#15 Shhhh... It's a secret!

One of the things I loved about being pregnant was maternity clothes. To be honest I didn't have to buy many. I borrowed some and just made do with what clothes I already had but the few that I did buy and wear, I thought it seemed to be a very well kept secret that they are the most comfortable clothes you will ever wear.

The roomy tops, stretchy dresses and the pants... Drooooool! 

Maternity pants are the best! The reason is because they have this wonderful waist band sewn into them. To anyone else, you are wearing normal jeans but what people don't know is that the stretchy waistband goes from your hip to almost your neck, in some cases, and it makes them soooooooooo comfortable! No more unsightly underpants showing in the gap between the pants and top. No no no no!! Not a chance! And, No more T bar! Fashion faux pas averted and comfort achieved :)

All this said, and to keep it real today, I'd like to proudly announce that even having given birth 1 year ago, I still wear my maternity jeans. I love them and I'm not giving them up for anyone or anything. Don't be afraid to follow suit! Comfort rules! And no one would be able to tell anyway. 

Oh and btw... That was me yesterday in K-mart looking around the maternity wear section... And, no,  I'm not pregnant again. Just keeping it real! 

#14 Freedom!!

It was my husbands 40th birthday last week and to celebrate I bought him and I tickets to one of his favourite comedian's shows happening in conjunction with the Sydney comedy festival. 

He was really excited about it and so was I. More excited than I have been about something in a long time. But why? Although I like the comedian too, there was something more to it. And then it dawned on me. This was the first proper outing we had been on as a couple for a long time... Sans kid! 

During the night everything seemed so easy... No car seat, no pram, no baby bag, no feeding, no bed time, no crying... No baby... It was utterly weird. 

It's amazing how quickly you adapt to your new life. We had been married 10 years before Jemma came along and never really realised how free we were.

You know what I learnt from this experience? 

Every now and then you need a break with your partner. It sounds logical right? But I didn't realise how long it had been... It's freedom and it makes you love your baby and partner even more.

So guys, my non-expert advice today is " Go out and have a good time without your Bub every now and then." It will feel absolutely strange but It's 100 percent worth it! 

Keep it real :)

#13 The 1st birthday

Well hello, I haven't blogged for a while but today I am stuck inside due to heavy rain so I have time to catch up on stuff like this.

Since my last post my Daughter had her first birthday and I'd like to say that I kept it real for her party... That we had a small cake and celebrated with the grandparents.... but that would be a lie :(

    I just couldn't do it! Sorry to have a moment of KIR weakness but...You see... that would have been all well and good if we weren't so blessed with people who genuinely love and care for Jemma but soooooo many people deserved to celebrate with us I just couldn't stop myself.
   So I went a bit over the top. We had lots of decorations, a couple of games for the kids, way too much food, a gazebo, a brightly coloured rainbow cake topped with smarties and edible glitter, kids music and the list goes on. Ooppppps! 

  Having been through it now, as a parent, I think a child's 1st birthday is incredibly important. Not necessarily for the child...as you can guarantee they won't remember it...but for the parents and community who have managed to somehow keep them alive for a full year! That is an achievement not to be scoffed at and my husband and I wanted to publicly thank everyone for their contribution to Jemma's life. A lot happens in that year. It still blows me away to think about it and it's certainly worth celebrating however you feel comfortable... I did however decide to hold back on the jumping castle and petting zoo this year. That would be going too far....Even for a proud mum like me :) KIR the best you can! 

#12 Enough said

Enough said! 

Keep it real :)

#11Trolley Folly

I like the thrill of the chase... Finding bargains...you know?... Well you can certainly do that at Costco. We went on a family outing there this afternoon with some friends who have a membership... Shout out to Bel and Dave... Honestly I really enjoyed it. We had a lot of fun with our daughter and our friends and we got some cheap stuff which is always good when you have a family but despite generally having the power to block annoying things out, I couldn't help but notice one thing. The lack of manners and consideration shown by those around us. 

  

People of Australia I ask you... Have manners gone out the door? What about consideration? Out the window? 

At Costco everyone has a huuuuuge trolley to carry their huuuuuuge bulk supply of toilet paper and, suffice to say, those things are not easy to manoeuvre. So, would not a little order be called for? Nup... Trolleys going here...going there...without a care in the world...except to nab the next bargain of course.

That's why I've invented a super hero for Costco to help customers enjoy their shopping experience a bit more... 

Enter "Nanna Manner"! 

A wise old gal who confronts those who show a lack of manners and consideration and puts them back on the right track.

She tells people to keep left unless overtaking another trolley.

She outlaws kicking, spitting, pulling and pushing.

And she enforces vigilance and mindfulness to those around you at all times.

Costco... If you're listening... You need Nanna Manner pronto. Actually scrap that... Australia YOU need Nanna Manner... I think we might be a confused nation when it comes to manners. I don't want the country that my daughter is inheriting from me to be like this in the future. Something must be done!

"Nanna Manner... Save us!"

K.I.R :)

#10 K.I.S.S

Sorry to disappoint guys but this is not a "How to" guide to kissing. Actually now I think about it it's much more boring than that. Nevertheless... I choose to continue. 
   You may recall in post #1, I mentioned that I have some mantras for my life... Well today, in conjunction with International day of happiness, I have decided to talk about one of them. " Keep it simple" and by "it" I mean life. 
  Since I can remember, I've never wanted to live a complicated life. My parents will even tell you stories of my telling them this at a very young age. " Mum, I just want to live a simple life." I would say. And for the most part I think I have to this point. Although, having Jemma has certainly added another layer to my life... All be it, one which I don't regret a bit and which gives me great joy.  I do often wonder though, why?, as humans, we seem to need to complicate. I think happiness can come from "just being"...being content with what we have. I understand that there are circumstances out of our control that can help to complicate our lives but I also think that some of us look for something to complicate our lives. Better Job, more money, new clothes, bigger house, more activities to do with our kids etc. 
The happiest moment I've had this week was sitting in our big red reading chair just cuddling my baby after reading a book. That was enough.
What would life look like if we didn't pressure ourselves to have more, more, more and just said Enough, enough, enough... Be content...and arguably...happy?

Just something to ponder this week... Keep it real people! 

P.s Happy International day of Happiness for Friday 20th :) 

#9 Things to look for when buying a... Pram

Warning: The following piece is an attempt at satire and sarcasm. Please don't take it too seriously!

Things to look for when buying a...

Pram

These days there are so many Prams on the market that it can be hard deciding which one to buy. Here is a fool proof list of things you need in a good pram.

1. Wheels- always good to have wheels. They keep the pram moving.

2. A seat - it's nice to have somewhere for your child to sit in a pram. Comfort first!

3. Handles- these make pushing a breeze!

4. Big basket under the seat- Holds more stuff... Like shopping bags!

5. Brakes- help to prevent rolling accidents on hills and train platforms and keep the pram steady on a bus.

6. Sun hood- stops nosey onlookers from taking a sneaky-peek at your baby at the shops... Oh and UV Rays... It keeps those pesky strong Aussie UV Rays from hitting the silky soft skin of your bub... Hence aiding the prevention of skin cancer.

7. Straps- nothing like strapping a child down... No...but seriously... They're a good safety feature... Especially on hills and train platforms :) 

And remember to take this helpful list with you when you go to the Baby Warehouse to buy your pram! You can't go wrong! 

K.I.R!!!!