I get lots of cuddles from Alex at the moment. When he is sad, when he is tired, when he is shy. I even got kisses this afternoon as I was laying down with him for a nap.
I know kids. I know that they grow up and showing their love for mum is SOOO not cool.
So I am gorging myself on hugs and kisses at the moment, as if their expiry date is just around the corner! I am snagging extra ones when I can and really appreciating the ones freely given.
Friday, 30 March 2012
Friday, 23 March 2012
Mess, mess, more mess
I thought I knew what I was signing up for. I knew kids made mess; snot, poo, vomit. I'm not, nor have ever been, a clean freak with a spotless house. But I thought the mess would be diminishing by now.
By the ages of 2 and almost 4 I thought the kids would be getting cleaner. Now instead of baby puke, it's wee accidents and spilt food. I know I need to give the kids the opportunity to feed themselves so they learn to do it neatly, but there is only so many times you can clean spilt yoghurt and custard off the rug and clothes!
Can I wait it out? Will I be able to get new rugs, wall paint, couches when they are s bit older? How old do they need to be? 5, 8, 17?
Am I being over-tidy? Do I need to back off a bit?
By the ages of 2 and almost 4 I thought the kids would be getting cleaner. Now instead of baby puke, it's wee accidents and spilt food. I know I need to give the kids the opportunity to feed themselves so they learn to do it neatly, but there is only so many times you can clean spilt yoghurt and custard off the rug and clothes!
Can I wait it out? Will I be able to get new rugs, wall paint, couches when they are s bit older? How old do they need to be? 5, 8, 17?
Am I being over-tidy? Do I need to back off a bit?
Sunday, 18 March 2012
The difference of one....
My kids are fairly well behaved. Like most others they play up at home when Mum and Dad's nerves are at wits end, but overall, they are pretty good kids.
However, out shopping with 2 kids and just me is a nightmare. I try to avoid it as much as I can. They feed off each other, copying each other and running amuck. But by themselves it's a different story.
I took Megan to the shops yesterday, just her and I, and it was lovely. We chatted about things that are important to an-almost-4-yr-old and had a great old time. Today I took Alex with me and enjoyed it just as much. We didn't have the in-depth conversations like yesterday's girly talks, but laughed and giggled at silly things.
They had (almost) undivided mum attention and revelled in it. No pulling things off the shelf or hiding under clothes racks (which I actually remember doing myself as a kid!). No dropping to the floor and refusing to move. No putting extra things in the trolley after Mum said "No!".
What a difference just one child makes. Just heavenly walking hand-in-hand or sitting happily in the trolley like the dreams you have of what it will be like to be the parent of toddlers!!
However, out shopping with 2 kids and just me is a nightmare. I try to avoid it as much as I can. They feed off each other, copying each other and running amuck. But by themselves it's a different story.
I took Megan to the shops yesterday, just her and I, and it was lovely. We chatted about things that are important to an-almost-4-yr-old and had a great old time. Today I took Alex with me and enjoyed it just as much. We didn't have the in-depth conversations like yesterday's girly talks, but laughed and giggled at silly things.
They had (almost) undivided mum attention and revelled in it. No pulling things off the shelf or hiding under clothes racks (which I actually remember doing myself as a kid!). No dropping to the floor and refusing to move. No putting extra things in the trolley after Mum said "No!".
What a difference just one child makes. Just heavenly walking hand-in-hand or sitting happily in the trolley like the dreams you have of what it will be like to be the parent of toddlers!!
Friday, 16 March 2012
Ok, now I get it...
I get it now. I understand. Now I am on the other side of the fence. Now I'm the parent. Now begins the hand-over-fist of forking out money for kids (as if it hadn't been happing for 4 years anyway!)
We had just handed in our first Kinder fundraiser for our hot-cross-bun order (not value for money but supporting the kinder so "let's do it!") and we get given 3 more "we want money" notices. An Easter raffle, kids artwork plates and Mother's day gift ideas. Not exactly cheap either!
As a teacher, it's usually me chasing money and hassling families to pay for things. Time to back off, I think!! And as a teacher, I know what's to come...
...and times all that by 2 kids and I think we might need to take out a second mortgage!
***Gratuitous plug coming.....***
If you like reading about the world of Megan & Alex, please subscribe via email on the right hand side of the page or feel free to leave a comment (use "anonymous" if you aren't a blogger yourself)
We had just handed in our first Kinder fundraiser for our hot-cross-bun order (not value for money but supporting the kinder so "let's do it!") and we get given 3 more "we want money" notices. An Easter raffle, kids artwork plates and Mother's day gift ideas. Not exactly cheap either!
As a teacher, it's usually me chasing money and hassling families to pay for things. Time to back off, I think!! And as a teacher, I know what's to come...
- Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas raffles/fundraisers/stalls
- Uniforms & hats (and then more uniforms & hats to replace the lost ones)
- Excursions and Incursions
- Special lunches
- School Photos
- birthday parties
...and times all that by 2 kids and I think we might need to take out a second mortgage!
***Gratuitous plug coming.....***
If you like reading about the world of Megan & Alex, please subscribe via email on the right hand side of the page or feel free to leave a comment (use "anonymous" if you aren't a blogger yourself)
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Peppa Pig has a lot to answer for...
For those who dont know "Peppa Pig", she is a Brittish cartoon character who has taken over our family, and many others too, I've heard!
Megan fell in love with her around this time last year...just in time for us to go "Peppa Pig" nuts for her 3rd birthday (see awesome cake made be moi! Well team effort with hubby).
Unlike most cartoon fads, however, she has stuck around and now infected Alex too! Even though Peppa herself is cute and the show is actually quite good, there is only so much we can stand. We are constantly being snorted at, getting called "Mummy Pig" or "Daddy Pig", have to watch the DVD's over and over again, and we are forever on the hunt for muddy puddles to jump in...muddy puddles...in Australia in summer!! Buckley's chance!
She's got a lot to answer for...!
Megan fell in love with her around this time last year...just in time for us to go "Peppa Pig" nuts for her 3rd birthday (see awesome cake made be moi! Well team effort with hubby).
Unlike most cartoon fads, however, she has stuck around and now infected Alex too! Even though Peppa herself is cute and the show is actually quite good, there is only so much we can stand. We are constantly being snorted at, getting called "Mummy Pig" or "Daddy Pig", have to watch the DVD's over and over again, and we are forever on the hunt for muddy puddles to jump in...muddy puddles...in Australia in summer!! Buckley's chance!
She's got a lot to answer for...!
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Crafty Mumma's...eat your heart out!!!
I love reading blogs of mums' out there with so much time and patience that they do wonderfully crafty things with their kids and awesome home reno stuff during their other spare time. I am immensley jealous of their time and creativity...but I think I may hold my own today!!
The kids are starting to produce more and more art work at creche (and Kinder for Megan) and our display space is limited. Our current set up is a space for a single piece of art or a few very small ones. I stole this idea from a craft market that wanted to charge big bucks for something quite simple.
I read (in a blog) about using the space on the back of the kids' bedroom doors for display, which is also a delicate way of hiding the pieces that don't quite cut the muster for the family room! We decided to use the doors of the kids wardrobes, but found they kept playing with the bluetack and the art work would then fall down.
So, here lies my brilliance!!
Simple huh? So many more pieces can fit without the mess of pulled off bluetack and less of a picture turn over...and I also don't get in trouble for "filing" the older peices.
To make me feel more like those "crafty mumma's", I'll give you a step-by-step guide to how I did it. (dont worry you wont read any more blogs like this, it's a once off! I'm just a bit proud :) )
I am very happy with the result and the kids love seeing their art hanging in their room. It cost about $6 in ribbon and possibly a few dollars more for pins and pegs (but we had these floating around already). Once you are done with the ribbon rails, there should only be a few holes in the ends of the doors that you wont really see.
So, this is "wannabe-crafty-mumma" signing off and going back to craft mediocrity!!
The kids are starting to produce more and more art work at creche (and Kinder for Megan) and our display space is limited. Our current set up is a space for a single piece of art or a few very small ones. I stole this idea from a craft market that wanted to charge big bucks for something quite simple.
Simple craft board from Bunnings with pegs on the front, picture hooks added to the back and then decorated.
I read (in a blog) about using the space on the back of the kids' bedroom doors for display, which is also a delicate way of hiding the pieces that don't quite cut the muster for the family room! We decided to use the doors of the kids wardrobes, but found they kept playing with the bluetack and the art work would then fall down.
So, here lies my brilliance!!
 |
| Ribbon Picture Rails with pegs!!! |
Simple huh? So many more pieces can fit without the mess of pulled off bluetack and less of a picture turn over...and I also don't get in trouble for "filing" the older peices.
To make me feel more like those "crafty mumma's", I'll give you a step-by-step guide to how I did it. (dont worry you wont read any more blogs like this, it's a once off! I'm just a bit proud :) )
 |
| Bare wardrobe doors |
 |
| Wrap the ribbon around the door, straight on the front, angled at the back (or however you want, really!) Cut off the excess ribbon |
 |
| Secure with a pin at both ends of the door. Our doors still close easily. |
 |
| Hang your art work with little craft pegs. |
So, this is "wannabe-crafty-mumma" signing off and going back to craft mediocrity!!
Monday, 12 March 2012
Without the kids...
****DISCLAIMER*****
I love my kids very much!!
The best thing about the kids having a sleepover at Nana and Grandpa's was not being able to have dinner whenever or wherever we wanted. It wasn't having the movie volume turned up as loud as we liked or eating lollies or chocolate without fear of being discovered.
The best thing about the kids having a sleepover was the uninterrupted sleep overnight and sleeping in til 9am...BLISS!!
I love my kids very much!!
The best thing about the kids having a sleepover at Nana and Grandpa's was not being able to have dinner whenever or wherever we wanted. It wasn't having the movie volume turned up as loud as we liked or eating lollies or chocolate without fear of being discovered.
The best thing about the kids having a sleepover was the uninterrupted sleep overnight and sleeping in til 9am...BLISS!!
Friday, 9 March 2012
On the hunt...
Ever since visiting a friends' farm and being introduced to butterfly catching, my kids have been obsessed. We searched for weeks for a butterfly net and began to think animal cruelty legislation had been brought in about it, coz we just couldn't find any. We nearly gave up but eventually found one during a short holiday (and bought 2 in case ours broke or got lost and we had to search again!).
Catching butterflies isn't as easy as you'd think! They are really fast! I guess we had never noticed before, but now the hunt is on and the mission set!
Wish us luck!
Catching butterflies isn't as easy as you'd think! They are really fast! I guess we had never noticed before, but now the hunt is on and the mission set!
Wish us luck!
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Why me...?
Why do the kids want to climb into my side of the bed at 2am, 4am and 6am? Why do they want me to put the band aid on, or read the bedtime story, or want to chat right when I'm getting tea ready?
They love their dad and he loves them, so why me?
Maybe those early years when I was with them 24/7 really did forge a bond like no other. Maybe there's some mother/child primal connection. Maybe I'm just a sympathetic sucker who can't say no!
Either way, even though it's annoying, it's nice to know that my kids think I'm the one with the answers and the comfort they need...even at 6am!
They love their dad and he loves them, so why me?
Maybe those early years when I was with them 24/7 really did forge a bond like no other. Maybe there's some mother/child primal connection. Maybe I'm just a sympathetic sucker who can't say no!
Either way, even though it's annoying, it's nice to know that my kids think I'm the one with the answers and the comfort they need...even at 6am!
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Was there a time BK...?
We often refer to the time BK (before kids) as a simpler time...less stress, more money, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love having our kids and wouldn't change anything, it's just that there are distinct differences between BK and now. I've listed a few below.
Our dogs
BK: Wash and towel dry their dirty feet so that they can come inside the house.
NOW: They stay outside and get dirtier.
TV
BK: Watch whatever we liked, whenever we liked.
NOW: Is there any other channels besides ABC4kids?
Bedtime
BK: Stay up late talking, reading, watching that movie that goes until midnight, who cares??
NOW: Need to be in bed before 10pm to get plenty of sleep before the nightime visitors and the VERY early risers.
Crumbs
BK: Get out the dustbuster so that the floor doesn't look dirty.
NOW: What crumbs? Can't see any amongst the mess!
Spontaneity
BK: Out for dinner, movies, night away on a whim. Grab car keys and go...
NOW: Need 20 mins just to pack nappies, snacks, drink bottles, change of clothes and underwear in case of accidents.
Oh how times change...
Our dogs
BK: Wash and towel dry their dirty feet so that they can come inside the house.
NOW: They stay outside and get dirtier.
TV
BK: Watch whatever we liked, whenever we liked.
NOW: Is there any other channels besides ABC4kids?
Bedtime
BK: Stay up late talking, reading, watching that movie that goes until midnight, who cares??
NOW: Need to be in bed before 10pm to get plenty of sleep before the nightime visitors and the VERY early risers.
Crumbs
BK: Get out the dustbuster so that the floor doesn't look dirty.
NOW: What crumbs? Can't see any amongst the mess!
Spontaneity
BK: Out for dinner, movies, night away on a whim. Grab car keys and go...
NOW: Need 20 mins just to pack nappies, snacks, drink bottles, change of clothes and underwear in case of accidents.
Oh how times change...
Friday, 2 March 2012
Swearing at two...??
I love listening to kids when they are learning to speak. Alex has a few choice words at the moment that crack me up when he says them, but he doesnt understand why. He thinks he is speaking well and I don't want him to start questioning himself, but they are hilarious mistakes.
Currently, he is obsessed with vehicles...diggers, buses, motorbikes...but he hasn't quite got the pronunciation. At the moment, every "truck" we see is pronounced with an f instead of the tr. Quite funny...and even funnier to watch other people's reactions if they aren't used to his way of speaking.
The other classic crack up is when Mr Independance has trouble doing something. "I do it" becomes "can't" but with a u sound instead of the a. And if he is really frustrated, it sounds like he is swearing because he is struggling! Another great one to watch the shock of others while trying hard to hide the smirk on my own face!
Currently, he is obsessed with vehicles...diggers, buses, motorbikes...but he hasn't quite got the pronunciation. At the moment, every "truck" we see is pronounced with an f instead of the tr. Quite funny...and even funnier to watch other people's reactions if they aren't used to his way of speaking.
The other classic crack up is when Mr Independance has trouble doing something. "I do it" becomes "can't" but with a u sound instead of the a. And if he is really frustrated, it sounds like he is swearing because he is struggling! Another great one to watch the shock of others while trying hard to hide the smirk on my own face!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
