Has it really been ten years?!

In a word....yes!

Cam and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary last weekend, even though our actual anniversary is this weekend.

Ten years since we met in Paris and then began courting in San Sebastian. June 10th 2002. Does anyone use that term any more?...courting. No, probably not...I don't even use it, however it's better than saying.....Ten years since we hooked up!

Well a big anniversary weekend, calls for a bloody big diary entry, so I'd better get to it!

3 days of no schedules, no tantrums, no toilet training mishaps, or disturbed sleep! Absolutely none of that whatsoever! It has been a very long time since I have felt oh so relaxed.

                                                                         The Pass. 

 3 days away in Byron sent me in to a meditative state. I could actually concentrate on just cam and me....

and it was heaven. 

It rained...and showered for the first 2 days, but it was still lovely and warm and our apartment was across the road from a stunning little protected beach called 'The Pass'.....so, that was our first stop.

Sitting on the beach was not dampened by the light rain and it felt very tropical as Cam surfed and I sketched under a canopy of trees. I really miss drawing,  and spending time this weekend with my pad and pencils reminded me what I need to do more of and I think it had the same affect on Cam...the surfing that is....not the drawing!

We had a weekend of amazing food that kicked off at the 'Owl and the Pussycat'.

Tapas of buffalo wings, garlic prawns and warm olives. 

No Tapas

Sunday we met Court & String at the Byron Markets and wandered and chatted in the light rain, walked through town seeing what new shops had popped up before meeting up again to visit their new abode. We headed to Bangalow before lunch where I found a great old, blue weathered cupboard door. Yes a door! I think I will turn it into an art piece for the wall .....somehow.

With the door in the boot we headed quickly back to Byron for a lovely lunch at Rae's at Wategos. We were the only couple there until half way through our meal when we were joined by another couple...seriously...4 for lunch!? How do they do it? last time we went there for my Hen's day it was just as empty. 

The rain and clouds were kind enough to disappear for the afternoon to be able to enjoy the spectacular surrounds and beach outlook. 

                                                           mmmmmmmmm.........

The afternoon was relaxed and I treated myself to a massage before an even more relaxed evening of dessert for dinner of cheesecake and chocolate slice in bed while watching a movie! Bliss!.....and then we woke up to this!...

A bright sunny rainless day for our last day away! yey!

So what better way to enjoy it than by starting the day with a walk!.....

.....which worked up our appetites for a yummy breakfast at Clarke's Beach.

My favourite breakfast!

Happy Anniversary Cam ..x .. I wouldn't mind if you want to celebrate every one to come,  like this! 

Out of sight.

Just to clarify... Oskar's birthday was the 23rd of May, not the 22nd as it has appeared on the post....I think there is a bug in my Blogger account.

So that out of the way, today mum and dad flew out to Cairns today for a quick get away, and after dropping them off at 7am I went for my weekly walk and Yoga session on Burleigh Beach. It was a stunning morning, but oh so Chilly!!! 'Crisp' is the word.... and as always, Yoga put me in a great frame of mind to start the weekend calm and relaxed.

Oskar however had other plans. On a trip to Bunnings, the stress levels quickly rose when he ran off from us at the check out and quickly out of sight....I am sure it was only a minute or so of us searching for him calling his name, but even that was enough to get the heart pounding and the panic to start. I haven't had this experience before with him and we hope it never happens again. It is an awful feeling.

Crisis diverted and after a stern talking to, we headed back to the beach for lunch in the park and a play on the playground to enjoy the beautiful warm day it turned out to be.

Happy Birthday Little Man!

Our little man is not so little any more, for today he turned 3!

                                                                                                  

Since today was a school day today we actually told him it was his birthday on Sunday since that was the day of his party and present extravaganza! Would it be confusing to a 3 year old to tell him hey it's not your birthday today but you are gong to have a party anyway and be overwhelmed with presents....and then on your birthday we wont be doing anything! ummmm, perhaps.

                           

 Mum and Dad arrived after a 9 day trek up from Adelaide on Friday and then we spent  Saturday preparing for the Sunday lunch. We made cheesecake, flourless chocolate cake, quiches, chorizo sausage rolls, warm chicken rolls, dips, mum and dad brought some amazing prawns up from Iluka. (oh my they were so amazing!) ...and of course some animal themed cupcakes for the birthday boy. Maybe we went a bit overboard again....but he is worth it.

We started the day with the unveiling of the Trampoline!!!!!! which Cam and Dad put up on Saturday. Needless to say it was a hit....what kids doesn't love a trampoline!?

                                                                        

He also got a new scooter and and array of new toys from all our wonderful friends and family that joined us on the day! Thank you so much to everyone for sharing the day with us and for your generous gifts and to everyone afar for all the gifts and cards sent in the mail....Oskar seriously loves them all and is playing with them all on high rotation.

            It was little Asha's birthday the day before Oskar's so it was fun to celebrate together!

The days weather couldn't have been more perfect and the sun was out all day as we enjoyed our birthday  garden party.

Happy Birthday to you!

                                         Here are a few more highlights from the perfect day!

                           

Happy Birthday to my darling boy and we are so proud of your achievements. You bring us so much happiness and laughter and we look forward to watching you develop and grow even more over the next year...and the next ...and the next.......and I'm sure like so many proud parents out there....we sometimes still can't believe we made him.

                                                        This was Oskar at 5 months!...

..and this is him at 3!

Braver than I!

What a slacker I have been! Wow has it really been that long since my last diary entry? No excuse but the distraction of life with a 3 year old! .....well almost. In just over 2 weeks, our little man is 3!

A lot has happened, so I will give you a quick photo update rather than waffling on about how proud we are of him!

                             

Not as proud though as he was of himself when he learnt he could hang upside down on the playground! "mummy daddy look at me, look at me'...repeated 50 times as he did this move 50 times!

We then went on to a CBA family day where he went on to do this!..............................
                                                 

                                                

                                                                  .......and this!!! ...............

                                            

              ............Something I could never do....oh yes my 3 year old son is braver than I!

                                    

                                        ..............and after a day like that, the boys needed a nap. 

                                                 

And to wrap this animal themed post..........here are some friends we have attracted with our bird feeder on the deck. 2 large King Parrots seem to frequent our deck every morning for a catch up and feed along with many many other smaller parrots who also like to bath in our gutters and have a bite to eat. Which reminds me....we must clean our gutters. 

In My Shoes!

So just to give you a bit of an update on how Oskar's toilet training is going.....well basically it is about the same as when we started. He takes one step forward and just when we think its clicked and he has it...he takes 2 steps back. That's how it goes I guess.

I send him off to daycare with 3 changes of pants and underwear everyday...some days he comes home in the same outfit I sent him in and the next he has 2 changes of wet clothes in his bag. Wednesday however he managed to get through the whole 3 changes of clothes, plus what he was wearing and then they had to dress him in a pair of shorts from the spare clothes box. That's 4 changes of clothes he went through in one day!

So we went home that day with a bagful of wet clothes and a toddler in silk boxer shorts! It was an interesting look. It was straight home for us, as I was not about to let that look out in public!

I had a site meeting for work that day and for once got a bit dressed up and donned a pair of heels which I quickly whipped off when I walked in the door. I must say I prefer to work in slippers than heels. Moments after kicking them off, Oskar slipped his baby size 7 feet into them and began clonking around the house. His outfit was complete.

I

First Date!

Well it's official. Oskar had his first date with his girlfriend Asha!

The kids had a swimming lesson at the Burleigh pool and afterwards Cam, Elisha, myself and the kids went next door to Meesh's restaurant for breakfast. I must say...I do love what they have done with the place, but be warned locals...they have put their prices up!

Oskar can't resist the classic chocolate shake and Asha was oh so direct and sure when she ordered her strawberry. The girl knows what she likes!

Watching the 2 of them giggle and yabber to we each other over breakfast was a delight while overlooking the Burleigh surf, in a picturesque setting.......... until that is they started fighting, screaming and running away from the table ....Ahh acting like a married couple already. Noooo.We just knew it was time to leave once the shake sugar rush started to kick in.

Next date might be a movie. Neither have been to the movies yet, so I'm sure it will be fun for them to share the experience.

The Bits I Missed.

Isn't it funny how I seem to remember all the highlights and good times of the Easter weekend and leave out all the challenges that went along with it. I guess it is like looking back on anything in the past really, as we would sooner forget about these things and focus on the positives. We don't go taking photos when we are having a crappy day or when your child is having a tantrum, but are quick to pull out the camera and share the photos around when they are doing something cute!

I just want to document how it really is and although our weekend was extremely enjoyable, it certainly did have some challenges thrown in there. I must include them, as this is after all, a Diary for me to reflect on, and it would not be true or accurate if I left out all the juicy stuff. The stuff that leaves us exhausted at the end of each day, the stuff that causes us to lose our patience and the stuff that just drives us bonkers! In short.....reality. 

Friday- Oskar's toilet training continues and brought us a poo from another planet! Seriously this thing was like nothing else I have ever smelt. The smell of this thing could have wiped out a small village! Let's just say a relaxing shower turned into a shower I'd rather forget.

Friday night- 4 hours sleep of short spurts. Up and down, in Oskar's bed curled into a ball, into our bed clutching the side of the mattress trying not to be kicked off the side, back into Oskar's bed....and ended up sleeping back in ours but at the foot end while Oskar lay sprawled out on my side, like king of the castle. 

Saturday- Sigh of relief to have a day and night off!Thanks again Nana and Pa!

Sunday- I blame chocolate. There were tantrums, vomiting on dad, refusal to get dressed into pyjamas while ninja kicking,  screaming and more tantrums at bedtime. However, these things often also happen without chocolate present. Oskar and I also struck by a cold...also may have contributed to the days downward spiral.

Monday-  Tears and screaming when he couldn't have chocolate for breakfast! Oskar ran riot at the beach car park...chased him in the car park before being thrown in the car as I collapsed the pram after our walk so we could go for a swim, then he proceeded to switch on the hazards and blinkers and toot the horn! After the swim Oskar pee'd on the public grass area next to the beach showers and then I had to drag him back to the car and pick him up off the ground 3 times, because he didn't want to go home...he wanted to go to Asha's house. All of this weaved into many highlights and lots of fun of course, which I have already written about. 

Some days you just feel like curling up and having a lie down to relax especially when your feeling under the weather, but you can't when you have a toddler refusing his day sleep..you have to just get through it and keep on going! 

Now these things weren't terrible nor were they unbearable, but are simply just a part of our day to day life now which I should not forget to mention. Many of our days events are exciting and fun as Oskar develops and grows and sometimes they're just plain exhausting. I hope this doesn't sound like I'm complaining, as I would hate it to sound like that. I feel very lucky to live the life we have.... I am simply documenting what is part of our ever changing  lives now, so we can one day look back and say...'oh yeah that's right!'....'Gee we got through that so easily....it feels like so long ago now I can hardly remember it!' ...and I wont remember unless I write it down.

A Very Happy Easter!

Firstly Happy Easter everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful extra long weekend and hope the weather was as nice for you as it was here on the coast! Simply stunning. 

We had a lovely weekend with friends staying for sleeps overs, beaching, dining out, dining in, and just relaxing and catching up. Good times.

We witnessed Oskar's first real intimate interaction with a baby. 5 month old Collette (Coco) and her gorgeous parents stayed with us and it was so nice to see Oskar play with her. He wanted to lay next to her on the floor on his own blanket, pass her toys ( & steal her toys), share his own and simply wanted to be where she was. It was so nice and was reassuring to know that when baby number 2 eventually does come along, that he will be a gentle brother.......for the first 2 days at least. Can't wait for Coco and Co. to move up this way!

Saturday night was our first Oskar free night for a long time and it was sooooo appreciated. Thanks Nana and Pa! Out for tapas with friends and some uninterrupted conversation! Heaven! A relaxing catch up with  Gen who stayed for another sleepover before Easter morning was upon us. 

Easter Sunday started out so relaxed and calm with breaky on the deck before heading to Nana and Pa's for lunch. A beautiful spread as always, with delicious home baked quiches. A chocolate hunt for little man, which is always a pleasure to watch and see the excitement on his face to find an egg in the garden!

                                                   ..........such concentration.

Oskar was great for most of the day, but later..........hooley dooley! Seriously, there should be warning labels on chocolate wrappers for children. 

• Warning- This product may contain ingredients that will turn your child into the devil. 
• This product may cause child to vomit over dad. 
• Even just seeing this product in the cupboard and being denied it may cause craziness, hyper activity and tantrums that will send you absolutely bonkers! 

Really any of the above would do...........Oh yes, they may look cute and innocent in their bunny hats and big eyes...... but you give them a basket full of chocolate, and you better be ready for trouble! 

Say hello to Trouble.

Sorry to our friends who we couldn't catch up with that day, but it was all a bit too much for little man.


And, finally Monday brought us another cracker day which we started with a walk with Oskar's girlfriend and darling mum...North to South Burleigh and back, a play at the park, and topped off with a swim at the beach, jumping waves with our little grommets....while Cam punched out a 70km bike ride. I know where I'd rather be!

Ahhh what a way to end a Very Happy Easter!

Banana Berry Penguins

What a lazy Sunday!

We dont often get a sleep in, but Little Man let us sleep in to nearly 8 o'clock today! It was divine! So we followed the lazy mood  by indulging in pancakes and spent half the day in our pyjamas. 

Little man's pancakes aren't your regular round garden variety, he actually gets a very special kind in the shape of a penguin! That's right a penguin.....thanks to an office Christmas party dash and grab game...some people were coming out with video cameras, coffee machines, TVs...oh but not me...I managed to score a penguin shaped pancake maker! Yes, people were laughing at my expense. I was a little disappointed, and it has been sitting in the cupboard for the last 5 years.....but now with Oskar being able to dine with us on pancakes,  it is the best thing ever!!...who's laughing now! 

I didn't manage to get a shot before we dissected them, but managed to get some of Oskar scoffing them down. I really had to be quick. 

I however prefer the round standard garden variety........what a way to start the day!

23

....eight, nine, ten, leben...eight!

Oskar is counting more and more now and has even attempted to count past ten!! A little more practice is needed here...of course, but it is very entertaining as he learns.

Fresh as a Daisy!

I bought a bunch of daisies from Aldi a week before I went on our trip to Adelaide, as I thought it would be nice to have some fresh flowers in the house for a week. 

Well, nearly 5 weeks later they are still alive and kicking and have just started to brown on the ends of some of the petals. $4 for 5 weeks of freshness! I even pulled them out of the water at one stage to check I hadn't bought plastic ones.

Nope... they are real, and 5 weeks on they are as fresh as a Daisy! I am astounded and it will be sad to see them go this week.

Dancing Tiger

Having a toddler does mean I am not hitting the dance floor as much as I used to or going out in general very much. I am actually finding it hard to remember when my last good boogie was! There was our wedding.... and what a night that was, but that was 5 months ago now! When you have kids though you learn to get used to spending more time at home. 

So, I think I've just found my new dance partner (sorry Cam) and our lounge room has now become the dance floor any night of the week. My moves are pretty tragic, however Oskar's moves something to behold. He makes me replay this clip over and over and I think he nearly has the routine down pat! 

Definitely one for the 21st Montage!

High Five!

Well this week of toilet training has ended pretty much the same way it started. A good day...a not so good day, a good day ........and just when you think he has it...a bad day.

Oskar is doing so well though and some days I pick him up from day care and there is no plastic bag with wet clothes in there for me! The teachers say he is doing really well and he is using the toilets all by himself and washing his hands after. What a Champ! 

                                             

I am so proud of him and he is adjusting very well....with number 1s!.....number 2's...not so good. He will get there though and I am sure next week will see even more progress. 

It is strange to be getting soooooo excited and cheering and high five-ing when Oskar goes to the toilet.

Wouldn't it be more fun if we kept that excitement going through our adult lives?! Seriously, can you imagine if your frieind or partner went to the bathroom and when they came out you gave them a high five and cheered for their great effort! Wooooo! Awesome!

I might start doing it to Cam and see if he likes it....he probably will.

How to Toilet Train a Tiger......

Firstly, this is a question not a statement....How the hell do you toilet train a tiger? coz at the moment Oskar has been one all week and this weekend was toilet training central in the jungle we call home. 

                                     

Crouching Tiger

(He seriously has not taken this tail off all week......... he even sleeps in it). 

He is 3 in May so we figured we better give it a solid go again and see how he goes. He has been showing signs every now and then that he may be ready , but when we removed the nappy and let the little tiger run free in the past, we ended up with pee everywhere!!! However, it has been a while since our last solid try  while it it still warm enough for him to get around in just underpants outside.

The reward- a snake every time he used the toilet and the promise of a special present at the end of the week. 

Day one- Saturday....not so good. 2 big accidents through the house, and just when I thought he was getting it, I saw that strained expression on his face as we were outside in the garage....no Oskar no wait!!!...too late mum......... off we waddled for a hose down.

What did I expect though, day one to be a breeze and oskar to control his bowels in one day after 3 years of just going when he felt like it!? common mum you are smarted than that. No, I was expecting some mess, but it's never fun having to clean it up.....and it appears I have started talking to myself in text!

Day Two however was amazing! He actually let us know before going, and had no accidents all day! and he did this with a house full of friends we had over over for morning tea. What a champ and what a difference a day makes hey! I think I need to put a poster up in our house to remind myself that anything can happen in a day. He was so excited too every time he went. We laughed and cheered and his face lit up when he used the toilet  yelling 'I did it I did it!'.......... so cute. 

Laughing Tiger

Which brings us to Day 3......not so good. Out came the mop and bucket again, which again reminds me that anything can happen in a day. But the day is not over and we will persevere and I will toilet train this tiger of mine.

PS. Thanks Em for the tiger tail idea. As you can see he loves it.

One Fork at a Time.

Having a toddler certainly leaves little time for myself, but lately with Oskar nearly 3 and able to entertain himself happily, I have had the time and the drive to get creative again with my other love....furniture. 

I have been on an ebay frenzy trying to source the right pieces to start to liven up the house and get rid of the old cheap and nasty items we quickly bought second hand, were given, or just bought because it was cheap when we started off renting 9 years ago. It's time to start upgrading....probably again with many second hand pieces, but this time more in the style that both Cam and I love. 

I have such an eclectic taste though that it is hard to decide sometimes on what to look for. Cam and I both love Mid Century Modern design and are hanging for Mad Men to return...not long now!!!!, I love the elegance of artdeco, the intricate ornate details of certain antiques...not to mention the history, the raw simple design of industrial pieces and warehouse apartment style, the understated and calm elegance of Japanese design and the homely, warm charm of some rustic country styling. So the challenge will be trying to make all this work together.

We started by buying a new Scandinavian designed entertainment unit. It should arrive this week ...we can't wait!! 

                                                                       via

Back to Ebay,  I bid on 3 bentwood chairs. I have always like this style of chair, but also  Jamie has them in his 30 Minute Meal kitchen in different colours and I think they look fabulous.....and I just love his dining area on that set, so i honestly just stole the idea. Thanks Jamie!edit...thanks Jamie's set designers. 

Spraying furniture is so much fun, as unlike reupholstering you get instant satisfaction and is soooo simple. When I reupholster chairs, I could work on something for weeks to finish it, but I bought the chairs on Saturday and they were sitting at the kitchen table that night. 

Here's how they came up. Don't be scared mum, but yes I sprayed one yellow. If the timber colour was nicer I would have kept one natural but it was an icky orange 80's brown, so all 3 got the spray job.

                 

If anyone is wondering...when spraying timber a light colour like yellow, start with a flat base coat of white.

And this is what they look like at the dining table. I love the punchy yellow.

While I was in the mood for spraying I sprayed a browny orange coffee pot I found at a car boot sale and an unwanted cream typewriter mum found. 

And some forks and spoons as a bit if a test, also donated by mum. She is the queen of Op shopping in our family and finding a gem and a bargain to boot. Thanks mum.

So this past week has refuelled my decorating desire and I cant explain why stuff like this makes me so happy, but I just get so excited when I am working on things like this. If I had a choice of sitting and reading a book or spraying a teapot red.......the teapot would win hands down. Everyone needs a hobby outside the work and family routine I think or an outlet to refocus your energy by doing something you love, whether it be in to sport, writing, reading, cooking, painting, fishing, whatever!

I just know I am the zone to start transforming this house one fork at a time.