High Five.. FRIDAY!

I tried calling in sick.  I did.  My boss answered the phone and all I got was "good try Mum, now hurry up with my weetbix"  On we bumbled.  A bumbling we went. We pause briefly now, to salute the Friday Fairy in true high five style.  Yes, that time has come where I write to the www's, five things that have captured my 'ooh shiny things' kinda brain.  Yes.  I am on cold & flu medication.

\So

yummy in my tummy..

I am far, far from being a creative cook.  I have mentioned in these parts.. that I am a bit 'that'll do' in the kitchen stakes.  But, I do love my food.  I love the sharing.. the creating.. the thought of food bringing people together.  I think it is the loveliest of things.. for someone to prepare a meal for you. I love the special times sharing cheese platters.. licking the beaters with Ninja.. or being all chuffed when dinner looks a tad on the fancy side {IE.. not burnt}

Being sick, I turned to my mate.. Mr Slow Cooker.  I chopped up a zillion garlic cloves added chili flakes and some ginger. With it: Cauliflower, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin and a tin of five bean mix.  Drizzled the lot in olive oil.. and proceeded to forget to turn it on.  Lunch Fail.  When is did actually go all soft and smooshy {by actually turning it on} I added some veggie stock and water and gave it a whizz around with a bar mixer.. and ate it for lunch today. Those delightful baked goodies you spy?  Bake. Them.  Now.  {frills in the hills} They are mighty. Mighty Milo Muffins...

Wide open spaces..

What started as a habit to tire those hyper toddler legs.. is now something I look forward to.  It has also made me appreciate, what is right on my front door step.  Beautiful parks and paths perfect for Ninja to choose our next direction.  Each day, we try and explore a new part of the neighbourhood.  We have watched the cranes building the new supermarket, the dozers pushing dirt.. and even the galahs causing a stir in an old gum tree.  Ninja was mighty impressed when a Fire Engine went by.. as we waved.. they even put the siren on and waved back.  Made.  Her.  Day. 

Toddler Tornado..

So, I have finally admitted to myself.. Ninja has dropped her day sleep.  I am in the process of implementing quiet time.  Yup.  That sacred time.. is no longer.  She hasn't had a day sleep for a week.. About time I cottoned on. Makes for hideously long days.. but there are always ways round these things.  Her quiet time.. is still my quiet time too.  She lies on her couch and has her snack and watches TV or reads a book.  If she starts looning.. I remind her quiet time.. and slowly but surely.. she makes her way back to the couch.  It's making me think more out of the square.. on ways to occupy our time.  We have spent many hour this week making tents with blankets.  And retrieving Ninja off chairs.  Yes, she was trying to escape. I have eyes in the back of my head... {and no she didn't escape.. and yes I got her off the chair} 

snots ahoy.

A lot, and I mean a lot of the above happened this week.  But replace the Ninja sitting by her bed.. with either Chris or I.  Can anyone say.. long nights?  It's the strongest of wills in force.. I refuse to admit defeat.  Last night?  Full nights sleep, huzzah.  The previous nights.. she was not herself at all.  Wouldn't sleep unless someone was with her.  I went back to basics. I rugged her up with another layer of pj's and made sure she ate enough through out the day {I swear she is related to a sparrow} and made sure she had enough calm down time.   Lots and Lots of praise and excitement around her big girl bed!  Who knows if it helped. 

That there is The Night Time Crew, doing what they do best.  Supervise while I do the gig of lay on the couch for 5 minutes to stop my sinuses from imploding.. yes.. and the: I salute you antibiotics and nasal spraying GOLD.

Weathering Times

Been one extreme to the other here.. one minute the sun is beaming then the dark clouds roll on in.  One constant is the Ms Ninja.  Rain, hail or shine she is firing on all cylinders.  Even to her last protest at night..she gives it her all.  I wish we were winning the food fight.  I wish sleep wasn't such an issue.  In saying that.. isn't that life as a toddler?  Her words are coming thick and fast.  She loves repeating what you say.  She loves doing everything herself.  She loves pushing her chair around to get to high places.  She loves kissing and cuddles.  Even Tessa-dog scores a cuddle, every minute or so.   Ninja loves it outside.  Pottering in the garden, washing up her toys.. stomping in the gravel.  I sit in the afternoon and watch.. cup of tea in hand and bracing myself for the next round of dinner/bath/bed.  Huzzah for dadda. 

So there you have it, the novel edition of high five.. it's Friday.  I hope the weekend brings you a few smiles.. sunshine and an abundance of cups of coffee.  I may be the only blogger not attending blogopolis.. {or ordering business cards..} but I will be waiting eagerly for the stories that will no doubt unfold!  Enjoy and happy weekending, Loz xx

Ninja's Lullaby.

I am by no means alone today.  Nope. Many a person woke up this morning and sighed an almighty sigh as their feet touched their slippers.  Many a parent is eye twitching into their 6th caffeine fix right about now.  I even bet, that like me.. a few choice words were uttered as they scuffled up the hall this morning.  I can even assure you, that I am not alone when I triumphantly punch the air and proclaim... 'Sleep is for the WEAK!'   Yes, that last sentence is indeed dripping in sarcasm.  Ahem.

I could state the obvious and say, 'I'm tired'  but been there, done that and even scored a t-shirt.  I could say that husband decided he would sleep in the key of snore and my tonsils decide to swell up to the size of golf balls.  I could even go as far to say that I finally decided to alleviate my sniffle issues with a nighttime cold and flu.. to be then woken up 2 hours later by a Ninja who was very far from her usual slumber like state. 

So, successfully managed to kip from 1am to 3am.  Lucky Loz they call me. 

My smug post down there? Well, go ahead and tsk tsk me.  Two rules of blogging, don't blog about sleep and two.. Don't blog about sleep.  Because why?  It will all go to hell in a hand basket.  You will have to come back.. and eat all your words.  Why you ask? {gee, so many questions} Because Ninja hasn't had a day sleep in a week now.. and last night you spent a good hour rocking back a forth singing twinkle twinkle so many times.. that the words just morphed into just go to sleep..

Where's Noni Hazlehurst when you need her?

Am coping remarkably well.  For someone in the grips of Chris is sick.. I am sick.. Ninja is writing null and void through any ideas of sleep.  Did I mention that we also had Chris' cousin stay with us last night?  I think we may have just catapulted him into the reality of kids. 

So 5am rolled around and by the song and dance gathering momentum from Ninja's room.. I called it quits.  Or should that be Starts?  There I was, slumped on the couch.. with a happy clappy Ninja prancing around me.  We were even up before the ABCkids kicked on.  I sat and ate my toast just pretending today was like any other day. Erasing all memories of.. being up since 3 flipping am.

Chris arose from the depths of snore land.  Called in sick. If I had any energy left, I would have high fived his not making fun of me singing twinkle twinkle eighty billion times in a row fine self.  I am awarding him today's gold star.  Actually, I'll rip it in half and we can share it.

After a few books and 'oooohhh weeeeeeeeee isn't your BIG GIRL BED awesome..and totally not scary!"  I called breakfast for Ninja.  Credit to the weary poppet.  She ate her boiled egg like a real trooper.  It was when the eyes started to daze over during small potatoes {fair enough, I say}  and she looked 3 milliseconds away from falling asleep into her egg cup.  Ni-nights was called.

And that my friends, is the story of why I am hugging my coffee mug today.  Oh and and why {this song} is still stuck in my head.  Rewind, repeat and replay.  Damn you small potatoes.

{hoot hoot}

Bean Dippers!

Feeding a Ninja is a full time job in itself.  Some days you rival The Yellow Wiggle and seriously contemplate a life as a interpretive dancer.  You contemplate selling tickets to your next show:  Eat Your DINNER Ninja.  Other days, you just can't keep up.  Hollow legs rule. You feel like a waitress.. the plates fly from the kitchen onto the waiting Ninja's high chair tray.  But reality is.. Tessa-dog is getting fat.  She knows the deal.  I see her waiting.  She isn't going to eat that.. I AM! muuuhhaahhaahha.

So.  While reading my newest addiction {IheartDonnaHay} I stumbled over a recipe.. that had my little eyes dancing.  Ninja could so eat that.  I think it was sponsored by heinz.. but since I lack the sponsor cred... I used a tin of Beans.. a la Aldi. 

they called them: Baked bean and egg bread cups.. BORING.  I like my name much better.

The recipe that I followed would make about eight.. well to be honest I hadn't high hopes that Ninja would even scoff down one.  So.  We made... One lone Bean dipper. 

One Lone Bean Dipper, fit for a Ninja.
2 slices of bread, crusts removed.  (I kept them.. for later dipping purposes)
Softened butter for spreading
Tin of beans (I used one heaped spoon full.. froze the rest into smaller portions) (or just buy a small tin)
1 egg.

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
Flatten the bread using a rolling pin and spread with butter.
Overlap 2 slices of bread to create a star.
Squash into a muffin tray.
Bake for 10 mins until light golden.
Spoon in the beans.
Make a well in the centre and break an egg into it.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.. or until the egg is cooked to your liking.
Ninja likes hers.. dippy.

If I smile.. she might leave me to eat in peace..

So there you have it.  One easy lunch idea.  Even for the rustic cooker in all of us.  No neat edges required for this one. Huzzah.

After a quick lookey.. I saw on the website there are a billion  more ideas!  {beanzmeanzheinz}
Disclaimer.. not at all affiliated with The Bean Giants.. just one mum passing {tehheehe} on some baking fairy dust.

Loz xx

Own It.

I posted a picture onto Facebook last night.  It's caption? Operation: Big girls bed.  Like this, but a lot less fancy...

As I sat in Ninja's room..  I was transported back to a moment.  A moment where I was about 30 billion years pregnant, eating weetbix and Chris was assembling the delights of The Sniglar.  Or Ikea Cot for those who thought I just swore in Swedish.   It was one of those afternoons where I think I decided that It All Had To Happen. I remember having the cot all ready.  All we needed was The Ninja.  On the outside.

Back to now, The Ninja is no longer a pain in my rib or an obsession with banana bread or eating 10 weetbix a day.  She was clambering all over Dadda as he performed the task of.. Toddler bed.  I sat back and watched.  Laughing as Ninja copied everything dadda did.  I think I might buy her a set of Allen keys for xmas. 

I am usually one to over analyse something.  Dance the dance of yes/no/maybe/askagaintomorrow.  After posting this picture on the vacuum of time.. Facebook.. I was quite surprised by the running commentary that followed.. that this was one element that I hadn't yet over thought.  In fact.  No thought was given.  We just did it. Ninja was ready, and more importantly.. so was I.

Sleep is precious.  Ask any parent and they can summarise in point form.. the importance of sleep.  You spend many a month finding your happy place with the whole sleep thing.  Sleep, sleep, sleep.  It can be so easy {And I have done it} to fall into the whole sleep obsessive phase.  What's enough? Too little, too much.. should I wake her up.. do I even bother.. and more importantly... when will I get my oh-so-lovely ME TIME?????????????

I found, my only me time was coming in the form of Ninja Nap time. An equation, that wasn't really working for me.  If Ninja missed a nap.. I felt that my world had taken a bit of a kick to the shins.  Something had to change.  And it was me.

I had to.  What's a day, when your only outlet is a hour or two of solace?  I yearned so deeply for that time.  I am a creature if habit.  I hate change.  I like to pop Ninja to bed, pop on the kettle and spend a wee while tapping away my thoughts and projects onto this here space.  If it didn't happen, I felt so hard done by. Grumpy.  A little bit of stamping foot action happened.

Days now are different.  My head space is a huge contributor to this.  I feel that a light has come on.  I feel that I finally get it.  I feel In control.  I am in a great place right now.  I own it. 

Today is a great example.. Ninja slept like 13 hours last night {Operation: SUCCESS!} .. so I had a hope in hell in getting her to have a day sleep.  Right now.. I sit here doing my thing.. while she does hers.  It may or may not be empty the contents of her wardrobe onto the lounge room floor.. but hey.  Scrap that, she is now eating grapes on my knee. I haven't lost my shizzle.  I haven't felt hard done by.  I am not thinking.. as soon as Chris gets home..  Sleep will come.. Just later.  We have had a great day.  Nothing special.  A few jobs, a few tantrums.. a bit of baking.. and a few moments of fits of giggles.  A day of nothing-ness.. at it's best.

Her age helps. You can have so much fun with a toddler.  They are the best time wasters.  I love turning mundane jobs.. into Ninja play.  It may have taken half an hour longer.. but she helped with the laundry.  She pops her owns dishes away.  She throws the ball for Tessa-dog.  If I need two minutes.. I can say.. grab a book!  She tells me what she wants half the time.  Draw.. for drawing and roll, roll.. for playdoh time.

Being a parent comes moments of clarity and at times the fog just as much suffocate you.  We have to find our own way.  We need it own it.  Be secure in the knowledge that we have all bases covered.  Be empowered.. that we are fan-freaking-tastic.  Sometimes.. the house of cards are knocked over.  It's the picking yourself up afterwards.. that deserves an epic amount of gold stars.

And my friends.. I am adorned with stars today.

High Five it... Huzzah for Friday!

Not only have I been prancing around the lounge room a la Katy Perry singing {TGIF}..  I am now sitting in the backyard soaking up some Vitamin D goodness.  I may be also refusing to acknowledge that the Ninja is uprooting my geranium.  Huzzah for Wifi.  Huzzah for Friday.  Huzzah my friends for the Ninja who just wiped her muddy little hands in my leg.  Where was I?  How on earth do mums work from home??

High Five Friday is a little something, something I like do to.  Five things worthy of this mumma of Ninja {aka: Loz} to lift her weary hand and high five. Obviously on a Friday, because other wise.. that'd be weird.

{ONE}  Donna Hay..
I know, I know.  The last person on earth.. {as always} to bow down at the alter of her baking majesty. I want a kitchen of matching pastel utensils.. I want to bake some {rosemary bread rolls}  I kinda am savouring every page of her {kids magazine}.  So far, I like that all her recipes seem.. Loz-proof.  I hate, hate the fancy-smancy stuff.  I am surprised I was even able to digest any more baking lark masterchef killed it for me.

{TWO}  Husband appreciation..
So.  I went and had a few weeks at the retreat called Mum and Dads.  Usually when I go away, Husband finds it in himself to move like 3 tonne of garden materials.. or move the house a tad to the left.  This time, I left strict instructions: Do.  Nothing.  99% of that statement was followed.  Well, apart from pulling 7am-6pm days at work.  I came home.. and did what any self respecting Loz would do when she saw this.. adorning her bedroom ceiling...

I squealed like the big ol' girl I am.  Can you believe this has been living on my in laws veranda?  Can you believe I have a freaking chandelier in my room?  Now.. the rest of the house  that just has light bulbs screwed into ceiling 

{THREE}  I heart blogs..
Blogs are like conversations.  Some you just eavesdrop on.  Some you just can't help but adding your two cents worth too.  Sometimes, all the words have been so perfectly joined.. that you don't even need to utter a single word. I love my space here.  My little drop in the ocean of blogging.  I did, however feel a bit super gold star special.. when the delightful Daisy turned me into the best dot point 4 .. I have ever read about myself.  {Daisy, roo and two}

{FOUR}  Just keep walking..

I woke up this morning to a scene off the set of Gorilla's in the Mist.  Fog from here to eternity.  Did my usual tango of the breakfast and inhale coffee routine.  The fog lifted.. bringing my merry friend:  Sunhappyshine.  After trying to reason with a Ninja, a Tessa-dog and a pram.. we managed to navigate our way out of the front door without me looking once like a deranged lady.  Just. Promised Ninja if she sat in the pram.. I'd take her to the Ducks.

and the ducks she spotted.

and my arm.. very nearly pulled from it's socket after Tessa-dog also spotted said Ducks.

 

the round trip.. five freaking km's my friends.  Lucky we stopped at the bakery. 

 totally rocking my $15 Rivers shoes.

and my slightly bent.. may have sat on them.. not $15 chanel sunnies.

{FIVE}  Over time.

Husband has a deadline to meet at work.. so over time has called his name.  For me too, I guess.  We are not ones to argue.. as it is putting a healthier glow onto our dismal savings account.  He works bloody hard.  We both do.  So far, we are plodding along really well.  I really believe we have finally found our groove.  Tad excited.. dinner plans for Saturday night.. at our local pizza cafe to celebrate these long days.  I may even break out my new $5 Kmart dress. 

Happy weekending...

Love Loz xx

Ps.. have you flogged your blog?  No? Well, go on then.  What are you waiting for?  The best flogger of the blogger is your lady Glowless.. get to it.  {FlogYoBlog} or you may just get a pie in your face..

Torch Light.

Today.. we stuck hoot hoot decals to the wall.  Much excitement followed.  But here is another story...

Last night, as I was waving goodbye to my lovely neighbour {gave me her copy of Donna Hay kids.. huzzah!} I secretly high fived myself for having a relatively tidy house.. and only the tiniest of drops of yoghurt on my top.  See.  They are have a fancy pants pre-children house.  Lovely peeps.  Just.. don't know the joys of weetbix on the furniture yet.  So.  I waved her goodbye and gleefully put aside my magazine.. for pure Ninja is alseep enjoyment. I looked at the clock.  Dinner was done and dusted.  Husband not home for a wee while.  Overtime will do that to you.  What next?

Ninja was onto it already.  As I tidied away the chaos of bits of bread and nope, you can jam your rice.. I ain't eating it.. I watched the determination unfold.  Out came the shoes.  Out came the frustration of not being able to pull them on.  Out came the hat, the scarf and the torch she had stolen from dadda's pocket the night before.

I just watched.  She was on a mission.  I didn't want to interrupt her stream of thoughts.  Where was she off to?  Off to the front door.  Hat, scarf and shoes on.. torch in hand. Wriggling the door knob. 

'Dadda'
More wriggling of the door knob
'Dadda'

We were to wait for Dadda, outside it seemed. Up and down the path we walked in the bloody freezing, I didn't have a damn hat cool night time.. chasing our feet in the torch light.  Waving to the folk walking home..

'Who's that?'
'Not sure sweetheart.. it is a tad dark'
'Buh-bye'
Waves furiously.

We walked up and down the path.  Torch light blazing.  Feet skipping.  Up and down. Up and down. Til we saw the familiar lights of Dadda's car turn the corner.

'Dadda!'

Nothing melts your heart more.. than to see you daughter jump into her dadda's arms.
Nothing makes your heart soar more.. than to see huge smile wash across dadda's face.
Nothing else makes you heart sing more.. than to feel an massive bond and love for this Ninja clan.



Dear...

{image}

Opening my emails always rises a giggle. I love the fact I have 'won' the lottery everyday for the last 5 months. I love that I am always a.. Dear Friend. So friendly these spammers. I love it even more when I open my real life mail box.. and mail greets me. So here you are, mail.. that hasn't been eaten by the snails yet. I have even circled all the toys I want in the catalogues for you. No worries. Wasn't a hassle at all.


Dear {Bridesmaids} {the movie}
I think my sister and I were the last two remaining people to roll in the aisles in your hilarity. Loved. It.
I even made the too cool for school teenagers who were on facebook through the WHOLE movie turn around and wonder who was screeching laughing.
Love Loz, who still loves quoting lines from the movie..



Dear Rebecca Black,
Yesterday was Thursday, Thursday. Today i-is Friday, Friday (Partyin’) We-we-we so excited. We so excited. We gonna have a ball today. Tomorrow is Saturday. And Sunday comes after...wards. I don’t want this weekend to end

Those lyrics had me at the edge of my seat. I am, forever grateful to have the calender in song form. So, you can imagine my utter chew-my-nails excitement.. that you have released a new song. {My Moment}
Love Loz, go on.. one more time..it's FRIIIIDAY! {Today is Wednesday, actually}


Dear Sugar addiction,
Bugger off. Immediately.
Love Loz, who could demolish about 3 crunchie bars.
PS. Had home made vegie soup for lunch. Junglebum be gone.
PPS. A Crunchie would still be nice though.
PPPS. Must stop thinking about Crunchies.
PPPS.  You started it.


 
Dear Snow,
So, you couldn't help yourself could you?  Just as I leave my snow watching post. Released from my meerkat like stance.  Done with making sure my camera was always charged.  Done with asking the local folk on their snow/nosnow verdict.  Just as I am unpacking my trillion suitcases back at Ninja Towers.  New comes in. White stuff has been reported falling from the sky at the residence of Mum and Dad.  Guess what, buddy?  A little too late.  FOUR FREAKING DAYS TOO LATE.
Boo hiss, Loz.  Whatev's, I'll throw a bean bag mix on the floor and have our own fun.  Promise I wont Chris. Well maybe.
 
 
Dear {Facebook}
Sorry, I have been cheating on you. 
Love Loz, {Twitter} is great for my "ooooh shiney things" kinda brain. 
 
 
Dear {Adele},
It will be no secret that I have one massive crush on you.  I want singing lessons.. just so I can give your songs the justice they deserve.. and not make the neighbourhood cats join in at the chorus. I have been waltzing around the lounge room with Ninja.. to your album 21.  Makes a welcome change to the likes of Yo Gabba let me tell you.
Love Loz, these songs are on very high rotation.. {One and Only} {Set Fire to the Rain} {Turning Tables} and of course {Someone Like You}
 
 
Dear Ninja,
You have had me laughing like a crazy lady today.  I love that.  I have to put my straight face on.. when telling you we don't actually have to brush dolly's teeth.  I wondered why she looked like she had come down with a case of rabies.  I love that.. you found Dadda's work torch last night... and the two of you walked up the street.. you holding the torch.. shining the way.  I love that you tucked me up.. and told me ni-nights. 
Love Loz, who is looking forward to dadda's one day off.. on Sunday.
 
 
 
Happy Days and off to have a shower, to distract self from said Crunchie thoughts.
Love Loz.
PS.. Link up any mail you think I may need to peruse in the comments.

Ninja {21 Months}

On the phone to my mum this morning, discussing the busy nature of the folk we call toddlers.  I sat nodding in agreeance.. as at that very point my very busy little toddler was bouncing around the floor, wearing a mix of a fairy dress.. and a pair of bunny ears.  Only moments before.. I had to rescue the remote from an untimely death.  And rub a bomped head. 

While I wiped the never ending snot from her nose.. and tip toed over the long forgotten pile of folding.  I popped on the kettle and listened to my mum reminisce over me.. as a baby Loz. I had a very similar conversation with my mother in law.. she had watched some old footage of Chris.. and too could spot some Ninja-like similarities. The everyday stuff.  Like words for certain things.  Milestones. Mannerisms.  Memories.

There have been oh so many milestones in this Ninja's life. So many.  I am so glad I have this here blog as a form of recording them.  As the empty pages in her baby book.. prove that I am hopeless in collating the information in the mainstream way.  Ahem.  I am also ever so thankful for my camera.  Capturing those moments. 

So. This is a post and a record of  the 21 month old Ninja that just very nearly broke me.. by leaving her xylophone in the hall.

Only few shows on TV hold your attention long enough.  You only have to hear the opening song for Yo Gabba Gabba and you are clapping your hands excitedly.  Playschool is a favourite as with Sesame street.  I make the most of your stand-still time.. by feeding you. 

You love to roar.  Love.  It.  It could be a tiger, lion, dinosaur.. or crocodile and you are roaring your head off.  You sometimes pretend you are an elephant.. even with a pretend trunk.  Snakes go.. sssss.  Cats go.. moooww and of course dogs not only pant.. but woof.  You neeeee like a horse, baaaa like a sheep and boo like a cow.  Yes.  Boo.  Your recognition of so many animals.. astounds me.

You love Tiddies.  Or Teddies.  Usually you give them a big squishy cuddle and a big kiss and a 'awww tiddie'

Chippies are a favourite.  I think you are following in your fathers foot steps on that one.  As with dippy sauce.  If there is tomato sauce on the plate.. then there is a 70% chance you may eat the meal.  Once said dippy sauce is distributed.. it has to be hidden otherwise dinner time is spent negotiating what is and what isn't enough dippy sauce.

Talking on the telephone makes you smile.  More so when it's a familiar voice.  You talk to Dadda every lunch time.  You even give the phone back now with out an epic meltdown.. which is nice.

The technology you will see in your lifetime.. will be amazing.  I cannot even believe you can use an Ipad.  I can't believe you know how to unlock my phone.  I love that we watch Youtube.. for clips on roaring animals.. or maybe a song on the alphabet.  Or the song we learnt with Nanna {ignore the chipper voice} You love the SNAP bit. 

Your energy is never ending.  You have ants in your pants.  You are busy, busy, busy.  You love watering my plants, 'digging' and painting the bricks with water.  Last night.. after putting your slippers on.. You wanted to go for a walk.  Hanging off the handle you were.  Dadda had to show you it was indeed nighttime.. before you accepted that there wasn't a walk on the cards.

You feed Tessa-dog your BBQ shapes.

You love people.  You will do everything.. to get the attention of the person next to you at the supermarket.  Your favourite word is hello.  You pass out DVD"s off the shelf.. to random kids at Kmart. 

Your dancing makes my heart sore.  Maybe all that music made a difference (I worked in retail while pregnant) I love watching you twirl, jump and stamp your feet.  On a particular days, when the rain is heavy.. and my motivation matches the grey skies.. on goes the Ipod.. and we dance, like nobody is watching.  We will always have our dance offs my girl.

On our walk yesterday.. you saw an aeroplane in the sky.  Out went your arms.. running passed me making brrrrr noises. 

Toys are sometimes hit and miss.  Some days you will spend your time stacking blocks or playing with a puzzle.  But everyday, without fail.. you love 'reading'  Books are your thing.  We love picture books of animals.  We love the Spot book.  We spend a lot of time looking for that green sheep. 

Drawing.  Oh my.  You stand at the foot of your high chair trying to clamber in it.. 'draw, draw, draw'  You have perfected drawing circles.  You try and colour in.  You drew this.. and after a few moowww's we realised it was indeed a cat.  You just blow me away some days my Ninja girl.

You know how to test my patience.  You know how to chuck a tantrum.  Spirited, they say.  Your confidence is out of this world. One check over the shoulder to see if a familiar face is there.. and you are off and racing. 

I love you to bits, my Ninja girl. 


Our Emily Grace.

Loz says.. continued.

As covered in my last post.. I have learnt many a thing regarding this parenting lark {here, if you have lost the ability to scroll down the page}Many a tale has been written on this here bloggity blog.. On the triumphs and somewhat tricky parts of being not only a Loz.. but a wife and mumma.  I am considering coffee sponsorship.  So.  The stuff and whatnot that...Loz says. 

*  Nothing says "It's going to be a GREAT day' more than in the first 10 minutes of having your eyes open.. you have changed a death nappy and Ninja is having her first meltdown in the hall.  Go to your happy place, because you are now on your hands and knees scrubbing the carpet.. as Tessa-dog is hell bent on thinking my carpet is actually grass.

* Watching the Raggs the dog DVD for the umpteenth time. Paws up my friends, paws UP.

*  Never again, shall you put Ninja's gumboots on.. at the front door when you actually plan to play in the back garden.  Epic meltdown.  Epic.  I feared my neighbours would be calling DOCS.  Not even a bag of tiny teddies could save this one.  Eventually abandoned hanging out the washing.. and took her for a damn walk. 

* Everything tastes better if it came off your plate.

*  Nothing goes to plan.  Spend morning avoiding toddler meltdowns.. attempt to hang out washing four times only to then go on a walk.. to then come home and the forecast of sunny with clouds.. suddenly turns to RAIN.  SO MUCH FREAKING RAIN. 

* It takes you a while.. but Tiddy means.. Teddy.

*  Ninja likes to inform me in the morning of the contents of her nappy.  I usually can guess by the poo bat  I walk into when I open the door.  Nonetheless.  She tells me.  This is a conversation we had last week.
Morning!
Do I get a hello?
POO! (even to go as far to bend over a show me her backside)
Cuddle for mum?
POO!
Okay, lets change you then.
Finally to take the eleventy billion of layers of pyjamas..get to take her nappy off
NO POO!  (queue hysterics from Ninja)
Yep.  No poo.

*  You wonder how much Jimmy Giggle gets paid to talk to an owl.  And do his pyjama's come in your size.

*  The Parent Police really grate you.  You know the ones.  The helpful comments.  Those helpful glares when your child is eating a packet of please, we are nearly done shopping.  I'm waiting people.  Just waiting.  Next comment, I shall be asking to see your episiotomy scars... Because shock horror.. I AM HER MUM. 

* Boiled eggs are a never fail breakfast idea.  This week anyway.

*  You look in the mirror and wish Trinny and Susannah were your best friends (as long as they didn't squish my boobs all the time)  I am a walking fashion fail.  I am even committing the sin today.. as wearing leggings as pants.  With my ugg boots.  My hair needs to have a little think about life.  My roots don't match the eight five billion shades of just get a damn professional to do it.

*  You believe you may just be another segment on Hoarders.  I tried to sort through the buckets o' toys in Ninja's room today.  Started off positively.  Mini pile of too big for bubba toys.  Couldn't bring myself to pack away anything.  I even get a tad too sentimental in boxing up the  I really used to be a size 0000. 

 *  It is well and truly ok to be grumpy.  Everyone has a bad days.  Everyone is entitled to a grand old whinge.  Just don't let it snow ball.  Be in control, of you.  Or plan a fish bowl glass of vino.. in the bath. 

{image}

Loz says...

Being Mum to Ninja not only means I am quite the entertainer when it comes to waiting in line at the supermarket with a: get ME OUTTA THE TROLLEY NOW toddler.. it also means that I have a very sizable wad of information that I have learnt over these 21 months tucked away into this here head.  Since blogs are all about the sharing.. join me in another dot point presentation on what I call:  The stuff and whatnot that I have learnt.  Caffeine is advisable.

* Do not question your intelligence.  Just because it may be taking a tad longer than it should.. to put all the pieces back into the shape sorter, or you spent 10 minutes trying to jam a very fish like shape.. into a very star shape hole.. just means you are tired.  Yeah.  Tired. 

*  You find yourself in a bit of a dither.  How many nappies to pack.. should I grab another packet of wipes?  Husband saves the day: If you need more than 3 nappies, well.. it is very much time to come home.

* Putting a funny hat on your toddler, is sure to cure any form of you are giving me the case of the shizzles today. 

*  Travelling with a child requires stamina, agility and patience.  Also a CD of Playschool songs.. an Ipod mix of Yo Gabba Gabba.. and half a back seat of toys and books that they will 110% not touch.  You may also spend many a moment looking for sheep in paddocks.. or giving yourself a neck injury singing and miming to five little ducks.  It should be noted.. I was not the driver. 

*  Nothing is off limits.  Nothing.  I find that having a toddler in my midst is curing me of any self conscious ways I have.  Using the amenities at a roadside cafe.. I went about my business while trying to stop Ninja unravelling all the loo roll.
 "Poo"
"No, just wees" 
"POO'!"
"no, mummy did wees" 
Queue stifled laughter from next cubicles.. and the hurried of washing hands and quick exit.

*  Dressing a Ninja.. is very much like trying to put shoes on an Octopus.

*  You find yourself wondering, where did Justine Clarke get her cardigan from..

*  Babycinos would have to be the best invention known to this coffee addicted mumma. A few minutes where you are not retrieving the Ninja from the other side of the shopping mall.. where she will happily sit and slurp her frothy milky goodness. 

*  Nothing will ever be smear-free.

*  The pram is gathering dust in the shed.  I use any opportunity to tire those oh so jumpy legs. 

* Toddlers are busy folk.  Like to be part of the action.  Get them involved.  Nothing says parenting genius.. where your get your pegs handed to you while hanging out your towels.  Even if it makes me feel a little jumpy they are not colour matched.

* The world will suddenly seem not so child friendly.  Smutty songs on the radio.. Britney getting her gear off on Video Hits.. pester power at it's all time high at the checkout... parenting rooms that smell like a garbage disposal units.. everything family friendly is worthy of selling a kidney just to afford a ticket.  Sigh.  Then, there's the one about getting all of Giggle and Hoot's songs stuck in your head. It's five steps.. to bedtime!

*  You are ever the optimist that The Fussy Eater will devour the tasty and culinary delights on offer.  Even if it's just as vegemite sandwich. 

* No matter how much snot is streaming from their nose, or the certain aroma wafting from their under daks.. or the sheer amount of spaghetti they have on 93% of their body... you think they may just be the most perfect being that has ever toddled on this planet.

to be continued....

Panic Button.

Anxiety is a bitch.  It is.  Truly.  I hate not having the coping mechanism to deal with the sudden onset of fight or flight mode.  I hate that one thing can just set off a chain reaction of heart in mouth.. blood pumping in ears.. wanting to run.. run really fast. I have immense wave of guilt.  A massive question mark above my head.  Why on earth do I feel like this.. when I am in the not toasty, as the heating has packed up cocoon of The Land of all things Mum and Dad.  The thing is.  Parenting knows no breaks.  Parenting doesn't go: Oh go on then, toddler-ism's don't exist.. watch a bit more telly.  

Ninja is a super star.  So much so, she tells random people. Sup.. STAR! She is a character and a half.  She is vibrant.  Full of beans.  Chatterbox.  Me?  I still feel like I am still at the starting line.. with my L plates firmly attached to my jumper.  I detest feeling this way. I feel my fuse is short.. just waiting to blow at any given moment.  I feel that the Ninja.. is doing all the normal toddler stuff.. but I feel like I am struggling to just keep up.  I feel lazy.  I know, in my head what I want to do.. but I feel like my body is still back in bed catching up on some zzzzz's.

See. Why should I feel this way?  I have the support crew on deck.  I have dinners cooked.  I have laundry done.  I have had so many coffee dates.. that I want to marry the local cafe.  Is it because I have the time to let these negative thoughts build up?  I know, I am Queen of the routine.  Routine is none existent in the Ninja's mind right now.  Too much fun to be had. Is it a case of the green eyed monster of PMT (or is it PMS these days) rearing it's ugly head?  I know I am tired.  Insomnia is killing me.  Am I missing Chris?  Absence, heart grows fonder and all that jazz?

Ninja is fighting this going to bed battle.  It throws me.  I am used to popping her to bed and her just going off for slumbers.  Nope.  It just throws me right back into the mix of that feeling I have had.. at my lowest.. when I didn't cope.  I can cope now.  I know I can.  Coping is what this Loz does best.  But why?  Why do I get all ranty pants if she doesn't sleep? Keep getting all flappy when she runs off all the time? 

My answer.  My energy reserves slowly build up.  You get sick.  Ninja gets sick. Reserves empty.  We get better, reserves build up.. but not as high before. It's a vicious cycle.  One I am adamant in breaking.

I have learnt lots while I am here.  My appreciation for my home and family has grown ten fold.  I realise that sleep is great.. but life can continue if Ninja misses a nap.  I know having a toddler is hard work.  With a support crew of 3.. never mind just the daily grind when it's just moi.  Consistency is the key.  Pick your battles.  Learn to breathe.  Keep your hand off the panic button. 

I am doing a fan-freaking-tastic job.  But I need to learn.. perfection is a unattainable goal. 

How do you parent a Toddler?  How do you stop the thoughts of Holy sheet Batman, I need a stiff drink from entering your head?

{No snow} 5 things.

Sorry about the lack of high fivin' Friday Festivities.  Something about me.. not being able to get myself off the couch or tear myself away from a quite enjoyable glass or two of Oyster Bay {Don't mind if I do} So.  In it's place we shall gather around this here imaginary water cooler and discuss the finer things that this here Saturday brings.  I call it.. 5 things.  Literary brilliance, me.

{ONE} Busy bees.
It's been one mini adventure after another here.  Everything from babycino's down the street, or visiting lambs on a friends farm.  We had a trip to the library, where Ninja nearly very lost her shizzle for the amount of books that were at her disposal.  The confidence and sheer stamina this little girl has, amazes me.  She just goes and goes.  She loves making friends, with complete strangers.  We had a trip into the shopping centre.. where Raggs the dog was performing.  There she was.. amongst a sea of 8 year olds.. busting her moves.  I even had to retrieve her from trying to get on stage..

{TWO} we are family..
Had some fabulous laughs, the in-jokes are on high rotation.  Managed to swindle a few beers off Dad.  Nommy Dinners.  Cups o tea.  Coffee dates.  Shopping trips.  Just play with nanna because I am out of fun. My sister has arrived today.. the first time we have all been together in  a while.  It's lovely.  Ninja in her element.  Especially when Aunty arrived today with some very Ninja sized Ugg boots.. and pants with cat-shaped pockets.  Love.  Missing Chris.  He is working some pretty manic hours.. nearly 12 hour days.  Plus working Saturdays.  He's at least getting a parma and pint tonight.  We have been Skyping him while we are away... Ninja hugged the computer screen.  Ahhhh bless.

{THREE}  Thrifty is my middle name..
I am seriously obsessed with the local op shop.  Not only do all the old dears love The Ninja.. they have some super cheap and awesome Ninja threads.  Found a rack of goodies.. $3 bucks each.  Ninja scored a bomber jacket.. hand knitted jumper and cardi.. Today she is sporting her very Aspen styled Jumper.  I may be back stalking the store on Monday.

{FOUR}  Focus Loz..
 Since I am vacationing at The Land of all things Nanna & Granda.. I have realised how hard I find it to switch off.  Since all the jobs are mostly taken care of (dinner etc)  I have just focused on Ninja and I.  But once she is sorted and in bed.. I find it hard to wind down.  My mind is still racing at a great speed of knots.   Trying to focus on whats in front of me.  It has been amazing to focus on The Now.. like playing with a puzzle with Ninja or going for  a walk.  I am not stressing about the umpteen million jobs piling up.  She still drives me mad and I am currently hiding in my room.. while the three amigoes wrangle her. 

{FIVE} Read it.  Now. 
Some parenting stuff has me wearing ranty pants.  I read some articles or see new reports and get a tad shoutey.  Opinions are rife in the parenting land. But.  I read this. It touched every cell in my being. I may have fist pumped the air and tweeted my appreciation immediately.  {normal is the new advanced} I heart this blogging community more and more each day.  

Funnies

My Mum shared this email with me today.. I hope you get as much of a giggle out of it as I did! I think we can all relate to it...

Week at the Gym.
This is dedicated to everyone who has ever attempted to get into regular workout routine.

Dear Diary.
For my birthday this year, my Husband (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me.
Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.
I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.
My husband seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started. The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god – with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week !!

TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door.Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT !! It’s a whole new life for me.

 WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn’t try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said
some other shit too.

THURSDAY:
Asshole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn’t help being a half an hour late – it took me that long to tie my shoes. He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny little bitch to find me.Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine — which I sank.

FRIDAY:
I hate that bastard Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic,anorexic little aerobic instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it. Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don’t
have any triceps! And if you don’t want dents in the floor, don’t hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn’t it have been someone softer, like the drama coachor the choir director?

SATURDAY:
Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the
strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

SUNDAY:
I’m having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun — like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds !!!

 Tears people, tears. 
Love Loz xx

Mum, I used all your flour again.

Weather a bit wild and woolly here.  Have velcroed self to heater.  Have danced up a storm to the two songs that Ninja allows me to sing.  Anything other than these two songs and she puts her fingers in her ears and declares no, no, no.  Mum at work and Dad off doing teacher stuff.  Just Ninja and I today. So while we wait for the promised snow, we baked.  Or rather, I baked and Ninja ran around roaring

 Friendly looking bloke really.  Readers, meet Roar. ROAR!

So after a quick forage through the pantry and a quick gander over a few of my fav cooking blogs.  I decided scrolls it was. Easy-Peasy my fellow friends.  First off.  My inspiration came from these blogs {a great balancing act}  which kinda used the recipe from another fab blog {two little spoons} 

Step one.  Entertain Toddler.  Ninja is still a tad young to get the concept of "not putting the bowl on our head" yet.  So drawing it was.  

sporting the toasty warm jumper from Great Granma. Love!

Step two.  Make your favourite beverage.  Coffee keeps me happy. What's baking without a hot cup of something in your hands?  

Coffeeeeeee.

So.  Before you do anything else.  Pour a 1/4 cup of milk into a dish.  It's needs to be room temp.  I always forget this part.  Consider yourself warned.  

Dough Recipe

1 cup warm water
7g sachet of dried yeast
2 tsp sugar
3 cups plain flour 

2 tsp salt
2 tbs olive oil, plus 1tbs extra for oiling the bowl
¼ cup of milk, room temp  See.  I do not tell a lie.

Step Three.

 I call it multi tasking.  Or.. what did the recipe say again?

In a bowl add the water and yeast, set aside until frothy.  Or, if it's Narnia at your place too.. pop it somewhere warm.  Should take about 10 mins.  In another bowl prepare your flour and salt.  Once your yeast has reached a frothy like stance.. add it to the flour.  Combine the oil and milk too.  Mix it all up.. then knead for about 5 mins.  Till it's all smooth and elastic.  Oil a dish and pop dough back in.. cover with glad wrap and keep warm.  Leave it until it has at least doubled in size.  Maybe an hour.  I forget.  Was on Incy Wincy Spider duties.

Step Four. Now the fun starts.  Let the creativity run.  I ripped the dough into four pieces.  After making {frills in the hills} < these last week.. I have a sweet chili craving.  

Roll out the piece of dough until it's a rectangle shape.  Add your filling of choice.

 

 Sweet Chili and Cheese {One batch i did parmasen.. the other mozzarella, both YUM!}

Step Five.  Roll up your dough into a log shape.. as tightly as you can.  Then slice into even pieces. 

Along with my sweet chili scrolls.. I made some tasty cheese and oregano ones.. and Ninja's favourite.  Vegemite and cheese scrolls.  All have since been tested.. for quality control.  Thumbs up.  YUM.

Step six.

Place the scrolls onto a greased tray (or baking paper) and leave some room for them to.. rise.  Pop in the oven and bake until golden. 

Yum and Yum.

Loz x

Ps Still on snow watch.

Dear..

{weheartit}

Cold and windy here in the Land of Nanna & Granda.  Folk say it may snow.  I am in a complete Meer-kat like stance.. just waiting.  Have asked every conceivable snow question there is: Is it warm enough.. or is it too cold for snow?  Is this snow weather?  What about now?  Man, it's blimmin' windy! Will it really snow?  So.  While I leave my official post of snow-watcher I will check today's mail.  I know.  Always the helpful one.

Dear {Big Fat Gypsy Weddings}
Where have you been all my life?  Trashy telly at it's all time best.  I am off to ask hubby if we can renew our vows.. just so I can have a dress with fairy lights. Although, it would make me a tad nervy if my dress maker had to come to the wedding.. with  fire extinguisher.  I had to spend a few minutes explaining you to my mum.  But she didn't know what jerseylicious was either. 
Love Loz, who would be classed as a VERY old bride.

Dear Email account,
So, according to you.. this week I have won the lottery.. need to give all my details to some Prince just so I can unlock my thousands.. Oh and give a random person all my account information.  Or they'll close down my email.  Oh right. I have a rather large urge to start spamming you back.
Love Loz, huzzah for the junk folder.

Dear Toy sales,
I did try.  Try to get excited.  Get swept up in the hype.  Plan all the xmas goodies.  But the thought of spending our savings.. not only made my stomach flip.. I had no idea what to even think what a Ninja would like from Santa.  Then I read {this} and felt all kinds of better.  Sometimes I think I am made out of a different mould to other mums.  I feel silly paying $20 for plastic.. when all Ninja wanted today was a 'roar' {dinoasaur/crocodile to you} that came to a grand total of three bucks. 
Love Loz, who still has to think about a 2nd birthday..

Dear Roar,
Thank you for keeping a Ninja entertained on our shopping trip.  You even came in handy when trying to convince said Ninja that lunch was a great idea.  I love every time she sees you... we hear an almighty Roaaaar! See, it all started when you were watching Animalia on the telly.  Lots of roaring and excited clapping from a happy 20 month old.  We even found a dinosaur roar book at the op shop.  So Roar, I like you.  I like that we found where they keep the roars at the shops.. and we picked a crocodile.  It seems you can only roar if you have teeth.  Roar is lots of things to this Ninja. 
Love Loz, who is so thinking that a dinosaur bday cake is a great idea.  Aunty Deb??

Dear Tonsils,
Please be nice and not hurt.  Just a wee bit over colds and the like.  Like a lot.  
Love Loz, who is over her tonsils hurting.

Dear Ninja,
Aren't you the busy little toddler?  Just a quick one though.  Do you see me lying on the floor at the shops?  No.  So.  When I say we are not going on the Wiggles roundabout... we're not.  No need for the dramatics.  Also, this running off caper is getting a bit testing.
Love Mum, who needs her energizer bunny pills.

Dear Mum & Dad,
Rocking this Loz's world.  Cups o' tea a plenty.  The bar opens nightly.. for some home brew sampling.  I often have full control of the remote.. and you don't even mind that I watch the Kardashian's.  My washing appears.. smelling wonderful.  It is even folded.  You calm me down when I am all of a twitch when Ninja is putting on a show at bed time.  You laugh when you realise the papers are stacking up.. because you haven't had a chance to read the weekend news yet.  You are helping me win the Ninja Food Fight.  You just keep life ticking on.  And you promised me snow.
Love Loz, who is tired..but happy.

Dear Husband,
Every time Ninja sees the computer, she wants two things.  Watch The Wiggles on You tube.. and talk to dad-dad on Skype.  I love that we can still have chats.  I love that we miss each other.  I miss your hugs.  I miss that chuckle you get when I make you laugh.  Ninja is growing in leaps and bounds.   We have made a short video that we will post to you.. just of a day or two in Ninja life. She really is.. a mini you.  Thanks for walking Tessa-dog.  Don't forget Barry and Duster.
Love Loz,  make sure you don't work too hard! 








Is is snowing yet?

Love Loz xxx

Ninja on the go.

I sit here, in my pseudo Lady Land.. tap tapping away.  Having a sticky beak at my favourite blogs.  Opening as many tabs as I have random thoughts.  My favourite lady Adele is singing her majestic melodies from the speakers.  I can hear the fancy pants neighbours are using their fancy pants mulcher.  City slickers. Yes, I may be tad envious of their holiday cottage. The point to all this you ask?  Well.  I have finally caught breath.  Finally.  Can string coherent sentences together.  Can contemplate more than just shuffling in my slippers.  Can handle the avalanche of chaos.. that only a Ninja can bring.  We have already managed to break Granda's reading glasses.  Uh-oh indeed.

I am still very much on Ninja duty.. but having the luxury of a dinner being cooked or even a bath being wrangled.. makes me tuck away a few extra minutes into my bank.  Oh my, do I need that.  Even with an extra two pairs of hands on wrangling duties.. I am still cream crackered.  It also makes me feel a tad more sane.. when both my mum and dad exclaim.. what a busy toddler I have.  She is.  So many people have commented on her confidence.  I love that about her.. although I wish she would sit still for more than 3 milliseconds. 

We've had some fabulous days here.  Toddles down the street, perusing the op shop, babycinos, drives out in the car.  I have been in snappy happy heaven.. some spectacular scenery to capture on my camera.  So.  If I haven't already bombarded you on facebook..

A walk around the showgrounds.. with Mum and dads gorgeous german shepherds Max and Shadow.

 

 

Photo bomb complete.

Love to hear about any adventures you've had.
Loz x

Join the army.

I read the words and I can really understand the sentiments behind them.  I can. I have in my time, dropped a few similar sentences that I wish I could rewind. I have a slight issue with them still.  Feel like banging my head against a brick wall.  Change the record. Got the gist? Makes me a tad twitchy.  I see them sprouting up, left right and centre. I think of them in the same light as the Parent Police.  Actually.  They are probably even more annoying.

The: "wait till they.." people.  Doing.  My. Nut.  In.  I have seen it's ugly little head being raised a lot.  Mostly on facebook.  The tribe of "wait till they.." good sayers come traipsing in and putting their stamp on whatever they deem necessary.. Your baby just rolled?  Just wait till they start..WALKING!  Your child just said Mum?  Just wait till they won't shut up.  Can't sleep because of your oh-so-pregnant bump?  Just wait till you're up 24 hours straight.. Oh my.

There is some truth behind the words.  Each milestone in a child's life.. does open the doors to new chapter of chaos.  I admit, I do wish I appreciated the blob-like stage more.. where you could go off to the loo and come back at they'd still be there chewing their feet.  Not emptying the contents of your pot plant.  I do miss.. the window shopping I could achieve.. during nap time.  When a pram was actually used for sitting in.  Not an expensive prop for my handbag.  I liked that walking was limited to a few wobbles across the lounge room.. Not speeding down the hallway at a great rate of knots. 

Advice is great.  Who knows what valuable tid bit you may learn.  I am all ears when it comes to wrangling the toddler variety.  I do admit though, I wore my smug-mum pants when I was pregnant.  I would do this, not that.. all very easy peasy really.  Couldn't understand what parents were prattling on about. Can't be that hard? ppffftt.  Oh I understand now.  Oh yes... when you are on the front line.. toddler tanty in full swing and you are staring at their dinner that has just been upended on the floor.  I have since eaten my smug-mum pants.

I often see these sentiments being plastered across the inter webs and have to bite my tongue. Not join the army. I want to tell the expectant mum.. to get her sleep now.  Because god knows when she will get another 12 hour slumber again.  I want to tell the new frazzled mum.. get your cuddles now.. they grow too quick.  Tell the newly-bumped... bugger the wipe warmer.. you need nothing more than a cot and clothes.  And a good sense of humour. But I don't.  I can't.  Everyone needs their moments of glory, whinging or elation.

I spent a good part of Ninja's life wondering.  When should we do this?  How can we do that?  When I should have just thrown the books out the window and ran with it.  The thing is.  These babies haven't read these books.  Google doesn't actually know your baby.  You do.  Each stage is daunting.  Curve balls are being thrown at a scarily  increasing rate.  Just when you have joined the dots... someone goes and spills juice all over it.

So don't join the 'wait till they.." brigade.  Join The Now.  Where chaos rules.  Where you are so tired that you have forgotten what day it is.  Where you would love nothing more than savour a warm cuppa.  You don't get this childhood back, no point on wishing it away.  It is hard.. no doubt about that.