16/52

'A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, for 2013'

Gus - thrilled to be asked to go out in the rain to pick carrots for dinner.

Felix - still buzzing about his new bike.

I've become that Mum!

You know the one who says no to sweet treats for their child, questions the contents of everything, and just generally finds food problematic.  A few moons ago now, when I was working in childcare in Melbourne there was a particular mother whose name would inwardly make me cringe because she was just the same. I feel terribly guilty now for how frustrated I used to feel (not act though) with her as I am now asking the same questions, placing the same restrictions on our children's food and raising the same concerns.  Isn't it funny how time and knowledge changes how you feel about life.

Because of Gus' eczema, Felix's tummy troubles, and Grant and I wanting to have a healthier diet, we have committed to follow a grain free, legume free, sugar free diet, with limited dairy products, plus Grant and I will also avoid alcohol, for the month of May.  We will evaluate things at the end of the month and see how we all feel and decide what to do after that.

It is a tricky and time consuming business this wholefood stuff - I find I have to be so organised and feel like if I am not cooking then I'm washing dishes. There is no quick open a can of spaghetti or pop out for McD's for dinner. And if I'm not in the kitchen then I'm either tending the veggie patch or researching either recipes or food sources.  It is a big commitment to undertake and one that we don't take lightly as it is very important to us that our children to grow up knowing what food really looks and tastes like, and how different foods make them feel - for worse or for better! I just sure hope it is worth all this effort! Xo

15/52

'A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, for 2013'

Gus - his enthusiasm for the arts continues and he was particularly pleased with this self portrait which is now proudly stuck to his wall.

Felix - finally a bike our wee possum can ride. His pleasure at finally being able to ride is written all over his face. Bless him!

To crochet or not to crochet

I am very proud to announce (with only a little confidence) that after two years of being on my 'Things to do this year' list, I have finally learnt to crochet. I attended a fantastic little class on Saturday at Holland Road Yarn Company that was taken by Sofia Moers. She was so incredibly patient with all of us as we struggled to get our fingers, hook and yarn under control. We came away with a handy little information pack and homework, which being the little-bit-too-organised person that I am, I completed straight away.

While it was all fresh in my mind, I decided to get stuck into a project and gathered up my supplies to make what Gus has named the Rainbow Blanket. I knew that stash of wool I've had hidden away was for a reason! I found a wonderfully easy to make beginners blanket on Ravelry, aptly named Simple Baby Blanket by Kate Dixon. It is really so simple that I'm powering through it! I really love the repetition of crocheting - the constant counting is so soothing (and I'm a person who really doesn't like math). Now my trouble is do I continue working on my four other knitting projects or my crochet. What to do, oh what to do! Many thanks for the teachings Sofia. Xo

What to do for our two plus two?

Our gorgeous Gus will be 4 years old in two weeks time.  This time four years ago I was visiting the hospital every other day to ensure Gus' safe and healthy arrival (I had developed pre-eclampsia).  Those three weeks' of traveling into Gosford every other day, plus a couple of overnight stays when my blood pressure wouldn't cooperate, felt like a lifetime.  I remember feeling so impatient with the whole situation and desperate for our baby boy to arrive.  I can now look back with gratitude to those hospital stays as not only did our Gus arrive safely and healthily but I can now knit - had to do something with my time!

Anyway, the reason for this post is that with Gus about to turn four we have no idea what to get him for his birthday.  He has a bike - he's actually onto his third one now as he has outgrown one and thrashed the life out of another.  He has a scooter and a sandpit, balls, board games, blocks, a cape and many, many other things.  Aside from Lego which we are luke-warm on the idea of, we are stumped with what to get him.  (Our hesitation is that because Felix is in a I'm going to bug Gus until he loses the plot phase, we can just see Lego causing all kinds of conflict - but then maybe we're just overthinking things.)

What have you brought for your four year olds' birthday?  Would love some ideas. Xo

14/52

'A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, for 2013'

Gus - playing pirates in his wardrobe with Felix. Fun times being had!

Felix - "Playing pirates Mummy, oh ho oh, not trouble"

13/52

'A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, for 2013'

Gus - loved drawing pictures in the sand while in Gisborne visiting my wonderful sister, her partner and daughter.

Felix - relaxing on Pop after a dip in the ocean.