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!

The very same foot

@First hour of birth

 

@10 months

Kayden says...

Hmmmm, after sharpening my tooth on the cot the other day, 

they went out and got this 'rail guard' thingie which they stuck at the top of my rail.

It's not so fun to chew on anymore! Boriiiing!

 

AH HAH! 

Mom left this inside my cot while she's busy clicking away 

with that metallic box in front of me. Tasty!!

A belated birthday

 
Just coming across from Anna's blog, I too have just only realised my blog had silently turned one a month ago!

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY

LIFE WITH A MINI!

I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all of you who visit!  I have most enjoyed all of your emails, messages and comments. Thank you also if you are a silent reader, I know there are a few handfuls of you out there! =)
 
Cheers! To my family, friends and new found friends via the world of blogging!

Kayden tells you his routine at 10 months

 
7am   First feed of the day, dreamfeeding. Daddy gets the relaxed me, feeding and changes my nappy with ease. Then he kisses us goodbye and leaves for work.

9.30am   Wake up, roll over and try to pry sleeping Mommy's eye open. Or, if they were heartless enough to make me sleep in my cot the night before, I start bouncing in there, making a nuisance of myself, until Mommy wakes up. And then, when she tries to change my nappy, I show her one of my many wrestling moves.

11am   Milk feed

12Noon    Lunchtime (congee and yoghurt) and then on my playmat for a a bit.

1.30pm  'Ma Ma (Grandma) picks me up and pats me to sleep *Woohoo!* I am out like a light within 5 minutes.

2.30pm   I am up again. But Heyyy! When did you put me down Ma Ma!!!?? Get me out of my bouncer NOW!!!

3pm    Nappy change, and milk feed. Then I wander around the room following Mommy around, entangling myself around her feet and basically learning the word "NO!!!" a million times for the next hour or two from her. When she gets sick of removing me from some sticky situations (see above), she puts me in my playpen (read: cage), and puts something on for me to watch on the telly. And if I get lucky, Mommy gives me some crustkits to nibble on.

4pm    Maybe a long walk in the park, when Mommy decides its not freezing outside and the sun is out.

5pm    Bathtime

6pm   Dinner

7pm   Daddy's home! Time to go bother somebody else and give Mommy a break from me.

7.30pm   Dinnertime for the adults, they put me on my highchair and I sit with them at the head of the table (like Ye Ye - grandfather), and sometimes I get a nibble out of some of their food. But mainly, it's just fun for me. Like yesterday, I stuffed an entire piece of chicken into my mouth. Sneakily, chew and pretend I've swallowed it and Mom gives me another piece... until she realises what I was up to, and tries to dig everything out of my mouth. FUN!

8pm   Hang out with Daddy

9pm   Nappy change and milk feed. Mommy zips me up in my sleeping bag. Bedtime.

Hello spring!

Goodbye winter, and HELLO to you spring! When you decide to show up on some days that is.

The temperature has been slowly creeping up. It is still cold, the temperature sits in the low tens or so. But, the days are getting longer and little green buds are starting to emerge from the cherry blossom trees on the nature strips.

Despite September being the coldest spring Melbourne has had in years, we are taking our long afternoon walks again. All rugged up of course, me in my warm fleecy jumper and Kayden tucked up to his shoulders in his foot muff and hat.

The boy loves the outdoors, and one afternoon in the crisp, warm afternoon spring sunshine, he was 'singing' as we walked through picturesque scenes like these.

Beautiful!

Stuck at a corner

Kayden has started to cruise. He pulls himself up to a stand at a piece of furniture and slowly makes his way around.

We have a big rectangular coffee table in the rumpus room, and Kayden cruises around it a fair bit. Until recently, he wasn't able to go around the corners. He is so funny to watch! What happens when he reaches the big rounded corner of the coffee table? He starts SCREAMING  to psych himself up for the bend. I am not kidding! We all burst out laughing when he starts to scream in fear. It's terrible I know. But I can't help myself. He has this look on his face where he furrows his brows together and turns his smile upside down. Then he S-L-O-W-L-Y inches his way around it carefully. It takes maybe about 2-3 minutes for him to do that corner. 

Screaming the whole time.

Then he stops when he makes the corner...... until he reaches the next one. Now, the thing is, he still hasn't discovered how to get back into a sitting position from standing. So really, he just goes round and round the table for a really long time. It's like a open play pen really! And then, when he gets tired, and his legs start to shake, he starts calling out for somebody to save him. 

I would upload a video of this, but because he takes SO LONG to go around the table, the video will be just too long. So here's a photo of his ugly scowl again to entertain you for a little.

Now it all makes sense

I mentioned that Kayden was teething and his first tooth has just cut through. I expected the drooling, and the incessant need to chew on everything he can get his fingers on. I am fine with it, I get that it soothes his gums so I just let him be, so long he has not been dipping his fingers in his potty beforehand. This chewing thing is really not such a big deal I thought.

At the shops, I have seen rubber rail guards for baby cot rails. And I thought to myself then, why on earth would people waste money on these things? Surely its not such a big issue letting them chew and lick the cot rails?

Then, hubby noticed these teeth (or rather 'tooth', because he has only 1 at the moment) marks all along the inside of Kayden's cot rail.

Then it all makes sense.

So THAT's WHY they say always check that you buy an Australian Standard cot that meets all the requirements (baby safe lead free paint).

So THAT'S WHY his hoodie was covered in these mysterious white specks this afternoon. I literally just brushed it off, thinking it was lint. The marks run all the way along his cot rail, and there really wasn't that much on his hoodie. So if that is the case, it means he has EATEN the paint. Bleh!

And, so THAT's WHY they sell those rail guards! DUH. To stop your baby behaving like a hungry beaver devouring corn on a cob.

Thank god I'm not breastfeeding him anymore too.

Waking up

I don't know about other babies, but when Kayden wakes up, he's a DRAMA KING. In my sleepy state, the distant grumbling starts getting louder and louder. It's as if he's saying "Helloooo.. I'm awake now, I'd like my milk now pleeeeease!". Then it gets even louder and louder, until it is as if he is screaming out "HELLOOOO????? It's morning now isn't it??  I am ready to get up now, why are you still lying there? WAKE UP Mommy! Waaaaaaaaake uuuuup nowwww! Wake up!!! MILK! Milk milk! Now dammit, NOW!"

And by then, if he was sleeping in the bed with us, he would have rolled and shuffled over, with much difficulty in his sleeping bag. It does look pretty tricky to crawl in that thing. Somehow end up on top of me with his hands patting my face, sometimes even trying to peel my eyes open.

You see, if I pretend I am still sleeping, and stay in whatever position I am in, I may get say, an extra 5 minutes of snooze time. Instead of having to jump out of the cosy sheets right away. He thinks I am still sleeping and waits for abit, still grumbling to himself.

So rare he is up and awake, playing by himself, looking somewhat cheery like this, while waiting for me to wake up. Or maybe that's what he does, every morning. Wait quietly. Of which may seem like an eternity to him, because I loove a sleep in.

And maybe that's why it escalates to a screaming match every morning. Hmmm.....

Kayden: Entering Toddlerhood

I was looking at nappies for him and the next size up says "Toddler". And a toddler he is indeed.

Kayden is now well and truly crawling and cruising. He pulls himself up to anything he can get his little hands on. The edge of the coffee table, the couch, a box, my pants, the window blinds! He's experimenting and discovering that he can get to things alot faster and closer. He leans and stretches until he is able to grab hold of something he has his eyes on. Not a spare moment is spared when he spots Mommy seated comfortably in the recliner. He quickly crawls over to me, and in no time, is pulling himself to a stand in front of me with that cheeky grin he gives! Then he does that little bouncy dance so I pick him up.

He is also starting to let go of one hand when cruising. Scary! For me! I picture his little brain bouncing off the walls of his skull everytime he takes a fall, where tears follow. 

After weeks and weeks of tears and grief, his first tooth has finally cut through, finally. I am so glad he is not one of those babies who cuts 4 teeth at one go, ouch! Our dentist said he had a 18 month old who cut 6 all at once! EEeep!

It is early days, but I am getting him used to the potty. Oh boy, he HATES the potty. The first couple of times he sat his bottom down on it, his legs went as stiff as a surfboard. Actually, I take that back, he still does that now. He refuses to sit on the thing! He reacts as if the potty is toxic! The first time it happened,  I found it so funny and couldn't stop laughing. He stops struggling, turns around long enough to stare at me , then he cups his little hand over my lips, meaning "Stop laughing Mommy!".

So to distract him, I started saying "Oh! Look! What's that on the front of your potty?" And it always works a treat. He stops struggling, sits down and peers down to look.

Every time.

How long more before he realises its a trap, I don't know.

Kayden's ugly scrowl

Kayden understands the word No by now and he can most definitely express his dislike for the word! It doesn't help when we laugh at him when he does it, he just scrunches up his face even more when we do. Yikes!

Routines at 9 months

I joke with my friends that these are not Kayden's routines, it is really MY routine.  It's all fun and games for him, and abit of work for me to do. With the help of a popular parenting book, I have followed the suggested routines with HUGE success. We got him onto the routine when he was 4 months old. He used to wake up at least once each night. Shortly after I put him on the routines, he slept right through the night.

And now, he wakes up and goes down for his sleep at expected times. I find it alot easier to plan a trip out, or to book for an appointment knowing what times he will be awake and ready to head out the door.

7am - Kayden wakes up. (He is almost like clockwork, plus or minus 5 to 10 minutes) Hubby gives Kayden a nappy change and his first milk feed of the day. Kayden goes straight back to sleep. By 7.15am he is fast asleep again.

10am - Kayden is awake and ready to start his day. Another nappy change and some playtime with me.


11am - I give Kayden his second morning milk feed.

12Noon - Lunchtime. He sits in his high chair, and I give him some finger foods (snow peas, carrot sticks, broccoli,etc) to feed himself with while waiting for his lunch to be ready. When it is ready,I feed him and have my own lunch after.

1pm - Kayden goes down for a nap while I wash up after lunch.

1.30pm - I do abit of housework, or some me time while Kayden is still sleeping.


2pm - Kayden is awake. Playtime.

3pm - Another milk feed, and maybe some afternoon tea of cruskits or some fruits.

3.30 pm - We head off for an afternoon walk if the weather is looking good outside.


4.30pm -  Back from our walk, I give Kayden some books and toys, sit down with him for a bit and then jump in for a quick shower while he's playing.

 5.30pm - I prep his dinner and leave it to cook while I give Kayden a bath.

6pm - Kayden's dinnertime. Sometimes he has some plain yoghurt with some fruit purees in it.

7pm  - Dinner with the rest of the family. If we're lucky, Kayden would be asleep by now. If not, he joins us at the dinner table in his high chair. Although these days, I prefer if he stays awake at this time as if he sleeps now, its like a power nap for him. Otherwise, almost for sure, he will be up by 9pm, wide eyed and fully awake for more play till late! We watch some TV together, read, play, generally just spending some family time together.

8pm - Kayden has his last milk feed of the day. 

9pm - Kayden goes to sleep for the night.

10pm -  Hubby and I spend some time together, catch up on some gossip and maybe a late night movie on some days.

11pm - Lights out.