25 February 2014

8/52






What a week! 

I can barely believe I am now posting portraits of two boys.

Welcome to the world, our precious little one. Our sleepy, squeaky, chilled out little mouse.

And welcome to brotherhood, our biggest boy. It's been a really tough week for you.

Joining in with Jodi.

introducing...








Aubrey Finn

Our beautiful new boy, who is oh so delicate and tiny.

Who came into the world a week ago today.

Born at 10.55am on 18 February 2014

3.09 kg (6lb 8oz)

48cm long

We are totally, utterly, in love.

♥♥♥

16 February 2014

7/52


Footpath philosopher

My favourite shots this year. (Nope, couldn't choose.)

A morning I want to remember, just him and me.

Having a serious conversation with me over a 'big boy' cino and marshmallows at our local. Afterwards we went train watching, followed by a visit to his baby cousin.

He is becoming quite the conversationalist, engaging in long phone calls with his Dad:

'Oh that's exciting! And what did you do next Dad?'

He tickles me with his language, the way he beams and says 'No pleasure!' when thanked, mixing up 'no worries' and 'my pleasure'. 

Joining in with Jodi.

15 February 2014

things i know

It is nothing short of amazing to get to this end-of-pregnancy time. It is the most incredible relief to have a full-term baby inside, and still going strong at 38 weeks! Despite channelling positivity, there was always a small part of me that doubted we'd get this far, my confidence undermined by the constant monitoring and elevated concerns during the earlier part of this pregnancy.

I have also been steeling myself mentally for the weeks and months to come. The sleep deprivation, the endless feeding, the distinct possibility that feeding may again not go as I hope, the possibility of reflux, the possibility of another wired cat-napper, the extreme isolation of island life with two small people.

But the difference is, this time, I know what to expect. Or at least I think I can remember enough to know that it's going to be like running a marathon on zero sleep. Or perhaps a double marathon even.

But this time, I'm prepared for all that.

I've seen a lactation consultant with experience with genuine low supply issues. I've hired a doula, got our birth preferences written up and swotted up on optimal fetal positioning and managing a posterior labour. I'm a little bit more socially connected than I was first-time round, though there is room for improvement here. We've kept our au pair on for an extra set of helping hands around the house, a luxury I didn't think we'd need but am endlessly glad I was talked into as I hobble around after a toddler (back pain // it takes a village, etc). And our city nest means it will be a lot easier for me to decamp to the mainland with babes - or extend our stays there - when needed, for logistical or mental health purposes. In short, I'm following this savvy advice. And this time, I will let the help flow, instead of rushing to cook meals a matter of days after giving birth... *slaps head in retrospect*.

All this means I feel a lot more psychologically prepped this time round. I have also had the chance to buy a few things - a second-hand Moses basket (for portable sleeps), a new sling, some beautiful organic newborn onesies and winter knits (on sale), a sheepskin rug, a maternity bra that actually fits, and all the little newborn essentials. I've stocked up on my vitamins, had a haircut and got a few freezer meals ready to go. I've got gifts wrapped for the big brother ('baby bought you a guitar!') and some new audio books on their way. I'm even part-way through knitting a winter baby blanket that I have a reasonable chance of finishing before the weather cools, and have just started making some high-contrast wall art. Oh and the labour/hospital bag is all packed!

Having said all that, I'm also ready for things to be difficult in unexpected ways. Because every pregnancy/labour/kid is different. 

But you know what? I'm really looking forward to the future. In three days, K will be here, the end of four long months of separation. We'll get to spend some time, just the three of us. We'll enjoy musing about whether it will be a boy or girl (absolutely no inkling this time round), and maybe even agree on a name! 

And we'll get to welcome our newest little person together. And just enjoy these days, with an entire month before K is due back at work - huzzah! 

09 February 2014

6/52

Little bookworm

He's recently started 'reading' to himself. I love it.

I've also had a few mama wins of late - a fed, bathed and content boy, ready for books and bedtime snuggles. It feels like some sort of jackpot.

Portrait-worthy on both counts.

Joining in with Jodi.

06 February 2014

common threads


Between raging toddler tantrums, being nine months pregnant through an endless heatwave, work, a cactus back which makes sitting for any length unbearable, and nine day stints of solo-parenting, I have not been here much. I'd like to say that will change, but in all likelihood I will probably be here a lot less in coming weeks and months.

Thankfully I finished work last week and am now officially on leave! It is such a relief to get to this point. When I was pregnant with E, I left work on a Tuesday afternoon feeling unwell... and by Wednesday night had a baby! So I am going to make the most of this downtime.

Aside from spending some quality time with my people and relishing the chance to do all those last minute nesting things, I will also be getting my creative boogie on.

I was thrilled to be invited to participate in the first series of Common Threads, a collaborative photography blog. And amazed, because I have barely kept up with any photography or blogging. Not to mention intimidated by featuring beside some pretty amazing photographers and bloggers, some of whom I may or may not have a crush on.

Series one has just started, and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds. The theme for week one is summer - my first post is here. If you're interested, you can stay up to date with Common Threads here.

02 February 2014

5/52

Little kitchen helper perks

I wanted to make muffins. 

He chose chocolate.

Sweet deal all round.

Joining in with Jodi.