Striking Keys

Books We're Loving: 24-30 months

2012-02-03T21:32:00.000+13:00

Can You See What I See? Walter Wick

Esky's love for the I Spy books grew and grew, along with her searching skills. Then we discovered the Can You See What I See? series. Oh boy. While the I Spy books' photography is impressive, I'm captivated by the scenes depicted in Can You See What I See? The clever reincorporation of items, storytelling, and cute hat-tips in these books are irresistable to our family. Irresistable -- Haki can be on his way out the door, get drawn in by some plea from Esky, "Do you want to help us find a second map, Papa?" ...in no time he's wedged in on the couch, pouring over the page...and the list on the next page. Of those we've completed, the Treasure Ship book has been my favourite -- incredible photographic-cleverness!

Fancy Nancy, Jane O'Connor
We've loaned five Fancy Nancy titles so far, but of all of these, Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas is still my favourite. Esky *adored* this one too (we had it out for all of December). If you haven't read yourself some Nancy, it's synonym-teaching couched in cuteness...with illustrations you want to squeeze and squish.

The Great Big Friend Hunt, Hannah Ray
Esky's affection for this particular title has taken me by surprise...it didn't stand out amongst the stack we took home from our latest library visit, but it's clearly a current favourite. She's so fond of it, she improvised a song drawn from the words in the story; "A friend cheers you up when you are down." She strums an imaginary guitar (usually her glitter stick) as she sings this, and sways from side to side.

Eight Conclusions at 8:00

2012-01-30T20:00:00.000+13:00

I have concluded:

When worming tablets promise, "Liver Flavour -- Palatable to Cats!" they are referring to their test study group of felines -- which consisted of my neighbour's variety of cat, and no variety of cat I have ever owned.
When I feel the fury of 10-hours of effort and pain...after 2 minutes of all of the blood draining out of my arm when I am attempting to pluck white hairs from my side-part, Heavenly Father is laughing.
Really talented writers don't need italics for emphasis.
The one centimetre gap between my MIL's fancy wooden toilet seat and her toilet bowl exists to torment me. Design and 'water'tightness = faulty and zilch. Ahem.
It's comments like that one that see any male friends I have managed to lure over into testing SK's waters quickly retreating to caves of safety.
I'm okay with that.
Were a xylophone not a xylophone, its sales would scarcely be a quarter of what they have been, throughout history. Pictorial alphabet boardbooks are practically a junior toy catalogue, and an instrument/toy with an X-name sure gets a lot of advertising.
I am improving in the lullaby department;

..yes'm, that's two of three, down and out for the count.

Project: Personalise

2012-01-28T12:10:00.000+13:00

Every other year, I've taken my time choosing my new diary; lifting and smelling flicking pages, running fingers over covers embossed or padded, assessing page layouts and the aesthetics of cover designs...

...this New Year, I was too tired, and too broke.

So I picked up a stock-standard diary I passed in a postshop queue, on sale at a two-for-one price (one for Haki, one for me), and praised myself for letting go of the need to make such an event of this practical item's purchase. Before I'd even reached the car, I had committed to personalise the plain thing I'd just picked up -- as soon as things slowed down and I sped up. I felt better about culling my annual tradition.

The latest bout of fatigue passed.

I toyed with the idea of covering it with fabric, scrapbook paper, or a collage of things. I weighed up photos, prints, drawings and online designs. In the end, I took a very simple route, and I'm thrilled with it.

I glued on an old gift card;

(A Japanese fan card from The Dunedin Art Gallery.)

With Mod Podge, that is. Mod Podge -- my friend.

I'm so happy with having a diary unique to me, on the cheap, with a few minutes effort, that I think I'll be skipping the shop-around I usually savour.

Too easy, right? I know. Easy tasks are good tasks for tired people.

Ivy Crawls Fast

2012-01-24T11:14:00.000+13:00

Ivy, at 9.5 months...

...still has mismatched eyes.
...is now conventional crawling, at speed. (First she commando-crawled from 6 months, then started almost crawling, with her right leg spidering -- a mash-up of her twist-to-sit move plus crawling -- knee foot knee foot.)
...prefers standing to any other position; if you put her down on the ground, intending to seat her, she keeps her legs tightly locked straight and will not bend them, "I will stand."
...has started waving. She waved first to Poppy (her great grandfather) at my birthday dinner (the Sunday followed the 12th).
...leans in and imitates kissing, with sounds, for Haki (not me!) -- including a long wind-up "Mmmmmmmm-" on the "Mwa!"
...is uncontrollably excited when Esky wakes up -- crawling to her bedside, rocking on the spot and/or saying, "Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!" (If Esky is the one waiting for Ivy to wake, she waits, and whispers, "Is she awake yet?" over and over)

Eight Pins at 8:00

2012-01-23T20:00:00.000+13:00

Pinned it.
Did it.

A Tap Add-on for Toddlers -- I cut up a wool wash bottle and stuck it over the tap to imitate this (much tidier) one I saw. Esky can now independently do everything but wipe the whatsit, during her toilet stops.
Better linen cupboard organisation -- with folded fitted sheets that don't look like balls of failure, and sheet sets in sets, inside their pillowcases;
A little installation for wrapping paper storage -- this somehow made a bad day a good day, during mid-fatigma onset last month. It's genius.
Toilet Rolls for Cord Organisation -- yes, please.
Pretzel Turtles. No skill required. Rather more-ish...but expensive to make (here, at least).
Soft Sugar Cookies. That they are. Not a big hit with Haki, but Esky's mad about them. We're decorating them in the morning!
Can-drums. They turned out so-so. In this case, bigger would be better.
Rubbish-free lunches -- it's all Esky eats when we're packin' for the road.

Pinning real life.

Feel free to...

Esky, the Great Pretender

2012-01-21T13:12:00.000+13:00

2 and 2/3rds

When I saw Esky's cheeks fill with air as she lifted the hole of each grape to her lips before eating it, I had to enquire after what she was doing. She explained matter-of-factly, "I'm blowing them up like balloons," and /chomp, another went into her mouth. Obviously.
What a memory she's got!
Whenever Esky sees me sitting up on a chair or couch with my legs out straight in front of me, she begins hopping on the spot beside me asking, "Please, please may I go down the slide?" Occasionally she asks when my sitting position doesn't even suggest a slide, she just has a leg-slide hankering. I usually concede. Then, one day Esky asked Papa, "Please, may I go down the slide?" He extended his legs and offered his hands to aid her climbing up to slide down. Up she went, about-face, and then...she screwed up her face and said, "I want a slide that's not hairy." Ba-bow.
Esky and I were playing with Duplo in her room, not long before our trip. In the single set she had at the time, there were two pieces she could easily treat as "friends" -- a little man and a dog. I would often find one, the other, or both, up on the shelf away from the rest of the Duplo, or sitting amongst other, larger stuffed toys. Esky and I had just finished building stairs, a slide, a bench, and various other things, and then she held up the little man and the dog, tipped her head sideways and asked, "Which one do you like?" It was time for play on the playground we'd created. "The dog, please," I replied. Esky's eyebrows came up and together in the middle, and she bobbed her head as she answered, "The little man is really good," (with a rising inflection). Apparently the dog wasn't actually on offer.
I would say Esky spends at least 80% of her day engaged in pretend play; building invisible sandcastles, driving to the temple, taking a doll to see the doctor, dropping off "cookies" she's rolled out from bread, animating her toys with voices, and so much morrrre.
She continues to project onto her "friends;" "George didn't want to stay in bed last night, and so he got out of bed over and over, and I told him he needed to stay in bed and get a good rest, and finally he went to sleep," or "Lily was so good last night, she made good choices and I'm so impressed." Oh, how eerily familiar that sounds, my girl. Well, George's tale, that is...when will you be Lily at bedtime, exactly? /sigh
Yes, Esky discovered she could get out of her bed...among many other things she's trying out at two and two-thirds.

A fortnight's trippin' in the North: Te Marae

2012-01-20T15:14:00.000+13:00

Final stop: Maketu -- where Haki's sister exchanged vows with her darling.

That was, after Esky and Ivy's first powhiri;

...and building some sandcastles in the sun. Sun.

(Me, Ivy and Esky)

Thanks, Maketu, for some of that.

Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate on the day, but gahoodness, contingency plans can be beautiful!

Esky was very determined not to play flower girl during the rehearsal on the hilltop with a view (Plan A). But she did the walk and threw her petals in the marquee! Huzzah!

Even if she was a tad nervous...

She perked up once we beckoned her away from the line-up, inviting her return to her familiar faces and places;

(The Handsome Ride)

It was then, with furrowed brow, she asked me where her lollies had gone -- the "good job" lollies placed at the bottom of her basket of petals for her to nibble on during the ceremony proper. Aw, Esky...the lass had been so intent on making it down the aisle of eyes and doing *her job* of throwin' those petals that she'd thrown the lollies along with 'em.

Now, before you think Esky was the girl that got all the attention...
As pretty as she was, there wasn't a nanny or aunty around that could stop talking about nibbling on these pillows:

The traditional waiata, entertaining bridal party dance, and childhood stories = tops.

Favourite Marae Moment, overall = seeing Uncle Ray plus one, sitting on chairs with large plastic tubs perched on the seats in front of them, elbow-deep in bread, smiling and laughing as they tore enough pieces for 380 servings of hāngi stuffing. I wish I'd captured that image in more than words.

A fortnight's trippin' in the North: Tukituki Camp

2012-01-19T13:27:00.000+13:00

All of my siblings are married with multiple children, and as a collective we're becoming quite a pack -- too large to comfortably stay at any one of our homes for any length of time. This New Year, four of the five children in my immediate family, with their spouses and offspring, joined my parents at a super-cheap camp site ($8 per adult, per night) set up for large groups;

Tukituki:

Having left the monster in Hamilton (although we were still limping from the battle...Haki the most), we were free to enjoy our summer camp reunion. And it rained...and rained. With four sets of preschoolers (plus two schoolies) confined indoors, away from home routines, it rained.

And that was okay.

I can't help but smile as I look back over the photos.

(Esky, far left)

Even though much of what we undertook proved quite a task to execute...it was glorious (e.g. Haki made and flipped stacks and stacks of pancakes for his morning on breakfast...with a fork. The next picture is not of that breakfast).

Here's our family, camped out in our mini-fortress:

(Esky, Ivy and Haki)

The star of the week? A pile of old mattresses in the corner of the main hall;

Used as: forts, jumping platforms, sliding pads, crash pads, a napping zone, and a "mountain," I think of all that went down during the week at Tukituki, I would not be surprised if these musty old softies were what was remembered most fondly by the kiddilicks in years to come.

Tukituki is close to the National Aquarium;

(me and Esky)

(Esky, still watching the turtles)

The giant sea turtle, seahorses and "Nemo" especially impressed a hyper Esky.

Back at camp, we face-painted;

(me in the light green, up front...yeah, there's officially a queue to me)

Aunty Mariah led bake-time;

There was always something to do;

Or something to watch;

...and watch;

We ventured out to Splash Planet, too (on another mediocre weather day, but who cares?!). "Tiny Town" was Esky's favourite feature;

(Me watching Esky run through a tunnel)

I looooooved taking Esky down hydroslides for the first time! I loved going down hydroslides with my nieces, nephews...and husband! We hadn't done that together before, and our anniversary was the day we spent splashin'.

It was also high time I got my girl in a li'l boat with me (I used to row religiously);

Uncle Jeremy, Aunty Yvonne and Nana set up a treasure hunt for the pack in a field of haybales. See the pack run:

Run, Esky!

Success!

This picture of my nephew is one of my favourites from the entire week:

The girls continued to amuse each other during wait-times (this wait-time = the search was on for one final bag of treasure hunt candy in a very big field);

On one semi-fine day (late in the piece), in the absence of any hose, the uncles carried pots of water to the water slide;

On our final day there (more magic happened after we moved on to our next stop), we roasted S'mores...and the same nephew is the subject is one of my other favourte photos (and I haven't even seen the photos taken by my talented brother-in-law on the fancy schmance camera yet!)

Final swings on the tyre swing:

My sister...with three children -- not-a-one being one of her three. Love it.

(Ivy on Erika's lap, playing with her cousin's shirt)

Here's one of the talented brothers-in-law I was telling you about (it was in small type, you should read that stuff y'know)...I haven't even seen this photo...

...from the front yet.

So yes, there will be a post script to this post at a later date. Embrace it.

Final notes:

Golly, there are a lot of ants up North.
My siblings married good people.
My husband is "good people" and is a legend for being so at home amongst my blood and their loved ones. Oh man, I adore you, Honey.

Even going into that week with fatigma and a weary digestive system, I felt energised and grateful to be near this bunch. Gosh I love 'em.

Final chapter, up next: A wedding. A wedding where Esky is a reluctant flower girl. Aw.

A fortnight's trippin' in the North: Toilets

2012-01-18T13:20:00.003+13:00

Thanks to this beast stomping on me, Haki and Esky, we also saw plenty of the inside of North Island bathrooms. So much, so often, in fact, that Esky became very unwell...which led to the aforementioned visit to Waikato hospital...

...where we established serious quality disparity between Hamilton and Dunedin's hospitals -- in favour of the former. Not only did everything seem cleaner, more modern, and more organised up North...

...the Hamilton paed's emergency department featured murals that were 98% more appropriate for children than Dunedin's;

I give Dunedin's murals two percent appropropriateness -- for use of colour -- I'd award more, but so much is undone by the nature of that art...I mean, what are those creatures?

We've all beaten the monster since, and our digestive systems are working nicely, thanks.

A fortnight's trippin' in the North: Temple

2012-01-17T20:34:00.001+13:00

We love to see the temple.

By day...

...and by night.
This is the temple wherein Haki and I made our family eternal nine years ago.

That's my dad -- Esky's "Pop" -- leading her along the wall; my parents met us in Hamilton. They love the temple too.

And they watched the girls while Haki and I went inside together one morning.

The food poisoning had well and truly set in by this point...

A fortnight's trippin' in the North: Transit

2012-01-17T00:02:00.004+13:00

What better for fatigma (catchy, riiight?) than travelling with preschoolers for weeks made up of late nights and nigh on zero routines? Add to that the worst bout of food poisoning our family's ever endured, hours in airports, camping out on the floor in three different locations, and ants. Ants every time you turn your back. And yet...

...I loved it. We all did.

Even as I type and recall the things we could have done without, I'm smiling...they've fast become the labour pains of the trip -- greatly diminished once the experience is viewed in retrospect -- all my memory is playing back now is goooood.

Getting there...

Esky claimed the window seat on the plane.

Living very close to a (mock)airport (and thus having much to hear and see overhead) and having had a papa whom we delivered or collected from said airport at least 40 times in the past couple of years, Esky's plane trip was momentous. She'd flown before as a little'un...but boy oh boy did toddlerytwosie get giddy to be aboard an aircraft with Papa.

We spent a few hours in the airport...with our trolleys of luggage and kidmeat.

Airports (and queues and supermarkets) are like Jupiter -- kids are heavier there.

Buuuut Esky is still content to sit in stationery coin-operated rides...and Ivy and she are patient in waiting their turn atop the Papa-tower.

And we were together.

My darling sister went out of her way to pick us up and take us to the vehicle we'd be using on tour. The three kiddy carseats in the back seat of her station wagon have to be crammed pretty close together to all fit.

This has its pro's;

They're both asleep. Apparently being carried around on Jupiter takes it out of the kidmeat too.

I know, all you can see is Ivy's "neck."

Feel free to scroll up to the second shot now and remind yourself the flesh falls in more ways than one.

All in all, these two are joys to travel with.
Heavy joys.

Blood Tests and Birthdays

2012-01-12T21:29:00.002+13:00

I turned 29 today.

And I got a letter in the mail telling me my blood tests did present some irregularities...
...that they'd been trying to call.
...I called them to learn that my thyroid is throwing a hissy fit. (Did you call this, North?)

Tsk tsk, butterfly gland. First, you sound like you're responsible for producing the sensation of excitement, but then second, re-heeally you're in the business of breaking down and multiplying normal mamma-poopedness by 63. Rude.

Kind of a birthday present, right? I mean having progress towards a diagnosis...not the magnified poopedness.

On my birthday, I like to give presents to other people. Today, those other people are all of you. I've been saving this from a few weeks ago...

Here is a picture of our family (sans photo-taker = moi) approximatley 2 minutes after our nightly Family Prayer and after a single lullaby.

Let me break this down for you;

Haki is asleep.
Two girls are not.
If this photo could talk, it would snore...like a hibernating bear.
I need to work on my lullabies.

Happy my-birthday!

P.S. My MIL ensured I was spoiled, thanks for asking.

9 years

2012-01-10T13:23:00.000+13:00

Now, before we get carried away here, I want to take a moment to say that our dates away included January 3rd -- our wedding anniversary.

And how timely that the flower for the ninth anniversary is an exotic one;

You see, Haki recently confessed the definition-wires in his brain betwixt the words exotic and erotic are crossed, causing all sorts of confusion and false hope. If you're his wife, this isn't the worst malapropism to contend with...if you're his waitress, on the other hand....

{Happy (real) anniversary, my hunk of handsome. I vow in our next year together to find a loftier adjective to describe your studliness, and to tickle you less.}

This is so last month

2012-01-10T01:22:00.000+13:00

Like the header image. And our still-up tree.

Hiya.

Yeah, we do Christmas. We love Christmas.

And this year, in particular, we loved:

candy necklaces;
Gingernuts as baby-stocking stuffers;
tin spinning tops; and
watching Esky's eager pursuit of the end prize in a pictorial treasure hunt Haki and I laid together.

The end prize:

And like Esky, you had to wait two weeks to get a good look at it -- we returned this morning after a fortnight trippin' in the North Island -- the bike and Lily were foremost in her thoughts during the final hours of the come-home journey (she chose George to travel with us -- thankfully Lily was happy to be assigned as Chief of Home Defence. Well, that's not entirely true, we had an actual human do that job, fyi creepos conjured by my semi-indulged paranoia).

No, not acid trippin'.

Delectable details to follow.
You will not be disappointed.
I can tell you now, there will be plenty of alliteration,
And Esky made her second trip to a hospital Emergency Department while we were away...and that's just the tip of the 'berg. Tremend.

Soon, my sweets -- we left Maketu at 2am this morning bound for home.
My eyeballs hate me for typing this, but Ivy loves the cream more than I love to dream.

Mwa.

Fatigue and Festivities

2011-12-24T13:29:00.003+13:00

In bad news, my mystery illness seemed to return this week as though commanded by the flick of an unseen switch -- it was that obvious.

Doc thinks postnatal depression is manifesting as chronic fatigue...
...that I've been running on adrenalin for months, and it's all caught up.
Or there's the ol' "viral" explanation that never gets old. It's starting to look like that today, though -- since Haki and Esky have joined the "wiped" camp, and I feel I might've climbed up a rung.

I don't know what it is, I just know I feel like George:

It'll be short-lived.
Surely.

Thankfully my husband is home...
...and is amazing.

And thank you for Sesame Street:

...and anticipation:

Thank you for wonderful friends...

...and prayers.

One rung at a time.

Alphapegs

2011-12-21T09:45:00.000+13:00

Another Pinterest-inspired mini-project from our house:

I love that I already had everything I needed for this, and how many ways we can play and learn with the Alphapegs! Esky can order the entire 26, fill in gaps I've created, fix errors I've rigged...all the while working on her fine motor skills.

I wrote directly onto the wooden pegs in capitals on one side and lower case letters on the other -- because I like the idea of sorting those too. Easy, cheap and reusable -- win.

P.S. Like how George is "helping" but then is eventually cast aside as she gets down to business? /snort I do.

Original pin here.

High Tide II

2011-12-20T11:28:00.000+13:00

I can still remember how it felt to accept that pregnancy might be something I wouldn't experience in this life.

Now I regularly trace over small brow lines and nose ridges, of two sleeping miracles, and I marvel.

Big Bang my arse.

Sorry for cussing, but them's my fightin' words.

Haki said it wasn't too naughty.

High Tide (the first) here.

Mixed Bag Five at 5:00

2011-12-19T17:00:00.000+13:00

This is the crown Ivy was born with:
Both Esky and Ivy have loved the cap collection. Perhaps you could fill a drawstring bag or plastic jar with some as a stocking stuffer for an infant you know? Easy.
Another low cost, fast and easy gift (thanks, Sarah) -- stretching some of a beloved T-shirt over a readymade canvas -- here's one of Haki's that wasn't wearable or throw-outable;
Esky loves spying a day moon. Me too. Especially one playing peekaboo behind some blowing branches;
These are the blossoms that bloom on the Tyre Swing Tree. They're already gone. Wow.

That's a "No" then?

2011-12-17T22:40:00.002+13:00

The glasses are not winners?

Thing is, Haki likes 'em!

Freebie: Articles of Faith Tracking Sheet

2011-12-17T22:25:00.001+13:00

I created this image for the Primary children to use in tracking their Articles of Faith memorisation progress in Primary -- they shade in each number as it is learned:

(click on image to access a larger copy of the file)

If you roll Mormon styyyle, feel free to use it...or even if you don't, and you have 13 of somethin' to track, go for it.*

Drop it into a Word doc, for example;

...whatever.

*Free for incidental, non-commercial use. This image remains the property of Angela Noelle of Striking Keys.

Happy Legs Jump?

2011-12-16T19:14:00.000+13:00

You know those, "What would Jesus do?" (WWJD?) bracelets (and/or other similar merchandise)? Well, we Mormon folk have something similar -- the CTR ring -- which stands for, "Choose the Right." The children's ring looks like this:

CTR rings are given to each child who joins the CTR class (the Sunday School class for those aged 4-7 years). It's also customary for 98% of the children to lose their rings within 48 hours of receiving them.

Being Primary President, I order rings every year for the new and upcoming CTR kiddilicks (in our branch, that would be six or so children)...and some extra rings, because I take pity on the children who desperately want to wear the green shield for another 2-day stint (plus the first lesson of the year in each manual says to distribute them, which suggests to all ages, to me).

Anyhooooow...2012 is different, because the annual theme for the entire Primary (the children's organisation made up of all of the classes, not just the CTR children), is "Choose the Right." So I ordered 30 rings -- enough for all of the children in my branch, CTR-age and above, to be given a new ring.

And then I waited.

I began to worry that I should have ordered earlier, considering the volume I was requesting...and that I may not have been the only Primary President to have such an idea.

I waited.
Not that long, but long enough...

...and to my surprise, my Branch President emailed me today (mid-December for a January plan, /fist pump) with the subject line, "CTR Rings."
I am easily excited, is all I'll say about my reaction upon reading such.

As one might guess from such a subject line, the rings I ordered had indeed arrived.

...in Spanish.

That's 30 "HLJ" rings, here and ready, in plenty of time to distribute to the lovelies in three Sundays hence; "Here, your very own Heaven Loves Jedi ring!" ...? /eyebrow raise..../weak smile

What would you tell them it stood for?

NB: The rings are being shipped out and exchanged for CTR rings. Bummer, I know.

Weather Chart

2011-12-15T19:55:00.002+13:00

Esky loves her no-sew / minimal-work-to-create Weather Chart, inspired by this pin.

The chart is printed onto a small car door magnet from Vistacrack (selected from the "free" templates available, words added), and the weather images are free from here -- laminate, stick on magnet tape...done.

Esky updates it each morning, and throughout the day, as it changes. She regularly tells me, "I don't like lightning..." with a side glance towards the corresponding magnet, stage left...I think one of these days she's going to hide it.

Yes, I bought $75 of Vistaprint printing from an online daily deal site for $20 and I have relished in spending every cent. Thank you, to the dear reader, who let me know of this killer opportunity...I am still enjoying the spoils.

Pin real life; use Pinterest to inspire instead of evoke desire.

Three Webcam Shots

2011-12-12T10:55:00.000+13:00

I forgot I taught Esky how to run Photobooth on the Mac (which went up North, with Haki) -- and that she could no doubt learn to run the webcam application on the lappy...so this is why I haven't posted photos of the results of my incredible self-treat at op shops, of late; because this, this is me "showcasing a new-to-me gold blouse and high-waisted skirt:"

I'll get back to you, with my 2.5-year-old photographer and proper boasting.

If you're at all acquainted with my feelings on me and glasses, it may come as a shock that I've clambered aboard the geek-spec wagon. I know; I'm trying to embrace my fears. Much inspiration has come from this lady -- who makes it seem like a cinch to be stunning in frames. I've worn them out once, and not yet in person with Haki...but I'm hopeful they can help me reshape my attitude about glasses, generally.

Can they?

I would like to believe at least one of you would tell me if these are bad. Look beyond the Meyer-vamp over exposure... /wink

Finally, when Haki doesn't answer a Skype-call, Esky asks if we can watch ourselves anyway (it seems she likes the li'l image of us in the corner of our call as much as the animated shot of her papa) -- so I bring up the app to film us. I can't stop kissing her when she watches herself on screen -- she's just so darn cute! Also, there's a jacket I got in the latest splurge...again, will boast better...soon.

Yes, the shirt underneath the "new" jacket is from the freeeeeeeeeee bag. /beam.

Eight Christmassy Things at 8:00

2011-12-10T20:00:00.000+13:00

I'm pleased to announce: despite having gone dark for days, that the spider has not erected its family flag on our roof and invited all of its spider friends over to feast upon me and my kin. We've just been busy. I never did find it, though.

Christmassy Things:

This year, Esky's comprehension of the Christmas season is splendiferous (you betcha we've been readin' some Fancy Nancy); she fondly recounts to anyone who will listen how she topped the tree with the star, how George the elephant is now "Baby Jesus," and that, "It's not Christmas day yet, it's the Christmas season...I love Christmas!" I share her sentiments completely -- not on the Saviour of the world sporting a trunk, so much, but BOY do I love Christmas.
I would like to know how to play "My Nipply." Oh wait, that's not the game all the reindeer left Rudolph out of? Aaaaw, what a shame, it sounds like a heck-of-a-lot more fun.
I want an Elf on the Shelf Elf. /pine Too cute.
Here's a free printable nativity we made today:
Have you seen this new short film on The Nativity? Guessin' probably not, if you're in the non-believing camp -- Hi, Campers! I didn't lose you at "Baby Jesus"? (1) /tongue poke. Back to the short -- it gives me chills (watch it)...
...in spite of the three wise men. I've alluded to my feelings on this matter before, I believe. At least the magi are visiting Him as a child. I guess there's no indication there were more, either, so depicting three might be considered a matter of symbolism...but I still like to imagine a caravan of them...carrying chests of the gifts named. /sigh. Did I mention, I love Christmas?
Sometime in the past 3 months, a new tradition was born -- that of the finger puppet bedtime fable; a pair or more from the collection perform on the bedrail in place of a bedtime story book. This month, showing on Esky's bedrail: My Pocket Nativity -- the Christmas story in miniature. While I am enjoying playing the entire cast (ahem), I am enjoying singing her to sleep with carols even more.
My best friend, teddy bear, lover and co-parent man is returning in a few nights...for good. You read right: for good. I see you now, Despicable-Me-esque would-be-assailant -- scrunching up your well-made plans and tossing them in the waste basket and burying your giant face in your unusually-small hands -- muahaha...I should say, "best friend, teddy bear, lover, co-parent and PROTECTOR EXTRAORDINAIRRE." Muaha.../coughing on my humour. Back to the rub -- husband = returning. I cannot settle upon which cliché or poor taste pun to bandy about in honour of this momentous occasion -- the granting of Christmas wishes, the early arrival of Christmas, the opening of presents early -- ah -- it is too much, /feigning fatigue with back of palm to brow.

You can see the toes of some stockings behind Ivy, is why that photo is wholly and completely relevant. x

I Chose...Poorly

2011-12-05T21:48:00.000+13:00

I am in bed. Lights are out.

...so when the spider suspended from silvery string entered my line of vision, lit up by the laptop screen's light alone, why oh why did I grab the webbing and fling the descending creature a maximum of half a metre? I.e. still somewhere in the bed.

Before a jury, I'd plead insanity for the involuntary movements I displayed during the seconds that made up my reaction time.

At least 15 minutes have passed, and I have been *sure* I have unpleasantly rediscovered the thing at least 30 times -- the last occasion, I was certain it was crawling up my back. Negative.

I could accept my searching beam from the tipped slowly rotating laptop is insufficient and turn on the lights to set up a perimeter and locate the suspect -- risking waking the innocent babe, sleeping in the sidecar. Who am I kidding? -- next to the sidecar, in my bed.

I'll be doing my darndest to sleep with my mouth closed.

How's your night going?

A morning through Esky's eyes

2011-11-29T23:31:00.000+13:00

We were recently given a small camera, primarily for Esky's use.

Last Tuesday, I replaced its batteries, showed Esky at high speed which buttons to push to operate it, then went about my morning. There was four mornings worth of stuff to do in that morning.

Given the scanty tutorial I'd given, I thought it highly unlikely Esky was filming much of anything. In fact, I remember chuckling to myself as I watched her "filming" around the house, comparing, in my mind, her enjoyment of this new electronic toy to her delight whilst sitting in stationery coin-operated vehicles in malls, sans coins. The LCD display was operating irrespective of whether it was recording or not, and she was thrilled. As was I -- busy morning, remember? The full tutorial could wait, she was happy, without even filling the memory card.

...or so I thought.

I've removed one portion (the part where she filmed the process of me getting out of the pyjamas and into day clothes), but otherwise it is a morning through Esky's eyes -- a video I would have by no other circumstance, in that because I was unaware she was actually recording, it captures a slice of life I would never permitted being filmed. (Yeah, I'm not into being immortalised tracing out project outlines in my pyjamas with bedhair...nor having my thighs and crotch documented whilst wiping rheum from a reluctant child's eyes). Another being produced like it is also almost impossible (as now I know she's able to record, and record plenty, all responses and footage is tainted by the knowing).

This is likely to be the only candid offering I will ever have.

Good luck understanding our accents, other-hemisphere-ers. /wink And good luck not barfing -- she lacks a steady hand.

Yes,

...I'm Skyping my sister during the first part of the vid -- it just sounds like there are two of me.
...those foam mattresses are Esky's indoor playground. She asks me to get them out almost every day to "build slides." I do not say "yes" every day, but I did Tuesday (these were Project: Occupy, Epiphany #1, before I remembered The Camera.../angels' chorus).
...she loves her elephants, ya?
...Ivy calls out every time Esky leaves her sight...this encourages the running back and forth.
...that's a new carseat. Ivy's officially out of the capsule (/whimper), and installing the new seat for Esky -- anchor bolt 'n' all -- was on the busy morning agenda (Ivy's moved into Esky's old one).
...Esky freezes before the steps up to where our car is parked when she feels a certain urge...thus the hasty return indoors.
...I keep the nappy bag open in the car for easy retrievel of contents -- which you can see includes toilet paper and wipes, foremost.
...I am glad I was wrong about Esky's savviness. When I turn a camera on her, she rarely speaks this much, so I'm glad for it. I'll never be glad about the bedhair.

Salada Choc-Caramel Brittle

2011-11-29T10:16:00.000+13:00

Aw yeah....y'all said this was "Caramel Crack" (in more ways than one), and so I gave it a shot. I approve. It is not my favourite sweet indulgence, but I think it would be a party / house guest favourite, and it's eeeeeasy. Here's the well-circulated North American recipe for "Saltine Toffee Cookies," as translated by an NZican.

Ingredients:

Half a box of Salada crackers
250g butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon molasses (optional)
2 cups milk chocolate buttons (one bag of Pams' ones)
A handful of chopped nuts (your choice)

Method:

Preheat oven to a smidgen over 200 degrees C.
Line a cookie sheet with shallow sides with the Salada crackers (one layer); small gaps are fine.
In a saucepan, combine the butter, sugar and molasses. Bring to the boil and allow to bubble away for 3 minutes.
Immediately pour over Saladas, spreading to cover the crackers and tray completely.
Bake for 5-6 minutes (I went a little over. first time. I don't recommend it).
Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate buttons across hot caramel surface. Allow to rest for around 5 minutes, then spread the melted buttons to form a top layer.
Sprinkle with chopped nuts of your choice.
Allow to cool in fridge completely before breaking into pieces. We also store ours in the fridge.

What do you think? What do/would you add?

Outdooreskinator

2011-11-28T13:30:00.000+13:00

Checking on frozen paraphernalia, melting in the sun:

Proving strength, hauling compost:

Being watched, every move...

...she explores our humble half acre;

Her hair-length is even more alarming to me than it is beautiful...

...this little human is already creating her own agendas; water. must. be. sprayed.

I take a moment to lay below a bird-filled canopy, with her little sister, while I marvel.

...and she sprays.

And sprays.

There is no mission more important to a 2.5-year-old girl than spraying all that must be sprayed;

...except perhaps freeing a Duplo dog from an icy prison she could not have foreseen would be so torturous when she eagerly suggested he join the caps, daisies and dandelions in the icrecream tub of then-water.

I am grateful for The Lighthouse Garden.

And for the Z's of bees, the flit of fantail feathers, tyre swings,

...and crocheted capes.

You're Super alright, my little Outdooreskinator.

Esky, the Slide-lover

2011-11-26T20:46:00.000+13:00

Esky's officially 2.5. And...

...she surprised me by asking if it was time to take her stockings off after she watched Ivy get her last immunisation, needle 'n' all.
...she told me that one day she'll be a mama and have milk for Ivy. Ah...HOPE NOT. I did explain that Ivy will age too. Nonplussed, she has since redirected to nursing her toy horse, elephants and pig. George, in particular, is a guzzler. Better them than you though, eh, fully-grown Ivy? You can thank me later.
...her new white horse "friend" is named "Wednesday," after the day Papa returned home with it peeking mock-surreptitiously out of his breast pocket as he crossed the tarmac. She had been replying to those enquiring after "Daddy," "He is coming back on Wednesday," for a stretch of almost 6 weeks.
...she is still dishing out praise often -- upon observing Ivy's jumping or crawling skills...or me returning from a bowel movement. /tweeting awkward-birds. And...
...should I say, "Excuse me, a moment," she always asks, "Where are you going?" If I add, "I need to use the bathroom," she cries, "Then RUN to the toilet!" and then, "Well done Mama, you did it!" I'm practically a super hero.
...tantrums are on the rise. My sisters still laugh at what I call "a tantrum," but I can see my little toddler testing what is acceptable and what is not. It was an interesting (and long) day when she figured out "Time Out" is not an actual cell, nor are their restraints.
...she is mad about slides -- slides made out of blocks, Lego, my arm or legs, food, cushions, anything. Conventional slides are also acceptable.
...I cannot tell her sleeptalking from her, I'm-awake-and talking-talking. I have heard her clearly enunciate full sentences, including: "Please, Mama, I need a tissue," only to find her stretched out, eyes closed, completely asleep upon checking on her. It was funny, at first. Now I'm tired, and it's less funny.
...she often disciplines herself. If she realises she's used an unkind tone with me, or snatched something from Ivy (even if it's something Ivy shouldn't have -- she knows she's meant to take it carefully and explain to her while she's doing it why, and give her something else to hold), she hangs her head and goes away for a while, then returns and apologises.
...she made my ovaries flame red hot when she put her arm around Ivy, who was sitting next to her, and said, "You're my best friend."
...one of her other friend favourites is a li'l man affectionately referred to as "Wombat." One Sunday, after church, they occupied themselves "doing running." They stopped over by the fence that separates the chapel lawn from a driveway. The two made a short verbal exchange there, Esky putting her hand on Wombat's shoulder and leaning in for much of it, before running back. On the drive to the MIL's aftewards, it occurred to me I need not sit and wonder what the pair had shared, fence-side, I asked, "What did you say to [Wombat] when you were over by the fence? I saw you talking to him." Without hesitation, she recounted, "It is my job to keep him safe." Being so close to cars going 5km per hour must make her heart pound.
...she has taken to finishing off Ivy's pureed and mashed foods -- avocado and banana puree, whizzed up spaghetti -- the list goes on. This wouldn't bother me so much if it hadn't seriously cut into my food source.
...I am in awe of how much of General Conference that kid actually absorbs. Being in the room and listening while colouring / making little dolls go down hand-drawn slides, she echoes key words she recognises, occasionally looking up to make eye contact with me, wide-eyed and excited.
...her chatty ways hid behind a dipped chin and whispering tongue for a long time, when in public, but of late she's become more confident at "speaking up" when asked a question.
...did I mention she GREW OUT OF HER NUT ALLERGIES!? Hallelujah! Yes, I did.
...she loves being outside. This warrants a post of its own.
...she's taken to filming things with her own (generously gifted) camera. Yup, that's another post. A marvellous one.

Let's close with a negotiation from a month or so ago:
Me: 1 more.
Esky: 3 more.
Me: 1 more.
Esky: 3 more.
Me: Okay, 2 more.
Esky: 3 more.
Hang on a minute...

Ivy and the Old Man Sound

2011-11-25T13:30:00.000+13:00

Ivy...

...has not attended a single movie at the cinema with her parents (unlike her elder sister, who had slept through at least 10 by this time). This is partly because her parents are on different islands much of the time, but even more so because Ivy is a very different (read: unpredictable) sleeper when compared to Esky.
...has mismatched eyes, and has had for more than a month. Perhaps they'll even up, but for now, her left eye has a large, undeniable swirl of brown below the pupil, whilst the right has only a small whiff of the same mixed in through the default, slate blue.
...must be approaching critical mass, lassie is biiiiiihig.
...is perfecting a commando crawl, which she started just before she was 6 months old (on Oct 3, to be precise) -- in spite of her considerable...well, girth. She has also been pulling herself up onto her wobbly hind haunches today.
...has already had at least three viruses. The green power puke was my least fave. She seemed unfussed.
...is smiley.
...has had many outdoor naps. I can remember Esky only having one, and it was in her carseat. Ivy's slept out on a blanket in the shade a lot, due to her sister's love for being outside.
...is still all gums (another mostly irrelevant aside: Esky had two peek out at 4 months, and quickly got the rest!)
...got two hours of play out of an empty wet wipe packet.
...still makes the "Ooooo" sound, ut it's very breath-ey, we refer to it as the, "old man sound."
...is crahazy about cats. She makes the old man sound especially for cats. The accompanying arm waving and bouncing is less like an old man, however.
...didn't like Avy, the first time;

The end.

The book that changed my mindset about the Fantasy genre

2011-11-24T14:30:00.001+13:00

The arrival of my advanced copy of Daughter of Smoke and Bone was accompanied by the usual things -- clapping, giggling, hugging -- 'twas received in a parcel, after all. Thanks, mailFaery.

After such a happy meeting, I'm embarrassed to say we didn't spend much time together. Our relationship began with good intentions, but before long, I found I just wasn't giving time to my new book. My priorities were directed elsewhere for so long, in fact, that the book changed completely; it ceased to be a genuine advanced copy after the book's release date came and went (Oct 1).

I accepted that if we were to reconcile, I would have to read Daughter slowly -- something I'm unaccustomed to, since if a book's any good, the practice is akin to torture. I began. I routinely read for 20-30 minutes in the mornings during Ivy's morning nurse and sedated doze, while Esky played with her blocks beside me. This went on for some time...until I could no longer tolerate incremental doses of the best piece of fantasy I've ever read (which I know isn't saying as much as I'd like, since I admittedly tend to avoid the genre -- The Hobbit is mostly to blame -- after what felt like 14 pages describing a door in the shire, I made a sweeping and unforgiving judgement about books of such kind at a very young age).

Why I'm throwing superlatives around:

Daughter is less dwarves and goblins (or worse, princesses.../gag) and more...hmmm...vivid, affronting and uncommon.
The lead characters are intelligent, witty and captivating.
I tolerate most female protagonists (and that is me being kind, if we're talking about you, Bella). Daughter's Karou is so much smarter and tougher than Katniss (c'mon, you can't tell he likes you? Really?).
It has such a well-crafted pace to it.
I saw some things coming, sure, but it was absolutely no less delicious to devour the details of anticipated events unfolding. But it was also impossible to anticipate everything -- what with all that's going on in the narrative and "incremental doses" being thrown to the wind.
My favourite writing style...to. date. I said it. I know, as if one superlative wasn't enough, right? I like Taylor's writing...so much. Maybe you'll entirely disagree, but for me, she strikes the balance just right -- variety of vocabulary and devices without self-consciousness or distraction; a distinct lack of highly elaborate little doors...

Cautions:

Like many other YA lit trilogies, (yes, embrace it, it's one of more -- and thank goodness, I want more), all love therein is star-crossed. Two cautions in one. /wink
Much like Meyer's bag (and treatment within The Host, in particular), Taylor's "love" is seriously charged and she gives you all but the hanky panky.
Daughter is pretty dark. If you think the Harry Potter books are blasphemy, you should not read this book. I tensed here and there initially, nervous that the novel was going to take me places I would not be willing to follow...but in the end, I was satisfied that the world of the novel is not a negative commentary on religion, although it shares some religious motifs. Read as fantasy, it's fantastical. Go figure.
Some of the covers and images circulating for the book do it no justice -- which is a crying shame for people like myself -- judgers-by-the-covers folk (sometimes I find a book has to work to undo it's negative first impression..."Eck" example here). The German illustrations (below) are much more befitting how I pictured Karou, and a better match to my perception of the novel's style.

Image Souce

So it's out now. You don't even have to wait. You're welcome.

In fact, you can even taste-test the first two chapters here.

Eight Post Scripts at 8:00

2011-11-15T20:00:00.000+13:00

P.S.:

If you thought the posters were exciting, you should see the trailer. Holding in the excitement-pee as best I can, but I'm not sure for how long.
Like many of you, I am pretty selective about the books that line our shelves and fill our library bag...but some gifted books are handled and cuddled (surely she's not the only one that does this?) before they are screened...and I think in these cases, tape works wonders.
Altering endings -- as a mother's right -- is not new, in my family.
The Primary Presentation is always a treat, and this year's was no exception -- in fact, it was more magical to me because it had more children -- many of whom did not know each other well -- and because there were so many of those moments that "are" Primary Presentations (a child who virtually eats the microphone while delivering his line -- check; a child who is too shy when it comes her turn and so her mother says her part for her -- check; a child giving a part at the wrong time...and then again at the right time, to alert-audience-members' delight -- check; and a hilarious Mondegreen -- check...even better, it was one I'd heard before), as well as stacks of things I had seen so strong in any other presentation (children helping each other with their parts and giving thumbs' up to each other so frequently). So, so thrilled.
Esky joined the other Nursery children in singing two songs up the front...even though her bottom lip was trembling up a storm.
We revisited the very same orphaned lamb Esky saw two months ago, making her more than merry.
I am getting excited about suspending Ivy's initial next to her stocking, this year. I get all a-flutter when I remind myself that last Christmas she was a gender-mystery.
Haki came home for 2.5 days. It was glorious. Every minute of it. That lovely Mister sat and made 54 "gold medals" with me, the night before the presentation (chocolate coins suspended on ribbon with praise-stickers on top). He carried my bags. He played with our girls. He whispered sweet nothings, helped around the house, and made me laugh and laugh and laugh. He also reached over, bear-hugging me, and said, "Honey, if I had known back then how amazing you were going to be, I wouldn't have waited 6 days." And he said about six things this sickly sweet.

I moonlight as a Book Editor

2011-11-14T11:06:00.000+13:00

I was making beds and drawing back curtains whilst Haki read to Esky, one morning not too long ago. I would occasionally cock my head and pause to listen to how he would read a line I had read so many times, and how she would react to his delivery. Then I'd draw the next curtain open and continue along my invisible but well-trodden morning path, smiling.

The elsewhere rhythm was disrupted when Haki called across the hallway, "Ah, hon'? What's this?" I mentally replayed the last few lines I'd heard in the current story, and immediately knew which page the pair had reached.

The page with the tape.

I waved him on, past the pages taped together, waving away his raised eyebrows too.

The story follows a young monster called Henry, whom Big Bird comes to visit. All morning Henry's mother is busy (read: ignoring him), occupied with a new baby brother. After repeatedly seeking her attention, Henry eventually loses it and screams that he wishes his baby brother was never born...then the mother stops and hugs him (see him wiping away the tears?) and gives him the much-needed affirmation that he is still loved.*

Or rather, that's how the story used to go. In Esky's version Henry does a lot of waiting, and then the mother is seen to spontaneously realise it is time to divert her attentions to the elder sibling, and comforts him. Thanks, tape.

So I do some sticking doctoring...doesn't everybody?

This was not the first time, nor do I expect it to be the last.

*I get that such feelings and outcries happen, but I don't see the need to suggest them if they haven't. I mean, Esky has never displayed anything but affection for her little sister, and if she felt her needs were not being met, she'd tell me -- in words. And if she should ever lose her temper -- I'd respond (differently to this, I might add)...but again, I see no cause for reading and rereading a story wherein it appears that is how you get your mother to express affection. Quite the opposite,-- when Esky is helpful and patient, I pour love out in helicopter-bucketloads.

Food Wins

2011-11-11T20:59:00.001+13:00

Esky eats all of her packed lunch when it's in one of these "lunch boxes" (also known as a "tool box" at Payless Plastics -- $1.99):

I dig fun lunches.
We don't have fancy Bento boxes, I don't cookie-cut shapes every time my toddler requires lunch on the road, but I do like compartments, and I can fill these fast. This box is a fairly typical example of Esky's preferred "tidy snacks" -- pistachios/almonds/Sultana Buds; cheese; popcorn; dried apricots; raisins/yoghurt-covered raisins. Other tidy lunch favourites: Crispy Noodles, all manner of fruit (grapes are a favourite), crackers in many shapes and sizes, biersticks, Fruit Squirts, Cheerios cereal, and left-over homemade pizza.
She's not into raw vegetables so much yet -- maybe I'll call upon the powers of the cookie cutters for those. Or not. Maybe later. She does eat veges cooked in meals and smoothies.
I say "tidy lunch," because lunches at home often feature scrambled eggs, yoghurt, not-pizza-left-overs or other utensils-required foods -- I'm talkin' about the foods that are easily eaten anywhere -- wherever we may be when hunger strikes.

What are tidy-lunch / finger food winners for you or the little ones you know?

Esky is a big jelly fan (Jello, for you, Americans). With grocery shopping becoming a tightrope act (for everybody, am I right?), I'm finding jelly once or twice a week is an easy way to still have treats or dessert without breakin' the family food-bank. Yeah, I'm not a vegan, or a food colouring hater.

What's your low cost sweet fix? Because much of homemade baking's sure ceasing to be cheap, in NZ anyway (hello, $6.00 butter!).

These pictures make me very, very happy. Yes, I saw the idea on Pinterest, and I find it radsky-doodle...but that is not why. Esky is eating peanut butter inbetween those apple slices and minimallows...

Peanut butter.
You see, Esky was allergic to peanuts, and all tree nuts -- with the exception of almonds -- up until about a month ago.

When I say "allergic," I mean her face puffed up and she broke out in hives within 20 minutes of consuming a small amount (a streak of peanut butter on the tip of a teaspoon = reaction 1).
It was clear each time what the cause had been.
With the peanuts, it got progressively worse each time she was exposed (faster reaction with smaller amounts). We stayed clear of them as a result -- it only took twice to be certain they were a no-go.
With the tree nuts, I observed the hives only, and so added them to the "try later" list, with no interest in testing further at that stage. I don't like ambulance rides much.
It had been almost two years since her last exposure to the pesky legume when I decided I would test. It was when I decided I wanted to make Reese's Slice -- with her awake. I let her dip her finger into the batch bowl, and then watched the clock. 20 minutes, nothing. 30, nothing. An hour...nothing. I let her have at it. And we haven't looked back since.
I stocked my trolley with peanut products, and tree nuts in all their varieties the next week at the supermarket. I didn't get much else.
It looks like cashews still bring on the hives, but hey -- I was starting to think my kid was going to be "that kid" -- who not only was missing out on a lot of taste experiences (and some seriously delicious creations made with them), but seemed bound to become that snivelling fragile thing at the birthday parties and school camps, sucking on her inhaler behind a centimeter of sunblock, complaining of pollen in the air whilst scrutinising the contents of every cookie -- and so having one li'l nut bring on hives is sounding pretty nice about now.**
It feels so liberating to be able to lather peanut butter on a cracker and hand it to my kid. Esky had turned her nose up at many a sandwich I'd made -- jam was the only sure thing...so to have a spread that is not all sugar added to my arsenal feels like a serious parental pay day. I will still be serving her combinations of deli meats, cheese, yeast spreads and other things too -- I'm a big believer in re-exposing for those ever-changing taste buds, but I'm just sayin' -- hallelujah for the PB! /crowd cheering
Feel free to post peanut butter snack ideas and sandwich/toast winners that aren't jam, won't you? I'm trying PB and banana tomorrow.
Pistachios are Esky's favourite nut, presently. Big time.

Oh, and Pinterest taught me this trick too:

Pin real life; use Pinterest to inspire instead of evoke desire.

Feel free to...

...but know that I will no doubt trawl your boards for more food fun.

**For the record, Esky hasn't had a second"asthmatic event," takes an uber-mild liquid antihistamine for her hay fever that works a treat, and is a healthy level of sunsmart.

Yum Yum Kids Giveaway Winner

2011-11-11T19:17:00.001+13:00

You win.

Good job!

Avy Shakes as Sorbets...

2011-11-10T18:40:00.001+13:00

...are delicious, for the record.

I've been all sensible and self-restrained lately -- when we've made Avy Shakes I've poured a modest glass for me (okay, it's one really large glass, pictured, but in the past, it was two of those), one for Esky, and then frozen the rest -- either in single serve tubs (I use cheapo jelly moulds) or in an old icecream container. I find it's not as sweet, frozen, but that's kind of a relief...because I feel like I need to peel back after the "modest" glass I've had only a day before. Spreading the calories over multiple days (two consecutive days is pretty much the best I can do) makes these more acceptable, surely.

And...oOooOo, less than 24 hours to enter

(hop to original post here):

Product Review and Giveaway: Yum Yum Kids Review Part 2

2011-11-09T14:28:00.000+13:00

Part 1 - I told you about how sometimes you can get something for nothing.

Part 2 - Now I tell you about the products I've tried, and give away free stuff; read on.

News on the bubba-front;

(mush = avocado, in this case)

Armed with free, solicited advice, I browsed Yum Yum Kids' online store for more support of a different variety.

I found plenty of objects of desire;

(For those who also follow dear Stella, and saw her recent DIY play kitchen -- with all its trappings -- you'll spy a Polka Dot Tea Set very similar to the greatly-sought-after-one she shared.)

In spite of being a little too giddy, initially -- viewing all of the options -- I was able to settle on some great products to review (again, with My Nutrionist's help);

BPA-free Baby Food Freezer Tubs ~ A Thermos Foogo Food Jar ~ Cheeky Chopsticks ~ Skip Hop Zoo Divided Plate ~ Grippables 3-piece Cutlery Set

Review, we did;

It's funny how much having one specialised product changed my attitude. I make almost all of my babies' "mush" food, but I didn't have an intricate system when it came to storing it. I've used ice cube trays before, and casually frozen a little here and there...but now that I have these I feel like my efforts have been elevated to an art form. It helps that Phase 1 foods are easy. Now I am constantly cycling homemade foods through the fridge and freezer, and I feel pretty chuffed about it. There's something about having a removable little container of stuff I've made that I can heat on demand, washing it with its lid attached (big appeal for me -- I don't like having lots of parts floating around), and doing it all again -- it did make things easier, for me. I'm only sorry I didn't have these tubs when I had Esky -- they've proven a real catalyst for me taking homemade foods more seriously. As parents, it's hard to do it all -- sew our kids clothes from paisley curtains and crochet their winter-wear and or feed them entirely from a home garden and use cloth nappies, etceteraaaaa, but we can pick to do some of these things, and I now pick making our own baby food as one of mine.

Esky is crazy about the Cheeky Chopsticks;

Here she is making them smooch. Because that's what cheeky chopsticks do.

I've always been a fan of divided plates, and this one is sturdier than many I've handled in stores. Esky requests it routinely. Here she is with spaghetti with and without sauce (she always requests this, but eats both). She's also using her new cutlery, which is her preference now -- it's a smart intermediary step between her "baby cutlery" and the family stuff.

More positives:

The Thermos is easy to wash.
The Yum Yum Kids' site is easy to use and its search tool is superior to those in many other online stores I've encountered -- keywords render actual results. In fact, if you know what something's called, you can skip browsing around for it and go straight to the search box, confident it'll spit out what you're after -- a big plus, in my book.
The club and newsletter you're enticed to join upon visiting the site is actually relevant -- there are legitimate discounts and offers exclusive to joining. I'm always a little bugged by sites that build subscription into your first order, or tantalise you with some deal to sign up -- and later you find all you get is junk about sales offered on a very small portion of merchandise (often making their priciest products more reasonable). YYK offers storewide discounts (credit upon sign-up), and a cash discount voucher with your first order's delivery.
I don't just dig YYK's stuff when I get it for free-to-review -- the marketing incentives did their work on me -- I've already ordered more goods since (read: paid to have products).
You can pay by direct credit (not just credit/debit card). I really like when sites offer this option.

A few neg's:

I let Kate know it'd be nice if you could add items to your cart and keep on shopping without being taken to the cart after each selection. Kate is already onto this. She takes notes well.
The Foogo Thermos is brilliant -- but it doesn't keep very small volumes of food warm for long (i.e. first weeks of eating for Ivy -- a tablespoon or two per meal). I'm excited to take warm lunches / cool treats for both girls over the years in these though!
YYK stocks premium products, and the prices reflect this...which unfortunately means it falls outside of many families' weekly budget. I am confident, however, that some items, once purchased, would pay for themselves quickly.

Some things I'd love to see in the future:

Engraved/stamped baby spoons? I think these make darling baby shower gifts and beautiful keepsakes for children when they move out of home.
A "Fun Lunch" section? I'm a fan of sectioned lunch boxes, and seeing images of ways other parents have made package-free, finger-food lunches appealling (especially the ones that look like they could be made them quickly still!) Maybe kiwis could submit photos and share ideas -- bringing another interactive element to the site?
...and in the same vein, I'd love to see the range of cookie cutters grow -- since these are great for cutting so much more than dough!
Silly straws? I know these have been part of what makes green smoothies fun, in our home.

YOUR TURN!

You can win a groovy pack for a li'l eater at your place! (or for some other li'l eater you love...) The giveaway package consists of a retro-style melamine tumbler, bowl and plate set (mix and match colours of your choice), some of the Grippables cutlery that's been a hit at our place (four colours to choose from), and a fun placemat (you pick the print).

To Enter:
Leave a comment telling me two things you would order from Yum Yum Kids (for you, or a friend). (Cool kids could even leave a link to your choice so I/others can take a look and nod in agreement).

If your email isn't linked to your profile, you'll need to include your email address in your comment. If an email-less entry is drawn, I will draw again, sorry.
Entries close Friday at 5:00pm, my time (see the sidebar clock). The winner will be announced very soon thereafter, and contacted via email.
Sorry, this competition is open to New Zealand readers only, but this next part's for everybody...

Like something you've seen? Order before Christmas, and My Nutrionist will give you 15% off of any of the items I've reviewed (The Freezer Tubs, all Thermos Food Jars, Cheeky Chopsticks, all Skip Hop Zoo Divided Plates, and Grippables Cutlery), PLUS 15% off that loverrrrrly tea set or a cardboard play oven! -- simply enter the coupon "SKREADER" before checking out.

Good luck!

The Primary Presentation and "How my life got all rearrang-ed"

2011-11-08T21:36:00.000+13:00

So, this has been on the horizon for some time;

...enough time for me to design and order these invitations on postcards via Vistacrack slow post, is how long.

And I'm inviting you now. You can totally come, if you're in the neighbourhood.

In related news, I have spent almost every moment Esky has slept, between the hours of 6:00pm and 12:00am (sometimes later, and sometimes in the day) on the phone for the past week and a half.

Why?

Explanation for the non-Mormons / those short on time / disinterested in churchy details:
The nature and scope of my churchy responsibilities changed overnight..and before a fairly significant event I'm responsible for. It's tricky. Really tricky. I'm rollin' with it.

Explanation for the Mormon readers / Ambitious / Die-hard fans:
Dunedin had two branches (congregations of people). Sunday before last, these were dissolved, new boundaries given, and two new branches were formed. Every single person in the room was released from their current callings, over the pulpit, and thanked for their service. There were audible gasps, murmurs, and a heavy hum of shock. New branch presidencies were announced, and we were told that the auxiliary presidents would be called throughout the day. The Primary (children's organisation) I had overseen was now split into two different branches -- with two different meeting times. And no one was technically serving in Primary, as yet. All this, two weeks before the Primary Presentation. I was recalled that day as Primary president (during a combined Primary I was overseeing, at the time -- logistically a "big task" in and of itself) in the Dunedin 2nd Branch, and am now undertaking the task of reorganising a Primary -- consisting of teachers, leaders and children -- many of whom I do not know...at the same time as salvaging a presentation and its accompanying rehearsal and preparation. I can't communicate clearly how time-consuming and arduous this is...nor how necessary and right the changes that made this so difficult are. It's necessary labour, but it sure is labour.

Yes, Haki is away.

The end.

Ask a Nutrionist: Yum Yum Kids Review Part 1

2011-11-03T22:34:00.000+13:00

Part 1 - I tell you about how sometimes you can get something for nothing.

Part 2 - I tell you about the products I've tried, and give away free stuff. Don't be late.

Yum Yum Kids' point of difference is in its specialisation and personalisation; there are a lot of options out there for online shopping for children's products, but I've seen few sites with this kind of edge. Yum Yum Kids specialises in supporting parents in feeding their children -- through milk, mush, and beyond. Instead of buying a feeding product from a sales clerk or business owner stocking everything from cots to carseats, you're dealing with someone who loves and knows stacks about food -- for any age. Why? Because the wizard behind the curtain is not only a sweetheart, she's a Nutritionist....a Nutritionist dispensing advice...for free.

I like free stuff. Quality free stuff is the best kind, and so I'm stumped as to why I'd now go anywhere else for this kind of advice. What kind? I'll show you what kind;

I asked:
I am exclusively nursing a 5-month-old and caring for a 2-year-old while my husband travels excessively. I have been suffering from fatigue for over a month, along with bouts of dizziness, light-headedness and occasional headaches – not surprising? Well, according to my blood test results, my iron and B vitamin levels are great, and there are no signs of infection or anything viral. Apart from other changes I’m making in regards to sleep, water, and sunshine (which I’m getting plenty of), is there anything in my diet I should seriously examine to see if I can counter these symptoms nutritionally?

Kate answered:
My first answer would have been iron and B vitamins but you have got that covered with the blood tests. Although frustrating that it doesn’t give a reason why you are feeling the way you are it is a good thing they are normal. Definitely water and sleep make a big difference, although with a 5 month old and 2 year old sleep probably sounds like a foreign term. My next question would be are you eating enough (quantity-wise)? Dizziness etc could be to not having enough food in your tum tum. Remember when breastfeeding you do need more, not just more energy (kJ) but also more of fruit, veges, carbohydrates and protein. So it is about quality of diet not just quantity. Choose foods based on what they are a good source of i.e. dark, green leafy veges for folate. Protein rich foods are also a good source of iron and B12 so although your levels are fine it might help keep them that way. Try and write down for a couple of days and see what you are really eating, then assess this against what you should be eating! You will spot any gaps pretty quickly.

Epiloguey-follow-upness:
I concentrated on eating more food, generally, after Kate's feedback, and things rapidly improved. We'll never know for sure if this was responsible wholly or in any part for the mystery illness departing hence, but I feel much better, and have ever since I started eating a crazy volume of quality foods.

I asked:
In an effort to enrich my diet, one of the things I’ve adopted in my daily menu is a green smoothie – my preferred green being spinach. What are your thoughts on green smoothies? Spinach has been given quite a ribbing in relation to how much iron is actually absorbed when consumed, but I’m thinking iron is not all this leafy goodie is offering – I’m not wasting my time, right? Surely Pop-eye wouldn’t lie.

Kate answered:
Pop-eye definitely wouldn’t lie and you are right it is more than just iron. However, there is some truth to the point re the absorption of non-haem iron (basically iron found in plant sources) and the fact that it is not absorbed or used by the body as well as iron in red meat is. It can help to team the plant based iron with vitamin C i.e. tomato, orange or kiwi fruit -- as this will signifcantly improve how much is absorbed. Spinach, as I say, is also a good source of folate, so no, you are not just using it for the iron content – plus it helps contribute to your 6 serves of fruit and vege you are aiming for when breastfeeding. So not a time waster at all – just be realistic about why you are having it would be my only suggestion. If it is for iron alone then you can probably make some better food choices for this.

I asked:
During pregnancy, we are bombarded with messages about food safety, which are only reiterated when we being introducing first solids to infants. The possibilities for using a Thermos food jar (like the ones I see you stock) appeal to me, but is it really safe to keep foods at warm to lukewarm temperatures for hours at a time, rather than serving soon after heating? What are the rules for using this product? I would love to make a warm meal and have it available, warm, the entire day that I’m out!

Kate answered:
You are right to have concern with this, and yes, food safety is really important to consider. The reason that we sell the Thermos food jars and not any others is because of the quality and the rigouros testing that has been done on the product. Thermos products use TherMax vacuum insulation which virtually eliminates temperature change by creating an airless vacuum space between two stainless steel walls. This in human speak means that as long as the food is hot enough when it goes it it will be fine from a food safety perspective. To be extra safe you can pre-heat the jar with hot water for 5 – 10 minutes. The food safety concern only comes into play when as you say food is left to sit at an undesirable temperature for too long. Just to reitterate though that it won’t keep for the entire day. I would say a morning (i.e. 5 hours).

Did I fail to ask your question? Read more Q&A here, or add a "Q" of your own!

Watch this space for Part 2 of the Yum Yum Kids review, for my honest opinion about some products designed to assist in making feeding exciting...

...as well as some products for making Super-Mumming easier during the ol' mush phase.
Oh, and for the awesome giveaway, of course.

NB:

Thanks Mousehouse Megan, for gettin' me and Kate together -- this is the first review opportunity I've had in a while that I wanted to get behind.
Yup, I received products in return for my review and giveaway...but I say what I like here. You'll see in Part 2, there are some positives and some negatives...

Eight "Have you..." Questions at 8:00

2011-10-29T20:00:00.000+13:00

Have you ever deliberately mixed a single glass of powdered milk, badly, so that you could eat the milk powder lumps and called it "dessert?" Neither. /sideways-glances-belying-the-truth
Have you read The Hunger Games? If not, why not, already?!
Have you seen the posters and stills for the movie adaptations of The Hunger Games popping up like dark spring daisies all over the webiverse? ...daisy, daisy, daisy. Eee - March 2012!
Have you ever won anything? I have. A lot. No, I didn't win an Alot, but I do win a ... lot. This past month I've won twice - one semi-fancy prize I don't care to name because I'm giving it away as a gift (it was from Telecom), the other was a serious pack of All Blacks kids gear - head-to-toe fan stuff (from buying a pack of Treasures nappies).
Have you read this article about how we are getting so OSH-mad we're ruining the kiddilicks? We're ruining them, I tell you. This is thought-provoking, parent-wise too.
Have you ever thought Mormons were pretty freaky / creepy / weird / crazy? Go on, be honest. Clearly you're not carrying a giant stick with "Let's get those Mormons," on it, or you wouldn't spend any time in these parts...wait, you didn't know I was a Mormon? I am. So, back to the question, I'm intrigued - is there anything I've ever said / posted that made you go, "Really, Mormons do that? I thought they only wore yellow shirts on the fourth Sunday after a pink moon in the West." Or do you think Mormons are pretty well understood now? Hmmm? I got thinking about it because of this documentary project about Mormons. (Yeah, I realise the question in bold is past tense. I get it if you still think we're weird...because you do spend time in these parts. Thanks for staying anyway.)
Have you heard of schemas? In the Early Childhood Education sense? I love them. I find some educational theory is blahblahblah, but schemas, for me, are such a fascinating way to consider and think about little humans and their learning. After reading (a little) around the subject, I found what I'd read was shaping the play oppotunities I was creating for Esky...in a marvellous way. Schemas = good times.
Have you ever wished Gregory House was your GP? I have. I do, regularly. The wish includes a proviso that I am his favourite patient. Ever. Because I'm a smart Wisher.

Answer one, eight, or anything in between -- I welcome it.

Aw, this "Eight at 8:00" from the archives has me all sentimental...over yooooooou (Esky). And I am so very often reliving item 6 on that list, with Ivy. It's what you do to get the cutest shots, I say. I SAY!

A Very Long Photo Caption

2011-10-29T09:58:00.000+13:00

Here is a photo from one of Haki's recent trips home. Not his latest one -- he'll have you know -- because no-ho-hoooo, he is much browner now. Anyhow, this scene could be from almost any of his trips home; while we do spend lots of time laughing, playing, out and about, in and about, and doing things, a lot of napping goes on too. Especially naps of the spontaneous-Papa-nap variety. This is such a nap. You may also observe Esky is touching her "magic button" (she has ever since I weaned her off of touching mine, which is what I weaned her onto when I weaned her off of what the expression "weaned her off of" is really used to refer to). This shot also depicts a number of solo-mothering adaptations to the room -- present after Papa's arrival; a toilet roll for middle-of-the-night sneezes, a "baby" monitor so I can be far away with Ivy even though there is no one else to listen out for my toddler, a "book wall" wedged in by the rail so Esky's drink bottle won't fall down and require I come and fetch it (Esky never gets out of bed once in). You can't see them, but there are also pins holding her sheet to her top blanket to prevent a sheet worm emerging at her feet below her covers in the night. Hallelujah for summer and a duvet alone! You may also spy gifts from lovely friends -- handmade pillowcases and wall art -- prized gifts. One of my homemade mobiles and Esky's silhouette. And there, there is the rail that Pop fashioned and fixed to the bed -- another solo-mothering adaptation/cure for bumps in the night. Also, this is one of Esky's last day naps. She doesn't do it very often anymore, and if she does, she doesn't do it here.

So, how long can you type about one photo? Hmmmm? Seriously. Do it...and leave me a link, I'll visit. Promise.

No thanks.

2011-10-28T09:55:00.000+13:00

Before (gag):

After (ah):

"$0 Bag," I kid you not.

2011-10-27T21:46:00.001+13:00

Driving along, with two small humans sleeping in their carseats behind me, I found myself reflecting on the bounty I left with after a recent wardrobe swap -- as one is prone to do. I decided then that I lacked tops. More tops, was all I needed, to make the wardrobe transformation complete. I remembered I also lacked funding for such a frivolous venture.

I remembered the dangerous place I found in the valley, and considered the shrapnel I'd felt clashing in the zipped sleeve of my wallet earlier that day, when I'd loaded it into my satchel. The dangerous place in the valley only requires a measly dollar to fill a bag. If I were to fill an entire bag with tops -- without trying them on -- surely one would be a winner, and that find would improve my current habit of wearing a single top with/under/combo-ed with every cardi / sweater / blazer / scarf / vest I own. I'd virtually double my options. (Realistically, I do have other tops, I just don't wear them much at all.)

I went.

In under 4 minutes, I filled a bag, and was (kindly) told to leave without paying (kidmeat-hauling pity?).

With the aid of the Eskinator (who has learned how to run photobooth), I share;

NB:

When I proudly shared my bag's contents with Haki (yes, he comes home occasionally...and yes, I'm deliberately vague about when), he said, "Aren't three of those the same colour as the one you already wear all the time?"
I do a pretty mean mock-squinty, "Hey!"
If you look closely (because that's fun), you'll find The Top I Currently Live In is in the majority of the pics (all but two). He's kind of right.
I have three of The Top I Currently Live In. It/they has/have puffy sleeves. It probably shouldn't be worn under other tops, for this reason.
Yes, I am proudly using the "Boob Crush" arm-fold pose in more than one of these shots in an effort to hide The Hiders from y'all.
Haki took the computer away that took these photos. I know you will all miss the sub-par backdrop, lighting and reflected "Family" text dearly. We'll adapt, rest assured.
In shot 5, you'll note Esky decides her duties as assistant extend beyond clicking the cursor on a red button to passing the next top to be tried on and saying, "Now this one, Mama!"
None of these items are combined as I would wear them, day-to-day, for the record. That's just way too much time on something I'm already giving too much time.
I said that top on the chair was a dud, but I'm wearing it now as I add this edit -- it's nothing special, but I actually like it for layering. NO DUDS! (and the other shirt I gave to a young lass at church.)
I like my free jeans too.

Free.
All of it.
The end.

Rockets, Roads, Rolls, Rainbows and...Milk

2011-10-24T10:31:00.000+13:00

I'm still finding that doing one novel thing each day with Esky -- usually in the morning -- sets me up for ripper of a day. No matter how relaxed, chore-filled, or chaotic the rest of the day may become, Esky is chirpier, more helpful and sweeter when she knows that making her day memorable came first. Perhaps she wouldn't frame it in those exact terms, but I can see the difference 5 minutes makes -- it's a no-brainer investment.

Here's some of her favourite novelties from the past month:

I calendar each activity for planning purposes and to help Esky with the measurement of time; Esky can't comprehend, "Papa will be home in 5 weeks," but she can see activity images on a calendar and thereby measure days and weeks leading up to a landing plane illustration.

Pinspiration here, here, here, here and here. Some of these were repins, others were old-time pins of my own. All are valued, so thank you, sharing types.

Pin real life; use Pinterest to inspire instead of evoke desire.

Feel free to...

...but know that I will no doubt trawl your boards for more fun-fodder.

Score: $11.50 Spent

2011-10-22T08:53:00.000+13:00

$11.50 spent...
...at the Butterflies op shop, Mosgiel (a week ago);

Fyi...

The puzzle is a close second on the loved list, and it was 50 cents - clean, intact and marvellous.
Here's where I say: I didn't even photograph everything. Yup. A good day indeed.

An Ode to Reese's Slice

2011-10-21T19:45:00.002+13:00

(aforementioned)

I promised better photos of this beloved creation.

Behold:

See! See! I can wait until it's set before cutting in and devouring! This batch is much improved for it.

It is already all gone, at the time of posting. Ahem.

Stickermule, Creative Fuel

2011-10-20T10:57:00.001+13:00

Nick, from Stickermule sent me an email saying they would love to print some stickers for me in return for a mention on my blog. A hundred smackers worth of stickers.

Well, if you're gonna twist my arm.

Stickermule specialises in printing custom stickers in bulk; think of them as a wholesaler for designers or aspiring creative peop's - you can come up with a unique laptop or iPhone skin, and then order a set for family and friends, or to sell in your Etsy store or market stall. You can do pretty much any kind of sticker you want, really...and have them printed on vinyl, trimmed to size, and delivered to your door (worldwide).

And the site's branding and tools are sharp, as are the staff.

What did I do with my store credit?
I designed and ordered stacks of these babies:

And I love them. Don't be surprised if you get one tucked in an envelope sometime soon. Unless I don't seem to like you much, then be surprised. Although the chances of both you reading more than 100 words about my hobbies and me not seeming to like you are highly improbable.

One of the things I was most impressed with about using Stickermule was their ordering process. Templates are available, the steps are straight-forward, and payment is not deducted from your account until you are happy with the proof you are emailed. And the team at Stickermule fix poor quality images and accept any file type -- how appealing is that?

While completing my order, I picked up a few glitches in the matrix -- they were mostly a result of me being a New Zealand customer -- Stickermule had these fixed in a jiffy (you're welcome, future NZ customers).

In sum, I'm impressed. A company that is confident an open review (I say what I want here, folks) will be favourable is usually confident for a reason; Stickermule's service and product is top notch.

Keep in mind you're buying in bulk, and you're paying for quality, and I think you'll be happy with it too.

Eight Opinions at 8:00

2011-10-14T20:00:00.000+13:00

I'm of the opinion that...

Monkey bars aren't for grown-ups. Surely. Not self-respecting, steroid-free ones, SURELY. Have you tried to swing across those things recently?
Wardrobe swaps rule. I went to a great one. I was pretty nervous...mainly because much of my actual wardrobe (read "worn wardrobe") consists of three ensembles appropriately described as, "Possibly slept in, definitely comfortable, certainly unflattering." I was sure to wear one of my other outfits to the swap (I've been known to do that a few days a week). Anyhow, lovely people and rad-rad clothes meant I left feeling like I'd given my entire collection an overhaul and refresh with zero cash spent and great gals met. Thanks, Bee and Gem! Thanks for the muffins too, sweet Bee, I hope you understand that I've frozen them for future enjoyment!
Talent shows are entertainment and a work-out. Well, namely X-Factor doubles as both. I stream episodes while I post / upload photos / edit / email and I find myself stopping for some introductions and performances. I freeze. I mean it - I tense up all over as though I'll be shot if I twitch. Until the person sings, I'm a rock. Then when they do sing, I tense and untense throughout their performance as they go for each high note or when they make a move as though they're about to dance. It's involuntary; I've tried to turn it off, and it's not working - I'll take deep breaths and slowly release every muscle and then think, "There, stay like that, aaaaah," and 10 seconds later I go, "What the? I'm all tensed again." Occasionally, I also get butterflies.
Patrick Jane is pretty much a super hero. (Yup, something else I stream once the kidlets are out for the count.) Cho is my sidekick of choice.
The crazy fatigue thing was not sleep or overdoing it, it was a virus or something else, because I am telling you, I have had so little sleep and done so much in the past week (including nursing like I have triplets), and I'm feeling fine (recovering from the gastrobug included). That other thing was horrendous - I mean, puking's no cakewalk (well, recognisable cake, anyway, and you'd be running, wouldn't you), but it is so short-lived. Thank goodness. May the drawn-out mystery illness ne'er return! Argh!
Mocka's still super. Their balance bikes are on special again (I felt bad that their sale ended right when I posted about it last time).
The teacher in me never dies. I caught myself doing uniform checks as I drove by one of my previous schools last week.
My husband's hot. And I miss him. Haki and I have been on precisely one date without Ivy since she was born. We went weekly after Esky. A willing watcher is not to blame...the husband next-to-never being here, however, has everything to do with it.

There are eight, Sherry! Lisa! LOOK!

For My Nurse

2011-10-13T20:53:00.000+13:00

Today, Esky and I fashioned a toy stethoscope from found objects;

left-over clothes-line,
electrical tape,
a circular magnet,
earpieces from a pair of rejected headphones, and
two beads (Esky's idea).

It's the least my nurse deserves.

I've realised in my husband's absence, my two-year-old is my best friend. Sincerely. Sorry if you thought it was you.

It's a shame she can't say the same of me;

That's right, Lily and her dress of many colours received all of the attention after this project was complete - rest assured, she's breathing and sounding very well, according to the nurse's reports and praise...and "She's very brave" to boot. Who can compete with all that?

The Yellowy-Green Wave

2011-10-12T15:39:00.001+13:00

Eck.

24-hour bug, Positives and Negatives:
(the squeamish should stop here)

Negative: Lacking a second set of parent arms to cradle sickly babes.
Positive: Haki was spared the grief of enduring the virus and the heart-wrenching sights and smells of sick babes.

Negative: All that barfing. And you-know-whatting.
Positive: When Esky, entering the bathroom and looking at my latest icecream container of expelled bleh (which I was flushing), said, "It's yellow, like Kashin the elephant!"* I was laughing before the pre-chunder sweat had even dried from my brow; kids are awesome.
*Yup, ASB bank's branding sure works on my child - Kashin is one of two piggybanks ASB gifted Haki when he opened his business account. Like Pig (her other piggybank from BNZ - which we don't even have account with), Kashin has been relegated to the bath.

Negative: Not having my sisters or mother close by - not even on the the same island.
Positive: Having a mother-in-law who, without hesitation, not only drove out to help us (risking infection /gag), but informed work she would be leaving early to do so. She came bearing many get-well foods and the second set of arms.

Negative: We're all wiped...
Positive: ...and cuddly, so very cuddly.

Negative: We've been sick a lot, lately.
Positive: I had in lots of practise before this hit, as well as some practical measures that help to alleviate things - like being ready with containers near each bed, covering pillows with towels (thanks Ana - so obvious and smart!), and asking for help instead of trying to prove something by doing it alone. I've learned. Finally.

Negative: This time, I caught it. I've been dreading the day I get sick at the same time as the girls - watching your cherubs in temporary suffering is enough, but scrubbing the vom-chunks in between vomiting myself took things to a new low.
Positive: If I hadn't fallen sick immediately after Esky, I would have missed out on seeing Esky transform into a nurse. She replicated everything she'd observed me do over the previous 24 hours - back-rubbing, hair stroking, extra-frequent hugs, offers to get water, and high fives for achievements - like getting all of the spew in the nearest receptacle and surviving each burst. Nurse Esky = Adorable. Almost worth getting sick to see. Almost.

Negative: Even though I know this will all be over soon (Esky and I are moving slowly, but we're much better, Ivy's the last one to mend), I also know mounds of washing in various states of soaking and scrubbing await me.
Positive: I live in a time and place with a modern shower, washing machine and many buckets - I cannot imagine doing this without those...poor humans who did/do. When Esky first soiled all of the blankets, her pyjamas and mine, and all of her hair, we got into the shower/bath with all of the muck, washed ourselves and linen, and then put the plug in and topped up with water, vinegar and lavendar. I faced it the next day - with next to no smell. Modern, first-world luxuries.

Negative: This is the first time I've seen a baby sick this way. I cried a wee bit the first time I saw her wretching, but I've got that under control now, for Esky's sake. /phew
Positive: This is also the first time I've seen how a baby feels zero obligation to stay awake or do anything when said baby feels like trash. Ivy is dozing non-stop, and unlike her toddler sister, does not fight the fatigue and nausea to play.

Negative: My milk supply took a serious hit after 30 hours without food (well, there was that one banana, but it came out looking like Kashin).
Positive: Dry toast is a five star meal after 30 hours without food.

Negative: We're all wiped...
Positive: ...and cuddly, so very cuddly.

Even Lucius must've detected the toll this short-term illness has been taking, as he went out and caught his first rabbit and spread its entrails by the front door as a sympathy gift; "Good morning!".

The Lighthouse Garden Tour - October 2011

2011-10-10T20:49:00.000+13:00

I've taken my snappedy snaps earlier this year - I'll catalogue this garden's ways yet (although I still missed capturing the magic of the wild plum's blossoms a few weeks ago - they were breathtaking).

The daffodils declared Spring was coming through snow, more than a month ago, and many of these bulb wonders have stuck around;

Honesty is blooming (although I prefer its silvery seed sheaths to the mediocre purple flower);

And this yellow beauty is attacting many-a-Tui:

See:

Thanks, oh yellowy one.

And I'm told I've suspended the swing from a wild ash tree. Whatever it is, it's my favourite thing on the property, those green blossoms look as though they are being cradled on elderly branch-fingers;

And what's a photo of a tyre swing without a shot of a happy swinglet?

Thank you, Mr Loveofmylife, for allowing us to enjoy this half acre, all day, any Spring day we choose.

I am giddy at the thought of what's to come! (Wisteria, Jasmine, Solomon's Seal, and the Lillies, to name few!) I'm so pleased I took photos last Spring and Summer (Nov 2010; Jan 2011).

I am learning so much!
(Thanks Mum! And my green-thumbed readers and Lighthouse guests!)

P.S. So is Miss Esky, who gleefully spots and names Forget-me-nots where e'er we go! Yes, I have used an abundance of exclamation marks. The blooms made me do it.

Wordless Wednesday: She's Watching Every Move

2011-10-05T19:09:00.002+13:00

More wordlessness here and here.

Sabbath Amusements XVII

2011-10-03T19:48:00.001+13:00

Each Sunday in Primary (the part of our Sunday meeting I lead for children), we work towards learning one of the Articles of Faith of our church - 13 verses which summarise key tenets of what we believe.

Yesterday, we were focussing on the seventh;
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

I was breaking this down for my Junior Primary...and made a crack about how this does not imply we collect tongues and give them as presents which the recipients then read their futures from like a gaggle of Shakespearian witches (or I'd say an auspex, more accurately - it's been done you know). While we may be pretty peculiar as a people in many respects, this is not one of them. I clarified that in this case, us professing to believe in the "gift of tongues" and the "interpretation of tongues" is a declaration that we believe people are given inspiration or a talent for speaking in and/or understanding other languages, sometimes without study - and this gift helps communication and general understanding, and sometimes it is downright miraculous.

Without hesitation, Master N threw up his hand and earnestly submitted, "That is like Hans Solo and Chewbacca - because he says things that no one else can understand, but Hans Solo knows what he is saying."

Yes, it is exactly like that.

Reese's Slice for Kiwis

2011-09-30T09:11:00.003+13:00

My friend Heather knows I love Reese's everything. In great wisdom, she sent me this recipe she scored from a companion she served with on her mission. I made it with New Zealand equivalents. /drool. I'd venture this knock-off tops the actual cups! Here's my version of the blessed recipe (what are NZican's for, if not to serve?). If you're not living on the land of the long white cloud, you'll probably prefer using the original and its ingredients and terms.

Ingredients List 1

185g butter (3 x 50g slices, plus eyeball 70% of another)
Half of a 500g jar of smooth peanut butter (Preferably Eta, Sanitarium or Kraft)
2 1/4 cups icing sugar
1 cup fine Wheat Digestive crumbs (approx. one pack minus 8 biscuits) - I did these in the food processor. And for the record, if you haven't' had both Graham Crackers and Digestives, Wheat Digestives are the most similar product I've found we have - for other recipes you find with Grahams...including S'mores.

Method 1

Melt the butter in a large glass bowl in microwave.
Add peanut butter, sugar, and Digestive crumbs.
Mix with electric mixer until well combined.
Spread mixture evenly into (an ungreased) pan - a half roasting dish produced my thin slice, go with something smaller for a taller/thicker version.

Ingredients List 2
2 cups milk chocolate buttons (unmelted when measured)
3 (more) Tablespoons smooth peanut butter

Method 2

In another glass bowl, microwave the chocolate and peanut butter at half power in 30 second increments, quickly stirring in between each blast. For me, it was perfect after four 30-second bursts, then a much longer stir to melt any final lumps before a final 20 seconds of heating to ready it for pouring (it was only warm to the touch before the final hit), ,so that's 30+30+30+30 (longer stir) +20
Pour and spread evenly over the slice in the pan.
Refrigerate for 3 hours (minimum).* Overnight is ideal.
Cut into squares and serve.

Me yabbering:

These. are. so. good.
You can do it all without a microwave too, of course. Good luck with that. (I liked how speedy and easy it felt with, I confess).
While I was making these I was getting giddy at the prospect of making actual cups in patty cases, or pouring the chocolate first into moulds and topping with the PB mixture...and all sorts of things. But in retrospect, the slice is so easy, it'd have to be a pretty special occasion for me to slow down the preparation time...especially considering the consumption time would become a proportionally small fraction of that.
I just love no bake recipes sometimes.

The Lamb Quest

2011-09-28T20:47:00.001+13:00

After too many not-homes to count and an equal number of cherubic pleas; "May we find a farmer to pet a baby lamb, pleeeeeeease," we finally found a top human in Jill.

Jill was sitting, polishing off his lunch in a homestead signposted with "Nana and Granddad's - Sit back and be spoiled" at the front step. He pretended we weren't interrupting as he escorted us to some penned orphans, told us of the toll the snow had taken on ewes and lambs alike, and of his affection for his grandchildren (no surprises there).

Esky giggled and chattered with delight the entire ride home. (So I didn't split hairs and break it to her that all lambs are babies. Another day.)

Thank you, Jill, you lovely bloke, you.

Thrifty Digging

2011-09-27T21:28:00.000+13:00

I found a new place; a dangerous place. The kind of place where everything is cheap, but almost everything is also smelly/dirty/broken/torn/stained. What makes such a place dangerous is the "almost" - the prospect of finding diamonds in the rough.*

$1 for a handful of books (worth it just for the middle page of farm stickers I got in one book, or for the old school Sesame Street Encyclopedia, oooor for the Beatrix Potter classic)...

I got the basket for 50cents too.

One of the things I was most thrilled with, was stuffing 8 silk scarves in my $1 bag of clothing (along with 6 other clothing items!). I love silk scarves for me, and for all kinds of play.

I'm not alone.

Of all of the clothing items, I'm most chuffed with what shall henceforth be known as my Reese's jacket;

Technically, this jacket cost me about 7 cents. It's now freshly laundered in lavender wash and aaaaall mine.

Total spent: $3.00

*'The' place is a clothing barn in Kaikorai Valley. I have to go back too - there are piles of "free" clothing I would have dug through if I'd had time and a car to load the take in - rags!!! I found this place on what was meant to be a leisurely walk, but it turned out to be one of the most demanding work-outs of my life; pushing 28kg of kidmeat and stroller in a fierce headwind for 30 minutes is surprisingly hard work. Has anyone else ever been caught out by the same? Jeepers.

Four Finds

2011-09-26T14:51:00.000+13:00

I'm aware many of you are time poor - that the last thing you need is to stumble upon another read-worthy subscription - I hear you.

Nonetheless, here are four posts you may not have seen that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this week.

A great post featuring a jaw-dropper of a Mondegreen.
A li'l list on why motherhood makes you smart.
An eye-opening account about living with someone with Bi-polar disorder.
Renee's heartfealt plea for all to learn the symptoms of meningitis, personally (you may have seen the story on her dearly missed brother on 60 Minutes).

Reminder: Free pack of night naps up for grabs (posted to your door), just leave a comment here.

My Parrot

2011-09-24T21:07:00.000+12:00

Today, Esky and I were quasi-playing* snakes and ladders on a el-cheapo board with three-dimensional snakes and ladders... (rad, I know - the ladders and snakes are raised ramps and gullies that move the marble playing pieces to their new advanced or backtracked spot). Esky picks up the two marbles, and handing one to me, leaning towards me over the board, whispers, "You can have this special one because you did your poo in the toilet."

Epilogue:
She joined in riotous laughter with me for a good minute thereafter, at which point I asked what she was laughing at and she replied, "You! You're silly, Mama," shaking her head, tipping back on the couch, holding her stomach in exaggeration.

*After a few "real" turns, Esky likes to just pick up the marbles and repeatedly put them down the biggest ramps over and over.

Toilet Training: Months Later + A Giveaway

2011-09-24T17:00:00.000+12:00

Only intended for those whom it may be of some help to, clearly; zero offence taken for "marking as read."

So, it's been some time since we got on this ride.

We're most of the way there. Accidents of the wet variety are occasional, and more poop is going in the toilet than isn't - yus. Esky is now dry almost every night and wears underwear full-time in the day - at home and out. We've come a long way.

I've learned loads. (Now that word even sounds dirty. And I mean dirty as in, poop, not innuendo.)

I've also heard of more than one first-hand case of self-training children since - you know, the kiddilicks they've just "let be" and they one day start going in the toilet? Yeah, those ones. It makes wonder if I should have left Esky longer and seen if time would have proven kind in her case...
...but she was saying she wanted to use the toilet. You can't ignore that, right? I mean, "Just go in your pants," really isn't an option once they're articulating an interest in not doing that.

Anyhow, for our little lass, poop proved to be the challenge (which I didn't see coming...well, metaphorically, anyway, I saw it literally coming a-plenty. Or should I say, "loads?" /feeble smile). I've since wondered if the "twos" being mastered second is fairly reasonable; say it takes 50 accidents to "get" putting your waste in a receptacle you have to walk to, that's 2/3 weeks for 50 pee accidents (a.k.a. "learning opportunities")...but how many mis-fired bowel movements? Jeepers.

In the end, I added a few strategies to the kitty that seemed to really help - things that were a result of adapting and refining my approach after seeing how things were going.

Things that helped OUR girl, who was peeing in the toilet fine but having trouble with the turdskies:

Being positive about poop. Yup, you read right. It made a huge difference to talk about it more. She'd seen us go in and out, and I'd left the door open plenty...but it wasn't until I was positive about it the whole shebang that she seemed less afraid of pushing her business out on the throne. Coming out saying, "Ah, I feel so much better now that I have done a poo in the right place," and "That was easy! It can take a while, but it's worth it to be clean!" Yup, this isn't for the faint of heart. Embrace the bodily functions for the kids's sake, I say.
The rewards meant more when she was seeing them. For pee, even in the early days, there enough flukes and hits among the hits and misses that Esky saw stickers; got to ring the bell; flush the toilet. With the poo, she wasn't getting enough rewards to affirm improvement and evoke desire for more. She started to accept life without these "talked about" rewards wasn't so bad. As mean as it sounds, I decided all poo-ers were eligible for rewards. She'd actually suggested it before, "Mama! Good job! You did a poo? Good job! Now you can have chocolate raisins!" I brushed her off, "They're especially for you, darling, because I don't need them anymore." While this is true, it wasn't helping. When Esky started seeing the rewards were being served, and she wasn't getting a helping, she suddenly wanted to be like the adults in the house a lot more. The treat changed to strawberry milk at some point, and Haki was more than happy to down a glass after each exit from a long bathroom visit. I cannot help but compare this to how quickly Esky downs more vegetables when she sees adults serving up dessert after finishing theirs. Seeing us eat our veges isn't enough, seeing us eat the right stuff first then have sweet afters...well, it's enough.

One other thing that helped all-round, that I don't think I've mentioned:

If a disposable was required (well, preferred, I say "required" because we only used them at night and now and then in the day), we always used a Pull-up or nappy pant - because I felt there had to be a distinct end to Esky laying down to be changed, for good. It felt even more important because she has a little sister she watches lay down to be changed. I think this helped Esky understand she was in knickers or stand-in knickers for good, not nappies...in...disguuuuise (yes, I said that in to the Transformers theme in my mind).

Maybe none of this will work for you, or maybe you'll have a better idea after reading. Regardless, I wish you the best of luck.

If you feel like you've been doing this a long time, I offer you an imagined arm squeeze across the webiverse, I know some days you're tired.

And if that's no comfort (virtual arm squeezes rarely are), how about something for free?

Still working on night-time control?
Or know someone still riding the red-eye Potty Train?

You can win a pack of DryNites.

If you'd rather not advertise your child's night-time habits, you can send me an email entry, otherwise leave a comment (with your email address in the comment body or linked in your profile).

A random winner will be selected Friday 30 September (in NZ), entries close midday.

Sorry, this is my first giveaway open to New Zealand readers only.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.

*NOTE BELOW: I have received product from Huggies in return for links to their site and discussion of their products. I have also made it very clear that any review of said products will consist of what I really think, and they were fine with that. What I really think: these products have their place, and can make your life easier; but don't overdo it, for me no convenience product could replace the lesson taught by a puddle on the floor.

Grass, Snot and Nanas

2011-09-20T21:49:00.001+12:00

I think the weird mystery illness has officially passed...just in time for me to catch a common cold. You know what though? After more than a month of feeling what I was feeling, a common cold is pretty fantastic. I even mowed some of our 1/2 acre during it. So did my mother.* She's some nana, that one! She and Dad came for a surprise visit for all of three days and she lugs out the lawn mower and weeds flower beds. /head shake. I love her.

Not only are colds a breeze after more severe weird mystery illnesses (bonus), but having a cold at the same time as having crazy-fatigue would have been a bummer, so really, this cold has its blessings, twice over. Right?

Our immune systems succumbed in domino fashion - Esky first, me second, Ivy last. She's so so sweet - truckin' through the leaking facial orifices (those aren't tears, her eyes are just watering...like her nose and mouth), smiling all day as though nothing is wrong. Night is another story...but thankfully, it appears she's only taken a few days to beat it - although the last to fall, she already seems much improved this evening (go mighty milk!).

Huzzah!

* So did Chris, the Legend.

Masking Tape Letter(s)

2011-09-19T15:33:00.000+12:00

Inspired by this pin, Esky and I made a card with her first initial on it (card, masking/painter's tape and felts/markers are all that are required).

She carries it around like a trophy. I'm looking forward to doing more letters - especially now that she'll understand what we're trying to achieve from the project's outset.

Simple things.

And yes, we prefer to craft in our pyjamas, right after breakfast, then we get dressed.

Pin real life; use Pinterest to inspire instead of (solely) evoking desire.

Feel free to...

...but know that I will no doubt trawl your boards for more play ideas.

Ivy - Quick to Laugh

2011-09-18T21:21:00.000+12:00

is so quick to smile and laugh...so very quick.
started finding her hands at 14 weeks.
is silent or cooing upon waking up on her own. Occasionally she'll call out more loudly if someone doesn't swing by for a routine check after a while. This is very different from Esky as a baby (who acted like we had betrayed her each time she woke up and found herself alone).
began rolling from back to front at 4 months, and...
...over the following month began exploring rolling as a mode of transport.
grew fond of the Jolly Jumper during the fourth month.
has been face-matched to my sister, Mariah, three times by ol' FB - which amuses me, because apart from the blue big brother, I'm the only one who thinks that that is who Ivy resembles most (presently, I'm sure over time I'll see other people in her).
now blows raspberries on demand.
pooped out two intact blades of grass last week - thatta'girl.

Mokopuna (Grandchildren) Photoboard

2011-09-17T15:23:00.000+12:00

Inspired by this pin, I made a little peg board for my MIL's birthday yesterday.

When I saw this within the idea array, I was drawn to two key appeals; it's easy to keep up to date and I could create it from materials I already had.*Oh, three things, I got to use the drill to make hanging-holes on the back (even if I am an amateur, I do like drills).

More importantly, Haki's mother loves it. Win.

NB:

Mokopuna = "grandchildren" in Te Reo (Māori).
Yes, for now, six pegs is enough, thanks for noticing. /wink.
Mod Podge strikes again.
Esky helped painting on glue.
*I used some beautifully treated timber, scrapbooking paper and embellishments, wire, and project glues (and printed photos of the girls - four images to a standard 6x4 photo - so these images are closer to passport size, for scale).

Pin real life; use Pinterest to inspire instead of (solely) evoking desire.

Feel free to...

...but know that I will no doubt trawl your boards for more gift ideas.

My First Green Smoothie Winner Combo

2011-09-14T20:58:00.002+12:00

If you haven't joined the Green Smootie Party, I don't blame you. But I invite you; come on in, the smoothie is fine!

I've been loading up on these protein-, vitamin-, mineral- and enzyme-rich treats for the past few weeks, and I'm mad about them.

My sister sang their praises some time back, and I wasn't yet sold. In fact, I seem to recall my gag reflex was activated during our conversation, more than once. (See, I told you I knew where y'all hesitators are coming from.) But lately, I've been way more game when it comes to new foods - especially those that could benefit my health (I ordred a pizza with jalapenos and anchovies on Haki's birthday - why not, eh? I'll tell you why not, anchovies stink...now there's a substantiated reason I don't order them). Back to the smoothies - they are more than palatable (I enjoy them, and Esky does too), don't smell like 47-week-old fish-socks, and benefit my health;

They have increased my fruit and vegetable intake substantially; and
...reduced my processed sugar intake (since I'm often suckin' down these puppies in place of my usual sweet fix).
I usually dress my green veges with something less good for me - cheese, butter or dressing being the usual suspects. Getting my greens sans some bad fats - another plus.
I'm eating more vegetables fresh (which I understand in many cases increases bioavailability / nutrients, but in some does not...e.g. carrots - cook 'em to increase absorption.)
I've also increased the amount of fibre I'm consuming (which I couldn't do by drinking a vegetable or fruit juice offering similar vitamins alone).
They help me drink more fluids.
I feel like blending a lot of good stuff up before eating it gives my poor old digestive system a much-needed routine break, because what with all that talking I have to do at. all. times. there just isn't enough time for chewing.

There are more reasons these are great, I just think it's time we cut to my favourite combo already.

Rasp(inach)berry Habit
a.k.a. Therrusaspinachinthis Smoothie

Yes, I made up the names. Like them. Asterix would.

10 (small to medium) leaves of fresh spinach
8 large frozen raspberries
1 banana
Almonds, preferably left in water for 10 hours or so
Half an apple
2 glasses of water
A large spoon of honey / some sugar (I'm not hardcore, clearly)

I drink a tall glass of this fresh, pour Esky one too (my toddler's eating her greens!), and then freeze the rest to eat for dessert!

I've tried a few other combinations, but this is my favourite right now - the raspberries really mask the spinach flavour for me. Haki can drink them, but doesn't relish them as Esky and I do (merrily wearing green smoothie moustaches as we go).

I'm working my way up to sampling some other veges with:

Raw kumara and coconut milk.
Cucumber, citrus zest and dates.
Avocado and alfalfa sprouts.
Carrot and pineapple.
Strawberry, yoghurt and tomato.

Not so sure I'm convinced about:

Beets.
Broccoli.
Wheat grass.

Already enjoying these? What do you recommend?
Or maybe you think this is crazier than my much-loved avocado smoothie? Why haven't you tried the avocado smoothie? Oh man, want one right now.

Eight More Loves at 8:00

2011-09-09T20:00:00.000+12:00

I'm loving:

Eating Chocolate Self-saucing Pudding from the dish it bubbled and baked in, as I type; I'm pretty sure Miss Manners can't even tsk tsk typing with one's mouth full.
Baking said pud' when the total number of humans eating solids in this household at present = 2, and the other consumer is wee - boh-nus!
Spring blossoms. Isn't everybody? Oh wait, you other-hemispherians probably aren't. Soz about that.
Getting some of my groove back - the invisible demon that has been hitting me with the Fatigue Stick appears to have returned to its cave for at least two days. These past two days have felt like I should be strutting around in a utility belt, cape and very shiny boots...compared to how I was feeling before the recent reprieve. (Yeah, not 100% on the diagnosis - but I am sure of my bright hope this tide will turn, and soon.)
Green smoothies...that I add so many berries to that they're purple.
That one of my childhood friends recently shared a "homophone moment," that I would have guffawed over, in person (bullet 4). I'm loving even more that I've been reunited with her through beeeelogging (doesn't that sound like "belonging" with a cold?)
The object lesson I saw at the last baptism I attended - a missionary spoke and used a bowl of pepper-covered water and a handsoap-coated finger to illustrate how being baptised helps to be clean. Science is rad, try it.
That I get to experience this again;

(Me right now, mouth empty; that pudding is gone burgers - eight points is a lot.)

More loves from lovelies here.

Another Kid History Vid

2011-09-08T21:48:00.001+12:00

I shared one of these a while back - oh man, I love these. I laugh loudly.

Every family has those stories they tell over and over again (so that younger family members roll their eyes and make mock talk-hands behind the backs of those telling).

If you haven't seen one of these before, it's a bunch of adults asking children (their kids and relatives) to retell one such family story as they remember it, and then creating a film based on the kids' version of events; thus "kid history."

Loudly, I laugh.

Loudly.

Esky...looks like me?

2011-09-07T15:11:00.000+12:00

Almost 28 months old.

Esky...

...clearly needs an updated silhouette in her header.
...is so accustomed to me and Haki applauding her "leg move" (getting down on all fours and then poking her leg up behind her and shaking it) that now she builds to it herself, "I'm about to do it...I'm going to do...THE LEG!" and she gets down and does it. Performer. And why wouldn't she keep doing it, with the response I gave? OH BOY.
...is pictured here, dressed ready to leave for church with her Monkey bag.
...speaking of which, in Nursery she's a bit of a teacher's pet. Uh-oh. This has the potential for being less endearing with time; on Sunday she reportedly softly placed her hand into the lap of the child next to her, leaned over and whispered, "Saskia, it's time to be quiet now for the lesson."
...ran around the gymnasium at the chapel last week...because other children were playing line-tag...and she saw running, and so joined in. She had no idea what they were playing, and was not included in the game, but she didn't know, nor did she care - she kept giggling and pointing at various children crying, ""You're good at running!"
...cuddles Ivy so often. I regularly catch her hugging her little sister and talking to her (without encouragement or praise to do so), when I'm hanging washing in an adjacent room or some other nearby task. My favourite thus far has been Esky explaining that one day her room will have both of their initials in it, and it will be, "Esky AND Ivy's room!"
...has, from Ivy's arrival, immediately supplied a "friend" (stuffed toy) as soon as she finds her dear baby sister is sleeping (shock-horror) without one.

...likes to jump with rope...yeah, not the same as jumping rope. Bless her.
...is apparently starting to look like me. I won't argue with FB facial recognition...or my little sister (who says so about half of the photos I post of Esky).

P.S. Look at her at 10 months. Aaaaw.

Circuits

2011-09-04T16:15:00.000+12:00

At the last school I taught at, we ran a 20-minute fitness programme each morning. (This was an effort to instill exercise habits in students as well as get some endorphins flowing through their systems to ready them for all that engaging and absorbing they needed to do thereafter.) We would repeat an activity for an entire week, in rotation with other classes, e.g. skipping, relays, court games etc.

One of my rainy day back-up activities was "Circuits." This involved the students (through various strategies for dispersion) forming pairs or threes, each at a circuit card - of which there were ten or so spread around the room (or gym) in an obvious shape or path. A student assistant would most often cue the music, and kiddilicks would repeat the stretch or exercise designated on the card nearest them until I / an assigned student indicated it was time to rotate around the circuit to the next card (blowing a whistle / changing the song to the next track / some other signal).

We've had a few rainy days around here...and the need for exercise and positive engagement is no less important;

Esky is a huge fan of "Circuits!" She retrieves the bull-clipped cards each morning, removes said clip, very deliberately lays the cards out around her room, and brings a CD to me before I can finish changing Ivy's overnight nappy - that girl means business (while I'm changing business.../snort).

I move around the cards with her, exercising too, and we take turns calling, "Next!" It helps me to consciously exercise (and set an example) as well as to give Esky some "run time" or "wiggle time," even when the weather isn't the finest. I really should make a card for Ivy's station; "Eternal Tummy Time." All this, and my fitness buddy is cuter than Richard Simmons.

Our circuit cards consist of A4 sheets with an exercise or stretch's name and a corresponding illustration, laminated.

Here are some of our cards:

Can you tell which ones Esky is attempting?

Be grateful there are no images of me attempting press-ups...oh boy! Yes, "The 80's Stretch" is its official name...in this house.

Feel free to grab our images to start your own set, and add some of your own or your kids' ideas to complete it!

Additional Ideas for Exercises / Stretches:

Heel Raises (great for Achilles / calf muscles - and for catching your breath between more challenging cards);
Hopping (a fave for many toddlers - mine's still learning);
Skipping (if you have the space, lay a jump rope or two at that station);
Dribbling a ball - in hand or by foot (again, if you're doing it outside or have the space);
The Invisible Chair (older kids love to do this up against a wall - great for abs);
Dancing (mine loves to freestyle!);
Crawling in a circle (another favourite for Esky);
Jogging on the spot;
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes on repeat;
Spinning / Twirling (dangerous, but irresistable?);
Airplanes / Flying (for "superheroes" too); and
Leap frog / Thread the Needle / Other pair games - for those willing to join in with their kids or who will have multiple children involved.

I dare someone to make a "Pelvic Floor" circuit card.
You know we should all be doing it. Boys too - remember?

I welcome any other card ideas!

Note below:
I have the same conversation with one of my sisters over and over; "I want to be sure I never give my own children less than I gave my classes." I worked hard, teaching; first in, last out. I want a keener interest in my own children's learning to be evident through my parenting. This job is more important. I regularly need to remind myself of this goal, whilst also balancing the reality - that my classes didn't see me rest, sleep or poop... That said, I still think it's important when we're in "play" or "learning" mode that I am as willing (or more so) to create, act, and follow-through with my girls as I was with my students.

Pringle Potatoes

2011-09-02T19:42:00.000+12:00

I saw these on Pinterest and made them. I call them "Pringle Potatoes," but you probably already guessed that I did that.

They were yum.

The end.

---

Pin real life; use Pinterest to inspire instead of (solely) evoke desire.

Feel free to...

...but know that I will no doubt trawl your boards for more visually appeallling recipes.

Birdwatching at The Lighthouse

2011-09-02T18:54:00.000+12:00

Someone I like to think of as "Mrs Dee*lightful" shared how she and hers are becoming quite the birdwatchers, with the help of this dandy resource. What's this? An illustrated guide to common NZ garden birds? /print ... /laminate ... /clap merrily.

And birdwatch we have!

Those, my friends, are Silvereyes. I know, they're on the sheet. /tap tap.
They really dig our blossoming wild plum tree.

That face Esky's doing in close-up (shot 4) is the, "Pardon?!" or "What?!" face. (Usually the latter, workin' on that...my fault!)

The expression a few shots later was accompanied by a sweet sing-song request; "Please, can we go to the swing now?" Yes Esky, that's enough birdwatching for today.

Thus far, we have spotted in our garden:

Tuis;
Keruru (Wood Pigeons);
Silvereyes;
Blackbirds;
Starlings (they nest in our gutters a lot, so you could say we're pretty tight with the Starlings - what with drinking their poop and whatnot);
Fantails (like Franny!); and
a single Song Thrush.

Esky happily suggests we grab our sheets each time we empty the compost bucket / go for a walk / head down to the basement's outdoor entry / collect cabbage tree leaves for kindling / go outside for any reason whatsoever.

We have only heard the bellbirds...they're pretty camo and high-perching...but we will persevere.
I do have binoculars. Of course I do.

I heart resources.

Sleep, I Needs It

2011-08-31T08:31:00.001+12:00

After four weeks of dizziness, on and off headaches, lightheadedness and sleep-walking, I have grand news; I'm free of 75% of that symptom list! Now I'm just dog-tired! But every day becoming less tired. HUZZAH!

Thanks for all your sweet comments, emails, texts, and messages of concern. Enough of those though, eh? ***Let's switch to sweet comments, emails, texts, and messages of agreement of how delicious my offspring are. I sound like a papa chimp...they've been known to literally eat their babies, you know. To clarify: I'm talking about faux-chomping on chubby cherub cheeks. 'CH' x 4; cha-ching. 6!

I wish I could tell you the cause and how I remedied it - the thought of saving someone else a month of trial and error makes my heart sing! Unfortunately, it's not that simple.

This much, I know:

My ring-finger rings are chattering like a stack of bangles on my finger. They haven't done that in the near-9 years I've been wearing them...something was definitely up.
I did my best to meet any deficiencies I could on the home-front via green smoothies, sun-snacking, iron-rich foods, morning doses of Berocca, increased water intake, more sleep, less work, echinacea and thuja, loads of raw or barely-cooked veges...the list goes on.
When I say "more sleep," I mean I slept 12-hour nights and still had the brain pain.
My blood tests cleared me for thyroid issues, infection, kidney problems, glandular fever (mono), anemia and other essential vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
My (khaki self-imposed uniformed) doc ruled out stroke, tumour, parasite, low/high blood pressure, and vision-related changes.
My doc suggested (wait for it) I might be recovering from a virus - but without a temperature, it seemed my body was no longer fighting a bug.
My doc finally concluded I was experiencing extreme sleep deprivation - the word "Guatanamo" was flung about (c'mon, really?). After I defended myself against this preposterous proposition (cure weariness with sleep, whaaa'?), I weighed up his words. He explained that while I may be "sleeping" plenty, he believed I was not getting an effective sleep - that being the only one home to wake for two wakers (yup, Esky's latest string of bugs has resulted in her waking a lot, even since they've passed), has resulted in an ugly adaptation; he believes my body is never entering deep sleep, and that is why I have been waking tired...with a range of other neurological symptoms he confidently linked to sleep deprivation.
He said that, orrrr I've got a pituitary gland issue. Unlikely. I'll be having a brain scan if the other symptoms return after making serious lifestyle changes.

Where to from here?

I need to make effective sleep a priority. I've got a few ideas I've been putting into action, but more than anything, it's about placing more value on quality rest - and I can do more about that. I have been, and things are improving...but we'll never know if this thing just reached its natural end or was banished by something I'm doing, will we?
See ***. /grin

(Lead image: the first picture Esky took on our camera-camera - not a phone camera - you can see my head in the reflection assisting the interested learner. I like the way the blankets look like desert dunes. Again, let's embrace the loose-relation to the post subject, shall we? We are on the bed, and I need more rest.)

Oh, Haki had a birthday...

2011-08-30T14:24:00.001+12:00

...last week - when I was sleeping instead of blogging. I'm still doing that a lot.

Back to the birthday boy:
Here he is on his 31st birthday.

He didn't know I took this photo - he's really on the phone here...wearing one of his birthday presents.

And here he is holding one of his other gifts, freshly opened, first thing in the morn (Esky was a persistent alarm clock on his special day);
We had a stupendous family day, and as a tender mercy, it was one of my best (energy-level-wise) in recent weeks.

Our agenda included eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (his favourite - sent over special! Thanks, Heather) for breakfast, eating out for lunch...

(metre long pizza)

...and for dinner and dessert (at Haki's mum's!)

You read right, I didn't cook squat. I wonder if that's why the night before I dreamed it was my birthday, come the morrow.

What I actually liked best about Haki's birthday: That the thing he wanted second-to-most, was to take Esky to a park. On his birthday. Love that man.

Peg Planes

2011-08-30T10:15:00.005+12:00

Another Pinterest-inspired mini-project from the past week;
Drawing "ladders up to the planes" (clutched all the while):
Esky didn't want the planes to ever stop flying...even when it came time to go to bed...so I did my best to honour her wishes;
I say we make more for running around with too...because we can. And because that face she makes when she makes the "plane flying" sound is too cute (second image).

Original pin here."Peg plane day," check.
(We keep a calendar with one "fun" new thing scheduled for each day - great or small.)

Pin real life; use Pinterest to inspire instead of evoke desire.

Feel free to...

...but know that I will no doubt trawl your boards for more fun-fodder.

Cap-scoopin'

2011-08-29T14:14:00.001+12:00

We've been enjoying some new activities at The Lighthouse, some from my school-teaching days, a few from friends, others from my own childhood, and plenty from Pinterest.

When I pinned the inspiration for this idea, there was no way I could have known what a home-run it would be with Esky!

Here she is, cap-scoopin'!
These milk bottle caps / tops each have a letter written on a circle of vinyl in vivid (permanent marker). For our first "game set" I have written out the vowels in capitals and in lower case, and the challenge is to fish out the matching pairs in sequence.

The possibilities for this little activity and kinesthetic learning are making my mind buzz (more than it is already); fishing out prime numbers from a pool of integers / selecting multiples or factors of a certain number / matching mixed number fractions with their equivalent decimals / spelling challenges / combining blends to create words...and so on and so on....buzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Here's the original pin.

Pin real life; use Pinterest to inspire instead of evoke desire.

Feel free to...

...but know that I will no doubt trawl your boards for more fun-fodder.

Managing Extreme Fatigue

2011-08-29T09:46:00.003+12:00

(Ivy, who drifts on mid-rattle-shake. This lead image being related to this post is a bit of a stretch, I know. Embrace the indiscriminate use of baby images.)

When the goin' gets tough-ish, I think something's gotta give (how's that for two idioms mashed up together, eh?! Sorry, I'm tired. All the time, did I mention?! Oh yes, I did.).

I think it's important to choose the thing that "gives" before it's chosen for you. Don't you?

I choose to blog and clean less. I quit renting movies; stop reading (non-essential) books; and pull way back on the IT favours and designwork. I reschedule meetings, go to bed much earlier, and reschedule any major projects I'd planned to tackle.

If I make enough cutbacks in these types of areas, I can ensure my time with my family (and the girls especially, since Haki's so rarely here) is still quality. This is important to me because the thing I find most challenging about feeling unwell, is compromising the quality of our time together.

So these past few weeks, because I felt less independently spontaneous and creative (that is - not seeing and seizing special opportunities to create, explore, learn and play as often - with so little energy), I embraced Pinterest as a source of ideas; think for me, Pinterest, please! And Pinterest delivered. {}

There was nothing grandiose about what we were doing, but I did my best to initiate simple activities together that would help ensure each day had some memorable and colourful play mixed in amongst the things we do out of routine and obligation, (which, as I have mentioned before, are not necessarily drudgery anyway - work and play are not mutually exclusive). These helped to stimulate and provoke new thoughts and excitement from my gorgeous toddler, whilst hopefully still teaching her that sometimes, Mama needs to take it easy - which is another valuable a lesson, isn't it? Wouldn't it be great if our children learned how to rest and pace themselves because of our example?

ALSO:
I keep a visual calendar of the days Haki is away to help Esky build a concept of the time that needs to pass before his return. (This has also been a sure way to see that we did at least one really fun thing each day, no matter how garbage I was feeling, because that "thing" was the image for the day.) We cross off each image on our way to the landing plane symbol, and Esky has become a veteran at explaining what each illustration represents - both in anticipation and retrospect.

Feel free to...

...but know that I will no doubt trawl your boards for more fun-fodder.

Bye Bye Bassinet II

2011-08-27T15:39:00.004+12:00

Bye, bassinet.

(Ivy pictured in first week and at 4.5 months)

Until we (hopefully) meet again.

Déjà vu.

Keep on swimming...keep on swimming...

2011-08-26T22:33:00.002+12:00

I'm smiling as I flounder through each day, at present.

Approaching: the four-week mark of extreme fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness, headaches and overall "weakness."

Not approaching: a conclusive diagnosis on the cause.

There are a lot of things I know it's not.

My children's cheeks are scrumptious, my home is warm, and my husband regularly reminds me of his adoration - these are my medicine.

Back soon!
...I hope. x

Five Notes on Fatigue at 5:00

2011-08-18T17:00:00.002+12:00

So, remember how I was sure me slowin' down on the fluids was to blame for my sudden onset of chronic fatigue (and weird neuro- stuff - dizziness, light-headness, light sensitivity)? Apparently not. I'm guzzling like a Chevy Suburban and still, squat on the energy levels - it seems I only had a day's reprieve from this killer wave of exhaustion...that would be the day I wrote the post about how water was the miracle cure for all that ailed me. If only.

My theories:

Maybe if I turn my (minor) affliction into a competition called, "Name that cause!" then it could be fun? /feeble side-smile. I could offer a T-shirt saying, "Let me diagnose you, I've been right once" as the prize. /eyebrow-raise
If it's not dehydration, maybe it is anemia? But my iron intake is pretty good...I'm doubting this hypothesis.
Maybe Brooke is right, and something is in the water...and whatever it is, it's debilitating. (We're on tank water, maybe all the odd weather of late has led to a deposit of something a little dodge? I try not to think too much about the floaties when I'm doing the aforementioned guzzling.)
A lot of normally-easy things become nigh on impossible when you feel super-tired. This isn't really a theory, is it? FACT: It is difficult to remember if one has changed one's clothes, let alone do the changing...when super-tired (delivered in the manner of Dwight Schrute, for those who missed it.)
This is a curs-ed virus (you've got to pronounce it the biblical way, given its proportions). Supporting evidence for this theory: I have spoken with two other people experiencing similar symptoms - practically proven (ha!)...and remember, Esky has been sick too (which I realise could also support the bad water idea). Ivy's protected by miracle milk and Haki's not here enough to catch much of anything except a snowball to the forehead.

"Pregnancy," as cause, is officially ruled out. I'm 99% sure (recognise that percentage from a certain type of boxed test? Yup, I took one - I am that baffled by what is going on - because the chances of pregnancy being the explanation were seriously slim for many reasons, one of which is highlighted in item number 5, above - the fineprint will take on a whole new meaning upon review).

Blood results forthcoming - if a few early nights don't see this end.