Being Mummy

Isabelle has been sick for the last few days with what I suspect is hand, foot and mouth disease (not nearly as sinister as it sounds) basically in laymen's terms, a childhood virus. I was warned by a friend that a boy from a playgroup I went to, had it last week (after not knowing) and the past few days have been quite yucky to say the least, for me and for my dear. She just wants to be close to me at all times, except for this morning when I put her to sleep at about 11.15, she went, most exhausted and thankful to be placed in her bed. When she did, I thought, what can I do with my time??? Sleep, no way, what a waste!!! Even though I am tired after having a slightly disrupted sleep beside Isabelle last night (she wouldn't sleep alone). I really wanted to make something, but I don't have the energy to make something or to clean it up! All the odd jobs? Nope...they can wait...the house is actually quite clean...weirdly enough...Isabelle didn't have the energy to walk around making a huge mess. I settled with a lovely hot shower and washing my hair, waxing my eyebrows and making sure I look human again. Then a Mocha, a piece of vegemite toast, a juice and mineral water and replying to a few emails to lovely friends...and spending time with my other friends via blog and seeing what they were up to...what I really wanted was to be creative but I guess for today, to be inspired and to relax will have to do! Please get better soon my darling...even though you are so cute when sick...I prefer your happy and healthy self. Love Mum.

Getting big...and only 14 and a half weeks...

(My Baby bump: A few photos taken in the last week.)

I have earlier ones but my bare belly is showing...I think they will be kept for private viewing only. I guess genetically, I do start showing very early, but in this case with twins, thats double the size I would've normally expected. There is no doubt that I now look pregnant to all the other folks around. Nicely enough I don't feel pregnant which is absolutely lovely, and I am relishing that feeling, as I am expecting to feel not so good towards the end. I guess the 2nd Trimester has that effect, which just makes me feel full of energy. I should really start designing the nursery while I feel motivated! Speaking of the nursery, I have ruffled a few feathers by not putting all our children in the same room (Grandmother's??? Way too old school for my liking) and now not having a guest room. The fact that I care shows that I am still very hormonal and therefore pregnant, that and the belly are sure giveaways! One great thing is that despite when family let on that having twins is going to be terribly hard and I may not cope without their help, I feel more determined to rise to the challenge and I know that with God's help I will be a better problem solver, better time manager, my relationship with my husband will grow and deepen through the struggles and joys and I will learn that there are times in my life that what I want isn't as important as what my children need at the time, which seems kind of contrary to what parenting magazines display these days. Sometimes a half and hour a day with a cup of tea is all I'll get...if I am lucky. And thats ok. Because it won't be forever, Isabelle already lets me do more now on my own (like sitting at my computer now while she plays) and she is only 14 months old...

I am making sure I am using this time with one baby to enjoy going out to playgroups, for walks that only take a few minutes to get out the house with a stroller, sewing beautiful things, blogging and rearranging. Because I now realise that these things are so precious to me and I really enjoy these parts of my life, and I am not sure what to expect in the future.

To see a link on how a 15 week old baby is going click here and times two. For the record, I have gained 5 kilos since finding out I was pregnant 9 weeks ago. Most of it is babies, some of it is ice-cream :)

As you know I am excited about changing my room and making it more relaxing and pretty. Here on Apartment Therapy (second image) there is this glorious and whimsical looking room (with very limited space) with an interesting use of colours. The clash of reds and pinks, the window playing a large role in the drama of this room. Not all the elements are my cup of tea, but I love the wall paper... unfortunately I won't be able to be that dramatic. What this does enlighten me to, it that to make a real impact, I have to be a bit more daring than I am used to. Right now (while I have the most gorgeous bed sheets) the room still needs drama. I am a bit scared to do some art on the grand scale that the room needs...but it is in the back of my mind constantly. One thing is for sure...birds definitely need to be involved...at least pictures of them do! I saw this lovely painted robin on ETSY (first picture) which I just think is so charming and very Secret Garden appropriate! I think Isabelle would like it too!

The Secret Garden:

After following Making it Lovely and her plans for transforming her bedroom, I have been meaning to do the same. Our bedroom is the most neglected room of our house. Its the last place I'll tidy and spend money on. So we budgeted money to get new bedlinen to start. I had been wanting to get some really nice linen for a very long time (we just got pretty cheap stuff when we first got married). Just in time for the stocktake sales too!

Stop reading now if details bore you to death cos I am going to go into the finer points! :) From Adairs we got this green quilt set, and the matching cushion and European pillow cases. From David Jones we got our new King size quilt which hangs dreamily over each side of our bed nearly touching the floor. (I know I am *gushing* over my quilt!) And 2 new firm and high pillows (which take a bit of getting used to according to Luke) and from Target for a third of the price than at David Jones, 1000 thread count bed sheets...so we are truly spoilt! I feel like a princess every time I climb into bed at night now. Although that sounds like a lot (and I suppose it is...we saved a lot, which it seems that sales really are the only time to go all out...) It has all really given our room a kick start into looking glamourous!

*The Details are over!*

Over the next few months I am aiming to transform my room into a place that both Luke and I want to go to relax when we get the time (from our up and coming expected 3 child family). Luke mentioned an arm chair for the corner of our room and moving the bookcase beside it. The first two images show just how scattered and random this space is and that it isn't utilised properly. Making it not the nicest space to relax in...(mostly my fault I guess) :-/ I also need a painting above our bed or some beautiful artwork that I aim to make (I have a million projects in my mind at the moment though for all sorts of things!)

My muse is going to be "The Secret Garden"...which was my favourite book and movie when I was eight years old. Luke says thats gay...but he is a boy...and everything romantic and pretty is 'gay' to most boys...and I think that a garden theme will go well with the new bed sheets.

Budget: will be what is required but I assure you...the main expense will be the chair and I will use existing furniture and collected items for the artwork and ornaments. I have the jewellery tree so I want to make that a feature. I won't be painting the walls or anything so the challenge will be to change the mood of the room through art on the walls.

Anyway...I'll keep you updated. I'm excited about making the space somewhere I wanna be!

SHOPPING IN SYDNEY

The other day mum, Isabelle and I went for a little excursion to Newtown after we drove past all these lovely shops when we went to the markets. Made590 is a little treasure trove that is exciting for anyone who loves weird woodland creatures and collectable funky clothes or ornaments. To me it just makes me want to create! Another shop was the button shop...I can't remember the name but its seemed like one of those places that was once a dream to a button lover that turned into a beautiful reality...it was just exquisite with art work revolving around the button theme and thousands of buttons of every design to choose. (not really my cup of tea though since I have a teeny phobia.) And the last image was an empty shop for lease...of which my mum commented...there is our shop Anna! A great little arvo.

A DAY AT WINTERLAND...

You know when you go and do something or experience something, and you realise that these are the things that make life so enjoyable? Just the simple things. Like smelling fresh homegrown fruit, taking a bite out of a sweet pink lady apple; seeing how brussels sprouts REALLY grow (no they are not tiny cabbages in a tiny cabbage patch like I previously assumed, though I never had really pondered it properly!!); or seeing dogs and children everywhere wearing little warm jackets...yes both the dogs and children were wearing jackets!; or just enjoying the fresh air and fresh produce with family. I just love markets. And on Saturday last week (the 10th of July) my Mum, Luke, Belle and myself went to go to Winterland at Carriageworks in Newtown, and while we were waiting for the doors to open, we relaxed and had coffee and treats at the market next door. Winterland on the other hand was a bit of a disappointment. I had been looking forward to it for months and there were about 7 stalls (all beautiful & exciting) but not nearly as thrilling as I had expected and how they had advertised it. Nevertheless, my mum, bought me this GORGEOUS handprinted cushion which I just adore! Thank you for the spoils mum! whenever, she visits I get the most pretty gifts.