Mary Lord 1905-2012...

This is written in the morning haze after a night of 3 hours sleep...and not even 3 consecutive hours. I think Maggie may be teething already, poor little girl. So, forgive me if I ramble... I just need to empty my head.


On Tuesday (our time) or Monday (UK time), whichever way you look at it my world changed. Not only my world but that of all the people who knew her, all my family and especially that of my Mum. Mary Lord is my Mum's Nana, my Great Nana and my babies Great Great Nana. She died at the age of 107, she was tired, it was time to go.
Nan has always had a wicked sense of humour, a huge heart and an inner strength that I would be happy if I could exhibit a 10th of. She lived through 2 world wars and so much more - stories of accidentally letting my Nana Doreen roll down a hill in her pram on the way to visit Jimmy at the butchers or the reasons behind why she hates banana sandwiches because of the lady she was forced to look after while her friends were playing out never got old. But she did... Now I know that seems to be a silly thing to say; she's a human being not a robot! She had always been onld to me but never seemed her age. On many occasions she's been caught up on a chair changing lightbulbs or out the front of her house weeding the path with a spoon but in the last few years she had gotten old and tired, can you blame her? Considering this though she was sharp as a whip and always said what she thought, right to the end. You could always count on Nan to let you know if you'd put weight on!

In 2010 I was lucky enough to be able to take Elanor over to England to visit and I'll never forget the way she couldn't wait for me to get Elanor up off the floor to her so she scooped her up on her leg and shimmied her up onto her knee, to spend the next hour or so completely absorbed in my little creation. My heart swells just thinking about it.
I know this is hardest for my Mum. Having already lost both her Mum and Dad, Nan is a big goodbye. Nan has always been more like a mother to my Mum and they have been pillars of strength to each other through times of trial.  Don't worry Mum, she will be with you always (telling you you've gained weight or your hair is too short!) watching, guiding and supporting you and I know that every day you will make her smile, and she you.

I am glad that Nan was in no pain, she didn't lose her marbles or her sense of self. It was time, she was tired and I don't think anyone begrudges her a nice peaceful sleep. I hope that every day I can make you proud Nan...You have guided our family with strength and diginity and it will be a little like a boat without an anchor for a long while but we will know you are still with us in our hearts. Pō Marie xx

wardrobe Wednesday...?

Thought I might jump on the bandwagon...but we'll see how long it lasts! For us Wednesday is usually a stay at home day (no playgroup!) especially in this weather so warmth and comfort are a priority.

Cardi, glassons - $25 (?)

Dress, 2nd hand - $6

Belt, piece of string stuff I found in a box

Leggings, glassons $12.50

You'll notice I haven't bothered to put me shoes on...

I guess whilst one is trying to get ones groove back it is good to see photos of oneself in different combos. One day I'll fit all my clothes from pre-baby days... excuse me while my I repair my split sides hah hah hah.

bottom half...

Today I am enjoying my bottom half!

That's all...

ready to share...

Here is Maggie, her 2nd day on earth...poor mite! And now she's a big, healthy Buddah babe - go breastmilk!

 

xx

weight loss journey *whinge alert*

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!

There, I did it. Right. So... I was doing fine, had lost over 8kg and then BAM, scales break. Of course we buy new ones AND THEY'RE DIFFERENT!!! Damn you new, working scales. Turns out I'm 10kg heavier on the new ones and it has really got me down. But I guess I've still lost the same amount of weight (?)...I just have waaaaay further to my goal than I thought. Sigh. Huge sigh.
I guess I am annoyed cos I haven't had a piece of cake or basically anything yummy, barring about 6 squares of chocolate in almost a month. You may well cry "whoa" sarcastically but that is a huge thing in this house as both J and I are mega sweet tooth and had just pretty much been eating whatever we felt like...which is not an issue for him - damn you svelte husband!

I just want to reach my goal weight before I get pregnant again and put it all back on. Hah! Futile? Maybe...

Daddy's old tshirt = cute singlet dress

Those of you who know my husband may well rcognise this chewbacca tshirt. It had been a favourite for a good few years but over the last couple it has become a little...ahem...snug, and just generally worn out. He was going to send it to the sallies; "heck no!" cried I (clearly he doesn't know how hard it is to find star wars related clothes for 2 year old girls...!!) and here is Elanor's new singlet dress.

Elanor is a terrible model. She cannot stand still.

But you get the general gist...
Also, that is felt pen on her legs in the first shot. She has a strange fascination to drawing on herself then saying "pretty, like Daddy".

Joy!

thanking the baby catchers...

Last week (at least it was last week when I started this post...now more like 2 weeks ago but hey, who's counting!) was our last home visit with the wonderful Michele Lord, our midwife.  How's this for funny...last time, with Elanor, Jackie was our midwife but Michele was her alternate and was present for Elanor's birth so this time we went with Michele but it ended up being Jackie who was present for Maggie's birth. Whack!
Anyway... Michele supported me all the way through my commitment to VBAC and my decision to pretty much do what I wanted when I go to the hospital (!) or even maybe perhaps accidentally on purpose stay at home a little too long...whoops, baby! She is an amazingly strong woman and as well as working her caseload she has been having to watch her father get sicker and sicker and eventually pass away the week just gone.  I have so much confidence and faith in Michele and she totally puts me at ease.  She is such a calm and beautiful soul - what can I say, I love my midwife!! Gush.

These are the gifts... (one for Jackie, one for Sarah - Michele's student and one, of course, for Michele).

 

I also made them some dark chocolate covered raspberry cake balls...I know right, you're thinking about becoming a midwife so you can hang with me and get gifts too. 

!!

PS. The photo is poor - Michele's (the big one) says "(baby) catch and kiss xox" and "baby catching - it's a way of life"...Jackie's - "slice of heaven..." and Sarah's "(baby) catch and kiss".