Warm and Fuzzy Mummy Moment

Alice and I had just spent the morning at playgroup, for the first time ever. She had an absolute blast, but was very tired by the time we got home, so bottle (bot bot) and nap were the order of the day. I made up her bottle and was carrying her down to her room. Alice decided that she really needed to have her green ball to play with. I said 'not now honey, you are going to have a nap. All you need now is your bot bot and a cuddle from Mum. That will make you happy'. She looked at me and said 'Yep, and Alice feel love too'. Wow. What profound words from a two year old. I almost cried. My broken little baby is a healed, whole little girl.

Today's pics

We had DH's parents visit today for Big Girl's birthday, and everyone had a blast. Thanks to all of my lovely cyber friends who left such beautiful comments about our family photo too!!

Alice doing her 'crinkle nose'!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21
and again...

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21
and again!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21
Big Girl and her birthday cake

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21
The cake!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21
Story time with Grandma

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21

'Uv oo Mum'

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-17

I was getting Alice ready for bed tonight and we were walking down to her room, chatting about nothing in particular. We got to her room, and she turned to me, out of the blue, and said 'Uv oo Mum (love you Mum). My heart melted. She has for quite some time said 'uv oo' when I say "I love you' to her, but this is the very first time she has said it without any input from me. It was just because she DOES 'uv' me. My little girl has come so very far in the past 16 months, and I am truly, wonderfully blessed.

Dinner out for the Big Girl

Big Girl wanted to go out for a meal to celebrate her birthday, so off we trotted to our local Italian restaurant. Alice tasted pizza for the first time and enjoyed it immensely, whilst we had a very rare family photo taken by the nice lady at the next table. I am feeling very full of pizza now and ready for bed, but we had a lovely time.


By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-18

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-18

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-18

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-18

Doggy deliciousness and My Big Girl

My Big Girl turns twelve today. How on earth did THAT happen???!!! It only seems like yesterday that she came into this world kicking and screaming, blue in the face and indignant about the very nature of entering cold, harsh reality. What a wonderful journey it has been to witness her grow and change over the years, from a little baby to an afro-haired toddler, to the gorgeous young woman that she is today. Happy birthday Big Girl!!!


By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-17

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-17

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-17

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-17

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-17

Luscious Lips and Food for Thought!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-16

Success!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-15

Well, much to my surprise, Alice had a VERY successful first day at daycare! Considering we have never been apart for more than a couple of hours since she came home (and then only rarely), she managed a six hour day with the carer like a pro. K said she fitted in beautifully, was very chatty, and went flat out all day. So it is now 4.45pm, she has had Rice Bubbles for tea (bad mummy, I know, but it's what she wanted!) and she looks about ready to fall into a coma. Nothing like a big day of playing with no nap to make you sleepy. I took some photos of the paintings she did today - hope you like!!

A big day tomorrow....

After much thought, turmoil and guilt-ridden musing, Alice is going to daycare for the first time tomorrow. I have been thinking for a few months that I really needed a little bit of 'down' time every week. With two other big kids, a husband who works incredibly long hours and myself doing a seven-day a week, 24 hour a day job with no holidays, I decided a needed a few hours 'me' time each week. I would never have even contemplated daycare if a spot hadn't become available with a very good friend of mine who does family daycare in her own home. She only has two other children besides Alice on a Monday, and last week we had a few 'trial' visits. Alice really seemed to like K, and didn't want to come home on either occasion! K has lots of VERY COOL stuff, like a huge sandpit, lots of trikes, Wiggles DVD's and play dough. Kid heaven I am sure!! Anyway, tomorrow is our first proper day of care, when Mummy will wave goodbye and leave Alice there. Alice and I have been talking about it all week - about how Mummy will give her a kiss and a cuddle and then come back later to get her, after she has had LOTS of fun with K. Alice seems to 'get' the whole concept, but it will be interesting to see what tomorrow brings. K is very good, and has promised to call me if Alice gets distressed at all, so she may do an hour at daycare, or six!! I really hope that all goes well and she will be happy and content without me. Not sure what I will do with myself - probably worry myself silly that she is upset I guess!!! I will report back tomorrow to let you know what happened. Wish us luck!!!

Rain and Alice

Just some of the latest photos - the rain we have had in the last couple of days has been a real blessing, as is Alice!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

My Big Girl...

started high school today. Yikes. I simply don't feel old enough to be the parent of a high schooler!!! She was up early, buzzing about nervously, and very excited to get on the bus when it arrived. I waved her off and then went inside to shed a few tears. Where HAVE the years gone???? I am so proud of her - she is a loving, cheeky, spirit-filled young lady who has a real heart for God and service. I am so very proud to be her mama.....


By cristinafairley at 2009-02-11

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-11

By cristinafairley at 2009-02-11