get them ready at the last minute. Hopefully you can get them into the car sleepy enough to catch extra zzzz's on the way to the airport.

* Those squeezable fruit pouches for kids and babies (my kids never have them, but I thought they would be handy for travelling) are not a great idea with a grabby baby, especially if you didn't pack a change of clothes for yourself (of course the kids had changes of clothes).

* If you hire a car, take your kids car seats so they have travelling comfort they are used to. Also check and check and check again that anchor points in hire cars are tight and fitted properly (hire car companies are frequently changing them over and you're better to trust your judgement than the companies).

* iPads with a movie loved by your child and age appropriate apps are a blessing.
* You can do inflight crafts with an airsickness bag (another post to come on that one).
* A baby carrier is essential for the infant, so you can wrangle a toddler, bags, car seats and trolleys.

* If you take a child's loved comfort toy or teddy with you, treat him like a family member and frequently and I mean frequently do a head count and know where he is at.

I know I look a little weary in that last pic it was halfway through the flight down in the morning. But trust me we all perked up and we had a wonderful time, celebrating a wonderful women and a matriarch of a family.

Grocery Shopping with kids....

2012-01-19T13:49:00.001+10:00

The mere thought of grocery shopping with kids sends some parents into a panic. To be honest I can't blame them really, there is so much for kids to look at and touch and whine about. I will admit until a few months ago I dreaded the thought or possibility of grocery shopping with both of the kids with me. Opting to try and get it done on a day when Cohen is in family day care, or asking DH to do it the evening or if all else failed doing it as a family on the weekend. But honestly all those other options don't work for us anymore.

So I've just had to suck it up and find a way it works and keeps Cohen happy. Sarah on the other hand loves grocery shopping and you don't hear a peep out of her. Good thing I guess in some respects because the whole time we are shopping I am in constant no stop dialogue with Cohen.

"Mummy what's that?"
"Mummy can I have one of those?"
"Mummy who lives in there?", referring to deli and butchers area.
"Mummy I'm just going to get out and push", to which ends in disaster because he starts to get distracted.
"Mummy that man drew on himself", speaking about and pointing at a man with tattoos.
"Mummy I need to go to the toilet."
"Lady come back, I talk to you", which he yells to anyone who has given him a smile and a few words.

That's just a small idea of what our trips entail, and seriously that is the tame version. However I have been able to find a focus for him to calm our trips down a little recently. All it has taken is a small notebook and pen or pencil.

Although he can't write words yet, he scribbles zigzag lines which are his items he has on his shopping list. So now I get told:
"Mummy don't get that it's not on the list."
"Mummy we need carrots."
"Mummy we need everything, see?" Pointing to his list.

At least now when he is getting too crazy, I can ask him to sit down in the trolley and add things to his list, that he thinks we need. Just the simple act of remembering to have a notepad and pencil or pen, has made the world of difference to our grocery shopping trips. It reduces his insistence on everything else in the shop that he says he wants, cars, stickers, crayons, books, because now his mind is occupied about "his list and his responsibility".

But it's another story and another post for how to get through the checkout unscathed.
What are your secret weapons for keeping calm with grocery shopping when you have the kids in tow?

One day trip to Melbourne.....

2012-01-18T10:07:00.001+10:00

We are off to Melbourne on Sunday for the day. Yes you read that right for the day, flying out at the crack of dawn and flying home mid evening. Yes, before you ask the kids are coming. We are heading down for the DH's Gran's 90th birthday, who is otherwise affectionately known as Gigi by Cohen because he calls his daddy's mum Gran.

Are we nuts? One day whirlwind trip to Melbourne with a nearly 3 year old and a 11 month old! Even though there is no over night stay, I am finding it ever so hard to work out what to take.....you know for every event and circumstance to arise. Oh and I should add that DH has booked the flights so with exception of the two car seats we can only take carry-on baggage. I have to pack cloth nappies for a whole day, clothes, snacks, toys and or entertainment, camera, present and all the other regular handbag necessities.

This is the first time we have travelled with both of the kids, it's a lot different travelling with just one and staying for several days, but this is different we aren't going to have time to grab things once we land in Melbourne.

So I am needing some hard and fast tips from any of my readers who have done anything as crazy as dragging two little ones off on a whirlwind trip for one day and what you did to survive it? Also any tips on how to pack, considering what I have to take and that it's only carry-on baggage would be great.

Breastfeeding milestone........

2012-01-16T13:06:00.001+10:00

Have you ever noticed my ticker down the bottom of the right hand column there?
Do you know what it says today?

Two years ago today marks the point in which Cohen latched back onto my breast after I came home from hospital after a D&C for my second miscarriage and tried to nurse. Today marks the day the decision would be made to throw everything I had and more at trying to establish my supply again, and right the wrongs I felt I made in having taken him off the breast for those 3 months. Today marks second chances, special journeys, sweet moments and hard work.

I don't think mothers often stand up and say they are proud of themselves, but we should. Today I'm standing up to say I am proud, I'm proud of me, I'm proud of my darling boy, I'm proud of us. I'm proud of my family, I'm proud of my ever supportive husband who's support on this journey has been second to none. I'm emotional at the love and pride he has for our efforts. I'm proud of Sarah, who brings more love to this special journey and relationship and shares breastfeeding in tandem with her brother.

Today I am just proud.
What a milestone........2 years my re lactated booby boy, I love you.

One word to live by for 2012....

2012-01-12T09:39:00.001+10:00

It's been a busy start to the year, we've already squeezed in so much and I've been catching up on some more blog reading again. I was over at Maxabella Loves just the other day and read her one word to live by post for this year. She asked the question about, what her readers word to live by was for this year. So I've been thinking about it and all that I want achieve this year, and I've decided my word for 2012 is:

That's right, GO.........just give it a go. No doubts, no questioning ones self for too long, no letting doubts talk me out of it, no fear of failure or someone not taking notice......just give it a GO. If you never give it a GO, win, lose or otherwise you will never know the result, or meet the better you on the other side of those efforts. Everything on my list this year, I'm going to give a crack, give it a GO and just see what happens.

What's your world for 2012, I'd love to hear it? Why not pop back over to Maxabella Loves and link up with everybody else sharing their words for the year and be amongst other inspired people to this glorious start to 2012.

Cool fun for kids in the heat....

2012-01-11T12:53:00.001+10:00

Would you believe just in the last week summer has started to finally amp up the heat here, and our air conditioner looks like it has died, the compressor looks like its shot itself. Sad thing is we aren't in the market to buy a new air condition at the moment, although we knew it would need replacing at some point soon we were hoping we could get one coming into next summer.

Anyways the decision has been made and we will ride the heat out, but in lieu of an air conditioner, it's going to be cool and wet fun ideas here for my kiddies. This morning we went out on the other side of the house were I have a small concrete area out from the laundry and as the pictures show I just added water. Cool, happy, shaded, wet, playful kids learning, splashing, playing, loving, laughing.......

Bubbles, bubble machine, cups, watering cans, rock washing, spray bottles.....all fun.

That was a good hours worth of fun and when they got grubby it was a quick wash in the laundry sink.

If your copping the heat what are you doing with your little ones to keep cool and happy?

Memory Games...

2012-01-10T06:20:00.001+10:00

At two and a half Cohen is amazing us with his memory, recalling events and specific details from months ago even right up until about a year ago. So with that being said and Cohen's love for little games I have recently introduced him to a memory game I remember when I was a little girl in preschool and one of which I used in my Early Childhood Educator days as well.

It's been as easy as grabbing familiar items, we've been playing with up to five or six items.

Before we start to play, I go over the name of each item (sometimes colour as well).
Cover the items with a dark cloth or one that can't be seen through.

Then Cohen and I take turns to close our eyes whilst the other removes an item or two, and hides it behind their back.
Then it's a guessing game to what is missing.

Little games like this, especially with younger children of Cohen's age should have the child as a willing participant to the game. There is no point in forcing interest in such an activity unless the desire is already there. Memory games help build a child's concentration and attention span, not to mention countless other skills as well as social skills of turning taking and following instruction when playing simple games like this.

To simplify this game for your child you could group a few items together of two different colours your child knows the colour of and remove an item for your child to guess what colour is missing. But as it is with anything with your child, I'm sure you will have an idea of your child's limits and understanding of concepts, so with that being said experiment with the amount of items you begin playing with as well as colours, categories, textures. It really is a game with endless possibilities to tailor to your individual child's stage of understanding and development .

What are you reading.....

2012-01-08T13:36:00.001+10:00

You may have noticed I've added what I am reading to my side bar? When I am in the groove of reading regularly, I tend to have a habit of having several books, mags and periodicals on the go. Often I have reading material throughout the house in different locations, ready and waiting for where ever my backside may land for some moments of leisure.

I'm trying to get through his book Buddhism for Mothers of Young Children - Becoming a Mindful Parent. It was given to me as a gift and it has only been recently I have had time and opportunity to get back to reading.

What are others reading at the moment? Have you read this book? Have you heard the buzz about it ? Since I received this book I've heard so many others talking about it in my circles. Are others interested in reading along with me, and finding a calmer more peaceful way through and with our parenting? Are others interested in talking about the book and linking up for a discussion? If you're interested please leave a comment and depending on interest I will arrange a Linky for us all.

Going through the archives.....

2012-01-06T14:09:00.001+10:00

With all the changes I want to start facilitating here, this morning perched up in bed I started reading back through my posts right from the start to now. Oh my goodness how much has happened, how much I have learnt and how much I have to learn about this whole blogging thing. I have a lot of work ahead of me breaking down content to be more readable and accessible. So much of my grief journey and re lactation reads like epic diary entries without pictures. If there is one thing I've learnt from reading blogs and writing my two blogs, is that your readers don't want to be faced with mass blocks of text without any break. However in saying that I am also very grateful to all my readers to date who have walked all these emotional journeys with me reading my posts without pictorial relief.....oh how I have thrown epic posts at you, oh so many of them.

See above that's epic isn't it? There are so many of these. My goodness, it surprises me now people read them.

Yesterday I was also looking at my blog stats and it was surprising to see the blog posts that are most frequently viewed. Viewing the stats for the most read posts has been reassuring to me about the changes in direction with the blog and what I want to do to help others.

Above anything else though, it's amazing how much we have done and been through on our journey as parents so far. Reading back over posts this morning I've been taken back to moments, good, bad and otherwise in the last few years.

I'm curious though how others have gone about the changes in their own blogs? Did you start out with a direct purpose ie. craft blog to teach and inspire others or were you like me a rambler of life ponderings and life's ups and downs? How have your blogs changed?

Start the morning with Bircher....

2012-01-05T08:20:00.001+10:00

I shared with you all recently that we are embarking on lifestyle changes, permanent, sustaining ones in 2012, and everything from meals to routines and everything else in between is being examined. So the start to our days is being looked at, my breakfasts with kids have always been healthy with fruit, toast and Wheatbix generally on offer. But with all our efforts in place and going full steam at the moment I am upping the ante on everything. Yesterday I gave scrambled eggs another go in a hope that Cohen may have found a fondness for them since the last offering........no such luck.

But one thing I know he does love is porridge and one breakfast I absolutely adore is Bircher muesli. So with that in mind I thought I would offer up my little combo and see if he enjoyed it and to also give myself a more sustained start to the day, rather than the toast and coffee habit I have fallen into since Sarah's birth.

Trudie's Bircher Muesli

(I am never an exact cook with measurements......I like to say that's how the magic happens, so bare with me and my use of measurements).

In a large bowl or airtight container place:
* two good, large handfuls of rolled oats
* a small handful of shredded coconut
* a grated apple.....red or green whatever you have on hand
* a good sprinkling of cinnamon.....probably about a teaspoon and half or to your tastes

Mix all together then cover mixture with milk or fruit juice ie. apple juice. I use milk as apple juice is too loaded with sugar most times. The milk or juice should just cover the mixture, give it another stir around and then cover with cling wrap or airtight lid and put in refrigerator over night.

In the morning serve out into bowls with a sprinkle of sultanas, nuts (I used crushed walnuts because that's what I had on hand, but almonds and seeds like sunflower seeds work well too), also add a dollop of natural yogurt, sliced banana and a drizzle of honey.

I guarantee you that it will be the yummiest of starts you will of had to your morning in ages. These rough measurements will give you about 3 small serves. Give it a go and if you have any troubles with measurements and your results let me know, otherwise play around with it and the nut and fresh fruit combos to your tastes.

Enjoy.

Oh and Cohen's verdict was yum and he cleaned his bowl out and asked for more. Oh and obviously for little ones omit any ingredients of concern like nuts when serving.

Pay it Forward.....

2012-01-04T07:47:00.001+10:00

This morning before my two poppets were awake I was sitting in bed catching up on my blog reading and so forth. Reading up on the happenings of the gorgeous Love Elycia, and her post reminded me that I was part of a Pay It Foward challenge amongst my friends on Facebook last year. The challenge was to make something handmade for the first 5 people who commented on my status at that point. Then I had 12 months in that time to make and send a little handmade love off to them.

So guess what? I'm going to do this again both here and over at My Vintage Vow, so that will mean 10 people in total will get a little handmade love from me some point within the next twelve months.

All you have to do is be a follower and be one of the first 5 people to leave comment and a way of contacting you and I will get lurking about your blogs to suss out a little something special for you.

Please also leave a comment if you're not one of the 5 but you have been inspired to pay it forward too.

Oh and if there are already 5 comments here and you'd still love a chance t a little handmade love from me pop on over to My Vintage Vow and see if there is still a chance for you there.

Teeny photoshoot sneak peak....

2012-01-03T20:16:00.001+10:00

Just before the new year we had our photoshoot day, to try and catch some pics for the blog redesign and overhaul. Between Kerri-Anne of KMCT Photography and I are working in photo editing at the moment. It's still too early in the game to know which images I'm going to settle on and I can't go showing you them all......at least not yet anyway. But I wanted to share this pic that was snapped of Cohen and I.

I've been playing around with different filters and so forth on my iPad with the Pixlromatic app.

Not only was the photoshoot fun it also was a great afternoon out of family fun again. I'm so excited about all the possibilities in all the elements of my life this year , including this here blog. Please remember I have a call out for contributors and people to guest post, so pop on over to the post I've linked and have a read. Even if it's not something up your alley, be sure to let your other blog buddies know who might be interested......I really want to share the blog love around with all these upcoming changes.

Moments like these....

2012-01-02T13:28:00.001+10:00

Well DH is back to work tomorrow, so this morning we packed up the kids early and headed out for a fun morning for daddy's last day off with us.

We found Cohen's response to getting into the water strange. He loves his swimming lessons on a Saturday morning at a near by pool and he is very proficient. However today in the saltwater and very gentle tiny waves he was uncertain and seemed to have forgotten all that he has learnt and kept clammering to hold onto daddy even though they were in water deep enough for him to stand up. Has anyone else had this reaction with children, because of the change in location of swimming ie. pool vs beach, lagoon etc.

But despite Cohen's apprehensions we still had a wonderful morning as you can see.

I love solider crabs they remind me of fun times as a kid running across big sandy flats and hearing thousands of scamppering claws.

Sarah was done at this point, but who wouldn't be after trying to eat sand, I ask you. Finally there is daddy, it's been nice having him home and we've only hit our stride with him being around morning, noon and night the last few days. Here's to hoping that 2012 brings more fun, and health to us.

Happy new year for TwentyTwelve.....

2012-01-01T19:48:00.001+10:00

It has been an utterly splendid start to the new year here, everything has made my day. It is going to be an awesome year, I just know it. The trees across the road from our house have been playing hosts to huge black cockatoos on and off all day. They rarely visit but when conditions are right we see them and I always get so excited, something about them just fills me with such joy and positivity. If I'm honest when they do visit, I tell myself they are doing it just for me because I delight in them so much. I took their arrival today as a sign, that it's going to be a tremendous year.

I didn't get any of my own pics (image source) this time, because I was so in the moment about hearing their sqwarking that I grabbed Cohen's hand and we went running outside to see them. We then sat quietly on the footpath across the road from our house when we saw they were in lower branches just mere meters away from us. It was honestly the most magical part of my day to have Cohen and I share that moment, he was so entranced and quiet sitting on my lap. As we watched the cockatoo peel bark of the branches, Cohen whispered quietly to the bird do you want to see my smiley face (stamp for top behaviour today).....awww he is cute. I tell you what that kid puts a smiley face in my heart.

How has the new year greeted you? What has delighted you in the dawn of a new year? What ever it is or however you've spent your day, I hope it was magic.

I want you.....

2011-12-30T20:04:00.001+10:00

I hinted the other day that with the blog overhaul to start taking place over the next few weeks that I'm also looking for contributors and people to guest post. So this post is a little shout out, bulletin board, put your thinking caps on sort of post.

When I started this blog it was a way of helping myself through my grief of losing Elle & Meg, so I could come through in one piece and to continue my journey forward to build a family and live a happy and inspired life being creative as well. Since becoming a mum my posts have taken on a wide scope of topics, for example:
* breastfeeding
* re lactating
* natural parenting
* cloth nappies
* arts, crafts, play
* relationships, marriage
* home life
* pregnancy
* life and just everything else in between

Although I started this blog for me primarily, over time it has become more than that, I have had people contact me privately sharing their own experiences with the loss of a pregnancy or a child, I've had mums contact me about wanting to resume breastfeeding and needing encouragement with re lactation. Then there are others who have commented on a post or contacted me privately activities about activities I do with the kids etc. Earlier this year (2 more days and we start another one...wow) I was very honoured to be contacted by Early Play Australia and asked was asked if I would link up with them so they could use me a reference or resource, for others looking for similar content on line.

So with all the above in mind and my hearts intention I'm wanting to make Journey to Bliss so much more for my readers and those who will surely come in future to join us. That is therefore why I am on search for you, my blogging buddies, I will be looking for people to guest post about things I mentioned in my bullet points above. But I am also on a particular look out for others who might like to be a regularly contributor under the banner of natural parenting.......breastfeeding, cloth nappies, Waldorf, pregnancy etc.

If anything I am suggesting is sparking an interest in you , please don't hesitate to contact me at journeytobliss(at)bigpond(dot)com(dot)au so that we can start plotting and planning.

Capturing the new header image.....

2011-12-29T05:37:00.001+10:00

Well today's the day.

I am off with my little family for a photoshoot which if all goes to plan will result in an amazing new header image for my blog redesign that will start to take shape soon. I am working with a friend of a friend who has recently started a photography business in the last 6 months, and we are hoping to scratch each others back so to speak with this project.

I don't want to reveal too much about the location or the image and what we are going to try and achieve today. But suffice to say we are relying on mother nature to play into our hands a little bit. If she doesn't play into our hands, we are just going to have to go for Plan B.

I am excited about the changes that are to come in the new year here with Journey to Bliss, I hope you are too. I hope you will continue to stay tuned over coming weeks as I am piecing together other plans and will be on the search for contributors and guest posts.

Christmas Eve better late than never....

2011-12-28T08:44:00.001+10:00

Yes I know I talked up everyone popping in to share there Christmas Eve highlights here, and then I just don't pop up my head for a few days. Good reasons though.....I've been sick and trying to fight off a cold that wanted to take over into the start of a chest infection Christmas morning. Hence I was awake at 3am trying to cough quietly if there is such a thing, so I wouldn't have the whole house awake at such a silly hour.

Despite me being sick, DH is also off work for 10 consecutive days so I have been opting for logging off and turning off gadgets and enjoying time with him and the kids. So with all that being said, I still wanted to pop in share some Christmas Eve moments with you....albeit late.

Christmas Eve during the day and someone was already zonked.

Movie day and family time.

Silly buggers.

Making garland to decorate Santa's treat basket.

Shortbread baked and packaged up to drop in our neighbours for a few Christmas Eve drinks.

Home again to prepare Santa's treat basket.

Not to forget the reindeer, sprinkles of reindeer food and carrots.

Oh the thrill and excitement.

What mystery have you built.....

2011-12-23T06:43:00.001+10:00

Surrounding the bearded man in the red suit on Christmas Eve? What have told your children about Santa? How does he get in the house, if you don't have a chimney? Does Santa like mummy and daddy's choice in snack and beverage? What do the reindeer do whilst Santa is in the house?

With Cohen only being two and a half, we're getting out of most of these questions pretty easy at the moment. But some of his thoughts and impressions are entertaining. Like Santa would like rice and water to snack on after visiting our house.

We've got a few little mystery building tricks up our sleeve for Christmas Eve. Don't you just love the magic, mystery and secrecy that is Christmas and Santa?

Be sure to pop back in when you get a chance and share your Christmas Eve here.

Your place on Christmas Eve....

2011-12-22T15:45:00.001+10:00

'Twas the night before Christmas and all in the house......
I'm so interested to hear and see what others will be doing, sharing, enjoying on Christmas Eve. I'd love to see pics that have captured the spirit of what is happening on Christmas Eve in your family. I'm not organised with a "linky" tool installed (I will be right in top of that stuff in the new year after the redesign), but I would be ever so happy if you would leave a comment with a link to your Christmas Eve, so I and others can share and enjoy these moments and the spirit and the magic that is Christmas Eve, before the big day.

I love this pic I edited that my mum took of Cohen after he had finished decorating their tree the other weekend.

Anyways I hope you will join me in showing off your Christmas Eve.

Time to fess up....

2011-12-22T08:22:00.001+10:00

As of the new year this little family is embarking on a lifestyle change. Since my pregnancy with Sarah, I have not been as healthy as I once was. DH has struggled for many years, carrying excess weight, and due to his eating habits despite my healthy stints over the years he has battled to keep it off permanently. It is all to apparent now with Cohen being two and half how he is aware of things. If we don't look at making these lifestyle changes and have them sustained for the future we are setting him, Sarah and any future children up for a life of bad habits.

What we consider as bad habits, others may not, but nonetheless it's time for us to tweak our lifestyle in the places where we know we have slacken off and start a fresh and stop having ourselves and our children suffer in the long run.

So in the new year we as a family are:
* reducing sugar intake as much as possible, confession is DH and I are major sweet treaters
* DH is going to kick his Diet Coke addiction, this is a biggie I joke sometimes that he is a junkie looking for a fix
* concentrate on family exercise together, our lives and schedules are too busy to grant us both time away to do our own thing in this department
* have a back up plan for those days when things don't go to plan and you opt for takeaway as an easy out

More simple back up plans like vegetarian homemade pizzas would be good.

These a four pretty broad points but actually involve a lot of little intricacies that we need to fess up to and get sorted on. I know that we are already off to a significant start on things because we rarely buy processed foods in our grocery shop, so our home is a reasonable safe zone in regards to temptations. It will be about managing those times when we are out and about and when we have jammed packed weekends.

As I said before these might not seem like major points for some but we know they are for this family and if we can make these changes and sustain them there will be significant changes and fun times ahead for this family. For DH it will be a leaner, healthier version of himself, for me it will be a healthier, stronger version of me who is organised on the bad days with healthy options. Most of all for our kids there will be healthier parents, as it is now Cohen has a very healthy diet but he goes to battle with us because he sees us eating bad things we tell him he can't have. These changes will reduce issues and backlash, and give us more time and energy for our family time. For the last reason alone it is enough reason to say, it's time for change.

Are there changes ahead for your family in the new year?

Fun times....

2011-12-16T13:52:00.001+10:00

It's a great time of year, isn't it? Lots of questions being asked by intriguing minds. Smiles, laughs and tickles at funny stories about the jolly old man in the red suit. Reflective times for mumma's and dadda's of how much has happened in a year. How much they have grown, how much more is to come.

It's been another big year for this little family, and next year will undoubtedly be the same with so many exciting plans and thoughts. So much to happen here and so much to happen for me, us, our family hopefully. Although I've been preparing for Christmas happily, somewhere out of the blue today I think the spirit of Christmas really invaded me.......I'm getting so excited.

The yummiest pancake concoction.......you must try.

2011-12-14T13:49:00.001+10:00

Wholemeal Apple and Cinnamon Pancakes with Ricotta and Honey

1 cup wholemeal self raising flour
1 1/3 cup of milk
1 egg
A dash of vanilla extract
About half a teaspoon of cinnamon....sorry I'm not an exact cook, I like to freestyle things on a regular basis.

Mix above ingredients in with one grated granny smith apple.

Cook them up and voila you have got the yummiest breakfast, brunch, lunch or snack and healthy too. We had them for lunch with a generous dollop of ricotta and drizzling of honey.

Sometimes I surprise myself with a good little recipe on the fly.

How are your kids handling.....

2011-12-13T14:27:00.001+10:00

this time of the year? How are your kids, your family holding up? I don't ever like playing into theories about kids and their behaviours, because I tend to feel that you can have them or yourself live up to those opinions........particularly if they aren't the most positive ones.

I have lost count of the amount of people, caregivers, parents, whoever saying that their kids or kids they look after are running ratty, that it's the end of the year and they are over it. I'm hearing things like the kids aren't behaving as well as they normally would and the kids are tired and that bad behaviours are worse than ever.

Image from here.

Is this true? Why do you think it's true? If this theory is indeed fact amongst others, my opinion is that I think it's got a lot more to do with parents and the stresses we are all under at this time of the year. As a result kids being kids feel these vibes and tensions in their parents and caregivers and respond accordingly.

Changing your way of thinking.......

2011-12-09T13:22:00.001+10:00

I know I was just saying yesterday that I have been busy with the silly season and not much time to work on the more nitty gritty posts I have been wanting to do. However a beautiful and enlightening conversation with DH last night has had me wanting to rush in and share with you.

You see DH and I are in amidst of another baby boom amongst our friends, I have several friends who are expecting and a few friends who have given birth in the last few months and as most recent as last week. I was checking my Facebook last night and saw that a friend in Melbourne (first time mummy) is struggling with an unsettled little mister. So I made the suggestion of a baby carrier, it was nice to see others supportive of that suggestion and also recommend some of the better carriers on the market. All while this was happening I was informing DH of the conversation that was taking place, as we have both known this new mummy since she was in her late years of primary school.

It was through relaying the conversation to DH, I really saw how much he has actually taken in about my natural parenting ways. When I say my ways, I mean it in as much as that he has always been supportive and in agreeance, but along the way he has found it difficult with some aspects. For example when I eventually opted for Sarah co-sleeping full time out of desperation to get sleep, DH would keep verbalising his opinion that's not where she should be.

So as we spoke last night about our new mummy friend who is struggling and all our other expecting, want-to-be expecting friends and just about parenting in general, I heard him say the following:
"I just think now about what I have heard you quote, that if you were stuck on a desert island with you baby with no baby books, no help, no family, no one giving you advice or tidbits, you would parent your child instinctively. You would breast feed your baby, you would carry your baby and you would sleep with your baby."
He went on to say and explain that is why he has relaxed his way of thinking on anything he was having lingering resistance to on the parenting front.

I must say I was so pleased and so proud of him that he is now fully in a place where he recognises and understands all the benefits of what we are doing in raising our children. He admits now that his previous resistance to certain things along the way has been about him, and society type opinions and pressures. Prior to last nights conversation I already had a DH who would openly talk to anyone that would listen about clothing nappying and baby wearing but now I have a husband who is fully accepting of co-sleeping as well (rather than being accepting out of necessity) I'm so proud of the voice and advocate he has become on many aspects of natural parenting. To my DH, it's amazing what our little blessings teach us along the way isn't it? You are a remarkable daddy and our children or lucky to have a daddy like you.

Come on in it's Christmas....

2011-12-08T09:20:00.001+10:00

I know haven't been around posting as much the last couple of weeks, I'm probably no different to many others out there who's calendars are filling up with the silly season heavily upon us. Unfortunately it means something had to give and I guess it's resulted in the odd post here and there. But on with sharing you a snapshot of Christmas decorating. We have a heap of baubles leftover and some battery powered lights. So DH and I put our heads together and we now have a little Christmas cheer on our entrance table.

The pics don't show how lovely it really is and the nice ambience that it gives when it's dark. It's been extra nice the last few days with all the rain and heavy cloud cover we have been having, because it's been dark enough during the day to have the lights on to appreciate them as well.

Anyways best be off to create some more Christmas cheer, I'll in again soon to show you what we've been up to.

Bring a plate.....

2011-12-05T11:45:00.001+10:00

Cohen is off to family day care this morning and they are having a Christmas party because one of the kids will be finishing up for the year soon. So our day care mum has asked for us to bring along a plate of food for the party.

I'm generally the mum who would send the fruit platter or other healthy alternative but for a change I had plans of making something "naughty", I had planned on making these yummies.

However after a million trips out yesterday, which also included several trips into the supermarket I still forgot to buy cream to make them. By the time I got Sarah settled down last night I was exhausted and knew I still had to rustle something up for this morning. So I present to you my abstract version of a rudolph treat, using just three ingredients.

I just soften the biscuits in the oven as per the original recipe instructions. Melted chocolate and divided into between the cookie cups and popped on some raspberries. As I mentioned before I would never normally do something like this for a kids party, so I added extra raspberries for good measure.

Creating Cheer...

2011-12-04T14:56:00.001+10:00

My mum called me during the week and asked if we could pop over to their house this weekend so that Cohen could help decorate the Christmas tree. It was a nice morning and my brother was even in attendance for family festivities. It pleased me greatly to see my brother making so much effort with interacting with both the kids and being so kind, careful and considerate to them. Here are a few pics from this morning......it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

The intended and unintended day....

2011-12-01T19:35:00.001+10:00

My day has been a mixture of the intended and unintended today. The intended saw me listening to a friend who visited who really needs some help and comfort at the moment. I hope she left feeling as though I was able to assist her.

The unintended has seen my "to do list" being ignored in favour of fun for the remainder of the day.

So the kids and I went for a little walk out front and across the road from our house and Cohen selected these goodies.

Today it was all about crunchy handfuls for dead leaves.....it's so funny to see what inspires children's minds.

I have intend all week to make a sensory dough and finally got around to it whilst the kids napped. I didn't however intend on putting baking powder in it instead of cream of tartar, so when I realised my mistake I added both. My intentions were good and it looks like it still turned out. I didn't add colouring this time and opted for mixed spices instead......reminiscent of Christmas baking. I will halve the batch so one can be used for adding tinsel and beads and so forth to it.

I've also unpicked a pair of Cohen's shorts to use as a pattern for some Christmas shorts I'm making him from fat quarters.

And I have fiddled with a bag design for my business.

So there you go sometimes it's good to sit back and let your day take a detour from the intended.

I'm a different person now...

2011-11-30T12:34:00.001+10:00

I've been working on this post for weeks now, starting, deleting, editing, starting from scratch and back again. I've struggled to put into context the words and feeling behind what I have wanted to say. But this morning I read my girlfriends rather personal post over at Things I Do and it just allowed my own words to free up to tell you my story of how I am doing with my journey through issues with anxiety due to my grief, PTSD and so forth.

I haven't posted about this journey in some time and how my grief work over Ella and Meg and subsequent loses has been going. Mainly because I have been under the care of a physcologist for eighteen months now. Somewhere along the line in my pregnancy with Sarah, my other anxiety issues relating to family stresses were put into a manageable context and place for me. I don't ever post much about my family (mum, dad, and younger brother) as there are a lot of complex issues and I also don't want family to read something and for me to feel I need to justify speaking about them in context to my issues........so please bare with me as when I am speaking about family I will only refer to things in a general context, rather than specifically to do with them.

So where was I? That's right I was saying that things have been put into a manageable context. What I mean but that is I have been able to identify through my therapy what triggers I have with the family and with planning ahead of time I can reduce my physical and emotional reactions. In relation to my PTSD relating to the losing Elle and Meg, well that is always an on going journey. I have periods of time when flashbacks become regular, but I have no control over when they come or how long they last. Flashbacks don't come all that often these days but do increase with lack of sleep and you all know sleep has been an interesting concept with Sarah still not sleep through. However since reducing expectations and having her cot side car to our bed, it has helped me be more rested and calm and therefore my PTSD symptoms have reduced significantly.

To be honest though, before putting Sarah's cot side car to our bed, I was in an emotionally bad place again and hanging on by a thread with sleep deprivation and flashbacks. So my doctor strongly suggested I take a small dose of anti-depressants. It was the first time since losing the girls that I just accepted that I really needed the extra help with AD's. But as it was with me being busy with my two I kept forgetting to take them. But after a month of regular session with my physiologist and establishing Sarah into side car co-sleeping things were on the improve and I just stopped taking them because I felt I had clarity again. I should note though I have been on AD's during another phase of my life many years ago now for an extended time. However I have found this around being more aware of triggers and how to manage things has been a lot more beneficial, at least for me anyway.

Overall in the last eighteen months I have changed and despite the diagnosis of PTSD and so forth I have actually become a lot more relaxed, stress free, calmer, happier and care free than I have been in a really long time. I don't sweat much of the small stuff any more, I have structures in place to deal with difficulties like my family, I have boundaries and I have the ability to say I need help if things a piling up on me. Although I can't change what is, and what has happened in the last few years especially with losing the girls. I have found that place along the way to be thankful for what I have received out the journey so far, which is this new me that I like a lot, it feels like I'm emerging into the me I've always wanted to be. Of course my issues are a work in progress, but at least I know have a support plan and system in place with my physiologist. Who knows how long I will continue to be in therapy, but I do know it will at least for now be another year or more with our plans to expand our family further next year. Sheer madness some of those close to me may say, that we are going to try and get on the baby wagon again some time next year..........but hey it's part of our Journey to Bliss through all these trials and tribulations in the last few years. So who know for now what may happen with my emotional journey from now, but at least for now I'm growing happier and happier again.

Christmas Craft with a milestone reached for good measure....

2011-11-29T14:05:00.001+10:00

This morning I set Cohen up with some paint stamping with Christmas cookie cutters. I have loads of leftover scrapbooking album pages leftover and thought Cohen could stamp them and we could cut them up to make Christmas cards, as he has been enjoying scribbling on paper and folding it and saying it's my birthday card. So with that in mind you can see the idea I was running with, so I set him up like so.

Just a bit of a tip (from my teaching days) for those who are scared about this paint activity as an indoor activity with little ones. Pour a little paint into a takeaway container, add a little water and a good squirt of dish washing liquid and mix it around. Get a cheapie kitchen sponge and place it in the container, let it soak up the mixture a little and turn it over if necessary. It makes for a lot neater, cleaner way of facilitating the activity and makes clean up so much easier.

So as I was saying Cohen had decided on green and although you can't see it in the pics we added silver glitter paint as well, and agreed when it dried we would also draw on the cardboard with crayons.

When time for drawing came, after a few little scribbles over some of the paint Cohen decided to flip the cardboard over to draw on the other side, and look what he did.

His first ever clear attempt of a full body with head, arms and legs. I am so proud of him and there was lots of cheering and cuddles. But now I'm stuck with a problem, do I still cut them all up to make cards, as he has drawn huge faces on the back of all the card stock which is 12" x 12". Perhaps I should leave it up to the artist, in case he has changed his mind about making cards.

Some extra special Christmas magic....

2011-11-27T07:05:00.001+10:00

If you want to build on the mystery and magic that is Christmas and all that is Santa, you must, must, must check out Magic Santa.

It allows you to have a recorded video message from Santa for your child, with Santa addressing your child by name and with other specific information you will have entered. I could get carried away and tell you just how amazing it is in every detail, but I will just let you see for yourself, it will leave you wanting one for yourself.

If your child gets a video message from Santa, I would love to hear about your child's reaction.

Salt Dough Ornaments....

2011-11-26T05:34:00.001+10:00

Salt dough would have to be one of the easiest things to whip up for your kids, very few homes wouldn't have flour, salt and water available. What better way to get the kids started on the Christmas decorating with making some ornaments. The original recipe calls for fours cups of flour to a cup of salt. But because I didn't have a full cup of salt this is what I did.

Salt Dough
2 cups plain flour
1/2 cup salt
water to moisten

Mix flour and salt together and gradually add small amounts of water until you are able to form a dough. The dough should not be wet, so just add enough that allows you to start forming a ball that is still dry but can flattened out without crumbling. You can add food colouring to the water or do what I did which was add a small amount directly to the dough whilst kneading to give a marbled effect.

Roll out and using cookie cutters press out your designs. For the hole I just used a chopstick to make a large enough hole. Then into the oven at 150 degrees for an hour, but do check to see if they have any give because if they do you will want to give them more time in the oven to dry out.

So many variations on designs ie.adding glitter, letting kids paint them when they cool down, drawing with felt tips, pasting onto them......possibilities are endless really.

Wet play, frozen fun...

2011-11-25T13:15:00.001+10:00

DH gave me the heads up earlier in the week that the end of the week might be wet weather days. So I knew I would need to be organised with things to occupy Cohen with outdoor play and outings being limited. So with a bit if pre-planning and being inspired by my stalkings over at Counting Coconuts and sensory tubs. I got out a large kitchen tray and some of the kids toys and odds and ends and put them in the tray and filled it with water and into the freezer it went.

Both the kids had fun investigating it at first.

Then Cohen got to thinking about how he was going to get the toys or treasure as he called it out.

My camera battery ran out whilst Cohen played, but he ended up freeing everything and placing it in the tray I provided. Some toys still had huge chunks of ice still hanging off them and Sarah enjoyed picking them up and sucking on them. Once Cohen had freed all the toys and he was left with tiny pieces of smashed ice, more imaginative play stepped in, with him declaring that they were his ice lollies.

While summer is hanging about I think I will try and do one of these a week. Even if it ends up being rainy you can still do this inside as we have, I just turned a huge plastic lid I have from the kids blocks container upside down and put a towel underneath for absorbency.

Mummy blog blah....

2011-11-25T07:01:00.001+10:00

I do quite a bit of blog reading each day and there seems to be a bit of "blogging blah" as I would call it going on. There are a lot of bloggers missing in action at the moment and then there are others who are posting but mentioning and quoting that they are struggling to word their posts or find inspiration. Although I've noticed it with a lot of mummy blogs, to be honest I'm noticing it right across the board with the blogs I follow and different genres.

In fact just the other day I started a post about how I have several meaty subjects lined up to talk about but I'm struggling to have the words flow, like how I would like to read it if you know what I mean? Is this "blogging blah" like the end of the year crawl when working full time and you're just desperate for a few weeks off and some free space in the head to zone out.

Either way I don't know what the answer is, but all I know is despite ideas, goals and projects I'm working on behind the scenes sometimes you just need to step back and let life be the cue. I think we can so often live in a headspace of continuous thought about the future that we sometimes need to scale things back. So in respect to Creating Calm this month and the upcoming silly season, I'm going to put the serious stuff on the back burner and get on with fun stuff and sharing that with you all.

The new year will see a new look coming for Journey to Bliss, with me getting stuck into some meaty subjects but there will always still be lots of fun to share. Oh and I'm brewing another idea and plan for an awesome weekly feature.

Sharing some bloglove....

2011-11-24T13:13:00.001+10:00

I haven't shared some bloglove for a while and I have been inspired to this past week, whilst plotting, preparing and planning for the silly season. Although I used to work in child care many years ago (now feels like a lifetime ago) I sometimes need a little reminder and inspiration of different things I could do for the kids or in particular Cohen at this point in time. Of course with the silly season approaching it's always good to have different and exciting activities for little ones to enjoy.

So I've been doing a spot of stalking over at Counting Coconuts and checking out some of the coolest sensory tub ideas. I'm totally and utterly re-inspired with ideas for the kids.

Pic from Counting Coconuts
Check out this cool transport sensory tub. But given it is heading into the silly season I am now brewing a great little idea for a Christmas sensory tub.

On a more personal note whilst sharing some bloglove. It pleases me so much to see that one of my most dearest IRL friends has found her blogging love again and has started a new blog this week. She is an incredibly intelligent and creative mumma with knowledge and experience in vast fields from Beauty Therapy through to Education Technology. I'm excited to see where her blogging antics will take her, and knowing her as I do she will definitely be someone to keep an eye on. If you need a nudge to pop on over and have a look she is offering a giveaway of handmade soaps. So pop on over to Things I do.
If I'm really honest it will be nice having one of my beasties to blog talk with he hehe.

Plotting and planning this week....

2011-11-22T18:57:00.001+10:00

I'm busy this week with several projects and gatherings on the horizon, not to mention Christmas planning. I have shopping of all descriptions to do.......grocery, fruit and veg, meat, crafting and Christmas shopping and if I can fit in some op shopping that will be some down time for me. I've got a to-do list that is growing longer and longer and meal plans and some special organising to undertake. One of the most important dishes I need to plan for this week is for a morning tea I am hosting on Friday. I have a bunch of mummy friends coming here on Friday morning for a morning tea recipe swap. Everyone has been asked to bring a plate of something savoury or sweet with a copy of the recipe to share with all the other mummas.

I'm having the morning tea because it has been a seriously busy year for us and many other families I know and so many of us haven't had much opportunity to catch up with one another. Would you believe there are even some us with babies who are crawling and trying to walk now and we haven't seen each other since the birth if our babes or longer.

I'm rather looking forward to the morning tea, but I do need to get my skates on and knuckle down and commit to what I'm making and get my house in order for this influx of mummas and little ones that will be here on Friday morning.

I hope the morning is successful and that I have some nice pics to show you from the day. Now I'm off on a search for inspiration.

Daddy and Daughter moments.....

2011-11-21T19:35:00.001+10:00

Do you know how long it has been for us to get to moments like these?

About eight months to be precise......ok perhaps not precise but thereabouts.
In the last month Sarah has been happy to be soothed and settled by her daddy. It's something I think both daddy and daughter have needed and if I'm truthful it's what mummy has needed too.

Although Sarah is still very much a mummy's girl and doesn't like me straying far from her, I can see each day how her confidence is growing in different ways and with different people. As a family we are all very much looking forward to the Christmas break, because daddy will be home for ten days. It will be good for all of us, but especially for Sarah I think it will be the longest period of time he will have been off work in any one stretch since Sarah was born. I am so looking forward to capturing more of these moments.

Finding calm with baby....

2011-11-18T13:43:00.001+10:00

I just attended my ABA meeting for this month, this morning. It's so nice that our meetings are on a Friday now because Cohen is at family day care and it allows me to be a lot more hands on in our group. This post was prompted by some things I have been mulling over myself but more so by a conversation with one of the new mums that joined our meeting today.

I overheard her talking about her babies sleep "problems" and how things are difficult with her daughter, something I can definitely sympathise with. I offered some suggestions of things that have been suggested to me from other well meaning people. But it wasn't until I heard myself offering my "own" advice that I really heard my own voice and realised how we have found some calm with Sarah and her sleep "problems". I just told this new mum to stop worrying about the sleep, just got with the flow. Stop saying to yourself maybe when he/she gets their issue with their wind sorted maybe he/she will sleep through. Stop saying, wishing, hoping, mentally pleading that once he/she reaches other development points or milestones maybe they will sleep better.

It was at that point that I heard my own words clearly and realised that things have been so much better since I have dropped expectation in regards to sleep with Sarah and just let be what will be. As it is she still doesn't sleep through the night, feeds frequently and during the day she only will nap if I lay down with her to feed and that isn't always a given she will sleep either. I of corse try and provide opportunity and environment for to nap each day, but who knows on which day it will play out.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that life is a lot calmer with a baby when you drop expectation and just let life, that precious little life be and find their own way to what they are needing with your help, assistance and nurturing. When you just let things be, you just start getting on with things and stop sitting around complaining you're not getting anything done, because baby won't sleep.

To be honest right now in my life I have never been busier with being a SAHM, looking after my two, being wife, writing two blogs and trying to work on building my business as well as working on other plans and projects. I'm just so glad that I have stopped the sitting around hoping and praying Sarah will rest and sleep and I have just got in with it. As a result Cohen gets a better me because I'm not so worked up on getting his sister to sleep. I also just get to see and appreciate both my children in different and new ways and just accept that that sleep or no sleep this is who they are.

Cheekily as I post this though, I must share the above pic. We left our ABA meeting and within seconds of being in the car she fell asleep. So when we came home and I got her out of the car she stayed asleep, so I figured I would try putting her down. What do you know she has slept for an hour and just woke moments ago and is now feeding.......how's that for having no expectation, I got rewarded today.

Harvest time....

2011-11-17T18:56:00.001+10:00

With the kids being sick this week there hasn't been much outdoor play. I haven't wanted to drag the kids in and outdoors with their hacking coughs and change of temperature back indoors to air conditioning. However during a cooler moment this week we watered our veggie patch and checked on our baby carrots and determined it was harvest time.

See the orange top Cohen?

They aren't the prettiest looking baby carrots.

But they're yummy.

Creating Calm when kids are sick...

2011-11-15T13:36:00.001+10:00

I have both kids sick at the moment with cracking, croaking coughs. Not to mention the heat has kick up a notch in the last week. So I have two whining sick unhappy kids, having meltdowns left, right and centre. So I have endeavoured to try and give Cohen quiet, calm activities to keep him settled and out of the heat.

As it was this morning I just had to get out of the house to Spotlight to pick up some craft and sewing supplies, as I have must finish projects to do by the end of the week. Whilst there my mind was finally jogged to a little fine motor activity I wanted to put together for Cohen.

His little activity is currently working a treat for creating a bit of calm when it's all to much for the little guy. So for about $8 I picked up some plastic cross stitch canvas boards, and a packet of plastic needles with blunt and rounded ends and we are in business (I already had some rainbow coloured cheap yarn here at home).

If you'd like to give this little activity a go at home with your little ones, I've already got a few suggestions that might help.

* If you have young ones like Cohen (he is 2 and half) I think it's best to go with the small shaped boards, so that they don't get frustrated and fumble with the bigger boards.

* Use a small ply yarn so that they are able to thread it through easily.

* Keep yarn length no longer then the length from the centre of your child's chest to an outstretched arm, otherwise with too much pooling yarn and wool they will get frustrated with not being able pull all the yarn through easily.

Hope you have some success with this activity if you choose to give it a go. It's a great no mess activity, which I'm pleased about with two sick babes, less mess to clean up at the moment the better. For older children you could also supply them with beads to thread on as well or draw a simple outline on the board with a permanent marker for them to follow. Otherwise let them freestyle a design.

If you give this a go with your little ones, I'd love it if you would pop back and let me know how you went.

Keeping my Babes in bubbles....

2011-11-14T11:53:00.001+10:00

I have sick babes again, so getting time to arrange my bigger posts I have lined up is proving difficult. It also doesn't help that the silly season is fast approaching and the calendar is filling up. So I've pulled up stops this morning kept Cohen home from day care as he isn't well enough and we are having some mellow, reconnecting time. As I post this it has just gone 11.40am and he is already napping. I'm laying down with Sarah as I type and she is drifting off to sleep as well......poor thing has a cough also.

One thing I'm remembering with this months 30 Days to Create Calm is, it's ok sometimes to say no to plans and offers of play dates and catch ups so that you can re-centre things at home....especially when the kids aren't well.

So at least for the next few days I think we are going to live in our own little bubble and find some fun and calm at home after a busy week last week.

Note - pics taken early last week in a moment of calm in a crazy schedule last week.

Do you have to soak them?

2011-11-10T07:56:00.001+10:00

I have been prompted by 30 Days to Create Calm, to post about one of the routines in our home that is generally down pat - Clothing Nappying and Washing. I'm posting to show people that it really isn't that complicated and doesn't necessarily have to cause you undue stress to your household workload.

I get numerous comments and questions when people realise we are a full time cloth nappying family. At first the appearance of modern cloth nappies have people intrigued, but conversation often turns quickly to the laundry. The amount of laundry, the method of washing and routine often concerns the initially interested parties in cloth nappies. Then of course the concern about how do you have time to do it all?

With modern cloth nappies these days things really couldn't be much easier. So for those who are interested in cloth nappying and you have concerns of the workload and routine to organise it all, this is for you.

1. Any solid waste is removed from nappy straight after changing. With the advancement in materials, waste will often just roll off. There are also Little Squirts available to attach to your toilet system to help with this process if you have stubborn solids.

2. Place nappy in a nappy bucket or pail......no you don't need it filled with water or soaking agents. In fact soaking agents would damage your nappies over time.

3. Wash nappies either everyday or second day. I wash every day because I can add random nappies that have been changed to a load of regular washing throughout the day. Otherwise come the start if each morning my nappy bucket is full and it's the first load on in the morning and first hung out.

4. When nappies are dry, DH and I find it rather carthardic to sit in the evening with cuppa watching telly putting nappies together. Seriously it only takes as long as a cuppa to get the job done and dusted.

See it really isn't much different to doing your regular washing of clothes and linen huh?

Creating Calm and Nurturing the senses - Touch

2011-11-08T08:56:00.001+10:00

I've been following Debbie's post at Aspiring Mum about trying create calm this month. I'm finding it helpful to iron out the little kinks here and there in our home environment. We're getting closer and closer to things buzzing along nicely. One of the things I mentioned in signing up or Creating Calm in 30 Days was how I was also going to mention my efforts to further work on and develop nurturing through the senses and how I find it creates calm in elements of our day to day life.

I thought I would speak about touch first, it is quite possibly the most important if all our senses and without it we fail to thrive. Attachment parenting allows so many opportunities to nurture your child through touch. The two biggest things that happen in our family life that allow me to restore calm are breast feeding and baby wearing. Attachment Parenting International offers several other suggestion on how you can nurture through touch especially with babies and older children.

Skin to skin with daddy can be just as important.

As well as many of the suggestions from Attachment Parenting International I have found unique ways of incorporating touch and nurturing to help instill calm especially with a toddler.

Some tricks that work for us are:

* Cohen doesn't like massage, but if I suggest we play
barbers it allows me to softly combo his hair with my fingers, and pretend to softly snip hair with my finger tips. He will then often let me shave his face (pretend of course), I will stroke his eyebrows and softly brush my fingertips over his cheeks and chin. I often use is technique or similar on those days when Sarah has had me busy and I've not been able to be involved in much of his play. He often likes to return the favour and this little game nearly always calms him and changes his focus.

* I've also found that a light touch when trying to give Cohen an instruction to do something can be beneficial. The light touch of a hand on the arm or shoulder can break the wandering eyes when you're trying to speak with him, and focus the attention on me and what I am saying. Therefore reducing frustration both on his part and mine and therefore nurtures his confidence about fulfilling a task.

* I still breast feed Cohen and although he appears to be on a slow wean, I still try to encourage physical closeness and touch by having him close during Sarah's feed times throughout the day. He often enjoys a story snuggled into my side while I feed or sometimes he is happy to hold hands whilst I feed and sit on lounge.

I hope the above link and my suggestions might help in creating calm moments in your days, especially on those days where you think everything is going to pits.

Kiss, Kiss...

2011-11-07T20:28:00.001+10:00

I have some big posts I'm working on at the moment. This post wasn't planned or intended for today but whilst I perfect and refine a couple of posts I'm working on, I have something to share with you.

See this wee gorgeous face? Kissable isn't it? Well this pic was taken a few months ago, but it is a fav of mine. My wee little girl is soon to turn 9 months in about 2 weeks. She has blown away her daddy and I tonight showing us that she knows what kiss, kiss means. It is ever so cute and she leans in mouth open to plant one on you. She even understands cuddles and place her cheek against yours to snuggles into our necks.

She has further astounded us this evening by free standing........I suspect we're going to have another early walker on our hands.

Everything is happening so fast now, I just want to freeze time and enjoy this sweet time forever.

Problem with creating calm on weekends....

2011-11-06T20:45:00.001+10:00

I think a major overhaul of the weekends, is required here. I've, just this weekend realised why I feel like I have got no where with a weeks worth of housework. It all comes down to, DH being home on the weekends. He leaves before 6am each morning and walks in just before dinner. It's just become so clear to me now, how little he understands about the systems and routines that I am trying to put in place here at home. Anyways I'm off to ponder all this more, it's been a long tiring weekend. Sarah looks like she is teething thick and fast with others on the way. I had 3 hours broken sleep Friday night and Saturday I was in bed her at 7.30pm only to have her awake at 12.30am crawling over me singing bub, bub for several hours. So please excuse me as bed is calling and I'd like to be at least a bit fresher for hitting the week ahead, head on to create calm.

My first back carry....

2011-11-04T15:08:00.001+10:00

Totally unrelated to anything else, other than my natural parenting ways I just had to show you this.

My first back carry in a wrap. I'm no professional with woven wraps or back carrying, but I'm pretty pleased that Sarah was comfortable enough to sleep even if it's not a perfect wrap job........but I must have done something right huh? Anyways I might be seeing a gorgeous baby wearing mumma friend of mine on the weekend, so I'm sure she will guide me to improvements in my carry.

It's a whole new world of baby wearing I'm venturing into now......I like my girl on the front but she really is needing a new view.

Day 3 - 30 days to create calm......Routine

2011-11-03T18:03:00.001+10:00

As I mentioned the other day when signing up 30 Days to Create Calm, I have been working on changing things for a few months so signing up was really to help me fine tune things. It is funny that Debbie posted today about routine because that is exactly what was on my mind this morning.

When routine is in place and going well it creates calm, I find Cohen responds better to changes because he has that confidence in our home environment about what is happening next or what is expected of him.

I followed through again this morning with taking care of laundry in our dining room and giving Cohen an activity to do whilst I took care of my job. Sarah once again was happy to play with toys on the floor and came over to investigate what I was doing. The music was on again and today's activity for Cohen was drawing. Although he wasn't drawing much he enjoyed sitting and talking with me and then announced he wanted to help me. So he collected his nappies and kept marching back and forth to his room and back to the music.

I can't believe how much this small tweak in the morning routine (I know that it's just a snippet of part of our morning routine) has reduced that morning chaos. I now don't have (I know it's been two days) a two and half year old wandering around getting into mischief.

I'm now off to put other chaotic periods of the day under the microscope and see what needs tweaking. Changing the location of where I do the laundry truly is a bit like that advice I was once given:
"If you can't change the situation change your environment."

I did exactly that an instantly I'm getting results as well as more time to engage meaningfully with my son, and listen to him.

Day 2 - 30 Days to Calm

2011-11-02T19:52:00.001+10:00

I woke up this morning ready to attack the day and the challenge of creating calm in 30 days head on. Today over at Aspiring Mum, Debbie spoke about getting a handle on time management and how procrastination is a killer of time. But in my case I am already acutely aware of where my time is mismanaged or rather where my days go pear shaped. I often fall into the trap of thinking I can get things done when the kids are busy with something or resting. But who am I am kidding, my kids tag team resting.

So I have to engage help in shape of Cohen to get things done, thankfully though he loves helping and being given responsibilities. You might remember me posting about him feeding our dog Jada and setting the table at night.

So I'm trying to fine tune our mornings and making sure that if I have to get a chore done that either Cohen can help or it's something I can do whilst engaging with him. Cohen in general requires a lot of dialogue and conversation in his play. So today instead of sorting and folding laundry (which I admit can often be in front of the telly), I changed things up and I did it in the dining room. Our buffet is long so there was plenty of space to sort piles. This allowed for the table to be clear and Cohen to have play dough out and Sarah on the floor playing with shakers. I was able to have children's music on and engaged with Cohen through song.

When Cohen had enough of play dough I was able let him outside to play and leave the door open to engage with him and keep an eye on him. He is rather pleased with his paint job today.

Anyway I need to keep looking at where and what I need to shuffle around so that I can continue to maximise my time. If I can continue to do this it leaves a lot more of my later morning and afternoon free to play freely with the kids and take the odd moment to sit back and take a breather for myself.

30 days to create calm....

2011-11-01T21:51:00.001+10:00

It's the start of a new month and what better time coming up to the festive season is there to try and create calm in the home environment but in positive and sustaining ways. So this month I have signed up with Aspiring Mum to create calm.

I have been spending a lot of spare moments in the last month or so trying to reorganising our home environment so that our day to day life flows better and calmer and this months sign up is just what I need to get us over the finishing line.

I agree very much with Debbie's words:
"Disorganisation creates a perpetual cycle - leading to chaos, which contributes to stress, and ultimately impacts on the family environment. Living in a disorganised, chaotic and stressful environment is no fun for anyone. The general mood is tense, no-one functions effectively and relationships can suffer. How do you break the cycle? Through being organised."

I have experienced this first hand and to an excessive degree through my childhood and my home environment growing up. Ever since then and even more so now having my own children I am striving to not have those issues duplicated in my children's lives.

I will also be focusing on specific things this month to create a more nurturing environment for my family by trying to meet all our sensory needs.

So if you could do with:

Pop on over here and sign up and while you're at grab a button for your sidebar.

A little MIA....

2011-10-31T14:04:00.005+10:00

Yes I know I have been a little missing in action, haven't I? Yes I know I had the Blogtoberfest pledge to uphold? Yeah I know I have missed a few days in the last week! Why? Honestly, I have been busy and we have had friends return from overseas and friends arrive from far north Queensland and I also attended a Vintage Fashion and Decor Fair in Brisbane on the weekend. I've just been busy with life. Sarah and Cohen are still both teething and having up and down days.....I swear my two take for ever to teeth.

I guess that's the thing with blogging sometimes, isn't it, it's about living life rather then worrying about where the next post is coming from (if you're that fly by the seat of your pants type of blogger). Of course I had wanted to fulfill the pledge and post every day, but the pledge has taken on a different meaning for me this month. It's forced me to have focus and experiment with my time management with me having my two blogs that I am trying to put equal time and effort into. This month I have learnt things that work for me and things that don't and what I can be doing better. This month I have also made some wonderful friends and contacts and made some very serious goals in regards to my blogging in the next twelve month.

Pic of me on the weekend at the Vintage Fashion and Decor Fair with one of my knew blogging friends.

It's been no secret that I have been wanting to revamp my blog here and that I have hopes and goals and dreams of offering all sorts of wonderful help and support here from my experiences with mummydom, loss, grief, breastfeeding, natural parenting and beyond. I know I have mentioned it a few times now, but I just want to assure you that I'm not an all talk blogger....there is action behind these words. What I can most certainly tell you is that in the new year, Journey to Bliss is locked in for a blog revamp and I can't wait to introduce you to the wonderful person who is helping me.....I am sure you will fall in love with her as I have. Coming into the new year and beyond there is going to be lots of exciting things happening, I hope you're ready and strapped in for this, Journey to Bliss, we're on.

Wet nursing....

2011-10-27T14:46:00.001+10:00

One of my oldest and dearest friends asked me a favor the other day. The story goes like this my GF and her husband have 5 children, and one of their family members has bought them tickets to a much desired concert they would like to attend. My darling GF has breastfed all her children and shares much in my opinion and desires to provide our children with breast milk.

Sarah's first feed a little over 8 months ago.

I imagine though when you have 5 children it is hard to find someone who is wiling to babysit all the children at the same time. Furthermore that task is probably made more difficult if you still have a baby who is breastfed and are unable to leave expressed breast milk. Not all breastfeeding mothers can express milk, but it is not necessarily an indication to a mothers supply. So it does leave a mother such as my GF in a difficult position if she is not wanting her baby to have formula.

So I am very honored and a wee bit surprised to have been asked by my dear friend if DH and I would be happy to look after their youngest when they attend the concert and if I would be comfortable to breastfeed her daughter. She let me know that it was completely okay if I was uncomfortable with the request. Even though my GF and I have known each other in excess of 25 years, and is like a sister to me I didn't need to deliberate long about giving my answer, with the exception of asking DH if we had anything on for the date in question.

So if it isn't already clear the answer I gave my GF was a firm YES, yes I will do it.

Breastfeeding is often a subject that causes angst for many mothers and opinions and experiences differ. I know the topic of wet nursing is very rarely spoken about, and opinions and reactions regarding the topic may very well cause controversy. But I'm very interested to hear others reactions, opinions and experiences, because at the end of the day if we don't talk about it, we fail to be open to educating ourselves and others further regardless of where we stand with our opinions.

What happened here today....

2011-10-26T18:49:00.001+10:00

A few weeks ago a friend posted a funny on their Facebook wall, but I can't for the life of me remember who posted it to track down the source to share it. But it's one of those funnies that is probably doing the rounds, so you may of seen it (if you happen to have an idea of what I'm talking about please leave a comment and link) It's about a mother not doing a single thing around the house all day and the husband coming home to grave but also rather comical scenes but can't find his wife. Kids are naked, taps a running, the front yard looks like a bomb site, food is on the floor, fridge is open, dog drinking out of the toilet and so on you get the picture. Cut the story short he finds her in bed reading a book and asks what the hell happened here today. To which her response is that all those things she does each day, she just didn't do them.

I got a good laugh out of it but it got me thinking just how much we mums and wives do, even when you do have a helpful partner. I know as mums we all have those rare days where we let the kids run a bit feral in some lame attempt to give ourselves a break. But seriously, honestly who are we kidding it's just a bigger mess to clean the next day right?

So my question is could you let the kids truly run feral for the day, good and proper? If not what are you happy to let slide for a day or two in your lame attempt to get a break and hopefully recharge?

The Hungry Caterpillar.....

2011-10-25T19:05:00.001+10:00

This afternoon I was playing outside with the kids and in true and regular fashion, Cohen started running over to me with a collection of things just for me. This afternoon amongst my treasures he gave me, was a dying hibiscus flower with a little guest.

Hence we now have, a little study of our subject occurring, much to Cohen's delight. However he did tell the caterpillar off for eating my flower though.

We will see how our little observation goes, we've arranged some yummy leaves and petals and we will perhaps need to find a bigger container and some branches if we hope to see this very hungry caterpillar turn into a beautiful butterfly.

We need more family fun...

2011-10-24T20:03:00.001+10:00

Since our family fun day outing last week, I have been in thought and in feeling. This little family needs more fun days, we need our Daddy more, I need my love more we just need him more.

Cohen is his daddy's boy through and through, don't get me wrong he is his mummy's boy too but I struggle to get a look in when the afternoons and weekends roll around when hubby is home. Cohen had so much fun having a random day of fun and daddy time on Thursday. He was riding high with excitement and stories only to have hubby go off to track marshall at the GC 600 the next day.

Cohen spent much of the weekend asking for and searching out extra cuddles and kisses and then he would have those moments when I knew something wasn't right. I'd ask him what was wrong and with a slight whimper in the voice each time I heard - I miss my daddy.

Yesterday afternoon when hubby arrived at his parents place (we planned to meet there and have a family dinner with them), I could tell hubby was visibly stressed. He was involved in a major incident on his point during the race. Several reports, questionings and briefings had him having a gut full of it all after three 12 plus hour days on track. All whilst he knew his little boy was missing him and wanting him home soon.....or like Cohen kept putting it - daddy home two minutes, bless him.

Speaking further with hubby today about Cohen and our family fun day and the lack of time he has off from work, I felt free to speak more openly about how I feel about all this too. I told him that I know he runs a business with his father but it sucks that he just never manages to have blocks of holiday time with us as all as a family. He knows and feels it too, the stress and the pull of needing to work and wanting to be here with us. It sucks that the week I was home from hospital when Sarah was born, he was meant to have off. But because of staff problems I was left recovering from a c-section, trying to breastfeed and run after a not quite two year old at that point.

Daddy with the kids when Sarah was a week old.

Furthermore to his excessive work/business commitments Sarah isn't confident for long periods with anyone but me, so my downtime is near non-existent. I do get a Sunday morning break for all if 40 mins at our local coffee shop. I'm up gone and back by 7.30am at the latest.

In all honest how does everyone else do it, how do you balance these issues? How much family time do you really get together? Do you really have any proper downtime for yourself?

I know what I wish for.....

2011-10-22T18:59:00.001+10:00

Innocence, bliss, joy and my boys wishes and dreams to come true.

Leading the discussion group...

2011-10-21T20:43:00.001+10:00

Today was the day for me to lead the discussion group for our ABA meeting The topic of discussion being Toddler and Baby.

Well before I tell you how that all went I should tell you about the journey to even get to the meeting this morning. Right up until the very last minute to get out of the house this morning I was feeding Sarah and then it was a rush to get the last few things together and Cohen to family day care. As always when in a rush, I had to shoot back pass home because I had forgotten a few things.

Finally sorted and Sarah and I were on our way and two streets away from entering the major roundabout to head to our meeting venue, when I heard spluttering. No, not from the car, but from Sarah she was having a choke on her snack. I'm not one to stress or jump in at a little choke, that is easily cleared and managed by the child's natural reflexes. But this wasn't a little choke this was a big choke, getting distressed, trying to spew choke. Which saw me having to veer off to the side of the road at a funny angle, and run around the car and rip her out of her car seat to assist her. The poor poppet was rather shaken up and kept putting her head on my chest whimpering.

When she settled enough I got her strapped back in and headed to the corner shop near our meeting venue. Sarah was still whimpering so I got the carrier on and walked around for half an hour and grabbed milk, coffee and snacks for our ABA group. Thankfully by the time we got to our meeting venue Sarah had settled right down, so I could think about the task of leading our discussion group.

So how did that go you ask? Hmmmm well I think it went well enough. We only had three other mums attend today. I didn't have any nerves about speaking, but I do feel I did talk people's heads off though. At the end of the day it was a good experience considering I want to start studies soon. To that point I am also tossing up doing counsellor studies or community educator studies......decisions. At the end day the point of today and this post is to say I did it, I survived, now I'm tired and exhausted. It has been a full on day with countless trips in the car and hubby only got in an hour ago from the track. I'm going to retire for the night soon and in the meantime I will gently ponder my decisions with my studies.

Family Fun Day...

2011-10-20T16:56:00.001+10:00

We have had a wonderful day having daddy off work for the day before he heads off to the V8 GC600. The start to the morning was met with excitement and anticipation. We asked Cohen what day it was and he kept saying Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Funday yay!

We headed to Timezone where hubby's brother runs and owns the contract for the dodgem cars. So we were incredibly fortunate that he was able to hook us up a whole morning of free fun.....and there were even prizes for everyone at the end.

After a few hours of hyped up fun we were hungry so a bite to eat was in order. Now I know we are on Buy Nothing New month and a meal out is probably a breech of my pledge. But in our defence this meal was factored into our meal plan for our fortnightly food budget......so hopefully I am forgiven on that.

After a bite to eat a trip across the road to the beach was in order, where Cohen promptly fell into the sand to do sand angels much to the amusement of onlookers.

A sign of a good day wouldn't you say, a zonked out little man clutching one of his prizes.

Family fun day tomorrow....

2011-10-19T19:01:00.001+10:00

Just a short post tonight. There is an air of excitement at our house tonight because my love

yes this man, is having a day off before he will be working as a track marshall at the V8's for three days. He has been working very hard and he has had next to no time off this year. So in the morning we are packing up the kids heading off for all sorts of fun and touristy silliness.

When hubby walked through the door tonight Cohen was yelling family fun day daddy, so clearly we are all a buzz. I hope to catch some nice snaps tomorrow and share with you our day that was.

Toddler and babe teething....

2011-10-18T18:43:00.001+10:00

Interesting day here Cohen had about four wake ups last night, the remainder of his pesky molars are cutting through and they look like their launching a viscous assault on his gums.....I don't envy him, but I do feel for him.

As for Sarah she was non-stop crying this morning once we were out of bed, and when she finally let me have a look in her mouth I got my answer. Her two bottom teeth are trying to cut, she hasn't cut any teeth to date so she is under assault too.

So the kids have been tag teaming it in the needy stakes today. At one point I even caught Cohen trying to take ten in his bed after being sent to his room to play quietly and simmer down after a prior incident with his behavior. When I asked if he was ok he said he was tired and his bottom hurt.....poor thing that's under attack too with his teething. So I offered to put some cream on his bottom and a nappy if he wanted to rest to which he said he would like to. Once changed he just wanted to lay in the comfort of his bed with me pottering in and out from the kitchen whilst he talked to Sarah when she'd crawl in for a visit.

I caught these few pics but as you can see by the time I was done in the kitchen he was getting his cheeky grin back.

You know a kid is teething when they're trying to shove their fingers in their mouth as far as they will go.

Sarah there's birds out there.

Mummy see, see there birds.

Ok maybe not his cheekiest grin, because he was telling his buddy Joel to smile.

How have your troops handled teething and how has mummy coped. I tell you o e thing though it was one of those days I didn't get out of my PJ's. So when hubby got home I headed off for a rare shower by myself.

You want me to do what?

2011-10-17T19:05:00.001+10:00

Do you remember me telling you in a post a month back that my ABA group leaders and counsellors approached me about leading our discussion group for our next meeting....which is in fact this Friday? Well I just got an email from one of the leaders to tell me that the trainee I was meant to lead the discussion group with may not be attending due to her Nanna passing away and the funeral being some time this week. In the same email she mentioned to me that she also won't be attending because she is now going to this years ABA conference. Furthermore another counsellor may not be able to attend and the only counsellor who will be there will have four children in tow.

So I have been asked if I will lead the group myself with the only counsellor in attendance this meeting wrangling four kids. With the topic being "Managing Toddler and Baby".
So tell me:

I'm currently going through the process with paperwork to start my studies to become a counsellor (truth be told I'm wondering if I should take the path of community educator). So this is somewhat of a daunting task to be undertaking Friday. I'm not scared of talking in front of others, I rarely feel that way. I'm nervous though about making sure I reference appropriate material and I can keep the meeting on track.

Please wish me luck.

Busy, crazy weekend and changes.....

2011-10-16T19:58:00.003+10:00

Wow it's been a very busy and crazy weekend and I have been flying by the seat of my pants with my posts here and over at My Vintage Vow. But nonetheless posts have been done and Blogtoberfest is in tact.

Saturday saw us at swimming lessons, grocery shopping, rearranging our office/creative space, get sorted for our garage sale, be interrupted by a serious thunderstorm and hail just to list a few things.

Today saw us up at 5am to set up for our garage sale and then a mad rush to get to a friends 3 year olds birthday party. Where we had to run constant interference with Cohen because there was so much junk food laid out......I shall not rant about that now, I'm too tired. The kids had a good time......

Back home again after 2 hours for Cohen's nap as he had been up from 5am. More office rearranging.....still more to go mind you. Then visitors this afternoon so DH could help set up their new lap tops.

Kids are now in bed, Cohen is back to FDC tomorrow after a month off because his day care mum has been on holiday. It has been great having him home, but he is eager to be seeing his friends. So I best be on my way once again to get things ready for the morning and perhaps fit in more organising of the office in before bed. I would really like to use my down time tomorrow when Sarah is napping to get all my crafting done for my swap......which I will fill you in on in more detail some time next week.

Daddy time....

2011-10-15T19:28:00.001+10:00

Every Saturday morning Cohen has swimming lessons with Daddy, it's their thing. Since you all rarely get to see a glimpse of Daddy and son together I thought I would show you this picture I took this morning.

The pic has turned out a little funny because it's indoors and the pool is heated and Cohen's lesson is at 7.30am so it's rather muggy inside.

Cohen's doing so well with his lessons and he has so much fun. In a months time Sarah will be able to start lessons and Daddy intends on that being his special time with his little girl as well. I will be the designated dryer, dresser, holder of things that are wet, child in waiting for the turn wrangler. I'm looking forward to it, to tell you a secret I love watching all the daddy's with their kids on a Saturday morning it's a special time. It is often the daddy's who are working full time and missing out on one on one time with their little ones and it's so nice to see all the kids smiling on a Saturday morning having that time with their daddy's.

Between the showers....

2011-10-14T20:38:00.001+10:00

It was showering on and off here today and Cohen has been desperate to do some gardening. So thankfully during a weather break this morning we got outside for a little bit. Last weekend you might remember I visited my Nan and I got some cuttings. Well finally today I, with Cohen's help finally had a chance to get them in soil. I should add that my interim plan of having them sit on a wet tea towel in a tray has worked well, they even sprouted a little more.

So here is a little snap shot of our morning. The cuttings are all in these small vessels at the moment. If they establish themselves well, they will be transferred to the retaining wall for my fairy wonderland that I am hoping will be a success. I should add with it being Buy Nothing New month these three vessels are all thrifted. In the pic you will be able make out Cohen in the background he loves to purvey his garden and gnomes from his bedroom window.

In between our gardening and a light shower we ducked inside for a snack.....hence Sarah and a grubby face with Vegemite.

Finally an update pic on the veggie garden......the Co's lettuce is going gang busters so I think there might be the odd caesar salad on the menu this week.

How they see things...

2011-10-13T20:16:00.001+10:00

Yesterday afternoon I was having a play with the kids in the yard and I had my camera out. I was rolling around in the grass with them, I was down on their level. Then I thought about trying to capture some photos of how Sarah must see and view things. Some of the pics are a bit blurry but I really adore them.

I just love how I have captured what was taking her interest, mostly from her point of view. Oh to be a kid again and view such things with simplicity. You know, when you get down on kids eye level as an adult things really do seem lot more fun.

New sleeping arrangement...

2011-10-12T20:52:00.001+10:00

As you've probably read before we've had no end of sleeping problems with Sarah. We had never intended on co-sleeping with Sarah but out sheer exhaustion it happened, because breastfeeding laying down in the middle if the night is so much easier. Not only can I catch a few zzzz's but its saves my back and neck from falling asleep in funny positions from sitting up.

To be honest hubby isn't a fan of us co-sleeping, he has his own opinions on the matter. But he has conceded we are doing what we need to do survive with some sleep and sanity. One of his biggest complaints up until recently is that we are both big people....hubby is 6ft and I am a good 5ft8" and there isn't enough room for us and Sarah. Hubby has spent many a night sleeping on the edge of the bed.

So I offered up the solution of side carring the cot to our bed, to free up bed space for us and also as a way of transitioning Sarah into settling more on her own sleep surface.

Happily hubby agreed that side carring the cot could make for a great compromise to our arrangement. So after doing a little more research on how to effectively side car a cot to the bed, we made the transition a few weekends ago.

We are all so much more happier for more space to spread out properly for proper restful sleep. At the kids day time nap, I can lay down to feed her with her laying on her mattress and I will often do some blog reading during this time (yes that's why my iPad was in the pic above).

So just before I sign off I just want to add a note and a bit of a disclosure about co-sleeping and bedsharing. It's not for everyone, but if you feel that it is an option you would like to entertain. I can only suggest that you do your research on the benefits and safety measures one should consider in setting up this arrangement. At the end of the day you know your baby best and you know what is going to work for them and your family arrangement.

I'd be very interested to hear from others who have co-slept or bed shared side caring it and how it worked for you, you baby and family dynamic.

Vision is everything....

2011-10-11T13:55:00.000+10:00

I put together this vision board last year after suffering my second and third miscarriages. I was looking for hope, for positivity and way of releasing my sadness into some positive universal energy.

You may think looking at this board that I was hoping for a little girl. But that wasn't necessarily the case I just wanted a happy, healthy baby I just didn't want another loss because it wears you down. All I knew in my heart putting together this board is that I had to heal myself of the concept of having lost to little girls in Elle and Meg. I had to allow my soul and spirit to heal and be open to receiving a baby girl, then maybe, just maybe I wouldn't suffer yet another miscarriage to make it three in a row for the year and four all up in my child rearing history to date.

I found the vision board today and in the haze of Sarah, and the last 7 odd months I hadn't realised it had fallen behind the drawers in our walk in robe. But to come by it today and see it and study it and to look at what I have in my sweet girl.....I am blessed, vision and hope are wonderful, vision and hope are necessary.

Sarah brings challenges to my day being her unique self, she doesn't sleep through the night and feeds every two to three hours at night, she needs closeness, she is determined beyond all my possible thought and she is strong, she is a fighter.....and aren't I glad she picked me to be her mummy.....goodness me I love her.

Not even a snapshot today...

2011-10-10T19:38:00.001+10:00

Mondays are often the day the kids and I can still be found in our pj's until lunch, heck even still at dinner time we can be found like that some Mondays. At the start of the week I like to try and get on top of all those little things I didn't manage to on the weekend. Today saw many a job get started, but nothing completed. As I type this post I am breastfeeding Sarah, wet laundry is in the machine, the garage is a mess from efforts to organize stuff, toys are everywhere, folding needs to be done, I'm tired from last nights feedathon and DH isn't well.

The internal debate is to stay home tomorrow and get on top of everything or leave it all behind and head out in the morning with kids for an adventure.

Sorry no snapshot today.

Nanna comes to the rescue...

2011-10-09T19:41:00.001+10:00

I mentioned yesterday that I left my Nanna's house with some clippings and I hoped we would be getting our hands a little dirty today potting them. I haven't been able to have a chance today amongst other going ons and Sarah being clingy to get them in soil, so it is on the back burner for this week as I suspect Sarah may be starting to teeth.

However one thing I did do today when I was out at the clothes line was check our retaining wall, and all the plants I have put in for the fairy wonderland. Sadly all the plants except the bromeliads have died, but at least we have something to work with. Then the thought dawned on me, that if I can get the succulent cuttings to take from my Nan, the fairy wonderland may have more hope.

So until I get a chance over the next few days to get them in the ground I have moistened a tea towel in a tray and laid the clippings down, Nan gave me the impression that this would be more the suitable for succulents!?!?

Here is a pic of what I got from Nan, I do hope they take off and the fairy wonderland looks more hopeful again.

Rainy day car trip...

2011-10-08T19:14:00.001+10:00

Just a short and sweet one today, with a snapshot. It's been a long day after heading off on a rainy day car trip to see my Nanna. I needed to see her and wrap my arms around her and let her know I love her. It's been a long month since my Aunts passing. We had a lovely morning visiting and after a morning of go go, go, go from Cohen and incessant talking to boot this is what we got for the trip home.

We have two little projects for tomorrow thanks to my Nan. We have some crafting with pine cones thanks to Nan's tree dropping natural crafty treasures. We will also be getting our hands a little dirty potting some succulent clippings we got from Nan. It's funny nearly every memory have of visiting my Nan as a child or adult I have nearly always left with clippings of plants or posies of flowers.......what beautiful memories to have.

The Cloth nappy way...

2011-10-07T08:19:00.001+10:00

I am surprised about the number of enquiries I am getting from friends and acquaintances about modern cloth nappies and cloth nappying in general lately. Then again perhaps I shouldn't be surprised as many families are becoming more aware of the benefits of going the cloth nappy way.

Long time followers will now that when Cohen was a baby I wanted to do cloth full time and the only thing I knew that existed were the old style terry flats and pilchers. My start into cloth wasn't what I hoped but I at least was a shaky part timer with terry flats and disposable nappies, until I was introduced to the world of MCN's (modern cloth nappies). Once I started to learn about MCN's it honestly changed my life.......seriously it did.

Top left and Bottom left- Cohen in multi-fit style nappy, Top Right - Cohen a traditional terry square.....they get plenty of use around here still, Bottom right - Sarah, just days old we did cloth from the very first nappy in hospital.....it really is easy.

So what would one need to know about cloth nappying and MCN's, if one was interested. Well there is so much I can tell you and there are so many options available that the best way for me to tackle a lot of questions is giving you some practical on line resources and sites to check out.

* Australian Nappy Network Is a wealth of information and this link will give you some figures on the cloth V's disposable debate. On the same page there is a downloadable brochure that will assist you in learning more about some of the different styles of MCN's.

* My Green Nappy once again is a wonderful resource and can put you in the right direction of some brands to look at, mind you there are many more brands on the market, so it is always good to pop into a forum and speak with mummas who are cloth napping day in day out. It great to hear what they are using and what works for them and their babies. So the best place I have discovered to check out is Nappycino.

At the end the day the choices and options are vast, so if you're interested in cloth nappying and learning more about MCN's, I suggest it's best to do some research. After a bit of research and information, make sure you ask questions and get them answered. You can always pop back here and I will do my best to help, or pop into a forum and be answered by a group of supportive and helpful mummas.

I hope this helps you on the start to your cloth nappying journey. As I get a chance I will start posting more information and pictures that may be useful to you.

PJ's, Leftovers and Rainy Days....

2011-10-06T11:52:00.001+10:00

It's one of those days. Every mum knows what I mean when I say those few words. Cohen has one of his other pesky 2 year old molars trying to cut through at the moment, so he is running a bit wacky at the moment, with the threat of temps which I have to keep an eye on. So somewhere in between his craziness and a visit from my parents this morning and breastfeeding none of us have managed to get out of our PJ's today.

But today I am thankful for....

Leftover pumpkin and zucchini savory pancakes and salad, added a few pieces of cheese and pear cheek and lunch was sorted.

A determined little miss who much prefers to feed herself, good thing I guess that she has responded well to baby led solids and finger foods.

But I will be even more thankful for some of this later on...

That's right.....SLEEP.

But there is rarely rest for the wicked. So I am just grateful that I am a SAHM mum because it's the only job I can turn up to in my PJ's, my hair unbrushed, teeth not brushed with scrounged together leftovers for lunch.

I've got to do my job...

2011-10-05T11:41:00.001+10:00

I've got to do my job are frequently the words you hear at our place these days. About a month ago Cohen randomly announced he wanted to feed Jada.

Excuse the old pic, but Jada is not in a snap happy mood today, for an updated one.

With Cohen's announcement that he wanted to feed Jada it has now been adopted as his daily job. The dog food is easily accessed by him in the pantry in a container with a scoop. He gets a thrill out of Jada coming and eating the food he has put out for her. He often stands there talking to her once she has started to eat, asking her if she likes it.

With Cohen's ever growing interest in cooking and helping in the kitchen, we have also graduated to him helping set the table for dinner in a simple fashion. Once he has set the table I have been setting him up with drawing at the table, whilst I get together the remainder of dinner. Generally by the time we have got all that done daddy has a special little something at his place setting and daddy most days is moments away from walking in the door.

Daddy is getting quite a collection of daily pictures. I think I might have to start a special scrapbook just for him. It gives Cohen such a thrill to be doing this for daddy each day and seeing his reaction.

Morning world.......a glimpse into my mornings.

2011-10-04T12:02:00.001+10:00

My days always start with hellos, cuddles, kisses and love......this is my favorite part of my morning.

Excuse the fuzzy second pic, Cohen was yelling to the camera "Good Morning World". So many more of us could do with a lovely start to our day like this and a good old belly yell that says good morning world I'm ready for my day.

I hope your day has bought some sweet snap shots.

Buy Nothing New, off to a good start...

2011-10-03T06:24:00.001+10:00

The weekend saw the start to pledge of Buying Nothing New month, and I'd like to say I am off to a good start and have added to my wardrobe and it cost me nothing. My very dear and ever so sweet girlfriend has been having a wardrobe clear out, and it certainly helps that she is one stylish mumma. I went through her collection and pulled out a few numbers that I thought would fill the gaps in my wardrobe where I am currently lacking. I didn't take a lot of pieces but of the pieces I took a few will work will with my existing wardrobe and my much loved vintage pieces.

This was yesterday's run around get things done outfit.......and of course none of it is new, but it is all gifted and thrifted.

Now in other Buy Nothing New news, I failed to remember that when I took the pledge that I would be in the middle of trying to put together a swap package. I'm a member of an online cloth nappy forum and each month we generally have a swap running. This month it's a fill an envelope swap, I need to fill one of those pre-paid A4 sized envelopes that can weigh up to 500g, but no thicker then 20ml. All the participants usually fill out a questionnaire to help others work out what to send them and to ensure they aren't gifted with things that could cause allergies etc. I think I am going to find this little bump in my Buy Nothing New journey a bit of a challenge to provide my partner with suitable things for her lifestyle. I have a few ideas but I am well away from having the envelope filled with goodies. I think I might be dropping back in here with this adventure.......I may need some help brainstorming some other ideas. Anyways I will keep you posted.

Finally if you've joined the Buy Nothing Challenge leave me a comment and share with us how your first few days have been.

Blogtoberfest....

2011-10-02T08:41:00.001+10:00

I only learnt of Blogtoberfest last night through We Like to Make Stuff and I have been struck by sheer madness and have signed up both of my blogs for this year. Cathy at Tinniegirl is hosting Blogtoberfest.

I have jumped on board for a variety of reasons, to help me get in the the groove of posting everyday, to encourage myself to find unique and creative ways of sharing tid bits and news with you as well as sharing more of myself with you as well. It's just the right on line gathering and community activity for me to be apart of, and certainly after the last couple of weeks and the personal low and highlights we have had on the home front it will help me get back into the swing of things.

Rock washing.....my little geologist

2011-09-27T06:49:00.001+10:00

Well, lookie, lookie here the op shop pot has already taken on a new role in Cohen's imaginative play and so did the orange tea strainer. After digging around in the dirt in a hope he would find worms he hit a small rock which he quickly claimed was treasure and sent him on another tangent. Finding more and rocks and squealing further that it was more treasure, I suggested we could wash his haul. With an old toothbrush in hand, his pot, a little bit of water and his dirty rocks he was busy for ages cleaning.

Whilst he cleaned his rocks, this mumma got to relax on a blanket out in the sun whilst Sarah had some mellow time.

Basic pancake recipe easy afternoon tea...

2011-09-24T08:01:00.001+10:00

I've been wanting some easy and I mean super easy afternoon tea inspired recipes to do with Cohen. What I have been looking for is something easy with as few steps as possible, where he can help with some of the process and would keep him calm and quite while Sarah naps. Nap times especially with Sarah are precious for me because she regularly goes through bouts of not sleeping at all and she doesn't sleep through the night either. So when Sarah is on a not napping stint Cohen misses out on any sort of special one on one time with me.

So I rustled up this super easy pancake recipe. Now please excuse me if your pancake recipe is already as simple as this, but the other recipes I have previously referred to have several more ingredients. I just love how simple this is and there is so much scope to make them sweet or savory. Although we enjoyed ours with some naughty Nutella, an afternoon or morning tea or breakfast even of these pancakes with sliced strawberries, natural yogurt and a drizzle of honey would make a delicious meal. But at the same time with there being no sugar in this recipe you could even have savory ones with grated zucchini and carrot.....but honestly the possibilities are endless with such a simple base recipe to be enjoyed plain or jazzed up.

Off to find some more mega simple, kid friendly recipes with minimal ingredients, fewer the better. If you have any suggestions please leave a comment.

I'm going to revamp...

2011-09-22T06:33:00.001+10:00

I have been debating and dabbling with the idea and process of updating my blog template, image and layout. For those who have followed Journey to Bliss for a while now, you will all know that I have been wanting to change things up. So can I please ask you all to bare with me and indulge me in some patience, whilst I toy around with things?

But before you give me your patience please keep in mind that I am no techie know it all very, far from it in fact. I have been trying to teach myself along the way and use some of my experiences with the designer of my other blog template (My Vintage Vow). It's very possible along the way I could have a techie related fit, if I get too confused along the way. Furthermore all the advice I have read about making changes to ones blog says to do it at a low traffic time. Hmmm ummm well that could be hard with two kids, husband, two blogs I write for and I need sleep. So what that means is that some changes are obviously just going to have to happen as and where I can fit them in around my family life, if that means it is at a high traffic time, I apologise in advance. But please, please be assured my ever so lovely readers that I will still be blogging about all the other normal stuff as this process occurs.

On a final note if anyone wants to mentor me through this process, please let me know and you will be my bloggy best friend, and you may save this mummy from frustration. Oh and if you think you would like me to blog about this process and how I have done things and what changes I am making or planning let me know.......maybe it may inspire the non-techie types like me to take the leap of faith and do it.

Thanking you all in advance.

Toys and fun don't have to cost the earth...

2011-09-21T08:06:00.002+10:00

In more ways then one, toys and fun don't have to cost the earth, neither in your hip pocket nor does our planet have to pay. Those who have been following me for some time or know me well know about my love of vintage and retro and how I crave a good trawl around an op shop for treasures, but I also love up cycling, recycling, repurposing things.

I headed out yesterday morning with Cohen and Sarah for a spot of op shopping and picked up some odds and ends for Cohen's imaginative play outside.

So for about $4 we came home with this, my hip pocket hasn't suffered nor has the planet in me adding to landfill for purchasing new. Just these few items have already paid for themselves in Cohen's eagerness to get outdoors and use his other outdoor surroundings as a kitchen. He announced to me yesterday that dinner was ready and that he had cooked pasta......yum.

I am now on the search for some other odds and ends to add to this collection, and I am excited to see how Cohen's play develops further.

Before I go have you heard about the Buy Nothing New month campaign starting next month? I have taken the pledge and will be documenting parts of my journey both here and over at My Vintage Vow. If you like the idea of saving money, saving our planet, reducing comsumerising, why not check out the link above or the one on my sidebar and come and join the pledge with me and share your fun and experiences.

To My Darling Children,

2011-09-20T14:26:00.004+10:00

I received a lovely comment, which flattered me like a compliment from Earth Sky Sea Child, and it was also suggested that I might like to participate in this blog hop for the Cherish Your Cherubs Project. A few months ago I wrote a post that in effect after learning about the Cherish Your Cherubs Project, is a message, a letter a lesson of sorts to my children. So please bare with me, as indulge myself and you all in sharing this previous post with you..........I have cut and paste the original post into this one for flow and continuity.

To My Darling Children,
Among many things you will learn about me during your lifetime is that I will repeat myself, so be prepared to hear in some form the follow story in one or another over and over again, whether it be in my spoken word, or through feelings, thoughts and emotions I display to you.

The following is a little something I wrote for all my dear children whether earthbound, in the stars or to those who are yet to come to us, to extend our family and the joy that is already in our lives.

Today I was watching my Sarah sitting in the bouncer looking at me. I know every mother thinks their baby is the most beautiful baby that ever there was. However it wasn't just the thought and feeling about her being such a little beauty that struck me. It was the fact that we created this beautiful little life in front of us, and not just her but Cohen too. They are beautiful children and they come from us, what a beautiful thing that is and what beautiful people we are ourselves. When I say beautiful I am most definitely talking about the way one looks. But please don't laugh, this isn't an, I'm so up myself post, it's something much more then that.

You see as I child growing up my mother always put herself down, and has always made comments of herself being ugly and has never bothered to look after herself a day in her life. My mother looks weathered and worn well beyond her years. I used to plead with my mum even as a very young kid not to say things like that about herself, because it upset me, I would try and tell her she was beautiful. But obviously at such a young age I didn't know how to verbalise why it upset me, but as I have grown into a women and mother I know why it bothered me so much.

It all comes down to the fact that you're same sex parent is the biggest role model you will ever have in your life. Therefore the messages you hear them tell themselves are the messages you take on. I struggled for many years through my teens and into my early twenties to think I was beautiful or had any style or class. I have known for many years now that is not true and I have been able to look at myself accept the good and the bad and just get on with it, but above all else I've been able to look in the mirror and say "you're looking good"! In a world where so many worry about aging, I often look at myself in the mirror and think that my looks have gotten better with age and time. As for my body shape, it's always been slim, sure it's not as slim as I once was but I am still very slim. I have some stretch marks plus the ones that I noticed creeping up on my boobs and I have thousands of grey hairs. But what do you expect when your body grows and births such beautiful lives and then allows you to nourish those lives with your body. You know what nothing really looks like it once did, but it's still bloody beautiful.

Along with many other important messages I hope to pass on to my children, I hope they will see a mother who is positive and realistic about how she looks. Someone who makes the most of what she has and gets on with it and appreciates the vessel she has been given to live this life in regardless of what that package looks like. I know one thing for sure I never want to have my baby girl hear me say something negative about my body. I don't want her to internalise that conversation, and know she came from my body and I am now complaining about it. Our children see themselves in us, so I'm going to make sure my kids catch me talking to myself in the mirror about how damn great I am.......so they have the confidence to start a positive internal dialogue with themselves.

I know there will be battles as they get older and are bombarded by media and advertising sending them different messages, but hopefully if I start now while they are young they will know better.

To my sweet darlings I love you, I love me and I want you to love yourself, you are beautiful.

Join the blog hop......are you next?

Meeting and achieving personal goals.

2011-09-19T14:15:00.002+10:00

I have been thinking a lot about what I put out there in regards to my goals this year. Just this morning I read back over that post to remind myself of what I had put down and to see where I am along in that journey as well.

I'm pretty pleased to say that I think I am doing well with my goal list. Cohen is still my little re lactated boy, would you believe it's over 18 months that journey started out?

I am a tandem breastfeeding mum, however the journey to keep up with tandem feeding hasn't been an easy one in the last 7 months with Sarah requiring so much of me. But I have muscled through the hard days, weeks and months and we are just motoring along now. Sarah of corse is still breastfed, and never seems perturbed that her brother crawls up on my lap for a feed. Cohen more then anything I think still needs that emotional reinforcement with breastfeeding especially on those days where Sarah has needing a lot of me.

As for goals of keeping the house organized after my insane nesting whilst pregnant with Sarah, well that has kind of gone to the wayside. But I am slowly getting back on top and clearing out again with a spring clean

I'm managing two in cloth on my ear as suspected but it does help that Cohen decided he wanted to start toilet training the week after Sarah was born.

Having creative time space and energy to put into my venture with My Vintage Vow, has been a struggle. But as with everything else it's a work in progress each week I am finding where and when I can fit things in around the demands of my family. I am still as determined as ever and will just stick at it until I get to where I am wanting to go with that.

As for my ABA goals,

they are still most definitley in the pipeline. One of my local ABA group counsellors is having my details passed on this week, so the ball should start to roll regarding initial enquiries into my studies to become a counsellor. Furthermore in regards to my participation in our group I have been asked along with another mum (who is actually a trainee counsellor) to lead or next meeting discussion group, about managing with a toddler and a newborn and being a breastfeeding mum. I am surprised to have been asked given I haven't started studies but the groups counsellors seem happy and assured about my commitment and involvement in the group, besides they will be there to point out anything that I or we may stray off the point with. Anyways I am excited about this opportunity, and I generally relish an opportunity to get up and talk. Anyway wish me luck with the group discussion.......I'll report back to let you know how it goes.

So there you go that is about where I am at with achieving goals this year, I had also wanted to start writing a book but my whole blogging life is really starting to take off now that I feel as though I meeting that goal, but just in a different way. I try my best as any mum to enrich my children's lives each day. Of course there are bad days sometimes, but I think it takes a good mum to recognize a bad day or moment and turn it around. Overall I think I am doing fairly well despite the ups and downs this year with many bouts of sickness for this family but I am excited about what the next twelve months from here hold. I know a few things that are in the agenda, but who knows anything is possible.

How are you traveling this year? Are things where you expected them to be for you, your family, your children?

A bright beautiful day for a beautiful soul!

2011-09-16T18:19:00.002+10:00

Yesterday was the day that we laid my sweet and talented Aunt to rest. What a beautiful send off she got with the most splendid of spring days. Although there were many displays of heartache, there were for the main part many smiles, hugs, kisses and laughter as my large extended family gathered together. My Aunt was the youngest of eight with my father being the eldest, my father could not make the funeral due to bad health yesterday. Nor did another sibling make it yesterday, she is utterly heartbroken over her sisters passing and clearly needs her own space and privacy to grieve privately.

I think what made the day so relaxed is all due to my Nan. I have always adored my Nan and thought she was an amazing women. But yesterday she showed such remarkable strength and dignity at the service by taking the stand and speaking, mind you she is in her late seventies. She spoke with composure and strength but with venerability. With my two uncles by each side to place a supportive hand on their mothers shoulder. I think it was when my Nan said that when she had heard the news that my Aunt had been killed, she just knew she was at peace and she truly believes she is at peace. I think it takes a strong person in mind, body and spirit to be able find comfort in ones own words.

We gathered after the service at another one of my aunts homes, enjoyed being in the arms of one another. We smiled, we laughed, we joked, we loved. It was a beautiful and relaxing afternoon celebrating a very private yet sweet and talented soul.

Today as I drove to my ABA meeting with Sarah in the car, I was struck by emotion over my aunts passing, as the radio played Adele's - Someone Like You. Although the song isn't about someone passing, it was certain words and phrasing mixed with raw emotion she sings with that caught me off guard. I am of course no stranger to grief over the last few years, so I know just to let these moments wash over like waves with their ebb and flow rather then fight them.

Obviously the events of the last few weeks have bought my emotions and my grief process closer to the surface as there are reminders and triggers for emotions. But more then anything I have been reminded of through my aunts passing and her talents and her sweet spirit is that we all have such a beautiful life to live. Sure our journeys my include struggles and dark days, but without those you can't really appreciate beauty and the joy of life.

May all my followers enjoy the beauty of life that has been bestowed on them, may the dark days we all surely endure in life linger only long enough as a reminder of the contrast of life. May you all remain safe, and love big and love strong.

Feeding Baby!

2011-09-12T09:52:00.003+10:00

Along with our weekend more ventures outdoors were enjoyed. With the spring weather giving us perfect temperatures during the day we basked outdoors for some open ended play with the kids. But of course it is still my pleasure and responsibility to provide my two with shelter and food. So when to calls for I'm hungry started hubby helped move our outdoor table onto the lawn, we threw over an old sheet and hey presto a shaded eatery and cubby. Because we had a morning out at the car boot sale indulging in snags in bread and so forth a light and healthier lunch was on the agenda. I rustled up a fruit, cheese and cracker platter for the kids.

Sarah has only recently in the last few weeks started solids and it really has only been in the last week we have been broadening our horizons. When we ventured into solids with Cohen I was like any new parent concerned about textures of foods and choking, but after a little while both he and I found confidence and ventured into finger foods.

This time around with Sarah the whole baby led solids is more in progress. I'm not following the whole process strictly but as what I believe all families should do, I am doing what works best for this family. Sarah is still getting some mashed foods, and I won't lie she has had the odd organic pre made pouches. But again I say I am doing what works best for my little family. I am enjoying watching Sarah through some of the baby led solids process, I feel like in many other things we don't give little ones like Sarah at nearly 7 months enough credit and faith in their development. At only just a mere 2 or so weeks into the whole solid journey she more then capable of feeding herself a responding appropriately if she has bitten off more then she can chew so to speak. I am there of course to step in an assist, but the need has not come about or at least not yet anyway.

Here she is enjoying some of her first experiences with a strawberries over the weekend, I love the funny look she has on her face experiencing the flavors. In her other hand she has mushed her banana to smithereens. Oh and when the solids experience comes about and weather is warm, I am all for stripping the kids down to their buffiness, not only does it make clean up for this mumma easier, but they seem to enjoy themselves so much more.

Clearly these are only my experiences and opinions regarding starting the solids journey and my thoughts on baby led solids. Should you wish to experiment with your little one please do your appropriate research, rather then taking my experiences as gospel. However at end of the day I am of the opinion and belief that as parents if we are more relaxed about these processes it can only benefit our children and their development.

Big weekend and simple pleasures!

2011-09-12T08:06:00.002+10:00

We have had a busy but lovely weekend with many simple pleasures to be enjoyed. The weekend that we had was not the one we had planned out earlier in the week. However in light of recent events the message and reminder is there......get out there have fun, enjoy life while you can.

We had totally different plans for Saturday which had to be cancelled, but after I was able to take care of all necessary matters and details it ended up allowing us time to attend a friends little ones 2nd birthday.

Cohen had a wonderful time and Sarah was happy crawling about on the grass, both of our children certainly enjoy the outdoors and are so much more happier and less whingy if playing in the outdoors and fresh air. But when you're a dinosaur, I guess you need the great outdoors to roam around in.

Sunday morning I headed off early for the only kid free time I get out each week. I headed off up the road to our local coffee shop and used up the half hour wifi access I get with buying my drink. The remainder of our morning was spent at a car boot sale wandering around looking for bargains. Mind you we were meant of been selling our wares at this same car boot sale, but the weeks events, just didn't allow for us to be organized enough. I spent a whopping $3, on some vintage clothing finds of which will likely feature over at my other blog My Vintage VowMy Vintage Vow. On a side note I tell you one thing being a stay at home mum and trying to carve my way with my little venutre and finding time to balance being a mum and being me, is seriously difficult under taking.....at least that's what I am finding at the moment.

Our afternoon yesterday was spent catching up with friends who we haven't seen in several months. We enjoyed the salt air by the Broadwater, watched Cohen play and Sarah crawl about investigating her surroundings. We also enjoyed other ventures outdoors yesterday, but that is for another post just as soon as I can get that up for you......hopefully later this morning if my two are agreeable.

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend and if the weather was agreeable where you are it was a nice one outdoors. Anyways this is just a post to share my weekend with you, nothing more nothing less and to let you know I hope to be a little more back on deck this week. May the start to this week find you all well.

Stinging sore eyes!

2011-09-07T14:08:00.005+10:00

To my loyal followers, especially my new followers please bare with me over the next week or so. I have stinging sore eyes after receiving some horrific news yesterday. Sadly my Aunt was killed yesterday in a head on collision. She is the youngest of eight and only 4 years older than me, it has hit the family and extended family hard. So please bare with me if posts are sporadic, as I juggle all my normal balls as well as this terrible news and dealing with family.

I have always been open with you all in my posts, about my journey with my miscarriages as well as Elle and Meg's loss and the grief process and undoubtedly I will have more to document in that journey, watching another mother (my Nanna) loss a child even though she is an adult child....it's all the same.

Thank you, and may you all be well and travel safely.

Cheap fun, cheap cookies.....

2011-09-07T12:14:00.001+10:00

I'm having a slow start to the week after a weekend that got off track. I am still trying to get through all the house work and laundry which you've probably seen by now. But all house work and no play makes for a blah mumma and blah kids. So this morning I popped Sarah in front of the plastics cupboard......the cheapest toy box in any home, and set about arranging some baking that Cohen could help me with.
So I thought I would try these 120 biscuits for less then $5 from Stay at Home Mum.

Can you trust a nearly 2 and half year old to pour the contents of the condensed milk tin in whilst you grab the camera. Answer is yes there was no sticky mess for me to clean and no evidence he tried to nab some from the tin.

Can you trust a nearly 2 and half year old to roll biscuit mix into balls and place on tray...ummmm no, but oh well at least that took care of morning tea to a certain degree.....he got an apple after.

Will said 2 and half year old freak out that you aren't going to roll up and bake all the cookies today......maybe.

So here we are 4 batches for the freezer, which should well and truly do us until next week shop and beyond.

And here are few for today and taste testing.....well it is the first time we have tried this recipe. As the recipe suggests for a less crumbly biscuit substitute half a cup of self raising flour for half a cup of custard powder, so that's what we did. I also popped a small amount of choc chips we had left in and a few small handfuls of coconut......yes I'm not a precise cooker. Theses ones got a little over cooked because we had to FaceTime on the iPad with Gigi (Great Gran) in the middle of cooking time....but they are still scrummy.
Anyways the verdict is a great little biscuit recipe to build on with different flavors and so forth. A great freezer filler and cheap, will also get you out of a bind if you have guests or don't want to turn up to a friends empty handed.

How big is your mountain?

2011-09-06T14:25:00.001+10:00

Rainy weather, sick poppets, sick husband, life and me with a seriously sore neck has been getting me behind with the laundry lately.

Check this out, I have lost track of how many loads this is and there is still more on the clothes horse and in the dryer. For this family of four this is a pretty big mountain? How big is yours? Come on fess up and leave me a link in a comment, don't have me airing my dirty laundry by myself........whoops wrong pun, this is clean laundry.

There could be someone or some child under all that I can't be sure.

Tell me how you get through sorting out a mountain like this? I have recently devised a plan of sorting it into different baskets, takes me a few minutes. Then when I have more time during the week I can grab a basket in the evening and fold a basket and put it away. It's been saving me time and sanity, I would never get through this during a day running around after my two.

Spring has sprung and it's time for.....

2011-09-01T14:05:00.008+10:00

....getting outside and enjoying all that the change of season has to offer.

I set the kids and I up outside this morning on a tarp and blanket. The tarp was put to use because the ground is still damp from all the rain we have had recently. I bought out a few toys for Sarah and then let Cohen just roam from inside to outside, bringing out toys to extend on the crazy ideas he was having.

Our time outside quickly turned into a boobie picnic when Cohen realised that I was giving Sarah a quick feed. So in true Cohen fashion I heard those words "my turn". Whilst Cohen was having "his turn" and sunshiny cuddles, Sarah ignored toys and tried to investigate our surroundings.

I am so excited about the change in seasons and all it's possibilities. I have so many little projects to finish off or get started on. I also have some crazy little things up my sleeve I would like to plan for the kids, so it will be nice with the change in season and temperature to try and actualise some of these ideas.

Here are some pics from our morning.

In another world.

He loves see how things work like his daddy does, he could see himself on my iPad whilst I was trying to take the pic.

Guess what she is after?

Time for a rest.

My turn!

I hope the start to spring has found you well and inspired and encouraged to embrace the possibilities of the season.

And the Fairy Wonderland begins....

2011-08-30T08:08:00.006+10:00

I am just so excited and chuffed with myself. I am also grateful to have learnt about The Magic Onions blog and be inspired.

Just the other day we ducked out to Bunnings to spend some gift cards we had. I finally got an opportunity to speak with one of the nursery staff. I told her about my idea and the retaining wall, she seemed genuinely thrilled at what I was wanting to try and achieve for the wall and in turn for Cohen and Sarah's imaginative play. She dragged me all over the place showing me different plants that would or should do well in a mainly shaded environment.

So this is what we ended up with a mixed coloured lot of Impatiens, Bromeliads and Ficus Frosty Fern. Once home I got to cutting up hessian bags to make little parcels of soil to plant in. I tied them up with garden twine and cut a few small holes in the bottom.

Around the back of the house at the retaining wall DH packed extra soil into the nooks and cranny's of boulders and then we packed in our hessian bag parcels of plants. I still have at least another half of the wall to do, but we have started. It's so exciting and I can see in my minds eye how this going to look once it's established.....well fingers crossed my planting solution works and takes off. I think DH and I are also going to clear the top of the wall and plant African Violets so once that is established it will also run over some of the rocks and boulders like fringes.

So there you go it's a start they are young plants and if you look close you can see how we have shoved them in there. I have already started looking around for little wooden gnomes and fairies for the Cohen (yes Sarah is still young but come end of summer she will be out there with her brother)......I know I'm jumping the gun, but it's so exciting I just wish I was a kid again. I will keep you updated with more pics on this project as we get further along in the process.

Here's the do!

2011-08-24T14:05:00.004+10:00

See I promised I would pop in and say hi real soon. Until I have got myself a little more sorted time wise I am going to try pop in every week as much as I can with a paragraph or two and a pic to bring you up to speed on all my happenings of late.

So here you go this is the new do.

Since this pic was taken the concave has been cut even more drastically. I love the new do and it's a big change from the blond I have been for the last few years. I will have to keep on top of the colour as I have so many greys it's not funny, but oh well that's the least of worries.

I'm full of promises

2011-08-22T14:19:00.004+10:00

Yes I know I am full of promises I feel like every time I pop in here to add a post after what has been a little absence, I promise you will be hearing from me more regularly. But truly I promise you if you can continue to stick with me, I will be back to posting regularly over here as well.

Life has been really busy here lately Sarah is settling more and more as the weeks go by (she is still very much a mummas girl though), and currently she is living in sheer desperation to get moving at the moment. She is so desperate to crawl that it generally ends in shrilling screams of frustration. Cohen is his regular gorgeous self and we have been riding some of the waves you expect to with a 2 year old. However his cognitive understanding and development with many things is really coming together. He seems to be having such a better understanding of what is expected of him and when. I have been having many proud mummy moments lately with my two darlings and watching them grow and change. To be honest those proud mummy moments have also been for myself too, the little confidence boosters where you see things working with your kids and you say to yourself that you must be doing a pretty good job!

On a personal level plenty has been happening for me. Number one and the primary reason you haven't seen much of me here is because I have been over there, My Vintage Vow Blog. As most of you know it's my little business, my little venture that I re-launched. I have heaps happening there at the moment and a lot behind the scenes. I am so excited that my goals and dreams are slowly being realised over there. It's slow going but that's ok, you've got to start somewhere don't you, and with two little ones as I have in tow I have to pace myself. So please feel free to pop on over to My Vintage Vow and check out what I am up to. If you like what you see and you're a fan of what I am doing and trying to do, why not become a follower so when you don't see me here you will see what I am up to over there. Oh and by the way we are having a giveaway at the moment, so now might be as good a time as any to check out what I am doing.

As for other things that have happened or are happening recently:
- I had an AWESOME birthday, many wonderful things happened and I got spoilt big time....will post soon about it all I promise, with some pics
- I have chopped the hair and gone back to dark, I am loving it and rockin' it (yes I know self flattery goes a long way lol).
- I attended our recent ABA planning meeting, and I am going to be starting investigations into starting my studies to become a counsellor, although I want to fit it in before number 3.
- Yes you heard right we are still crazily planning on bubba number 3, but just not yet but I will have to get my studies started soon as I will need about a year to finish them and can't imagine how I will do it and be motivated to continue if pregnant during studies.

Anyways there is plenty more going on, I hope you are all well and happy and yes I promise with hand on the heart I will pop back in soon.......I still have bigger plans for changing things up over here, just got to get my bearings right with each project and endeavour at the moment.

Fun, Fairies, Fruit and Veg

2011-07-25T14:04:00.000+10:00

We have some many little projects on the go or in the pipeline at the moment here at home. Down the side of the house we are in the midst of paving and putting in fruit and veg garden beds down the length of the house. We are very excited about our plans and looking forward to getting back into our fruit and veg again on a larger scale after the big rains last year wiping out everything. Cohen is also rather excited and has been out there helping daddy when he has been doing work. We are going to be utilising the fence as well with hanging pots and to Cohen's delight we currently have two varieties of strawberries growing which we check on every other day and have him water.

Cohen in the very late afternoon helping daddy put one of the garden bed walls in....or more like putting himself in the garden bed.

DH has informed me that it's mainly my responsibility for working out what we are going to be planting. So far the list of what I want going in the ground is lettuce, Asian mixed lettuce, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, silverbeet, baby eggplant, capsicum.....and that is about as far as I have got for now but the list will be expanding considerably as we get more done.

Anyway I want to share with you another project I have going in the pipeline I just need some time to work on. At the back of our house we have this retaining wall.

Yeah I know kind of boring picture! I have been inspired by going ons over at The Magic Onions and the fairy gardens that I am seeing over there. So the plan here is to turn all the little nooks between the boulders into little natural fantasy wonderlands for fairies and the like hang out. DH has bought a bunch of small hessian bags that we can load up with soil with some appropriate non-evasive plants so we can stick in some of the gaps to pretty it up. I'm not sure what plants to look for yet but I am hoping something that might weep over some of the boulders creating little curtains and caves for our fairy wonderland. I'm hoping this will be another project that Cohen will enjoy helping me with. Furthermore I hope he will enjoy using this area for his imaginative play once we get going. I'm sure Sarah will enjoy it bit I expect it will be well established by the time she is tottering around and old enough to join in the wonderment of it all.

Indiana Cohen and Raiders of the Backyard!

2011-07-20T11:17:00.000+10:00

Last week during Cohen's imaginative play he started to talk about finding treasure. He would grab all the cushions off of the lounge put them in a little gap we have between the end of the lounge and wall and then he would run off and get his torch. With torch in hand he would fossick under the cushions and if you asked him what he was doing he would proclaim "find treasure".

So with this development in mind I set about developing a proper discovery of treasure for him in our garden. So I started out with this box (a rather precious box to me but desperate times call for desperate measures right).

I spent a few days getting together some small odds and ends to go in there. Some beads, play money, I small handful out of my white button collection, some real coins, a tin elephant emblem I have had laying around.

Here it is going into the ground, Cohen's going to love this.

Here we go we're looking for treasure.......

Cohen had so much fun he was so excited squealing "treasure". This little treasure hunt has certainly given us plenty of mileage he wouldn't stop talking about it last night and playing with his treasure. DH and I have decided we are going to continue a weekly hunt for him and gather up different little things that can go into the treasure box to be discovered. It will be a nice little activity just for Cohen each week.........we hope to keep it on a Tuesday and therefore Tuesdays will be known as Treasure Box Tuesdays. We are also going to get Cohen a little container or special box to keep his finds safe and it will be his special box of things for him to play with that he won't have to share.

An offering

2011-07-19T13:20:00.000+10:00

I have been trying to get out each morning for a walk with the kids. I always leave it up to Cohen if he wants to walk or go in the pram. He knows if he walks he has to hold hands or whatever else I indicate to him. Last week he decided on the pram because he wanted to use his binoculars to look for birds. However yesterday he decided to walk, so I had a Sarah in the CatBird Pikkolo. We took Cohen's bright purple balloon that was tied to a thick piece of coral coloured wool on the walk with us.......the neighbours must think we're nuts. Along the way Cohen asked me about different things he saw and heard and we collected sticks and leaves on our walk.

Once home we played with our findings in some play dough. I love Cohen's imagination...it's a jungle he needs his giraffe he informed me.

And then afterwards Buddha got an offering. I should note that we aren't Buddhist but it's rather ironic that this little collection ended up at the lap of Buddha. A little collection to remind us of our walk and what we did with our morning. A reminder of nature and the beauty that is there in things we consider "dead" like fallen leaves. It's nice to have a little wonder and whimsy indoors. I think this will be a nice little offering to our house, our lives our family and we will continue on with this each Monday morning and I will try and document it here........it will be nice to see the seasons change indoors and outdoors.

Gardening for the little guy

2011-07-07T13:16:00.000+10:00

Now that Sarah is starting to settle right down, I am trying to put even more effort into doing activities with him where I can be more hands on with him. So this morning this is what we did, planted his marigolds daddy bought especially for him the other day.

He was trying hard to listen to my instructions, but needed a little hel. He talked the whole time saying "grow flower". Then informed me he needed the "water can".

Of course once you give a kid water, what do they ask for. More water of course! No pic to show you the more water result. Why? Because it would show Cohen in his regular state half starkers.

Instead what do you do when you've planted your flowers? Throw in a digger to help them of course.

And when Sarah has had enough of watching mummy and Cohen where does she end up?

Strapped in for cuddles of course.

My spare time

2011-06-28T13:03:00.000+10:00

I have been on a bit of a blogging rampage the last few days, it's good. There has been so much I have been meaning and wanting to do and share with you. Obviously my motherly duties have had me more then somewhat busy lately, in fact I am still seriously under the pump these days but sooner or later you gotta suck things up and get on with doing things. I have talked so much on and off this year about all the things I am wanting to do and work on. As determined as I am to be a good mumma, I am as determined to be a good me. My blogging is something that means a great deal to me and I have been trying to concentrate a lot of my spare minutes here and there to working on things. As some or many of you may know I do have another blog it's my business blog/blogshop My Vintage Vow. Nearly all my spare blogging moments have been spent over there behind the scenes getting things sorted out to relaunch my business. Along with that I have been busy setting up an Etsy and Madeit stores and making products and sourcing vintage finds, networking with interesting people etc. So I haven't been meaning to neglect Journey to Bliss it's just that I have been needing to put my very limited time in over there.

With being under the pump so much with the kids in recent times my business is the one thing that has given me a sanity break here and there. Some days I might not get out of pyjamas or get to brush my teeth and have someone in my arms nearly all day. But at least my business and my ideas etc are things I can constantly work on in my mind. Believe me in the push to get things relaunch soon, many things have been done on line with one hand whilst breastfeeding Sarah. I have been working with the most awesome WAHM who has helped with a new design and so much more, she has nearly been like a mentor in many ways a great sounding board. I am thankful for all of her help (I will be featuring her some time soon over at My Vintage Vow) and her patience. She has given me so many ideas and encouragement to do so much more with the business then I had originally thought to do. I am so excited about things taking off again, even though I feel as though I am going to have to start all over again in winning over my small but established audience of followers after being out of action for so long with pregnancy and babies......but you know what I'm just going to keep at it until I get there.

So there may not be much else happening in my world at the moment other then what I have mentioned, but it's a pretty full life at the moment. So fingers crossed Cohen will be at FDC later this week and that should give me enough uninterrupted time from his antics (as much as I love them) to get the last few things I need done to relaunch the business again over the weekend. Finally and hopefully my business is back in action next week, I should also have more mental capacity to be popping in here to start on the changes I want to make here. I have so many plans for Journey to Bliss as well and really want to start reaching out to a wider audience to help with miscarriage support, breastfeeding/re lactation support, rambles of parenting and life and so much more...........as Journey to Bliss's tag line says "I am on a journey to bliss come join me".

Do you see a dinosaur?

2011-06-28T12:40:00.000+10:00

I am in awe every day watching Cohen's mind and imagination develop. We spend a lot of time these days building blocks and the one thing he likes to build over and over again is a dinosaur. When he is finished building his dinosaur it is often thrusted into my hand which means I am then to put on a pretend voice and be the dinosaur. Cohen looks into his face (flat read bit at top in pic) and says "what you doin?". Just the other day Cohen was dancing around the lounge room to something on ABC2 and called out to the dinosaur he made that day "come on dinosaur, come on". I just find it so cute how in a child's eyes everything has life and energy to it, the possibility of being or doing anything their mind musters up. Whereas we as adults often just see a pile of blocks........oh to be a child again and to see everything and everyone in such a joyous way.

Pic is of Cohen's creation yesterday.....it really does look like a dinosaur huh? Oh and before you ask he is wearing undies in the pic LOL.

Weaning on the mind!

2011-06-26T15:28:00.000+10:00

No of course I am not thinking of weaning Sarah, but I have been toying with the idea of weaning Cohen. Many of you who have followed my blog for a long time now will know all about my weaning of Cohen at six months. I then went on to re lactate for him when he was nine months old after I suffered my second miscarriage. I resolved during the re lactation process that I would not make the decision next time round to wean him, that I would leave it up to him. Clearly he needed and wanted boobie again hence my efforts to re lactate, and it would only be right and fair to leave the decision to end the breast feeding journey in his hands.

Now having said all that I am finding it hard to keep my resolve to do this. To be be brutally honest I am struggling with the enthusiasm to keep going with Cohen and my journey. I have been tandem feeding for the last 4 and bit months now since Sarah's arrival. In that time there has only been a handful of occasions when I have had them both on the breast at the same time. I have found the logistics of feeding a baby and a wriggling toddler very difficult. That is therefore why I have feed them independently of one another. Since Sarah's arrival Cohen is more boob crazed, obviously he is seeing more of them and it puts it in his mind more to ask and want it. Cohen can get very insistent now about having boobie and can get rather upset if things don't go his way in that department.

I am feeling somewhat touched out having Cohen, Sarah and DH all wanting and needing me physically. I spend a MAJOR portion of my day in physical contact with Sarah, it's what she needs to feel settled a lot of them time and I'm not about to stop that and let her whinge or cry it out. I get very physically drained at the end of most days having to hold, carry, wear, put, rock, sway her. Then often in between and during those moments I have Cohen asking for boobie. Sometimes even when Sarah is full on in one of her moments Cohen can be crawling up on my lap demanding boobie. I understand it is likely a knee jerk reaction to not getting enough attention from with all my time with Sarah. Then on top of all this is a DH and him constantly talking about our sex life or giving me a grope hoping that will get me in the mood. I know it's hard (no pun intended) for DH especially since we don't have sex when I am pregnant. That is not necessarily all my doing, it has a lot to do with how he feels about things. After having so many pregnancies, so many losses and so many problems and bleeding with every pregnancy and told by docs each time no sex or very limited sex. We/he decided that the bigger picture at the end of the day is the one that matters......our babes arriving earth side happy and healthy. I have tried suggesting sex when pregnant but DH is adamant and doesn't want to risk things when I am pregnant.

So to get back on track with all my ramblings, I think all of this is contributing to me feeling touched out to a certain degree and physically tired and frustrated. I am also longing to have a period of time when I am just exclusively feeding Sarah. I know if I try and wean Cohen cold turkey all hell is going to break loose and to be honest I can barely stand the idea of that headache. I have kept Cohen on timed feeds since Sarah's arrival and I am trying to distract him at other times he is asking for boobie when I am having a bad day. I just don't know what else to do, on one hand I am so desperate to reclaim some me and some physical space on this matter but at the same time I am totally torn up emotionally about this whole weaning process with Cohen and what I am doing to him. I am really lost on this matter and feel that I am damn if I and damn if I don't. I just don't think there is any easy answer, but I just wish I wasn't feeling like this because I know when he does wean whether of his accord or mine I will grieve that it is all over *sigh*. I just know one thing is certain that if DH and I continue on with our plans at the end of next year to try for baby number three, I don't want to be feeding 2 and be pregnant. I will be happy to keep feeding Sarah but I just don't think I have it in me for feeding 2 and being pregnant this body has been through so much in 3 or so years.

I guess there is just no easy out to all of this, but if you have words of encouragement, support or a suggestion I would be only too happy to hear others thoughts. Thank you from an emotionally torn up mumma on this issue.