Connecting with Daddy

This is more Daddy's memory than mine but it made me feel all warm inside knowing how special this was to him.

The other night after our shower as I was brushing my teeth Daddy took you downstairs.

Normally you two will play on the bed waiting for me to finish and then we climb in together to snuggle. 

But when I was ready for snuggling you two were downstairs together, and I could hear your Daddy gently patting and lulling you to sleep.

A few moments later as I sat in bed waiting for you both, in walked your Daddy proud as punch. Grinning from ear to ear. He had put you to sleep all on his own, in his own special way.

You had given him the special neck strangling cuddle that you normally only give to me. I couldn't help but feel a little jealous that I didn't get to spend that special night bonding time with you. 

But as I listened to your daddy excitedly recalling exactly what he did and what you did, and how he felt you gently drift off to sleep in his arms, I realized how important this moment was for both of you. 

Connecting with you is easy as a mama. It's as simple as a breastfeed. This enables you to trust me that I will provide you with all of your needs. Daddies have to work harder to build the bond with their smalls. 

I'm so glad that you have such a wonderful Daddy who loves you as much as I do. The next day your Daddy was still beaming and I heard him saying, "You were so sweet last night darling giving Daddy cuddles and falling asleep in my arms, I will remember that for the rest of my life!" 

Hopping down the bunny trail

It's Easter, your very first and my first with no chocolate! Daddy had to work most of the day but we were able to spend some special time together in the afternoon.

We decided to go to the park. So we walked to the end of our street where the new park was but it was full of children and we just wanted somewhere quiet to push you on the swing and let you toddle around.

Luckily we live so close to several parks so we just walked to the next one. You and Daddy hopped on the swing and then we were all swarmed by mosquitos as we were near the creek. So a few quick swings and a bop up and down on the see-saw and then we ran home away from those hungry mosquitos before they gobbled you up.

Though there was no chocolate this year, it truly was the sweetest Easter just being with you. Watching your excitement as I gave you your "eggs", and the joy you got from chasing them all over the house. 

Half birthday

Six months old today, your half birthday. It's hard for me not to feel a little sad today. I don't know how it happened, seems just yesterday you were born. My little tiny baby is gone.

But although I am sad that you will never be that squishy little newborn again. I am thrilled to have such a beautiful, energetic, bright eyed, inquisitive little boy.

You now weigh over 7.5kg, and I am proud that I solely have provided for all your nutritional needs to this point.

You are a speedy little crawler when you see something you want. Though you prefer walking with someone holding your hands to help you explore the world.

You can kick the ball to Bailey and you love chasing the puppies to pat them. 

Now you can recognise a few signs including "milkies", "all done" and "potty". 

You have started signing milkies and smacking your lips together when you want a feed. 

Last night you officially slept through the night for the first time, a full 5hr stretch of sleep (pity mama didn't sleep also).

The mirror is one of your favourite places to play. You think your reflection is fabulous! 

You have come so far in just six months! My little darling boy, I will savour every moment and try not to miss the past or admire the future as the present is all we ever truly have. 

Little signs of change

Every night since you were born you have slept snuggled in my arms. It doesn't matter how deep a sleep you are in if I try to get up even for a moment you will realize and search for me, becoming ever more distressed the longer I take.

But last night when you woke for what I expected was for a feed, you pushed away. You didn't want to feed, you wanted your Daddy.

And there you slept for a few hours. So tonight as I struggle to finish making your first Easter present with you snuggled up under my arm I decide to try my luck and get Daddy to cuddle you now that you are asleep.

Sure enough you are sleeping soundly on your Daddies chest, a sight I thought I'd never see. 

It feels amazing to have two free hands to finish a task. My heart is filled with love and adoration as I watch you and your Daddy peacefully sleeping together. The gentle rise and fall of your chests in unison. 

But there is a part of me that is feeling sad, I could almost shed a tear. As this is yet another sign that you are growing up, one day you won't need me to sleep at all. 

It's a wonderful life!

A very tired boy who really doesn't want to sleep. So it's outside we go to the garden. You love looking at the veggies growing, and at the little insects running through the leaves. 

But your favourite thing to do in the garden now is chase the chickens. I hold your hands with your feet on the ground and away you go stomping your feet towards the chickens and just as your about to grab one I scoop you up into my arms.

Then you strain your neck reaching out stretching to try to be let down again. But tired boys must sleep so it's into the ergo on mamas back you go, where you can still watch the chickens forage as you gently drift off to sleep.

Now here I am sipping the rosella tea I made from the flowers we bought at the markets, two border collies asleep at my feet, making a felt ball for you to play with when you wake as the chickens wander through the garden around us.

Oh what a life we lead! 

If I could choose your role models

There are some moments that I just want to stop and capture to savour the memory forever, but I also want to just be in the moment. 

So many amazing people have come into our life since you were born. Each one bringing with them their own knowledge, experiences and ideas from their journey. 

Yesterday we spent the day with some new friends, swapping knowledge and ideas, sipping tea and playing with each other's children. 

Such a peaceful day even with 3 adults and eight children ranging from 5 weeks to 15 years, all sharing a small space.

Though there were many moments I wanted to capture, there was one in particular that really touched my heart.

As three mamas all in differing stages of their parenting journey walked together down the street. Each mother wearing her baby, one in a sling, one in a woven wrap, and another in an ergo. 

One little girl danced happily between us holding onto each of our hands. While ahead of us the fifteen year old boy walked proudly holding the hand of his four year old sister through the streets of west end. 

I hope that when you are on the verge of adulthood you too will have the grace, self esteem and gentle nature of this incredible young man. 

To market to market to buy a fat pig...

A big adventure today as we explored the Eumundi markets with Katie. So many amazing treasures to be found.

A beautiful little stall full of handmade wooden toys was something Mama could not pass without finding something special for you. So away we came with a great bell rattle and mini abacus. 

We found a lovely swing that you really enjoyed, maybe one day we can have one of our own.

As we strolled from stall to stall we heard the echoes of admiration as always. "Isn't he just beautiful", "He looks so comfy up on your back", "What a happy little baby you have".

And I walked proudly with you on my back peering over my shoulder with one hand outstretched for me to hold and kiss. Your little feet dangling at my hips for me to tickle. 

I love exploring the world with you this way. Allowing you a birds eye view of the world from the safety of a nest. 

A little yellow duck changes everything!

There it is, I want that, just a little bit further, *stretch*, *wiggle*, *worm*....got it! 

And then you were crawling! 

Your little determined face all squished up with focus and concentration on that little yellow duck. Your little army crawl got you there with a flick and a flip of your legs like a worm. 

As you reached out and snatched that duck between your fingers you rolled over to your back with the biggest grin on your face. Looking up at your Mama as if to say "look Mama I did it!".

And now there is no stopping you, nothing is safe anymore as you now know you can move!