Embracing the messy, mundane & momentous
My darling Miss J, Happy 8thbirthday! As I write those words I feel it must be some sort of mistake. How can you possibly be eight years old already? I am sure you were born just yesterday. Never does the expression, “The days are long but the years are short” resonate more than on birthdays….
What’s the hardest part of your day? Is it the morning rush, the after school activities, or the bath, books, bed routine at night? None of these things are easy, but I am going to guess that getting a meal on the table at night rates pretty highly. Without a doubt it is the most…
To daycare or not to daycare? This has been the dilemma I have faced over the past few months. My struggle is not unique. Hundreds of thousands of parents in Australia wrestle with the question of whether to place their child in daycare. But I have never been through this, until now. And the internal…
I am tired. Like, really tired. Raising little people is utterly exhausting. It is physically, emotionally, mentally and logistically demanding. Admittedly I haven’t slept through the night in a very long time (sleep allergic baby, anyone?) but it’s more than that. When you have a new baby you accept that you will lose a few Z’s…
4 ways to create a stylish table setting Presentation is everything when it comes to food. As a child I watched my mum put on countless occasions at home – from casual Sunday afternoon canapés to formal home dinner parties. She entertained with ease, generosity and warmth. Mum would plan her menu for the eagerly…
Childbirth is an incredible experience, but it is also unpredictable and often presents dangers to both mother and baby. I have given birth four times and each labour has been different but they have all involved degrees of risk. Fortunately they all resulted in the safe delivery of healthy babies. But things can, and do, go…
Recently my first-born daughter turned nine. Instead of requesting an elaborate themed birthday cake (phew, no fondant or intricate cake decorating this time) she asked for a Lemon Tart. She’s a lemon lover just like her mama and she said she wanted something a little more sophisticated this time (being so grown up now!). My…
Before I had kids I rarely went to the doctors. I wasn’t a regular at the chemist either, and now I am a “frequent flyer” at both. Having four kids brings with it, among many trips to the shoe shop, many trips to the doctors. Lately I feel like I’ve spent more time at the…
