Things I've Learnt

* Babies are hard work! And in the beginnning really don't give that much back, except for lots of poo. But I don't really think that counts.

* Being a mother does not mean you are perfect. There are times when M is being a pain in the back side and I am getting frustrated that I lose my temper and feel very disappointed in myself. Motherhood and mothering is a learning process and even though I'm only 6 weeks into this gig I'd like to think I'm doing okay, and even great some days.

* Malachi loves Kate Miller-Heidke! I used to play her when he was in my belly and his love for her continues. We dance around to Can't Shake It and he smiles as Mummy sings out of tune. I've tried to capture his smile on camera but he's a little camera shy it seems. I will capture that smile, when you least expect it Boy-o!!

* Fresh air everyday really does make a difference. We went outside yesterday while I had breakfast, and it makes me feel alive and invigorated. Pity it's all rainy here today so we haven't gotten our daily dose of vitamin D today. There is always tomorrow

* A mantra really does help. When we are having a crappy day I have taken to saying "This too shall pass". Certainly helps me get through the day and nights when he won't settle

* Chocolate helps too, especially my new favourite Cadbury Coconut Rough (I think that's what it's called). Or my old favourite peppermint certainly is a winner as well

* The bouncer is my friend. M loves it and will (80% of the time) settle himself to sleep in it during the day.

* Having a hobby is a productive way to let out creative vibes. I am going to be the size of a house if I keep spending my spare time baking, so I've decided to try my hand at scrapbooking. And if that doesn't work or I get bored I can always do a mammoth jigsaw puzzle. That'll keep me entertained for a while

* It's great having friends who are Mummies as well. I have sent heaps of text messages to my friends when I've been stressed, happy or sad and they are always there, willing to listen and give advice. Much love to them :-)

Dear Squirt

Dear Cute Little Baby

I'm sure it's not fun being all squished and cramped in my belly. But it's no fun for Mummy either when you kick her in the ribs..... constantly..... especially at night, when I'm trying to get to sleep.

If you could please find a new comfy position (and possibly even start to engage) Mummy would most appreciate it.

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Well I can't believe it but I can finally say I'm full term. Today (Tuesday) we're 37 + 2 and besides the constant rib kicks I spoke about above we are travelling along okay. I'm not sure whether it's because I'm on maternity leave and slowly going crazy but I have been super sad lately. I can't say I miss work, but there are certainly people there I miss, and I miss the adult conversation that goes along with working.

It's so hard being in a city where you don't really have too many friends. One of my friends is heavily pregnant and works Monday - Friday so of course she's busy hanging with her family on the weekend. I have two other friends who are pregnant and I am off to have coffee with this afternoon but I just miss some of my QLD friends.

The little fight I had with my sister the other night didn't help either. I know I should probably put in more effort but it's hard because they are just so different to me. I don't approve of their choices and frankly don't want to hear about it.... so what do you talk about then? The weather?

My family seem to think they can treat me like crap and I'll keep putting up with it. I guess I'm at that stage in life where I am trying to find my place in the world and thinking about what values I want to instill in our children and what I want our family to turn out like.

If my friends treated me the way my family has done in the past there is no way they would still be in my life. So why do I have to put up with it from my family??