A tea time moment

I was feeding Taliese last night and was getting frustrated that she kept just licking the sauce of the pasta as opposed to taking it all into her mouth so I said, "Taliese will you just eat it?" Sara reached over and patted me on the arm gently saying "It's OK hunny, that's just what babies do!"

An All Nighter... in the name of... TAX!!!!

I cannot believe that Dave stayed up all night doing tax last night! What a waste!

Goodbye October

Every year I wait for the end of October with 4 year old type excitement, a shining light in the year... and wonder what joyous fun and special moments are to come, and then when it is over I bid it farewell with some kind of strange medley of relief, reflection and disappointment.
Some years I am sad to realise that it is over and there is no more, other years (like this one) I am glad to move on and look towards Christmas planning and preparation and the other things that make up life, and make us feel glad, stressed and excited. I am realising that this time of the year I can be a bit self orientated, and think that while it is nice to be spoiled (it feels good that those who love me would want to do so), it would be good to approach it with less invested in it, and thus be able to care less, come what may, responding with grace and sweetness to everything and nothing!
Anyway this is my ode to October

"Farewell my friend, the deceptive light
Goodnight and bring on November
More healthy focus to my heart bring
Next year teach me contentment!"

Taliese's Birthday

I know it was ages ago, but I just downloaded the pics from the camera!

So here was what we all got up to on 21st July 2008

Happy 1st Birthday Taliese!

After opening pressies and singing to Taliese in our bed, we got up and had a yummy (healthy version) pancake breakfast!

We had a lot of fun at Kindergym!!!!

Then we went out for lunch at Bongiorno's, Taliese's first ever meal bought out!

First Babycino!
Which She didn't like that much in the end and Sara polished off for her!



Then after a nap in the pram we went on to have more fun and yummy foods at the Plaza play area


All in all I think she had a good day!

Contemplating birth

I am writing this blog at risk of creating a scandal (if anyone actually ever reads this blog), but I have been thinking a lot about babies, and birth, and the timing of the next etc of late!
Prob cos I know so many people who are pregnant! :)
Dave's not really open to too much discussion right now, but I thought I'd write about my thoughts...
The more I look into it, the more I REALLY would like to try for a home birth next time!
I really like this midwife's approach to facilitating natural birth.
I looked at our private insurance and we were thinking of changing anyway and if the numbers work out for everything else, Australian unity look like they cover independent mid-wifes!!!
Now I just gotta workout when we think might be the best time to have number 3? (Not soon for those wondering, we'd like Taliese to be around 3 when jr is born and would have to have been with new insurance for 12 months before we could use cover for mid-wife)
But then, why bother ... from experience these things happen when they do! :-P

Adventures in EC land

After what has seemed like a potty pause (Taliese getting upset when placed on potty - prob coz it was cold, and generally missing a lot) we are having a new breakthrough! YAY!

It started about a week ago when I noticed Taliese whacking herself on the side of the head. It was very funny, and I was a tad worried that she would hurt herself. Later that day it happened again and it really seemed like she was trying to tell me something.

It wasn't until the next day that I remembered that ages ago I had dabbled with a sign for potty that was tapping just above your ear with your hand. (I don't think i had done it for at least 2 months - given up really)

So I asked her if she wanted to pot and she grunted enthusiastically!

I took her and she sat happily and produced a large wee and poo! Since then we have tried to respond to this signal, resulting in MANY less dirty nappies and a happier girl on the potty.

She still gets very upset when we miss it and she has a dirty nappy, and she seems to be more consistent with the sign, when she is not tired and already has our attention (either that or we just miss it at other times altogether?)

Anyway it is progress and clear communication, so that is VERY exciting! Yay for less pooey nappies!

Sara's Funny Ways

We were dirving past Hungry Jacks and the following conversation took place

Sara: There's a farm back there!
Ingrid: Pardon?
Sara: There's a farm back there mummy!
Ingrid: Ummm... what do you mean?
Sara: Old McDonald had a farm .. Eee -I Oh!

I thought this was very funny!

I was also disturbed that she knew enough about fast food to know the name McDonald's and could recognise a fast food joint! So we are NOT going to the outing to McDonald's with play group this week! If the weather is nice we might go find some ducks to feed instead! I think that can wait and for the mean time let enjoy the simpler, more nutritious things!

Things to do before I die

Got a list of 101 things to do before I die in the mail (advertising)

To be honest a lot of them were dumb, but thought I'd write a list of the ones I would like to do one day having adjusted some of them to suit my desires!

1. Paint a self portrait (or even just take a class in painting)
2. Bury a Time capsule (might be something fun to do with the kids one day!)
3. Plant a tree and carve your name in it (a 25 year project)
4. Go on a holiday with no luggage (maybe when the kids are all grown up)
5. Have a night at the Opera
6. Learn another language (then visit the country)
7. Spend Christmas Day helping out
8. Spend a week at sea (will probably be sick, but what an experience)
9. Horse ride though the surf (good idea for a date Dave?)
   
10. Make pasta from scratch (another fun activity with the kids)
11. Swim with an animal
12. Sleep outside under the stars
13. Cook a meal made only from things I grew
14. Catch a fish (and then eat it that night)
15. Ride a giant rollercoaster
    
16. Build a tree house
17. Do a night time zoo excursion
18. Give a homeless person my lunch
19. Go for (a carry all your gear on your back) bush walk (on the Heysen Trail)
20. Build something that will outlast me
21. Research my family tree
22. Cut my own hair
23. Make a snowman and a snow angel
24. Watch the sun rise and set on the same day!
25. Wrap myself a present for my birthday (Oooooh I do like that idea - I like pressies!)
    
26. Play in a huge pile of Autumn leaves
27. Take evening classes with a friend (something arty sounds like fun!)
28. Write a letter now to my grandchildren
29. Read all the plays of Shakespeare
30. Do the 40 hour famine
31. Give blood (when I'm finally not pregnant or breast feeding)
32. Send a message in a bottle
33. Make a kite and fly it (another fun day with my cuties)

So that's only 33 out of 101, but I might add to this once I've given it some thought and mark them off as i do them.
I'd like to see the movie "Bucket list" for more inspiration sometime.

Little Ingrid

Here is a video me as a kid that we just got converted from an old super 8 reel!

Ahhh those were the days ... All Mum and Dad's attention to myself! (I think I must be about 18 months old)

House Wish List

This is a list of stuff that no-one really wants to be given as a birthday gift, but would be nice to have/do oneday.

• Renovations
• Vegie patch
  
• Fresh paint
• Enjo Stuff
• Built in Robes
• Bathroom fixed
  
• Book shelves!
• 4 slice toaster
• Outdoor setting
  

Sara's Joke

On the way home from Mama and Papa's house in the car, while discussing her fun time with them!

Sara: Papa pushed me in the bushes.
Ingrid: Really ....??
Sara: Noooooo.... (laughing) Papa pushed me on the swing!

It was hilarious!

The Great Down Under Nappy Hunt

The Great Down Under Nappy Hunt is on! And I am having lots of fun searching for nappy icons through the web! Check it out (There are prizes too!)

http://www.diaperdecisions.com

Dave has even been getting into it too!

Taliese's Dedication

Taliese's Dedication

Taliese Isabella Wilson
will be dedicated to God on
March 30th at 10am
during the service
at Burnside Christian Church
88 Lockwood Road, Burnside

It would be lovely if you would join us!

A lovely morning!

This morning I woke up GRUMPY! Taliese has been waking me up at night (think it's that little tooth I can feel coming through) and I was just tired!
I felt annoyed that Dave hadn't just decided to get up and look after the girl and let me sleep. (Hmmmm... maybe he was tired too and was enjoying his Saturday morning?) All pretty unfair, but I was feeling pretty flat tired and thin skinned!
Well I got out of bed took Sara to the loo and started to get ready with some very ungracious grumbling and generally not helping anyone else to start the morning off well.

[I hear you say ... but the title says it was a lovely morning... is it sarcastic or do things get better?]

Anyway we finally got breakfast eaten ... (actually I forgot to eat the toast i made) and everything/everyone ready for the pool and were running late. Got in the car and the battery was flat (Sara had been playing in the car and left the map lights on yesterday) The RAA was going to be an hour wait.
GRRRRRR... the day just working out to MY plans.

BUT... we had a really nice day! We ended up canceling the RAA and walking to the pool! I didn't really use the gym much when we got there - too tired and flat. But I relaxed and listened to my ipod after a brief workout, while Dave and the Sara played in the pool and Taliese slept. Then afterwards we walked home again!

We got pies from brumby's, bought a really pretty quilt for Taliese and some hairclips for Sara. We talked and just enjoyed each other. It was nice!
We think that maybe we will try to walk to the pool regularly on a Saturday morning!
It solves the problems of fitness (as the gym membership ends tomorrow), Taliese's morning nap (on the way there), quality time, and if we pack a lunch we could eat there then come home and maybe Sara would even fall asleep on the way home? (wishful thinking?)
Anyway it was really nice (even if we didn't get to go shopping for a new car seat) and I am so thankful to God for this unexpected and very undeserved blessing!
Well I am of to have a little nap!

PS Taliese was also able to stay dry all morning to boot!

What is the opposite of EC?

The last week has been awful! i caught a wee today yay! But apart from that we have caught hardly any for days! And just when I was thinking of trying at home nappy-free.
On the up side we have been getting a few poos each day - but that is only because all of a sudden she needs to go MANY times a day! Once a day, morning poo was nice!
We are missing a lot too!
I fear teeth may be on the horizon! Either that or an entire day (Stefan's party) of no EC bothered her a lot!
I guess we sill just persevere and keep up the potty-tuinities from our end and hope she will settle down again soon!

Taliese's 6 month EC Update

Age of EC tot: Taliese is 6 months old now! Wow how time flies!

We started at... 6 weeks old

Generally speaking we are doing... better than last week when I started writing this! We have just had a great week! One almost completely dry night, day, night (if that makes sense) We missed the start of one poo and that was all! The next day of course was terrible (EC - wise), but a busy day too.

How do you know your baby has to go / when do you offer baby a wee?
Timing: After wake up, and a while after feeds or if she hasn't been for a while.

Signs and signals: I must be picking up on some signs as we are having a drier patch but not observant enough to say what they are. generally i think it's her who is doing more amazing than me or hubby. Maybe wriggling or unsettled?
Farts are a good sign a poo is on it's way ... My hubby is better at just taking the time waiting around til they happen,. I tend to give her an op, no result then off to do something else again. I am very thankful for his involvement in this way and what that has taught me about the benefits of spending a little more time waiting! I am starting to experiment a bit with some sign language but not very consistent yet. I think it will be cool if she starts to push our hands away or something when not done as someone on here said their DD did.

Intuition: Just when I think it's been a while, or when I need to go.

Is there a difference for poos and pees? What cues do you use? We use 'pssss' noise for both and blow on back of head. Often just being over the sink is enough of a cue in it's self.

Which positions/receptacles do you use? Mostly the laundry sink (classic position) as right next to change table. At the moment she often looks down to see what's going on, so that is interesting. Also sit over toilet using classic position if out (me sitting too facing wall) and have used the potty a bit, but i often forget to do this at home. Potty is great for in the car after shopping and while we were away earlier this year! Still not great at going outside where there are LOTS of distractions, but will do it for a wake up absolutely busting type wee. Must admit I am often nervous she will poo too (and what would I do then) so I wonder if she is picking up on that?

Nappies, training pants or other? Cloth nappies between nuddie times and occasionally her big sisters training pants.

What are you doing away from home? Often nothing, if I am not out for ages she will often be dry anyway, esp if in sling. I do use the toilet when I can when out, but she doesn't tend to go often. Or a garden bed. We try to keep a potty in the car (but keep forgetting to put it back when it comes in for a wash) which is good for both girls esp after the weekly food shopping trip!

What are you doing at night? I try to take her at night feeds, sometimes she is already wet and other times she will still be dry. i have been keeping a bucket next to our bed, but keep forgetting about it and going to the laundry anyway (so tired!)

Who takes baby to the toilet? Me or DH. I'd like to support others to be involved, esp those who will care for her if we go out. Was very excited that my mum gave it a go (with success) while hubby and I saw a movie a few weeks ago. I hadn't said that the had to, but it was heaps good that they felt comfortable enough to try and toilet her.

Catches or Misses - how many and what times are especially interesting? we have BRILLIANT days and then normally followed by a day with every nappy wet. Thinking about looking at how my food affects her as I have seen some people write about that? (but also scared at what I might have to give up - LOVE chocolate!) Also probably related to busy days and my own levels of distraction.

Other insights: It is soooo worth it! I never used to know the bliss I read on here of no pooey nappies, but now we hardly get any from either of the girls.

What's your next EC goal?
My last EC goal was ...to be more observant, consistent and attentive regarding signs and signals. (Maybe getting better as we are getting more hits, or maybe she is getting better at putting up with my lack of observance?)

and to start using potty more and to get more confident wit Ecing out and about. Yes we are more confident generally and she is OK with the potty, but we still tend to use the sink more ... i think it's just such a perfect height.

A tip for this age/stage? 6 month olds are just delightful! How much more with sweet smelling cute little bottoms, on your lap and not worried about getting messy. :)

Baby Stuff

Baby Essentials

• Warm loving arms
• Breasts (or a whole lot of gear to feed from a bottle)
• Somewhere to sleep
• Something to keep them warm (clothes, blankets etc)
  
• Something to transport with in the car (if you use a car)
• A good sling
• Something to catch the poop, be that a cloth or disposable nappy or a bucket
  
• Love

That's really all they need

A Plastic Free life?

Here is a really interesting blog about a woman who has given up plastic! (Or specifically all NEW plastic in her life)
I'm totally impressed because she is a chocoholic, but won't eat it if it comes wrapped in plastic paper! (And for other reasons too)
Makes me think about how I could think more about how the things I buy are packaged! (Or even just work harder at remembering to take my green bags in when I shop!)

Personality thing

Did this personality test, from Claire's blog.

I wish I could have a cow!

If I could have a cow, it would be a Dexter Cow. We would have fresh raw milk and it would be lovely. Unfortunately both my husband and the prospect council do not feel the same way! (And probably the neighbors too!)

But on the upside, it does look like we will have chickens (or at least a coop) in the near future! Exciting stuff!

The garden and fruit trees are (just) surviving, so we will have yummy corn, peaches, tomatos and capsicum soon! I'm not great at remembering to water when we can, so maybe it's just as well I can't get a cow!

PS We are VERY happy that Eric is home safe! Yay! Keep watching the Kenyan situation though as people are still dying and Eric's girlfriend is still over there

Trying not to worry too much about Eric

So my brother Eric is in Kenya right now, which is apparently at present a very violent and dangerous place to be.

Here are some articles about what is happening there:

• ABC News
  
• News LTD
• Yahoo News
  

Basically from what I can gather the violence has been sparked by the election (and apparent dodgey-ness surrounding it's legitimacy), tribal fighting, general unrest and lots of violence and killing.
I am worried for Eric, and just can't wait for him to get home next Tuesday!
For those who pray, please remember him, and all those in danger over there right now! that peace will be restored soon!

Things to do around the house

Today we have been tidying up around here, after returning from Goolwa. Trying to find new homes for new toys etc and I have been thinking about all the things that need to be done around here/ i would like to do (some jobs easier than others) ... So I thought I'd start a list!

Outside:

• Establish proper veggie garden - not easy with heat and water restrictions
• stake the tomatos - oh well they died
  
• Get a nice outdoor bench
• Make a chicken coop and get chickens
• Get a dog (in a few years)
• Get a filter for the rain water tank
• Organise system to use grey water on garden
  
• clean out gutters (maybe get a gutter guard)
• Out door setting
• Get sand for the sand pit - done (but prob need some more)
  
• Ideally it'd be nice to have a watering system (drippers?) of some sort, but we may never be allowed to use it, so it's probably not that important
  

Inside:

• Work out what renovations we would like to do (bathroom/ extension etc)
  
• Small shelve in laundry - done
  
• pictures up in girls room - done
  
• Get a Tall boy for our room - well we got a dresser
  
• More clothes storage for girls - done!
  
• toy cupboard (more plastic boxes) - we're on the way to tidier toys!
  
• label rest of plastic boxes
• do the dishes/washing/vacuuming (these ALWAYS need to be done - arghhhh!)
• Bookshelves
• Get rid of the freezes
• more pictures up around - there are more but i still would like more!
  
• de- clutter the front of the fridge - done!
  

and the list goes on!