Summer Holidays

Rich and I purposefully don't take a lot of leave through the year.  We might have the odd day off here and there and relish those public holidays, but we save it all up and take a good amount of time off at Xmas.

A week before Xmas I feel like the both of us are going to keel over from stress as the last minute rush of work deadlines, Xmas shopping, Xmas parties and catching up with people threatens to overwhelm us.  This year was no different.  I had three work deadlines due on the same day and so many things to do.

Last Thursday it was my final day at work and Rich finished on the Friday.  The Friday was day of running around, getting organsied for Xmas and Liam started to get sick.  Manage best we could, I tried to find around my day of chores making sure he was ok.

We had a wonderful, relaxing Xmas with our family and on Xmas night I said to Richard that I was relieved it was all over.  It was a fantastic build up, but there is something nice about the food and presents being over and done with it and getting on with the job of plain, old chilling out.

The three of us have been doing that.  Going to bed late, waking late, eating, going to the beach first thing in the morning with bed hair and clean teeth and splashing away in the ocean.  Quality time all together which in the rush of life, we sometimes lack.  Its been beautiful and we have so many more days to look forward to before 2012 kicks in.

In amongst all this relaxing, a fourth little person is making its presence felt and my tummy is starting to somersault and kick all the time.  This time next year we will have a four year old and 8 month old, and life will be totally different again. 

I am so proud of my little family.  They mean the absolute world to me and without them, I'd be lost.  The last couple of weeks have shown me how lucky I am - beautiful husband, a healthy and adorable sun, a lovely home, good job and wonderful extended family and friends.

I'm really going to make the most of this time off and reflect on lots of things that life has taught me this year.

I hope you all had a wonderful Xmas and are looking forward to 2012.  I know I am!

x

Dear Liam

Dear Liam

Yesterday you turned 3 and I can't believe where that time went!

You are such a grown up little boy now and when I look back over the year, I shake my head in disbelief of all the milestones you have reached. You are talking so well and will strike up a conversation with anyone. You talk really well for a 3 year old and dad and I understand all your little words that you make up. 'Hammerdon' 'Mr Lin' and 'Plintoon' are some of your favourite little words.

This year you have mastered toilet training (finally!), drinking from a cup, turning on the dvd player to watch Toy Story over and over, running, jumping, bouncing, dancing, shouting and sleeping in your own big boy bed. You love your room, the garden, your red car, the broom, the letterbox and my mobile phone. In fact you know how to work that phone better than I do. You Tube anyone?

You have learnt so much at Tiny Beez which is your childcare provider and you love going. You sing all your songs you have learnt and are starting to remember the words to books we read you. Your favourite carer is Abbey and the bond you both share is beautiful.

Yesterday we had a big party for you and your dad and I were so proud of you. You were spoilt with love and attention and you deserve it so much.

Next year you will have a new baby brother or sister. You are so excited about having a playmate and I know we made the right decision to have another baby. You are very interested in the pregnancy and love to kiss my bump.

Liam, we love you so much and teach us many wonderful lessons every day. It’s a pleasure to your mum and dad and we count our blessings every day we have you in our lives. Life doesn't get any better really. We are very very lucky.

We love you so, so much…

Mum and Dad xxx