Our days have been no less hectic - it seems you are thrust out into the world of social activities when you decide to have children these days...playgroup, swimming lessons, extra curricular activities, kindergarten, play dates, shopping, parks, indoor play centres...
Jude is turning 3 (we had a fantastic time celebrating his birthday in Brisbane a few weeks ago) in two weeks and the testosterone levels are surging - we have been going through a more complex and sophisticated phase of challenge at the same time that his emotional development isn't quite keeping up. The result? Me tired, Jude tantrums! That being said, he is such a lovely, affectionate, responsible, keenly empathetic, acutely aware, grown up and slightly OCD little man. He remains faithful to cars and trains but uses his sponge absorbing ability to increasingly enjoy role play. I've recently learned how intently he observes my behaviour - answers his toy phone 'Hello Nicola speaking' as one example. There is no longer one rule for mummy and one rule for Jude - we are bound by the same or I have many explanations owing. And everything needs to happen now or at the very least 'soon mummy, soon, soon!' I love the fact that as soon as he wakes in the morning he is ready to go go go (just like me) and that he doesn't really stop during his day. If his legs are not running his lips usually are. ;-)
His ability to take and accept (at times) instruction means his swimming and kindergarten experiences in particular are more enhanced. When I think about the school years approaching I worry about him...he is such a perfectionist, a worrier (yes like me) and gets so frustrated. He puts a great deal of pressure and expectation on himself so one of the best things James and I can offer to him is some perspective. And a listening ear.
Ivy has an affectionate, social, rebellious and passionate nature. She knows her mind and what she wants, she easily reads others and is aware of how to get a reaction out of them if the desire takes her...all I can say is that Jude cops it quite a bit! One minute they are kissing and hugging, the next they are screaming at each other....there are few passive interchanges.
Ivy is helpful, thoughtful and her love of life throws caution to the wind. Her favourite activities are role play, art and outside messy play. She takes time to warm up in the mornings (like James) but once she's had her cuddles, she's heading to her dressing table, adorning herself with jewels and searching out her first opportunity to get messy...a great balance of femininity and tom boy.
As Christmas approaches, we are getting excited about the arrival of Mum and Grumpy Pete...and not long after, Pip! I'm now at week 27 and thanks to yoga, still very active with few aches and pains. Jude asks about the baby often 'is it coming out yet mummy? No? Why what's it got to do?' - I explain that he/she has to get bigger but will be here 'soon.' I try to take a midday nap whenever possible to make up for interrupted sleep at night and to maintain patience levels through testing times with the children...that's another thing about having offspring - they expose your strengths and weaknesses!
It seems fitting that after just celebrating our 2 year wedding anniversary, James and I are considering a new joint business venture. We are weighing up the disadvantages of change and financial risk and uncertainty with a healthier work life balance and potential financial security and advancement. There is a possibility that working and living together could result in driving each other crazy but I think once we've ironed out the creases and planned our roles based on strengths, we will grow and continue to make a great team. Watch this space!
Anyway I sign off by congratulating my brother and his girlfriend Michelle and welcoming their new son to the world. Exciting times now and ahead.
Love to you all,
Nic xx
