Up Close & Personal

Brandon was very excited to go to Kindergarten this morning and when he saw his little friend Isaac on his way into Kindergarten, the excitement level kicked in even higher. Bailey and I headed toward home to visit the lake just near our house. It was a beautiful day so Bailey and I spent several hours at the lake. I had been collecting all the bread crusts form the past few days so we had lots of bread to feed the ducks. Bailey had a good time. I had a good time and I'm pretty sure the ducks and the swans had a good time. They would have been in their heaven with all the food coming their way.

Bailey and I went exploring around the lake. We played in the playground several times, met a few other kids and their mums, ran, played, walked along huge rocks, walked back along huge rocks, and oh we walked over more huge rocks. It was fun and it was really nice to spend quality time with just Bailey. Things are so much easier with one child, although I remember when  it was just Brandon how hard I felt it was. Especially because in the early days, I'd breastfeed Brandon for 40 minutes, and then he'd sleep for 40 minutes, and that's how my day went. If I ever wanted to do anything I had a 40 minute window. Now I have 2 crazy, beautiful, healthy boys who make so much noise and leave so much destruction in their wake, but I'd never wish them to be any different. They're just perfect in my world.

After Bailey had got up close and very personal with the swans,  the 2 of us headed home. Bailey fell asleep in the car but woke up as I conveniently put him in bed. We jumped back into the car because I was really keen for him to have a sleep. I reversed out of the driveway and then thought this is not going to work.. I did a short lap around the block, knowing full well that Bailey was wide awake. So we came home and hung out together a bit more. Before we knew it, we were back in the car  heading off to pick up Brandon.

The 2 boys and I raced home so that I could get ready for work and I knew that daddy would be home late. I organised all the kids swimming things because they were off to their 1st swimming lesson at the new swim school. I must give their old swimming pool some credit because the 2 boys can swim really well. This new pool is just a whole heap more organised. Apparently the 2 boys swam fantastically. Brandon dove down all the way to the bottom of the pool while Bailey learnt how to dive, pretty good for a 2 year old.

I finished work then started cooking dinner for the 2 boys because I knew that they would be home any moment. They crashed and banged and made their presence known. It was chaotic and full of mayhem but I eventually got the 2 boys fed, bathed and asleep. Daddy had conked out on the lounge earlier and has now just reemerged, to my delight. Tomorrow the strawberry farm opens for the season. I can't wait. I'll be up close and personal with many a strawberry.

Ben 10 Here We Come

I've just bought some tickets to the Ben 10 concert for the 2 boys and I to go to later next month. Brandon is beside himself with excitement. It should be interesting. This morning the 2 boys and I did eat some lovely homemade ice cream. It was a success. We took Brandon off to kindergarten this morning and once there we checked out the butterfly garden that had been completed over the weekend. Each child had painted a paver and Brandon's paver was fantastic. It was even positioned prominently at the front of the garden. I was very proud of him.

Bailey and I gave Brandon a big kiss and cuddle and wished him a happy day, and we headed off to Bunnings art and craft. Bailey and I had a great time. Today Bailey had a picture frame which he glued all around the frame before then sticking little art and craft jewels all over it. He finished up quickly so that he could go and play in the playground. It was pretty quiet at Bunnings so we walked outside into the garden section and played with some toy ducks in a pond. One of our friends had turned up to Bunnings as well so Bailey and her little boy played with the ducks for awhile. We went back into the playground then before eventually heading home.

I ended waking Bailey up so that we could go and pick up Brandon. I was greeted by a crying Brandon once he saw me. He was just tired and a bit over it all I think. Once home, the 2 boys and I regrouped and then jumped back into the car to take the kids up for a hair cut. Both boys were really great. Heading home again the afternoon was spent with the kids going crazy. They wrestled and ran and wrestled and ran again and proceeded to continue this routine for the next few hours. We bought the Ben 10 concert tickets. It looks like the concert will be a lot of fun. I'll have 2 very excited little boys with me when we go.

Ice Cream Delight

Our day today focused around ice cream. As the 4 of us were having breakfast together this morning, we got talking about cubby houses and as a result I looked in the weekend paper classifieds to see if there was any for sale and to check how much they were. For some reason I thought I'd also look to see if there was any ice cream makers for sale. There was. Hooray! I had mentioned to the boys last week that I'd like to get one for us. This one today was available from the suburb next to us. So the 2 boys and I jumped in the car and went to pick up the ice cream maker. It was brand new and only cost $10.00. I didn't bother negotiating on the price.

Once the 2 boys and I came home I attempted to read the ice cream maker instructions, but between Brandon and Bailey climbing all over me, the kitchen bench, and the ice cream maker it was impossible. Brandon also added his noise at full volume. We all went food shopping as I told the 2 boys I couldn't concentrate on making ice cream right at the moment. Shopping with the boys is always challenging. It's somewhat easier when both myself and my husband are shopping together. We all survived the experience but the 2 boys weren't interested in having a rest afterwards. There were too many exciting things to do at home.

After unpacking thousands of bags of food, the 2 boys and I made popcorn. They loved it. They were both in hysterics. They thought it was the best thing ever. Such cheap entertainment. While the kids were eating popcorn I made delicious sandwiches up for everyone for lunch and then we all sat outside and ate. It was a lovely day. The afternoon was spent washing, folding washing, making beds, tiding up toys, entertaining boys, picking up more toys, reading books, attempting to get ready for the week, and then we made ice cream. The 2 boys and I made up the mixture for chocolate ice cream. We'll have to wait until tomorrow to be able to use the ice cream machine. A part of it needs to be in the freezer for at least 10 hours. I can guarantee we will be making ice cream tomorrow morning for breakfast. I can't wait.

It's A Bird, It's a Plane....

Actually, It's Brandon up in the trees. He saw 2 girls up in the tree earlier at the park, and after that he just had to try it and be a part of the action himself.

Brandon said some lovely things today and some rather peculiar things. He began by saying to me "I can run like a Rhino. I couldn't do it at first, but I practiced and now I can." Then I was fortunate enough to get a visual of Brandon running as a Rhino. The other comment that Brandon said to both myself and my husband this afternoon was "Too late. Too bad. I did it." I can't remember what he was referring to. I just thought it was super cheeky, and a bit clever. My most favourite comment that Brandon said today was "You're the best mummy. Thank you for doing everything that you do for me." How beautiful. It was purely from his heart. Daddy didn't coax him. He just said it. Thanks sweetheart. Daddy and I both went "AAAHHH."

Aside from Brandon's lovely words, he managed to fill his day and our whole day up talking and running around, completely unable to keep still. He is a whirlwind. He is a hurricane. Luckily Brandon, Bailey and I started our morning packing the huge skip out the front with boxes and boxes and any other rubbish we had lying around. 11am rolled around and the 4 of us headed up to a different swimming pool in our suburb to check out the classes and teaching style. I just wanted to see if the kids loved the different environment, and particularly if Bailey would refuse to get into the water. Both boys were absolutely fantastic. I was absolutely blown away. This is a serious swimming school. It was great. The 2 boys swam so beautifully. Bailey loved it so much plus he exceeded himself and swam the best he has ever swam. Brandon swam several metres by himself. He was so very excited because one of the swimming pool instructors gave him a new pair of goggles. The pool was better and a lot more professional. I hadn't planned on signing up the kids for another 3 weeks until our current contract with the other pool runs out, but my husband was so impressed by what he saw and how happy the kids were, that he signed them up then and there. Their first class is this coming Tuesday afternoon. I'm already working, so my husband will take them.

My husband went off to check out the new gym that he now has to go to. He has a 1 month old membership at the gym in our suburb, but they suddenly went into receivership so they no longer exist. Fortunately, his membership has been transferred over to an alternative gym still only 8 minutes away so pretty convenient. The 2 boys and I ventured down to the park at the end of the street while daddy was away. The boys took their bikes, I took my running shoes, and we were off. Brandon rode his bike before climbing trees while Bailey rode his bike around and around the bike track. He just loves his bike. He is so good at riding it too. If he didn't hurtle around the corners at break neck speed I'd probably take his training wheels off. I think I might wait a little longer.

Look up, look up! It's 2 birds, no it's 2 planes. Actually it's hurricane Brandon and destructive Bailey!

What I've Learnt.

Today I learnt that small children have the ability and determination to cry all day if they so please. I learnt that small children prefer to have breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner about 30 minutes after you have served up the meal and then cleared the uneaten food away. I learnt that after about 4 hours of a 2 year old crying nonstop I go crazy.

The day just passed today. We did get our big skip bin delivered very early this morning. I started accumulating things to throw out as well as starting a charity pile and a to sell pile. I managed to throw a whole garbage bag full of what I think should have been rubbish from Brandon's wardrobe. Luckily both Brandon and Bailey were playing beautifully on Brandon's bedroom floor while I chucked puzzles and kites and all sorts of things out, unbeknown to them.

Bailey was too distraught to go swimming at 9am this morning. I considered it all morning thinking that things might get better, but they didn't. I have no idea what was wrong with Bailey today. No matter what I did or said, nothing would console him. He wouldn't eat. He wouldn't sleep, and he just would not stop crying. Eventually when I thought I was going mental, I packed up the kids and we went off to the Op shop nearby. I had planned to take all our pile of charity items to the Op shop, but I struggled to get 2 boys into the car, let alone furniture and piles of garbage bags full of clothes and toys. So I settled on just getting kids in. We had a great time at the Op shop. The boys ran in to the shop and ran straight to the books and that's where they discovered all the coolest toys. Bailey found the biggest Thomas toy while Brandon found a huge bag of 14 different toys. I spent $10 in total and we walked out with 3 kids books, 1 timber hobby horse, 1 giant bag of 14 toys,1 Thomas toy, 1 truck, and 1 less frantic mummy.

I worked this afternoon while daddy took the kids out to drop off some paint to a job site. Bailey started his crying again which continued all the way up until he closed his eyes for bedtime. I put both Brandon and Bailey to bed tonight. Bailey went to sleep firmly grasping one of my hands while Brandon went to sleep holding one of my hands too. Thanks boys.Even though you were both a little unsettled, it always brings a smile to my face when I hold your little hands. Today I learnt that when kids cry all day and it sends me crazy, when they hold my hand all that craziness just disappears and all you feel is love for them.

In Anticipation

The 2 boys and I began our day at a very early and unrealistic hour of the morn. I'm honestly surprised that both boys were still standing by this evening. After several hours of activity, we headed off to karate. Like always we seemed to be needing to run out the door because we were going to be late. Luckily we all made it in time. While Brandon karated his way through the next 40 minutes, Bailey and I drew pictures and played with trains. The instructor last week had blasted 2 of the parents about their toddlers running into the class so I was acting from a preventive perspective. Brandon went really well considering that he appears to be sick yet again. This time it looks like he has a cold. I know that winter is not officially here yet but I can not wait till it warms up and we can go swimming in the swimming pool again.

Both the 2 boys today were in great anticipation to finish Karate and go to a brand new park that we had recently discovered. The last time the 2 boys and I had ventured to the park, the builders were still building it. The boys seemed to have a good time. They were both very excited. It was very windy and very cold so I was a little apprehensive of having the kids out and about, but they were both adamant that they wanted to stay longer. I had taken a huge esky of food in anticipation of the usual onslaught upon the food. Strangely enough though, today it didn't really eventuate. Bailey was happy, but Brandon was missing his spark. Firstly he was so quiet that he wasn't even talking. Secondly he sat still next to me. 2 tell tale signs that he was not well. As soon as he stops talking you just know that something is wrong.

We left the park after some time with me making the executive decision to go home and have a quiet afternoon. Firstly though we drove up to the strawberry farm that we have been to many a time to see when the fruit picking season officially opens. Next Wednesday. I absolutely can not wait. The 2 boys and I will be there early morning to pick strawberries, eat strawberries and probably walk, jump, hop, skip and a high possibility of sitting in the mud.  As we got closer and closer to home I looked at the kids and thought maybe they might go to sleep but it wasn't really looking like a realistic possibility, so I made a snap decision to drop into McDonald's drive thru. Now we never go to McDonald's so it was a real treat.  Once home Bailey wasn't interested in the food, Brandon very slowly ate his, and I ate the basics.

The afternoon was spent in great anticipation now of next Wednesday and our strawberry picking adventure. The 2 boys watched some cartoons while I finally finished unpacking the remaining box of flat pack furniture for our study. Bailey is an eager helper when it comes to assembling furniture. After a while his patience wears thin and then he decides that it's heaps more fun if he climbs all over me while I'm precariously balancing 4 furniture pieces together. I think he likes it when I say "Baileeeey" and roll my eyes. Things are looking good there now.

Daddy finally arrived home and I literally drove off before he was inside. We needed nappies and nappy wipes and all things boys bums. I went to the shops on my own and I walked out with only those items on my list. I spent my money as I'd allocated in my budget and not an extra $60.00 on the strangest things that suddenly Brandon had to have. Once home again, the 2 boys and I jumped on the trampoline. By now it was just after 4pm and I had to ask Bailey when does his battery wear out? He just looked at me and told me to keep jumping. I had dinner cooked for both boys soon after our jumping. I cooked them brown rice and veggies. It wasn't a roaring success from their perspective but they had no other option. Brandon and Bailey were in bed very soon after their lack lustre dinner. I think that their batteries finally found their exhaustion level, so much so that they were in bed asleep by 6:30pm. I can count the number of times that's happened before on just 2 fingers.

Tomorrow the 2 boys and I have swimming lessons. We have given our notice to the swimming pool that we are leaving, but unfortunately we have to give them 4 weeks notice. Therefore, the 2 boys and I will be going to every class over the next 4 weeks. I've organised a 3 m3 rubbish bin to be delivered tomorrow morning before we depart for swimming. The 4 of us are in great anticipation of its impending arrival because it means we can have so much fun chucking things out. I know that the 2 boys will love it. I know that I will. See you tomorrow.

Little Sponges

It's funny when you hear your own children say things to each other that you just know they have learnt from you. So when Brandon said to Bailey this evening "Holy gees Bailey. You've created a lot of work" I knew exactly where that had come from. I'm always so careful to speak accurately when around the kids, but sometimes when all they do is make a big fat mess, I might be known to occasionally tell the 2 boys that they've created so much work for me.

My 2 little absorbent sponges and I went to Kindergarten this morning. It's Brandon's last day for the week at Kindergarten which is great because after awhile it starts feeling very repetitive with all the driving that I do. We said a big goodbye to Brandon, and then Bailey and I went to an Environmental centre half way between kindergarten and home. We had a great time. Apart from the very cold wind that blew through my bones today, Bailey and I discovered all sorts of things. We looked for Koalas and saw a kangaroo. It's a huge wetland area with hundreds of birds and heaps of lookouts. We did some wildlife jigsaws, colouring in, looked at all sorts of shells from sea shells to tortoise shells. We walked along the treetop boardwalk. The 2 of us had a great time.

The afternoon was a quiet one as I worked and the 2 boys hung out with daddy. They were going to venture out but the very cold winds were a great deterrent. As a result, all I could hear while I was working was the constant chatter from Brandon. Brandon loves to organise and he really loves to organise Bailey. Now that Bailey too loves a chat he can frequently be heard saying "No way. No" to Brandon. I love listening to their conversations that they have together. Brandon always says to Bailey "Yes Bailey. I know. I know. Yes Bailey I hear you". They are the funniest boys. I'm looking forward to hanging out with them tomorrow.

Hanging Out With My Boys

Today Brandon bought me a beautiful bunch of flowers. How lovely is that! He is such a great kid, but my goodness can he talk! He never needs to pause to catch his breath, he just talks and talks and talks. One day I'll catch it on my video camera and when he's old and grey he can watch it and have a laugh at himself.

The 2 boys and I headed off to Brandon's Kindergarten this morning. There were a few more kids there today than there have been over the last 2 weeks. Hopefully everyone is getting better, although it looks like Brandon has the sniffles. It's driving me crazy. We have the most healthy, unsick kids and then Brandon goes off to Kindergarten where you see snotty kids everywhere. If kids are sick then surely school is not the place for them. Anyway, what would I know. I've only had Brandon in the school system for 5 months.

I don't feel like I'm doing anything interesting lately. I'm boycotting my camera and the computer at the moment because on Sunday just gone while trying to transfer photos, I managed to loose 550 of them. I didn't delete them, I don't think, I just simply can not find them anywhere in the computer. Maybe I did delete them. So tonight we are photo free again.

Bailey and I spent the whole day together. The little man didn't sleep at all today although I was really hoping that he would. Our day consisted of visiting a curtain shop, playing in the mud, then playing in the mud nude (Bailey was the willing participant there), playing with trains, reading books and just hanging out. When I went off to work, daddy took the boys into the shops to get more food. The 3 boys did the big food shop on Sunday and by Tuesday we have to go to the shops again. It's crazy with boys because I know on Thursday I'll be back in the shops probably buying more food. I should buy supermarket shares. Maybe I should just own the whole supermarket and give myself a staff discount. Anyway, that's it for the night because I'm just rambling while watching Survivor on TV.

Who Ya Going To Call?

Ghostbusters!! Just kidding. I've just spent the last 45 minutes talking to Brandon about ringing 000 in an emergency and what else you should do if there is a fire. We ventured out to the kitchen to look at the fire blanket and the fire extinguisher. We read the instructions together so we know what to do and Brandon recited our address to me many, many times so that he can tell the fireman or policeman if he ever needs to, in particular if daddy or I aren't able to. I told him that tomorrow we would work out a fire evacuation plan for our house. Then I told him that I'd ring a fire station tomorrow and see if they have a fire kit or something visual for teaching kids about fire. Then I thought maybe they might come out to Brandon's kindergarten. If I can teach Brandon about fire safety then surely the more kids that know the better. I can only but give it a try.

Once we had said goodbye to Brandon this morning at Kindergarten, Bailey and I headed off to the shops to buy Brandon a new car seat. He is too small for his current one and he just gets angry and frustrated when he has to sit in it because it's so uncomfortable for him. I promised him that I'd get him a new one today. Bailey and I eventually found one that was suitable for kids weighing from 14 to 26 kilograms. The other seat he'd had since he was a baby. I think that it was only suitable for kids up to about the 14 kilogram mark and now that he is so incredibly tall it was time for a change. Bailey was starting to run out of puff as he'd walked everywhere in the shops, and we'd covered some distance, so we headed home.

Once I had Bailey comfortably settled in his own bed, I began the arduous task of fitting Brandon's new seat into the car. Previously we had had the 2 boy's car seats fitted by a professional in my car and also the 2 car seats for the boys in my husband's Ute, but I thought that I was surely smart enough to fit it safely and securely myself. I did it and even though it took me 1 hour, at least I know that it's secure and comfortable for Brandon. When Bailey and I picked him up this afternoon he was almost beside himself in excitement and appreciation. He was so very happy. I'm glad I did it.

This week at Kindergarten Brandon is 'The Star Of The Week". One child each week gets to design a poster up with photos depicting their little lives. They also apparently get a few other little privileges, like ringing a morning tea bell. Brandon's poster looked fantastic. I was really proud of him. While I helped him, he made all the decisions about where photos went, what colours to colour in the letters in his name, what stickers to put on and what description to write under the photos, as well as what photos. It looked great. Apparently he was extremely excited when he showed the class his poster and went through it with them all. I can just imagine.

I worked this afternoon while daddy had a quiet afternoon with the 2 boys. It started pouring and pouring rain just before I started work which was quite nice. The 2 boys finally closed their little eyes for the night. I'm pretty sure that when Brandon wakes tomorrow morning he'll insist that I ring the fireman right then and there.I hope that they can come out and visit the kindergarten and the kids. Brandon would learn so much. It would probably be something that he'd remember forever. I love you my 2 beautiful boys. I hope you know that you can always call on me.

No News Day

It was a low key day today. Daddy arrived home at about 8pm last night and by then Brandon was asleep and Bailey was half way there. I called into the shops for a bit this morning to get some more cardboard for a poster that Brandon has to make up. I had bought some yesterday but Bailey decided that he needed to draw all over it instead. I had completed all my chores at the shops within 1/2hour so then I decided to go to Myer where it would probably be quiet and have a hot chocolate and a scone with jam and cream. It ended up being very busy but I enjoyed my drink and food while I read the paper. I felt rejuvenated. Venturing home, I was greeted by a cranky Brandon who grabbed the cardboard off me and shoved it all in his bin. He was cranky because I'd said that I was going to the shops on my own as I needed some space. So now we still had to produce a poster for Brandon without any cardboard. Great. Daddy took the kids food shopping in the afternoon and bought some cardboard then. While they were all out, I cleaned all the bathrooms, took out all the rubbish bins, and the recycling bins, made beds, and got the 2 boys pyjamas ready. I embarked upon their dinner just as they stormed home. In the end Brandon and I did up a great poster for him to take to Kindergarten tomorrow. It looks great. See you tomorrow.

On The Menu

"Mum, I do like zucchini now.
Oh do you? That's great Brandon." Then I turned to pick up my wine class only to find there was a noodle now floating in it. Thanks Bailey. I cooked the 2 boys a lovely looking and very nutritious chicken, veggie and noodle stir fry tonight. Brandon hoovered it up while Bailey wasn't interested. Brandon even went back for seconds. For dessert the kids had ice-cream cones with sprinkles on them. So the 2 boys should have been full, but just as Brandon was licking the ice cream from his face and fingers, he turned to me and said
"Mummy can I have a Vegemite sandwich?"
OK
Mummy?
Yes Brandon?
Mummy can you make me an octagon sandwich right now?
OK"

I don't know where he gets all these funny things from. I did it though and I also entwined his octagon sandwich in to a language lesson, teaching him all about how many sides an Octagon has, all about the word Octa and how to draw and recognise the number 8. Brandon loves it and Bailey listens and then repeats it all back to me. He is a human sponge.

With daddy still away at the moment, the 2 boys and I  packed up our things for the day and ventured out to explore. Our first stop was to the other swimming pool in our suburb. It is amazing. The 2 boys loved it.  From here we all went back to the library, again on Brandon's insistence, to borrow another DVD. Next we headed over to the shops to do some chores. The boy's went crazy. Luckily there was a jumping castle there for the kids to jump on.

I keep falling asleep here so I'll be very quick. Came home. Bailey slept, Brandon and I did some computering and then Bailey woke up. I moved some furniture around and continued to organise our study. Fed the boys, watered them, put them to bed, daddy arrived home, ordered Indian take away for dinner, listened to everyone snoring, and fell asleep at my computer.

That's it tonight. I just have to go to bed. Sorry I'm not wrapping my blog up neatly. If I stay here any longer I'll fall off my chair asleep. Nothing I'm writing makes any sense. I'm writing whole sentences and then having to delete them all because they just plain don't make sense. See you tomorrow

"Bailey Can You Sit On Me?"

"Brandon. He has a nude bottom. Why do you want him to sit on your head?" Then the 2 boys laugh hysterically and continue to do the silliest of things. Brandon and Bailey get enormous pleasure in running around the house nude chasing each other while making the most noise physically possible. After all, who wants to run around the house in the nude quietly!!

My 2 very crazy active children and I had a much better day today. It was a day that just seemed to go on and on. Daddy is jet setting around the country side at the moment so the 2 boys and I spent every waking second together. Just as well I love them and have a great time with them. Swimming lessons was our first, and at this stage, only planned activity for the day. Brandon and Bailey haven't been to swimming lessons for several weeks because they have been so very sick. Brandon went really well with his class but Bailey's class is a real concern to me. Last year he loved swimming and his teacher, but this year week after week he hates it more and more. I had decided that we would investigate swimming lessons at the other swimming pool in our suburb, but then thought maybe if we could get the 2 boys back in to the Sunday classes with the 2 teachers they had last year, then we might be getting somewhere. Alas, there are no spots left for the boys. So when we arrived home I rang the other pool and the kids have an orientation appointment there tomorrow.

Daddy came home from work, packed his suitcase and then smiled, hugged and kissed us all goodbye and off he went a travelling. The 2 boys and I went into the supermarket to get a few things to get us through the next day or so. $61.00 later and 3 shopping bags full of items, I wondered why I even wrote a list. We were going to go straight to the library, on Brandon's insistence, but we had several cold things that needed to go  into the fridge, so we came home. I ran inside and chucked the bags of cold things in the fridge, jumped back into the car, and drove off gain. We are lucky that we live so close to everything.

The 2 boys and I spent quite a long time in the library. Upon our arrival, Bailey was actually asleep. I managed to get him out of the car, up 2 flights of stairs, into the library, and positioned in my arms while sitting on a really nice comfortable lounge while he slept. It felt great to just sit. It reminded me of when the boys were just born and I'd feed them and then they would sleep in my arms. It was lovely to have little Bailey snuggling up to me. Brandon found the only other little boy in the library and befriended him instantly. He has an amazing ability to be able to do that. Brandon's little friend was called Caleb and they played really beautifully together. I was so incredibly proud of Brandon. Well done sweetheart. I wriggled and jiggled and Bailey woke up. The kids played for quite some time before we collected our books, toys and DVDs we were borrowing.

When we arrived home we all started cooking some very delicious looking biscuits. Once they were cooking, I prepared a whole heap of ingredients so that the 2 boys could make up their own gourmet pizzas. They both absolutely love cooking. I just wish they had as much passion for eating their dinner as they do making it. The 2 boys were getting tireder and tireder because they were going crazier and crazier. I just stood in fascination and amazement. I have never seen such crazy children. For some reason wrestling in the nude and running as fast as possible in the nude brings the utmost happiness to 2 young kids. Maybe the boys have found the secret to happiness. It gives me something to ponder.

Goodbye Today, Looking Forward To Tomorrow

Today was a somewhat unsuccessful day so as few words written about the day the better.Therefore, I'll be brief. Bailey was up at 4:30am and after some coaxing did eventually go back to sleep. The 2 boys and I rushed out the door to go to Karate only to discover that my car keys were missing. They stayed missing for another 20 minutes until they quietly established we were really late and considerably frantic and then they emerged. We arrived at Karate 15 minutes late only to find the instructor was obviously not having a good day with the kids already present. In fact it was 2 of the parents that received the biggest blasting from the instructor. Wasn't nice vibes so we left hoping that next week would be better.

The 2 boys and I went to our lovely garden shop that we had been to last week as well. I don't know what happened but shortly into our adventure Brandon declared that he wanted to go home while Bailey refused to go home. It wasn't the most pleasant experience from then on in. When we arrived home, according to Brandon, his Carnation seeds that he'd chosen had to be planted straightaway and also Bailey's chosen eggplant seeds had to be done straightaway too. It wasn't the top thing that I really wanted to be doing while not feeling so great. I also had to move several 30kg bags of mushroom compost from my car to the backyard.

With all the seeds planted and all plants watered, I eventually rounded up the 2 boys and attempted to give them some lunch. Not highly successful but hopefully enough to sustain their energy levels to late afternoon. The rest of the afternoon and evening were really more of the same. The 2 boys were full on with their volume right up. I'm really looking forward to putting my head on my pillow tonight. Goodbye the 19th May 2011. I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

But Why?

These 2 words are Brandon's most spoken words at the moment. I never thought it was humanly possible for 1 small child to ask why so often. He asks why so much that the conversation gets to the point of there simply no longer being an answer to his why. I answer his why every singly time until I get to that point and then I have to stop. Brandon does have some variety in how he asks his questions. Instead of saying "but why?" all the time, he might mix it up and ask "why mummy?, or if he is on a roll he'll abbreviate simply to "why???".

This morning the 2 boys and I ran out of the house to get some petrol before then going to my early morning doctors appointment. For the past week my glands in my neck and my throat have been huge and I've been unable to swallow anything without crying in pain. Last night was my point of I've had enough and nothing that I'm doing is working revelation, so I vowed to make an appointment with a doctor. My doctor's appointment lasted a grand total of 4 minutes. They billed it as a long appointment so I wonder curiously what they consider a brief appointment to be as was stated on their price list. I think I'm in the wrong profession.

Somewhat perplexed by my appointment, we went home where I stocked up on herbs and all sorts of natural medicine that I have. I was going to take the kids to a park but they were both extremely keen to go to the toy section of Myer. It took them a lot of time to convince me to go but we ended up at Myer. I bought Brandon an 'Easy' Transformer, and Bailey a toy Boat from Thomas and friends. I can not stand Transformers. By this afternoon I told Brandon that I was never ever going to buy another Transformer again in my life. This is the 2nd one that I have got stuck doing all the time. I stand firm in my decision to never ever buy another one.

Once we finally found someone in Myer who worked there to help us, the 2 boys and I then headed down to Best 'n' Less to get some warm clothes for the kids. Both boys were really good walking what felt like many, many kilometres back to the car. Bailey slept while Brandon tried so very hard not to, and of course he won. Brandon and myself hung out for awhile together before I went and woke Bailey up. It was getting too late. Daddy came home, showered, ate and then swept the 2 boys off  back to the shops so he could do a few things. Very much appreciated. I know that any minute they will come crashing through the door and the thought of quietness will become a very distant memory.

I am sure that during dinner, during the bath, and on his way to bed, Brandon will fly out numerous times "But Why?". I am truly surprised that I don't go to sleep dreaming of those 2 words.

Feeling The Dirt Between My Toes

I spent most of the day barefoot with Bailey in the dirt. It was a great feeling. We dug and played with trains in the dirt. I really had a great time with Bailey. Brandon had gone to Kindergarten this morning and again there was hardly any kids there. Everyone was all still sick. Brandon sounded like he had a great day. Apparently he has organised a Ben 10 concert tomorrow night with all his friends. Daddy and I were privy to this information this evening just as he stepped into the bath. It was another beautiful day today- just perfect to wish Brandon a lovely day at Kindergarten as he ran around with his friends. He told us that he has so many friends which is fantastic. He is such a lovely boy. I hope that he is always surrounded by lovely people.

Bailey and I called into see daddy at his job site for awhile. Bailey was beside himself with excitement. Once we said our goodbyes to my husband, the 2 of us headed out to a nearby car yard to look at a new car. I was almost pounced on by several car salesmen. I must have looked easy prey but I did my checking, had a look at what they had, and then we just left.

I thought it would be really nice to spend some lovely quality time with Bailey today so the 2 of us headed home. I knew it was way too early for the little man to have a sleep, so I didn't bother for the day. Bailey seemed to be most excited with spending some nice one on one time with me. We went outside for about 4 hours. We have a small mound of dirt down one side of the house, and that's where Bailey and I pretty much played for the whole afternoon. We had our feet in the dirt together. It was so wonderful. When I look at Bailey I see a mini version of my husband, but his personality and little traits are so much like me. He kept giving me the most perfect little smiles throughout the whole afternoon. I love him so very much.

When I started falling asleep for a split second several times while sitting up in the dirt, I thought it was time to maybe do something a great deal more physical- like jumping on the trampoline. The 2 of us jumped and bounced and laughed and giggled. That's when we heard Brandon's voice and then my husband's. He had picked up Brandon from Kindergarten as a surprise. Brandon and daddy had then gone over to Officeworks to pick up our bookshelf before arriving home. My late afternoon was spent putting the enormous flat pack bookshelf together. The 2 boys and I did it. It was surprisingly easy. What really helped is that the instructions made sense and had somewhat clear pictures.

The 2 boys fell asleep in record time. By the time I had turned Bailey's light out, he was snoring. Brandon had about a 2 minute turnaround. I couldn't believe it. As I sit here in my nice warm bed, I'm re-living the sensation of the dirt between my toes. I'm going to do that gain tomorrow because it makes me happy and I know that it makes Bailey very happy. Everyone should try walking in the dirt with bare feet. It's fantastic! Enjoy.

Happy Birthday To Me! (& My Moment Of Stillness)

Happy Birthday to me. I am now the big 37. Yippee!! Today was an interesting day because I had time to reflect upon my life through all the chaos I feel like I live in. I realised that apart from being a mum and a wife I am still just me and I realised that I forget that every day. So from now on I am going to make a conscious effort to be more of me and do more for me.

I got some very lovely birthday presents from my family today. Thank you mum and dad for all your lovely gifts. I had the pleasure of listening to the Deva Premal CD while I was having my replenishing moment of stillness. I had my new bangles on while flipping through my thesaurus. I love them all so much. My 3 men got me a very generous gift voucher for $150 at my most favourite brow and makeup lady in the whole world. Thanks boys. I will love and appreciate every single minute of my treatments.

Brandon wanted to spend the day with me today to celebrate my birthday but then he also wanted to go to Kindergarten. There was not many kids there today. A huge amount of kids were obviously sick and unable to attend. Bailey and I then headed off to Bunnings to do art and craft for kids under 5. He had a great time. He made an animal collage. I was very proud of him. We then went to play in the playground at Bunnings for awhile before heading out of the shop and ducking into the local Westfield to do some banking and check the PO Box. Bailey fell asleep on the way home which was great because I had so many wonderful plans. Normally I'd do washing and cleaning and organising the household while kids slept, but today I planned to do none of that.

I succeeded beautifully. I lay on the lounge and looked up at the ceiling or out at the palm trees, so therefore I saw none of the toys splattered all over the floor. I should employ that tactic more often. Ignorance is bliss. I read my property magazine, listened to music and reflected upon my new age and what I want to achieve. I was quiet. My world was quiet. I was me.

Then Bailey and I picked up Brandon and my world wasn't so quiet anymore. That was OK because it was full of stories of all Brandon's adventures for the day. I missed not hanging out with him today. The 2 boys and I have so much fun during the day. Once daddy arrived home I was bombarded with beautiful birthday cards from all my men. The 2 boys were so incredibly excited. It was just gorgeous. The 4 of us then went out to dinner and it all went really well. I had booked a table at the club that was right next to the entrance of the kids playground. Brandon and Bailey had so much fun as did my husband and I. We are going to do it more often. The restaurant just happened to have a special tonight where kids eat for free with every adult main ordered. Bonus.

Everyone is asleep now as I finish writing in here. My husband is asleep right beside me on the lounge. He's had a big day. I've decided to embrace life again like I used to when I was younger. This year, now that I'm 37, I'm going to start having some fun, go with the flow a lot more and enjoy the sunshine. Happy Birthday to me!! 

Last Day Of Being 36.

Brandon: "How old are you going to be on your birthday mummy?
Me: 37 sweetheart.
Brandon: 37 old years. Oh my goodness. That's so, so, so, so old." Daddy just smiled. Thanks Brandon. While yes I am getting a lot closer to 40, I don't think that I'm so so old. It's all in the perspective.

The whole family ventured down to the local markets this morning on Brandon's insistence. He wanted to jump on the jumping castle which he did but surprisingly only for about 2 minutes. We all had a great time. The sun was shining and it was quite warm. We had pancakes at the markets which the 2 boys absolutely loved. The swans swam so incredibly close to us. It was amazing.

For the rest of the day my husband and I cleaned the house. We rearranged furniture and I continued to unpack the flat pack furniture that is still piled up. I have 1 desk and then eventually the giant bookshelf that is yet to be picked up remaining. It was a productive day. Everyone is still really sick. Brandon is the one and only who seems to be making in roads health wise. For once I have gone down. I'm usually the last one standing. Anyway, It's my birthday tomorrow which is pretty exciting and we have a few nice things planned once daddy comes home from work and Brandon comes home from Kindergarten. See you 36. Looking forward to the new 37.

Boy DNA

Boys are so very different to girls. Girls sit. Boys run. Girls are happy and content to play in one place. Boys want to play everywhere and do everything. Or maybe that's just my boys. They simply will not stay still for 30 seconds. I timed them. They did 5 seconds and then that was because I was wiping a nose, so that probably doesn't really count. Whenever the 2 boys and I go anywhere I look around and I see parents with girls who are just sitting still. How do they do it? Can they teach me!! But our boys wouldn't be who they are if they didn't run and jump, wrestle and talk all the time, run some more, wrestle some more, and just be full on, mud appreciating kids.

I worked all day today on this beautiful sunny quite warm autumn day. It's this time of year that I am grateful that we now live in Queensland and not freezing cold Canberra anymore. Sorry Mum and Dad. I know that you love it there. Daddy took the 2 boys off to Officeworks to pick up all our office furniture that I had paid for an Thursday but needed the Ute to pick up today. Apparently the shop didn't actually have our bookcase available that I had bought, but they did promise it would be in on Monday. Daddy and the 2 boys did art and craft at Officeworks. Apparently Brandon and Bailey were so very proud of what they had done. Bailey made a bookmark and Brandon made a flower. Upon the 3 boy's return home, I could hear Bailey was asleep (yes I can hear these things), Brandon was wide awake and daddy was doing his best to find Brandon's quiet switch. Brandon's 4 years old and I'm still looking for that switch.

I worked and worked and eventually finished. As much as I love my work, it's nice when you finish on a Saturday. I hung out with Brandon and Bailey while daddy took the opportunity to go into the shops to get a few things that he has been after for some time. I hung out with Brandon by himself first for awhile, while Bailey continued sleeping. We played and ate lunch together, even though Brandon insisted that he wasn't hungry. It all changes when there is actually some food put in front of him. He told me that the veggie wrap I made for him was the best veggie wrap he had ever had. He was so very excited when I said that I would make him one up for Kindergarten on Monday alongside his honey sandwich. That's another difference between girls and boys. Boys eat so much more food. I suppose when you are moving all the time you need to keep refueling.

Once Bailey was awake too, the 3 of us went outside to water the seedlings that the kids had planted a few days ago. I had forgot all about them so therefore they hadn't been watered. I had my fingers crossed as we went out to the garden just hoping that they were all still alive. Hooray! The plants had grown. The 2 boys watered them and Bailey thought he'd try and dig his up. You can never fully relax when child destruction is around. I think that I could fill a book up with all the stories of Bailey's destructive adventures. I could write a book about all of Brandon's stories and his talk a lot personality. That gives me an idea. Mmmm.

The 2 boys and I finally made our way back inside to move straight into unpacking more flat pack furniture. I don't know why I do it to myself. I came out the other side of the experience unscathed and with some cool looking office furniture to admire and utilise. I still have more to do but there is only so much of flat pack furniture I can handle putting together in 1 day. Tomorrow is a new day.

Daddy and I took the boys out for dinner to pick up some gourmet pizzas and some delicious ice-cream. The 2 boys ran crazy while waiting for our orders. My husband and I know that people look at us when we are out with the boys. They can not believe how active the kids are. It's always young couples or older people that stare at us in amazement. They always smile. I think it's a smile that I see. It's hard to stay focused when you're trying to run faster than 2 little boys so that you can cut them off in their path.

Pizza was great. My husband and I enjoyed ours. The 2 boys decided that they were going to wrestle on the floor throughout dinner so they pretty much missed out. Brandon wasn't too bad. He did manage to eat some. Brandon and Bailey simply astound me. I am amazed at the volume they to need to carry out a conversation. I am fascinated by their overwhelming desire to need to wrestle someone all the time. I am in awe that they never need to sit down. Boy DNA is a truly wonderful thing. Thanks boys. xxooxx

Mummy Meltdown

This entry is actually for Friday 13th May. I attempted to write in here yesterday but blogger.com wouldn't let me. For some reason they too weren't functioning particularly well either.

I had a bit of a crisis today. I'm just tired of living in a house overrun with kid's things and I'm just tired of not having a pre-children life anymore. I know that tomorrow will be better because the next day always is. So I say farewell to this day and all it's memories of life before children. See you tomorrow.

A Concert, Flatpack Furniture & The Terrible Twos

I thought I was going crazy today. I thought there must just be something wrong with me or with my parenting skills because Bailey is just the mini devil. It was not until I was recounting our activities to daddy this afternoon that he just looked at me and said "The terrible twos". It was a light bulb moment. I remember when Brandon was in his psycho devil spawn stage. Bailey is exactly the same with the addition that he runs and runs and runs in the opposite direction to where you are wanting or needing to go.

Brandon insisted that he did not have enough energy to go to kindy karate this morning. I was all ready and set to go. I checked with Brandon so many times just to confirm it wasn't because he couldn't be bothered, but he assured me that he needed to take it easy and I should move on. So we stayed at home a little longer than anticipated this morning. Brandon rested and ate which seemed to perk him up. Finally we departed from the house, got some petrol and then headed up to the concert hall to go to a Playschool concert. It was so good. Abby and Alex were our performers for the day. The show only went for 40 minutes which was the perfect amount of attention and patience time for Brandon. For Bailey, however, it was about 25 minutes too long. It's a great little show. We met Big Ted , Little Ted & Jemima. Highly recommended.

I have almost lost my voice this evening. I'm not sure if it's from all the nursery rhym singing or from simlpy getting sick again. I thought I was better. Every time that someone in our family attends an event where there is a big group of people, one of us seems to get sick. Maybe we should all live in a bubble, or at least on a tropical island.

Once the concert had finished and we had bought Playschhol memoribilla, a mini Big Ted and a giant Playschool Rainbow book, we headed over to Officeworks which was almost next door. In the mean time, Bailey just ran and ran and ran and ran. One of my friend's husband had taken their son, who appeared to be very sick too, to the concert. He commented that Bailey was a runner as I waved quickly to him before grabbing Brandon's hand and running after Bailey. That's how everything materilises if Bailey is awake. Today was the 2nd time in just over 4 years that I wore high heels. After today I probably will not put them back on for another four years.

We then headed over to Office works right next to where we had just had the concert. We were unsuccessful in getting the chair and desk that we were after for Brandon so after running flatout after Bailey in the shop we drove to another Officeworks about 20 minutes away. This time Bailey was asleep which made things so much less chaotic and even though I was walking around with about 15kilograms in my left arm, it was less physically demanding. The shop had Brandon's desk and his chair plus we also bought 2 new offices chairs for my husband and I, 2 new desks, and another bookshelf. The 2 boys and I took Brandon's flatpack chair and desk home but left the rest at the shop to collect on Saturday with daddy's ute.

My afternoon was spent assembling the flatpack furniture. While it's challenging enough as it is, with 2 boys litterally climbing all over me and the furniture it made for hard times. I did it though. Not quite fast enough for Brandon but he absolutely adored his new desk and chair once it was finished. I left the 2 boys and daddy at this point to duck over to my wonderful eyebrow & makeup genie. It's always great fun there and just so girly.

Once I returned home with now the best eyebrows around, daddy went off to the gym while I fed, bathed, and re-fed the 2 boys. The kids went crazy and utterly looney. Both Brandon and Bailey have the best time together but they are just crazy. I'm looking forward to Bailey moving through his lovely tantrum ridden days as a 2 year old to greener pastures. Bring it on!

Observations Of The Day

* When sick kids start getting better they ask for the strangest things to eat. We had a picnic this morning for breakfast again where the boys ate normal breakfast food. Then Brandon wanted a bowl of cold meat, then a bowl of grated cheese, then a bowl of pear, all washed down at the end with a cupful of lemonade.

* When a 2 year old bites his lip, he automatically believes that he must put a band aid on it. Bailey helped himself to the band aids on the belief that it would make his lip better. I insisted that it wasn't such a good idea. It's one place where a band aid doesn't go as it hurts. It hurt. It hurt even more when Brandon realised what Bailey had done and then proceeded to chase Bailey around the house until he had ripped the band aid off. So yes it did hurt.

* When the 2 boys and I visited the garden shop today, Bailey ran away. To be expected really because that is all that Bailey does at the moment. If you choose a spot or a place that you need to be, Bailey will run as far away as physically possible.

* When a 2 year old disappears from your view, plus you can't hear him for a split second, mummies really panic.

* When the garden shop lady says that I have fantastic kids and that they are a real credit, I smile wryly and think do you not realise I just lost one of them, and did you not hear me for the past 2 hours saying "Bailey. BAILEY. BAAIILLEEEEEY!!!" ??? But thank you.

* Superglue doesn't come off fingers easily when you're sticking toy planes back together in a hurry. Silly mummy.

* Pyjamas are most happily worn when outside on the wet morning grass while mummy is hanging up truckloads of washing, including the pyjamas from yesterday that encountered the lovely wet grass..

* Washing never ends.

*Toys appear in all sorts of strange and interesting places. This morning I found a toy duck in my makeup and a train in the pantry. A tell tale sign that Bailey has been there. He has an organised exchange policy going. He leaves a toy for you and runs off with something twice as interesting that usually makes 10 times more mess. The trick is either to deflect the exchange from occurring or be hot on the heels of Bailey as he's made his drop. 

* Bailey can drink lemonade out of a Lego man's miniature backpack.

* The sun shone warmly all day and now the stars shine brightly above us. It's getting late and the 2 boys are asleep. Sleep well everyone.

School Of Hard Knocks (& Bites)

My computer is working! For some magical computer moment last night (2hours actually) not one single computer in our house worked. It's temperamental moment seems to have surpassed and it's now successfully allowing me to continue my story about 2 boys and their mummy.

Over the past week Brandon and Bailey have been quite content waking up at 5am, not sleeping through the day, and then jumping into bed at night with the same amount of vigour that they began the day with. Unlike their tired, exhausted parents. So at 5am this morning with daddy and I out of the bed, both Brandon and Bailey jumped in. About 1 minute later there was an almighty scream from Brandon as he ran out of bed. Bailey had bitten Brandon's nose while they had been wrestling. He didn't just bite a small bit, he actually bit the whole nose. Brandon even had the teeth marks to prove it around his entire nose. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Luckily for Brandon no skin had been punctured. As to whether his nose will be bruised from the trauma, I'll let you know tomorrow. Hopefully not.

The 2 boys and I waved farewell to daddy as he drove off to work. Then Bailey completely head butted my nose. I went down big time. I think more with the shock. I had been holding Bailey in my arms and we'd been smiling at each other when out of what I thought was nowhere came this massive knock. Once I had somewhat recovered and had made sure that my nose was still attached to my face, I got the kids back inside. Physically this day was not going so well. You have to be tough to be a part of our family it seems.

Finally it was 6am, the sun was starting to come up with it's brilliance. It had been about 5 minutes since anyone had crashed and bashed into each other so we were doing well. Alas, the wrestling and crashing and simple destruction began. It makes time go so fast because it feels like all I'm doing is making each boy apologise to the other one. Crazy kids.

Bailey insisted we have a picnic inside this morning for breakfast. So we did. Brandon insisted that he have his sleeping bag and have a camp out inside. So he did. I insisted the 2 boys put some socks on. So they didn't. I insisted the boys both put warm tops on. So they didn't. There's a bit of a pattern happening here. It did take me most of the day but I did succeed with my requests. Hooray for small successes!

The 2 boys and I ventured out to drop off a gift voucher to one of my clients. That done we headed back to our local shopping centre to do a few chores. Bailey went crazy. He has the worst habit lately of chucking a tantrum and then throwing his head straight onto the floor. Today he met rock solid impenetrable concrete. It won. He calmed down at this point, probably because he had a mild concussion. I kept a close eye on him and he was fine. I wheeled him around in the trolley and by the time we had completed our chores, returned to the car, he was asleep. He was out for the next 2 1/2 hours.

The rest of the afternoon passed with everyone relatively unscathed. Brandon wanted to go for a walk, so off we went. Surely that was a good sign he was getting better. The 2 boys absolutely love exploring new areas and things. They love adventure. On our walk we saw daddy arrive home so all 3 of us turned homeward bound and ran. It was an absolute delight to see my lovely husband. We did our switch over off parental duties and I went to work while daddy took the 2 boys to get their hair cut and then on to the toy section at Myers. Brandon wanted a Cannonbolt toy from Ben 10 but disappointingly Myer had none left. Brandon came home with Humungosaurus instead. He seems briefly content. Bailey got Henry from Thomas The Tank Engine. My last client for the day did a no show so I had an early mark.

Just before bed, the 2 boys had a major head collision that also involved a wall and a bottom. Through Brandon's tears he said "Bailey's bottom hit my brain". Unfortunately so did the wall. They just move through the world at such a break neck speed. Today they were both forever falling over because when they run their legs move fast but not quite as fast as the top part of them. Crazy kids. I need to put helmets on them and a coat of armour to prepare them for each day. Look out tomorrow, there will be more chaos and destruction on the way. Guaranteed.

Endless Questions-My Computer will not let me write anymore than a heading. Will try again later. See you tomorrow.

Happy Mother's Day

For the first time ever Bailey just said "Love Daddy, Love Mummy". How wonderful is that! That was the highlight of my day. My 3 men bought me a very beautiful watch today to say Happy Mother's Day. I was very lucky. Unfortunately the rest of the day wasn't so great for anyone in our family. Everyone seemed to take it in turns to have a tantrum. The 2 boys were in fine form today. The 2 boys and I are sick and daddy, and me aswell, are extremelly tired. I don't think that anyone's brains were functioning very well today so overall it really was not a nice day.

Apart from constant tantrums we all did manage to go in to Officeworks and look at some new office furniture. Bailey had his tantrum while we went into the shop and throughout the shop, while upon our departure Brandon began his tantrum. We all quickly headed over to a big electrical shop to buy 3 bar heaters. I bought one for Brandon, one for Bailey and one for my work room. The temperature has really started to change here lately. As I live in warm sunny Queensland  it always takes me by surprise when the southerly winds come up from Canberra and Melbourne. While we still had a maximum of 26 degrees today the minimums are getting lower, only slightly.

Tomorrow we all get to start again fresh and happy. Hopefully everyone will be able to breath a bit better and be much less snotty. Happy Mother's Day mum and Happy Birthday too. I hope you had a great day with dad travelling the countryside. Happy Mother's Day to every awesome mum. xox