Celebrate Archives - Not another slippery dip

Miss A celebrates her 10th birthday

April 3, 2019 By Michaela Fox

Miss A turns 10

Parenting is full of milestones, and they come thick and fast in the early years. The first smile, first steps, first time they sleep through the night. And the “firsts” continue: their first day of school, first time they lose a tooth, first time they ride a bike without training wheels. So many firsts!! There are also many “lasts” and while some of them are jubilant celebrations (last time they wear nappies) many of the lasts are also losses you mourn (last breastfeed, last time they nestle into your chest).

Today my first-born “baby” turned TEN! She is officially in the double digits now and this has resulted in much excitement and celebration. On a personal level it is pretty significant for me, too. I have reached ten years of motherhood – a decade of surviving parenthood. That’s a pretty big deal, right? So I could get all reflective and sentimental in this post, but instead I am going to show you how Miss A celebrated this milestone with her friends. To say she had a terrific time is a gross understatement. I think the reason she had such a great party was because we had it at home with a great bunch of girlfriend, and it involved good old-fashioned fun. It wasn’t fancy but it was fabulous.

Miss A’s 10th Birthday Party

My daughter turns double digits!

Miss A invited 14 girls to her party so when you add in our lot the total number of guests was 18. This is a big party in my books. Usually I like to keep numbers smaller but considering it was a milestone birthday, and we only have parties every second year, 18 seemed like a good number. Here’s a rundown of the party elements and activities:

Venue: Home

Time: 4.30pm-8.30pm

Activities:

We kicked off the party with a Treasure Hunt that started at home, then took the girls around the neighbourhood, finishing at the school. The final clue led them to the canteen where the treasure was icy poles for all. Considering it was over 36 degrees, it was ideal thirst quenching treasure.
Music and dancing: Back at home, a gaggle of girls busted out some seriously impressive moves (featuring: The Floss, The Worm, The Dab) to Miss A’s party playlist.
Pizza for dinner: We ordered pizzas from a local wood fired pizza place, which were demolished on picnic rugs outside on the grass. More dancing. More giggles. And wheelbarrow races on the grass!
Polaroids: We bought an Instax polaroid camera for the party. It was so much fun. We took photos of all guests with the birthday girl and each guest got to take copy home. We pasted one copy into a scrapbook for Miss A to keep and each guest wrote a birthday message next to the pic. It was loads of fun!
Movie: After all that dancing it was time for a movie (Small Foot). Most of the party guests watched the flick but some had more”energy” to burn off…
Cake time: Half an hour before the end of the party we sung happy birthday to Miss A. The cake was declared a triumph (phew). I iced the cake using this icing recipe. The key to a really delicious buttercream is in the good quality vanilla extract you use (not essence). The flowers on the top of the cake acted as a subtle and sophisticated cake topper. Natives and pink roses the perfect arrangement by Violet and the Fox.
Champagne, cheese and macarons: The cheese platter was meant to be for the grown ups but the kids devoured it too. I was impressed by their sophisticated palettes as they enjoyed the artichokes, soft cheese, figs and honeycomb. It was a seriously good grazing board generously created by By Natascha.
End of party: Time for Mr NASD and me to polish off the rest of the champagne and the grazing board. Party girl went to bed with a very full tummy and even fuller heart. She declared it “The Best Party Ever.” Well, you only turn double digits once…

Welcome to an evening of pizza, adventure and fun!

Treasure Hunt Clues!

Stuff of cheese dreams!

Beautiful pink and mint macarons

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Understated and subtle, just like Miss A.

Semi Naked white chocolate mud cake

Easy no-bake chocolate Caramello slice

For a look at other parties, cakes and celebrations, visit the Celebrate section of this blog. And to stay up-to-date with all our family shenanigans make sure you’re following NASD on Facebook and Instagram.

Miss J’s Craft Party

September 23, 2018 By Michaela Fox

Welcome to the Craft Party!

Miss J turned eight last week and we celebrated with a party at home. The birthday girl couldn’t decide if she wanted a craft party, or a movie party, so we decided to do both! Given we now only do parties once every second year (best decision ever) I figured we could double the fun! 15 girls (including her sisters) had a fabulous time crafting in the afternoon, and then watching a flick in the evening. It was a terrific success.

In order to ease my load, and reduce the stress that inevitably comes with hosting a home party, I decided to outsource most of the catering. I’ve done my fair share of Fairy parties, Garden Parties and Rainbow parties and, whilst fun, they are A LOT of work. This year I had neither the time nor the will to spend hours in the kitchen preparing. So I bought a selection of tasty treats from Chantal’s Patisserie and I ordered sushi and sausage rolls for dinner. Easy. All I had to do was the cake. But what cake did the birthday girl request? A Mermaid Cake!!

After being completely intimidated by the results from my Pinterest search, I settled for a “cheats version” of a Mermaid cake. Instead of mermaid scales and fondant, I opted for mermaid tails and buttercream. This made it much more achievable. The cake itself was three layers of white chocolate mud cake, iced with turquoise buttercream and decorated with fondant tails and white chocolate shells and sea creatures. Birthday girl LOVED it!

The party went from 4.00p-8.00pm, which was the longest party I’ve ever had at home. I usually find that two hours is tops, but because of the movie component it really had to be this long. The party guests spent the first hour or so crafting with Oober Oonies by Moose Toys. This product has just landed in Australia so none of the guests had seen it before (one of the perks of working on the social media for Moose Craft!). It is also LOTS of fun with LITTLE mess (an absolute must if you’re going to host a craft party!). Then the girls ate dinner, got changed into their pyjamas and settled in front of the TV with popcorn to watch The Greatest Showman.

Here are some photos from the party. If you have any questions, just pop them in the Comments section below and I’ll respond. And if you want to see some of the other parties I have hosted over the years, just type ‘Party” into the search bar or click on the links in this post.

Miss J’s Craft Party

Let’s get crafty!

It’s time to celebrate turning EIGHT!

Oober Oonies made for the perfect craft activity.

Crafting with Oober Oonies

These macaronuts were a HIT!

How pretty is the Teal?!

Candy Marshmallow Cones

A cross between a macaron and a donut…who knew?!

A clever mould made this Mermaid tail a lot easier!

White Chocolate Mudcake with buttercream icing and fondant decorations.

Just a small hit of sugar!

Do you host parties at home or do you outsource? And do you give your kids parties every year? Tell me the truth, do you like them or loathe them? 🙂

Happy 8th birthday, Miss J

September 12, 2018 By Michaela Fox

Happy 8th birthday, Miss J

My darling Miss J,

Happy 8^thbirthday!

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. If you are eight, then I must be old, really old. But lets not go there…

Have I told you about the time I saw stars? Apparently these flashes of light are quite common during a fainting spell. But what’s not common is fainting during the “pushing”stage of labour. Which is precisely how I came to see stars at your birth. The midwife on duty said that in her 30 years of delivering babies she had never seen a woman faint at the pointy end of labour! But I’ve never been one to follow the script. When I came to, you were placed on my chest and the earth literally shook. My entire body trembled (a side effect of shock) and I saw stars…so many stars!!

Looking back it’s fitting that I saw stars during your birth. Because I have continued to see stars wherever you go. Your big, bright eyes are magnetic stars. They dart and dance all day long, brimming with curiosity and love. They speak before words form in your mouth. You eyes are the windows to your soul and reveal a very special young girl. And they brighten up my world. I adore your eyes almost as much, if not more, than your curls. Which is to say A LOT. Your eyes brighten up my world.

My friend nicknamed you “Sparky” because of your shiny eyes. But it wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine, especially in the early years. You were a “live wire” – reactive and highly charged (read: explosive). But over the years this side of your personality has mellowed. You are calm, curious and considered. And you exude an enthusiasm for life that takes my breath away, quite literally at times!

You write me love notes almost daily. If you keep this up I will have an entire rainforest dedicated to your love for me. I treasure these “love declarations”. You are so generous with your warmth and affection. You thank me for filling your bucket each day, so grateful are you for the simplest things. I tell you that my bucket is overflowing, dripping with your love. You insist you love me more than I love you. Sometimes I protest, and other times I indulge you, knowing full well this is not possible. For how could any child truly understand the magnitude of a mother’s love?

Miss J, thank you for being YOU. Thank you for bringing love and joy to our family, and to everyone around you. Today is YOUR day to shine. I love you more than I can express in words. Have bucket loads of fun being eight.

Love, Mama xx

Make a wish!

8 Fast Facts:

You are fiercely loyal to your sisters, who are your best friends. Sister power is alive and thriving in our home.
You still HATE bananas. You won’t even pass me one from the fruit bowl such is your loathing for this fruit.
You are a perfectionist and get upset when your performance is anything less than perfect. Please don’t be so hard on yourself.
Your favourite game to paly at home is “Hotels.” I love it too. You insist I play the role of a hotel guest while you dote on me, bringing wine, cheese and “shampane”. I love this game.
You are a quiet student…so very quiet in the classroom. But outside of school, my goodness you are LOUD. Your voice booms and ricochets off the walls. #dontwakethebaby!! This would surprise your teachers greatly.
You LOVE having a baby sister. You are immensely proud of her and love showing her off to your friends.
You are a beautiful dancer. Your results in Tap and Ballet exams this year were outstanding. It’s a joy to watch you dance.
This year you joined the Choir at school. This was a big step for you as you experience anxiety in front of crowds. But you are loving it. And it was a very #proudmamammoment seeing you take the stage for the first time.
Bonus fact: I love you more! #truthbomb

When you were half way here…

Be sure to follow NASD on Facebook and Instagram for more snippets and stories of my life with four daughters.

4 ways to create a stylish table setting

April 30, 2018 By Michaela Fox

Love the way the colour pops against the black platter!

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 anticipated dinner party weeks in advance. She would spend hours poring over cookbooks (Margaret Fulton was her bible) crafting the perfectly themed menu. French cuisine was her speciality and she cooked with exciting ingredients. No tuna Mornay in sight!

I have inherited her love of entertaining, though I can’t say I do it nearly as well or as often. My mum partied hard during her “roaring 40’s” but she was well beyond the baby stage by then. Sometimes Mum and Dad’s guests were still there in the morning, much to the surprise and delight of us when we woke up! And then it would be croissants and coffee.

The classic dinner party of that era may be gone, and so too is the formal dining room. But coming together over food is still one of life’s greatest pleasures. Today’s more open and casual spaces allow for more of a focus on what a dinner party is really about—people and food coming together.

It is often said that we eat with our eyes first. In this post I’d like to share with you my top four tips for styling a table. Even a casual lunch with friends can become more special with a few fancy touches.

It all begins with setting the scene!

A cheese platter and champagne sets the scene!

Flowers

Flowers are, in my view, an essential feature of table. I absolutely adore fresh flowers, which can be arranged in multiple vases/glass jars (they don’t have to match) or one single bouquet in the middle of the table. My feeling is that smaller arrangements work best – you don’t want a tall vase dominating the table. The flowers shouldn’t be the star of the show (hopefully the real hero is the food) so choose an arrangement that complements your setting. When I hosted Christmas lunch for 45 guests a few years ago I chose natives, which I placed in small jars. In this post I have used a small bunch, placed in the centre of the table. When entertaining I always ensure I have a bunch of flowers in the powder room also.

Tableware

It is a full sensory experience for the eyes, hands, as well as taste buds, and tableware has become an extension of this. Tableware helps to set the overall tone and ambience of your dining experience. I literally swooned over Caviar collection. A throw back to Art Deco and oh-so-sexy! Plus, the metallic tone adds a touch of drama and luxury to the table. Similarly, stemless wine glasses bring an elegant and contemporary edge to the table. And

Simple and sophisticated tableware

Cypriot Grain Salad is always a crowd pleaser!

Colour

White is the obvious choice for tableware, but who wants to be obvious? I love muted tones such as stone greys and dusty pastels, which can help to bring out the colours in the food. Robust and rustic dishes tend to be able to handle bolder colours too. The Caviar collection is striking addition to the Maxwell & Williams range and is a modern alternative to traditional white settings. How good does the Turkish Delight and pomegranate in the salad look on the black plates?!

The colour contrast works really well with the black plates

Turkish Delight and pretty rose petals!

Mood

Overall, a well-designed table really comes down to how you choose to pair the items you have available. Make sure you combine pieces that make a bold statement with items that don’t overwhelm the design.

This is your table, let it reflect your sense of style. And don’t forget to have fun with it. If you love a particular print or colour, then find a way to introduce it into your table setting – use what inspires you!

Cheese and champagne helps to set the mood!

Dessert time…

Rich Chocolate Brownies

The loveliest Lemon Tart

Coffee and Biscotti time…

A table setting can be casual and elegant in equal measure.

Do you entertain often? If you would like me to share any of the dishes featured in this post, or you want to know more about the tableware, just leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to respond.

Disclosure: Maxwell & Williams gifted me with some of the items that are featured in this post.

Our family photo shoot

March 5, 2018 By Michaela Fox

Me and my little mini

One of the hardest things about being a family of six is getting a (decent) family photo. One where everyone looks nice and everyone has their eyes open! Much like an empty laundry basket, it’s pretty much impossible. Which is why we had some professional family photos taken a couple of months ago. The lovely and talented Beck from Beck Holder Photography took the most gorgeous photos at Warrandyte Pound Bend. The setting was idyllic. Surrounded by Kookaburras, the lightly wooded landscape is spectacular and ideal for natural light photography. If you live in Melbourne you must visit and take a picnic, as we did. Natural beauty at her best!

Our family photo shoot

Beck was tasked with a number of challenges, which she rose to with ease and confidence. First, she had to make this tired mama look good. I had little time in the morning for grooming (another impossibly pusuit with four little people). Second, she had to make it FUN for the kids. Well, she made it so fun they didn’t want to leave. Beck, who is also a school teacher is a natural with kids. They warmed to her in a nano second. Third, she had to get us all smiling at the same time, with eyes open. Nailed it. Fourth, she had to take photos that partially disguised my big girls’ faces (so I can splash across social media). Fifth, she had to keep bubba sufficiently entertained and happy when she was ready for her morning nap. All the ticks!

The last time we had professional photos taken was when Miss I was just two days’ old. And this recently photo session was almost an exact year later! Like our newborn photo shoot, we didn’t want anything posed or staged in a studio. We wanted photos to be natural and capture the essence of our connection. I particularly love the way Beck captured the close sibling bond and the girls’ sense of fun. Here is a mere snapshot of the photos that we received. Our task now is deciding which ones to enlarge, frame and send straight to the Pool Room, Dale Kerrigan!

She loves the touchy feely baby board books.

Dada’s little girl!

Little Miss had just mastered the art of clapping hands!

I love her beautiful blue eyes!

Strike a pose! These three girls have the a bond that is super tight!

I love this photo so much!

Love the joy on her sister’s face!

Sisters and a teddy bear picnic.

The girls had THE BEST time exploring the surrounds!

Look at me standing tall, aren’t I clever?!

Beck Holder is a natural light photographer based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. She specialises in family photography. You can find her at Beck Holder Photography.

Do you find it hard to get decent photos of your family? Have you had any professional photos taken?

Miss 5 starts school

January 28, 2018 By Michaela Fox

The first day of school is big. Really big. HUGE!

There are so many “firsts” in a little person’s life; the first smile, first steps, first tooth, first poonami! These firsts are highly anticipated and met with great enthusiasm from parents – with the exception of the poonami, perhaps. The early years of parenthood are crammed full of exciting and emotional milestones. Arguably one of the most emotional milestones is the first day of school. And in a few days my 5-year-old takes this big step.

First day of school

The first day of primary school is such a huge event in a little one’s life (and possibly even huger for parents)! For many parents, it’s met with conflicted emotions. It signifies the beginning of a new chapter, but the end of another. I’ve been through this a couple of times now and each time it feels like a nuanced experience: happy and sad, exciting and uncertain, bitter and sweet. There’s no doubt about it – taking your child to school for the first time is significant, memorable and emotional.

When my first-born, Miss A, started school, it was so new – for both of us. Plus, being my first baby, it felt huge, like really HUGE. But she was ready as we had given her a bonus year of kinder. When I said my goodbye I did not shed any tears, but I felt the full force of what the day signified.

I was prepared when Miss J started school, but I was also nervous for her, being a child who experiences anxiety. My anxiety, though, receded quickly knowing that her big sister would look after her. And that she did. I feel so happy that Miss H will have not one, but two big sisters looking out for her.

Miss H is the perfect measure of excited and ready for school. Her mood is buoyant. She has skipped through those school gates hundreds of times (seeing her big sisters’ off and running to them happily at pick up). Only this time she will enter the school as a student. Along with thousands of gorgeous Preppies (in NSW I think it’s called Kinder) she will enter the school system. I don’t think anything could eclipse her excitement, not even saying goodbye to me and her baby sister (OK, maybe her sister!). My excitement, however, is tempered by what I am losing. Let me explain.

Of all my children I have spent the most time with Miss H. This is purely because there has been the longest period (4.5 years) between her birth and another baby arriving into the family. I had my first three babies in less than three years. Yes, crazy! Whilst it was lovely (read: intense) and I am convinced it has contributed to their close bond, it meant that my time was divided and one-on-one time was hard to achieve. Miss H is my big “baby” and our bond is super tight. I absolutely adore our conversations, which are interesting, insightful and often very funny. I will miss her incessant chatter when I at home with a one-year-old and “conversation” is mono syllabic!

I cannot believe that my baby is starting school.

Dearest Miss H,

Well, here it is – your first day of school. You’ve been jumping out of your skin with excitement about this for weeks, actually months! And tomorrow you join thousands of other kids around Australia to embark on your very first day at primary school. I am SO excited for you.

That is not to say I am not feeling sad, too. We have enjoyed so much one-on-one time together, and I have treasured every minute of it. You have been my lovely shadow, asking hundreds of (impressive) questions every day. Your brain astounds me sometimes. It’s time for the teachers to answer the questions that I cannot. I will miss your questions, curiosity and company.

Miss H, I have watched you grow into a curious, gentle and creative young girl with a quiet confidence and focus. You are going to THRIVE at school. Go get ’em, my girl. Make new friends, soak up the learning, play hard, and come home with lots of stories. I want to hear every detail!

I love you, Miss H. I am immensely proud of you.

Mama xx

Did you have a little one starting school of preschool this year? How did you feel?

Follow our adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

A word of thanks

December 18, 2017 By Michaela Fox

A word of thanks from us to you…

Christmas is always such a busy time of year, isn’t it? I love it, but unfortunately I do find the joy is somewhat eclipsed by the pressures, obligations and “busyness” of the silly season. The past few weeks have been manic, as I am sure they have for you. But finally the end of year celebrations, ballet concerts, school transitions, social obligations and gastro outbreak (yep, it hit all 6 of us!) have come to an end, and now Christmas is here for us to enjoy.

This year has been an interesting one. Like many, I imagine, it’s been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. Having a fourth child has certainly added to the turbulence, but there have been other challenges, too. Many I’ve documented here and shared on my socials. Some I have kept private, because they aren’t my stories to tell, or they are simply too personal. Contrary to what Mr NASD may believe, I don’t share EVERYTHING!

It’s hard to believe that this time last year I had a baby who was only a few weeks old. She was so tiny and still. It didn’t last long. She has been in a great big hurry to catch up to her sisters since she opened her eyes. And she’s doing a pretty good job of keeping pace. I absolutely adore this age and stage. She’s so curious, interactive, entertaining, energetic and full of personality. She has brought so much love and joy to our lives…as well as sleepless nights and shopping trolleys under my eyes!!

I just wanted to say thank you, and wish you all a magical Christmas. I hope 2018 is kind to you, and brings an abundance of love and laughter. On behalf of Miss A, Miss J, Miss H, Miss I, and Mr NASD, thank you for following. We wish you and your families a happy, safe and memorable Christmas.

I’ll be taking a break from blogging for most of January so that I can enjoy spending time with my family. Plus, we have to pack up our entire house to move to temporary locations until our new home is ready. We will have moved four times in three years and quite frankly I am OVER it. I don’t ever want to move again!!

Thank you for reading this blog. Thank you for caring. Thank you for being part of this beautiful community. If you’re not already part of my private FB group, I’d like to invite you to join here. The NASD Mum Squad is an intimate group of wonderfully supportive mums. It’s a safe place to ask questions, seek advice, share experiences and join a vibrant and supportive community.

I’ll still be posting on Instagram, and Facebook so I hope you’ll join me there. Otherwise, I’ll see you in 2018 for a new year, new stories and new possibilities…

Michaela xx

My baby is now one!

Pictures of Port Douglas

December 11, 2017 By Michaela Fox

Miss I wasn’t too keen on the pool at first, but she warmed up to it!

Very few words are needed for this post. Instead, I am going to let the pictures do the talking. If you’d like to know anything about our trip – where we stayed, what we did, where we ate – just drop me a line in the comments, and I’ll be sure to respond. Suffice to say our time in Port Douglas was SUBLIME. And I highly recommend it as a family holiday destination.

Pictures of Port Douglas

Miss I loved the change of scene

The Surf Club was our favourite spot for dinner.

Corn on the cob with a glass of bubbles!

Sushi and Champagne – a winning combination!

Dada and daughter time!

Mossman Gorge in Port Douglas is a must-see!

Mossman Gorge

The beautiful pool at Cayman Villas.

Nothing beats an egg and bacon muffin poolside for brekkie!

Pool shenanigans!

She became a water baby by the end of the trip!

Miss almost-one-year-old started standing unassisted on our holiday!

I even had a little time to read!

Relaxed mama!

I should also point out that I really liked myself on this holiday. I have decided that I am a much more relaxed, patient, fun and happy mama when I am on holidays!! With the absence of time pressures, schedules and domestic obligations, I was sooooooooooooo relaxed. Pity it’s not reality. But it reminded me that holidays are important and it doesn’t really matter where you go, family bonding is wonderful and the change of scene is the perfect antidote to mothering fatigue.

Tell me about your experience holidaying with kids. Have you got a destination where everything just “works”? What’s your favourite part about being on holiday?

365 days old

November 29, 2017 By Michaela Fox

My rainbow baby is born.

365 days

365 days ago, you were born.

365 ago, I became the mum of four daughters.

365 days ago, you made our family complete.

365 days ago, my world became a happier place.

365 days ago, you lay on my chest, in a mighty meconium mess, and made me the happiest mama alive.

But your journey began long before these 365 days…

I couldn’t wait to meet you. I am many things, but patient I am not. And I wanted you long before I conceived you. But, for reasons beyond my control, I had to wait a long time to create you. We tried many times for the stars to align and the cells to divide, but it wasn’t your time. Each time I miscarried I felt the crushing blow of disappointment. Each time I mourned for you, and I mourned for your sisters. Each time was devastating. Each time made me long for you more. Each time made me love you more.

So, my darling Miss I, you have been loved a very long time. When my pregnancy was confirmed, my elation was tempered. The truth is, I was terrified. Terrified of losing you. Terrified of feeling that gut wrenching pain again. Terrified that I wouldn’t ever get to see your first smile, witness your fist steps and feel your warm skin on my body. Pregnancy, after loss, is a conflicted and fraught experience.

The card I gave your sisters to announce my pregnancy.

I stroked my belly every one of the 275 days you were inside me. And once I shared the news with you sisters, my fear subsided. In its place was only love and joy. Their excitement when they heard you were growing inside me was a joy unmatched by any other experience in my life. One day, when you are fighting with them over who gets to use the hairdryer, I will show you the video footage of this exquisite moment!

Me at 35-weeks pregnant

You arrived a few days earlier than expected, but you teased me with contractions for weeks prior. Thankfully you allowed us to move house and attend your sisters’ ballet concert before you arrived. The morning you signalled to me you were on your way, I delayed going into the hospital. I wanted just a few more hours with you on my own. A few more precious hours when I didn’t have to share you with anyone. I was equal parts nervous and elated. I sent your dad off to work and drove myself the hospital. It was our special time.

Much like the journey to conceive you, your birth involved struggle, effort and pain. And some stress. When you were born those seconds of ensuing silence seemed to stretch on and on. And then came your cry. The sweet sound of a cry, signalling you were OK. The pain was over. The wait was over. And my joy was indescribable. The hours after your birth were beautiful. A surge of relief, love and healing washed over me.

Later we continue skin to skin contact with the Kangaroo care pose.

Miss I, you didn’t stop moving in utero and you haven’t stopped moving since. Busy, alert, active and energetic – these are the words most frequently used to describe you. There’s so much activity around you, and you want to be a part of it. Backstage is not for you. You want to be smack, bang centre stage.

Now I am not going to sugar coat this; you have not been an easy baby. But it hasn’t been your fault. Reflux and tongue-ties hindered breastfeeding, and you were bron with a chronic allergy to sleep. I’ve already shared those experiences, so let’s not go there again. Instead I want to tell you a bit about YOU.

At age one you are choc – full of personality. So much personality. You’ve shown you are fiercely determined, immensely curious and highly alert. You’re a little too busy for cuddles and relaxing. Why rest when you can explore? Why cuddle when you can climb? Why sleep when you can PLAY?!

Climbing is so much fun!

My darling Miss I, thank you for choosing me as your mama. Thank you for joining our family. Thank you for filling our lives with colour. You are the centre of your sisters’ worlds. They could not love you any more, it’s simply not possible. Your eldest sister told me she loves you so much it sometimes hurts. I know what she means.

I look at you and I see your sisters. I look into your eyes and see my angel babies. You are the sum of those experiences. When you were born the ache in my heart receded. Everything feels a little lighter now, but I’ll always remember where your journey started. I look at you and I won’t ever forget.

You are 365 days old.

Happy first birthday, my beautiful girl. I love you more than I can express in words.

Mama xxx

Happy Birthday my beautiful baby!

Happy 7th Birthday, Miss J

September 13, 2017 By Michaela Fox

My beautiful Miss J, you light up my world!

Happy birthday, Miss J. Today is your day!

It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since I met you, Curly tops. The labour was dramatic; a forewarning of your personality, perhaps. At age seven you do have a penchant for drama.

When you were placed in my arms on the 13^th of September, 2009, you took my breath away. Admittedly, I had just fainted, but your beauty was arresting. You were exquisite. Rosebud lips, snow-white skin and soft, fine features. The midwives said you looked like a doll. And as I held you to my trembling chest, I couldn’t believe my fortune. Another healthy baby; and a sister for Miss A.

After I had fainted and I took a good look at my daughter!

It is true that I saw stars during your birth. Low blood pressure and crowning pressure will do that to you. It was, so I am told, the first time the birthing staff had ever seen a woman faint during the pushing stage of labour. I still see stars wherever you go.

Miss J, your eyes sparkle from dawn to dusk. They are big, wide, alive blue eyes and they dart and dance all day long. The stars in your eyes brighten up my world and everyone around you. And they match your sparkly personality. I love your eyes.

Thank you for the light you bring to our lives. Your golden locks, untamed and wild match your free spirit and lively personality. But it is what inside that really shines. You are a curious, kind, sensitive and thoughtful girl. And your curls are as untamed as your love. Each night you cloak me in a tight swaddle as we say goodnight. It is a highlight of my day. And your love notes make my heart swell.

Miss J offers a turn down service most nights.

As a sister, you are tender and fiercely loyal. And as a friend you are fun and empathetic. When you stood up to bullying at school I felt so proud. It was a hard thing for you to do, but you have a strong sense of right and wrong.

Miss J, you are going to love being seven. Being six has been a wonderful year with many changes and transitions. We moved house (again!), welcomed a baby sister into the family, and you moved into Grade One. You approached all these changes with excitement, quiet confidence and commitment.

Happy 7^th birthday, my angel. Keep shining bright. Maintain your sense of drama. Embrace all that life has to offer this year. It’s going to be bucket loads of fun being seven!

7 Fast Facts

You leave me love notes daily and often do a ‘turn down service’ at night by placing my book on my pillow, turning my bedside lamp on and leaving my earplugs in position!
We call you a tech head. You LOVE technology and say you want to be a games developer one day. You’re pretty good at using technology, so it wouldn’t surprise me.
You have worked really hard at building your confidence (you once asked me which vegetable you should eat to grow confidence) and you are a lot less anxious now. I am incredibly proud.
You have had two Grade One teachers this year and you adore them both. It’s obvious the feeling is mutual. Your school report said you were a “delight” to teach and an “exemplary” student. Way to go, Miss J!
You learned to ride without training wheels this year. A shaky start, but you nailed it!
Tap, tap, tap! You LOVE tap-dancing. Your feet never stop tapping and, as a fellow tap lover, I am rather pleased.
You love your sisters more than anything and would do anything for them. You’re as close as crossed fingers and your bond in unshakable.

Bonus Fact………You are an emoji enthusiast!

I love you just a teeny bit more than you love me. Which is A LOT!

Love Mama xx

You are the most loving big sister!

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Miss A’s 10th Birthday Party

Activities:

Miss J’s Craft Party

8 Fast Facts:

4 ways to create a stylish table setting

Flowers

Tableware

Colour

Mood

Our family photo shoot

First day of school

Pictures of Port Douglas

365 days

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