Getting into the swing...

...of spring. Starting with a spring fair. Hurstbridge put on a show.

Fun was had by all.

34

I am 34 today.

I know it's been said a thousand times by countless others - but how did I get here so fast? Where did that time go? Am I really in my mid thirties already?

I'm not saying I'm old. I'm just amazed that I'm here already. But when I do a few sums in my head the numbers add up and it makes sense.

I've been with my man for 16 years :: I've studied and obtained a degree :: I've gotten married :: I've lived overseas :: I've travelled extensively :: I've worked 3 jobs in 3 different industries :: I've bought a house ::
I've had 2 kids

These things don't happen within a couple of years. It took time to get here. And so, here I am. 34.

I've always felt so young and I have no reason to feel any different on this birthday, but I do. I feel different. I feel like it's time for me to grow up. Be an adult. Suck it up. Do what I have to do to get where I want to go. Be authentic. Be myself. Like myself. Stop apologising for who I am. Stake my claim in this life. Say no when I feel I need to. Say yes when I mean it. Love more. Fear Less. Now.

So today I have cleansed, toned & moisturised my neglected face. My dry hands have been moisturised several times. I have gone to the toilet as soon as I need to go, instead of holding til my kidneys ache because I'm busy with other things. I discarded my breastfeeding bra and put on something lacey. I took my vitamins. I included myself in my list of people to care for today and I think I could make a habit of this. It's not half bad. It actually feels quite good.

I would never relive my youth but I don't regret a minute of my past. It's got me exactly where I am today. 34. Alive. Loved. Blessed.

Happy birthday to me. x

8 months

On the eve of your 9 month milestone I'd like to thank you for this eighth month. You have been an absolute joy and the growing and developing you've done in one single month has been so exciting and fun to witness.

In your eighth month you:

• learnt to crawl
• learnt to sit up
• say "Mama"
• say "Dada"
• wave goodbye whilst saying "Ba-ba"
• Put your blanket up to your face, remove it quickly and exclaim "Aaah Berr!" (that's Ah Boo!)
• Slept through the night 3 times!

I tell you it's been one busy month of growing and I'm watching my baby girl grow up before my eyes on a daily basis.

I still love our morning feeds together. You're so warm, peaceful and cuddly. After having your milk you nuzzle into my chest, suck your thumb and stay there until you're ready to face the day...or you fall into a peaceful slumber. It's such a nice way to start the day with you.

You are a constant source of delight for all of our family. Your gummy smiles provide endless photo opportunities and moments of joy. There is not a tooth to be seen as yet - just heavy, white gums just waiting to crack a tooth...any day now? I'm loving your gums and your sweet milky breath for more months than I expected. How lucky I am!

I can't imagine what your 9th month will bring. More growing and movement I'm sure. You are loved beyond measure. Your happiness is contagious. Thank you again for choosing us. x

Well, hello there!

Can you see? In the mirror? The Canon EOS 550D.

Hello there, it was so nice to meet you. I think I fell in love with you the moment I took you out of the box. Does that make you uncomfortable? Oh well, you'll get over it and I'm sure I'll get over you one day...

Until then it's good news for my neglected blog. I think you may be seeing a bit more of me around these parts. Have new toy, will take pics. Have pics, will blog.

And just like that, I'm back in the saddle. x