New house: Colours

Colours for the new house. I wanted a neutral colour palate. And I wanted a white interior. But I didn't want it to look clinical. All interior walls are a rice white. For some strange reason, the carpet and tiles in here look alot more like grey? Carpets and tiles actually look a more latte, grey brown in real life.

I freaked at the hundreds and hundreds of choices available. I refocused, and picked colours mainly based on a particular caesarstone tile I FELL IN LOVE with instantly. It is white with browny grey specks through it. You can't see it here, but it has heaps of shimmery little specks through it too.

Pre start appointment was actually a few months ago, where I picked out these colours. 

Have any of you built or renovated your house? Please tell me it's a fun process. And that I get to keep all my hair at the end of it! Can't wait till the building actually starts!

I treasure moments like this

This was us for most of the afternoons last week when we were sick. Me reading and Kayden crawling into my arms for his nap.

I love it! The cuddling, not the being sick part.

Not really here

No, we haven't been away. Just out of it. The weather was erratic past week or so and it has hit the little man and I with a really bad cold! It is awful. K was a snotty baby who couldn't understand why he was spluttering when he was guzzling his milk. He was miserable and frustrated. My poor baby.

And then, when he was at the tail of it, I came crashing down with the cold too. It was inevitable I guess. All he wanted was for me to cuddle him. Snot and all (I meant the both of us). So the both of us were huddled up in bed most of the afternoons.

I'm feeling well enough to post this entry. But not looking well enough to post a photo of us. So hence, this photo instead.

I see light at the end of the tunnel. I'll be back!

Burnt Toast

Couple of years ago, I think it was on Oprah that Teri Hatcher was a guest on. She was there to promote her book. It has made an impression on me because it was titled "Burnt Toast". It is her account of motherhood and other experiences she's had in life. "Burnt Toast" being the metaphor that the woman takes the leftovers or the least appealing parts for themselves.


Now as a mom, I can totally relate to that because I found myself eating the crusty parts of the bread when I gave Kayden this! A start to things to come I'm sure.

What is THAT raggedly square with holes you're eating mom?  Mine tastes waaaay better!

The boy was eyeing my plate I had in my hand, while he was happily munching on his pretty jam and butter bread cutouts I gave him one rare breakfast morning. He had one in his hand, then decides to multitask and picks up another one in his other hand. Nom nom nom! Yummy!

My manual paper shredder

And I am quick at it too!

Colourful food

 

Every now and then, we should stop and smell the flowers. But, I think with Kayden around, it may not be such a good idea for now. This pansy came as a pretty garnish in hubby's iced mocha at brunch over the weekend. It was pretty, so we took it off and gave it to Kayden to hold and look at.

While he did admire it for a couple of minutes, its beauty was lost on him in no time.


The boy was too quick for us to stop! He plucked a petal off, shoved it into his mouth, chewed it alittle and it was GONE. All within a couple of seconds.

From the moment the petal touched his lips, I had my finger in his mouth trying to fish it out. All I managed was a sharp bite from his 2 little toothies.

It was a beautiful sunny day to spend at the local park after. And despite what you see here, no. He didn't get a second chance to eat (maybe a taste) it again, this time a daisy. We yanked him off the ground as soon as he started it put it to his mouth! Oh no you don't!

You know how they say make children's food colourful so it is more appealing for them to eat? Well, here you go. Perfect example.

And I'm thinking, if they used the pansy as a garnish, its not poisonous. Right?

I have

I have unobstructed views of clear blue skies right here from home

It is not often I slip into the "If only I have/can ..." moments. But when I do, there is always something or someone that quickly yanks me right out of the thought and puts me on the brighter side of things. This morning, Jess did just that. Thank you!

With a cranky baby, waking up to the boy's cries a few times in the middle of the night because somehow he has wet his PJs or a lost dummy leaves me questioning.. "WHY!!".

Or realising, "hey... it feels like we haven't had a getaway for what seems like the longest time ever".

Or wonder why can't we afford this? I WANT this! And this.. and wow! maybe that too!". I don't go for frequent manicures. I don't go out shopping enough to realise the shop has closed down more than THREE years ago!

And what? You are going to watch Avatar? ...Umm, where exactly is it?

Kate Spade, Molton Brown, who are you?

But.

I am acutely aware I am a lucky girl despite all of that.

I have many things most money can't buy. Simple things. And they make me smile and be happy about.



I have the most supportive husband who leaps out to give me a helping hand, to love and make me laugh, making me the happiest girl in the world.

I have an adorable son, who crawls onto my lap, pulling me close to him for a cuddle and a kiss, who makes me throw my head back with a belly laugh.

I have a wonderful family near and far.

I have friends who are merely a text or a phonecall away .. for some non-kiddy chit chats. Even better when they are scattered all over the world,  different time zones means there is always somebody online to talk to!

I have the pleasure of going on day trips exploring places which most of my overseas friends yearn to visit here in Melbourne. I have the pleasure of admiring clear blue skies from this side of the world. I have the opportunity to be all dressed for up all the 4 seasons we get in a single day in typical Melbourne fashion! Woollen coats and scarves, soft and thin silky tops, all hung up in the wardrobe ready to be worn in the rain or shine!



If you are one of those who can't help but say "I don't have time! Why don't I have this?", sit down and count what you actually do have. You will most likely be pleasantly surprised. It could be the simplest things in life you feel happy about.

I have a good life =)

Kayden at 11 months

 

Happy 11 months Kayden!

One more month and you're officially not a baby anymore =( I am going to enjoy all the cuddles and kisses my BABY still wants to give me (when he feels like it).

We were at the playground yesterday afternoon, and I sat Kayden on the swing and went down the slide with him. He was happiest when I sat him on the big fat rubber crocodile. But he reached for the ground playing with the mulch covering instead! Haha! The sparkle in his eyes made my heart sing!

p/s: we're finally breaking out the summer wear!

The grass is not always greener

We had a deliciously warm sunny weekend in Melbourne at long last! Spring was only here half heartedly when it first started. But over the weekend, the boy and I were out enjoying the sun in the backyard! We sat on the grass enjoying the cool breeze as it blew until it was time for lunch.

Kayden was not totally convinced about this green thing Mommy calls 'grass'.

When put on it, he hardly moved from his sitting position! He gingerly touches the grass blades and then pulls his hand back when he realizes it was a little prickly! What a DIVA! If you look carefully, when he was crawling around, his shins weren't really touching the ground, just his knees. He actually had his toes pointing up even. So, in the end, I had to go back inside to grab him a cloth to sit on instead. And he was as happy as a lark after that!

Warm weather = happy days! Can't wait for the weekend to arrive, we're going on a day trip! Yipee!