The most special day today, albeit tinged with sadness...

I drove over to say goodbye to my sister and darling neice Madeline - they've been here for 3 weeks of fast fleeing time and grabbed moments of candy-sweetness in between toddler calling, big-girl demands and the rare cry of the baby.

It was beautiful; we went up to see Mama (girls Gt Gma) and had a glorious swim. Mum managed to get her hands on Si for at least 10 minutes before baba complained and wanted to be close by my heart. We ended up staying, as we thought Tor's partner was sleeping so grabbed a gin and tonic (our 'Fiji' drink) and chatted on.

Si signed booby (omg baby getting bigger!) and fussed at my chest until she finally fell asleep drinking - I needed badly to go to the toilet so Tor had a nurse and then I tried to give little Madeline some time also.

Si woke up a big grumpy and Tor offered her breast and she fed for a bit. It was beautiful - she just naturally nuzzled in, Madeline looked on in interest and I pointed it out to Sah but she it didn't even blip on her radar, she was too busy riding her bike and showing Mad all her 'big' girl stuff. It just made my heart warm -- full of love to have a sister that is like myself with parenting -- and with the memories of today that will last for a lifetime -- a story tale to tell Si when she is big --- how her Auntie gave her that special love.

It also made my heart ache a little seeing Mad as a beautiful toddler - but knowing that Si will be a toddler this time next Christmas -- my baby fills my arms, heart and soul so thoroughly atm that I cannot imagine opening them up to let her free. Of course, as with Sah...I will have to...and I will...as all mothers do...

New Years day tomorrow - I want to blog more, learn to sew, open myself more fully and take time with the experiences life brings...


The three girls :)'

Christmas Cheer...

From last year...to this year.




Just a beautiful Christmas day, sharing with family and friends and someone very small and special that was in my tummy this time last year...

Mama (92) and Papa (99) shared the Christmas feast with us. It's very difficult to communicate with him now, but his presence was surely there and appreciated. Sahra gave the Blessing on the food for the first time this year which was beautiful.

'Blessings on the blossoms
Blessings on the roots
Blessings on the leaves and stems
Blessings on the fruits...and on our Christmas dinner...'

It was just perfect.

We didn't have presents this year that took over. There was the perfect amount. Si got a lovely wooden blocks/abacus from Mama, mum paid for the hammock and there was a wooden caterpillar/bell and small wooden ball which she adored. Sah got a scooter from us, mermaid, rainbow dress and things for the pool. From mum she got a sparkle pony, wooden doll with clothes to dress it...
Ben got some clothes and some beer from my grandma. I got a beautiful heart necklace from Ben, frangipani (my flower I love) doona cover and ipod speakers from mum. Darling Mama and Papa gave money...I bought a treadmill with it...what a gift.

Sah's just going to be heartbroken when I pack the tree away. Mum gave her presents from the sheep and dogs in lieu of Santa and she was overcome with magic. Everything's about 'magic' at the moment. For Si, everything's about standing up and drooling lol.

I was thankful that Ben had Christmas eve and day off...he ran himself ragged preparing. <333 I am thankful for all he does with the two girls, every day.