Dear Camilla, a 3.5yr old Update

[into Mums lipstick]

It is high time I did a blog post all about Camilla, my special 3 3/4 year old who is growing and learning at lightening speed. These are the days I want to remember, so it's important I visually get them down to reflect on. So really, this is a post for us, but you are welcome to read it too :) 

Camilla my sassy, opinionated, thoughtful, colourful, rule follower and pattern maker. I love you completely.

It's been a long time since I've written a post all about you, so here it is, all about your 3rd year. You'll be turning 4 in 3 months. You check the order of our birthdays mosts weeks just to make sure your birthday is still happening. We've just had Daddys (May), now we will have Katies soon (June), and then it will be your birthday after that (August), and my birthday is a few months after yours (November).

So, you are eagerly awaiting the day you turn FOUR. You'll have a party, maybe another Frozen party you think? I'll try and steer you towards something else (you had a frozen birthday party last year), but once you set your mind on something theres no convincing you otherwise. 

You know that after you turn FOUR, you'll turn FIVE, and thats when you'll officially be a big School Girl, a day you are hanging out for. 

You are like a sponge Camilla, you are always asking for more information, how to spell things, what words are what, how many things are in that thing, how did the colour get like that, what does that word mean. How to say different things in Maori. I know you are going to absolutely love school, but I try and teach you as much as I can at home while the goings good. You soak it all up, and at the most unexpected times bring it all back up. You are constantly listening and learning!  

Right now you are really into words and letters. You have been able to write your name for about 6 months now, and you're always practicing others. 

One day I woke up and in the early morning you had gotten your birth details print off your dutchess and had been practicing letters and numbers in the dark while we slept. 

You also love to draw people. This is what your people look like right now. Those big circles are elbows, knees and feet. This is a picture of "your family. You (Milla), Katie, Eda, Jared and Georgia"

Some times Katie draws with you, sometimes you love it and teach her new things (how to colour in your bubbles you draw) and other times she frustrates you. Katie doesn't play by the rules yet (she accidentally draws on the table and rips up paper) and that bothers you. 

If you could have a perfect day it would involve unlimited paper, felts, glitter and glue and being left to your own devices. You could draw all day long. 

Well, drawing and dancing, which is the new "in" thing right now. Earlier this year you got some beautiful dresses from my job at EziBuy and you LOVE to "put on Taylor Swift and dance ballet" with them. We put music on in the lounge and you can spend an after noon spinning, lifting your legs and arms and going into another dance world inside your mind. 

We watched some videos on youtube of some very graceful dancers and you were so inspired with some new moves, you've been dancing every day since. 

You love to keep the music on and wait for Daddy to get home. He is like your Prince Charming. You are always saving things for Daddy to see. You crave his praise and approval so much and of course he adores you, so it fills you up to see him. 

You love Daddy dates and fluffies, time at the park and museum and spending quality time with Dad. 

When you're not dancing and drawing, you are probably at Kindy painting, hanging on the monkey bars, swinging from the rope swing or racing around with your little friends. 

In the photo above you are standing in front of your perseverance poster. The Kindy Kaiako are always praising and commenting on your perseverance, you are always (and have always) taken your time to learn a new task. First you watch to see how it is done, you figure it out in your head, and when you are ready you attempt it, usually doing it the first time around, and if not you'll try and try again until you have mastered something. 

[at the Kindy Wheelathon, we all dressed in waiporoporo and you rode your scooter around the track!]

[Your friend Lucy at Hollys 3rd Birthday Fairy Party]

A little while ago we went to McDonalds for lunch after church. When we sat down at the table you looked around and noticed there was no playground at that particular McDonalds. The following conversation happened::

Camilla: "Mum, there is no play ground at this McDonalds."

Me: "No theres not, good noticing"

Camilla: "...Maybe you could think about that next time..."

You love your little Sister Katie, even though right now she's learning to push everyones figurative buttons. 

You two are still sharing a room and that is going well, hopefully that will continue for a long time. 

In the morning you creep out of bed, put on your dressing gown, check to see if Katie is awake, then you'll go and do something in the lounge. 

Some mornings you sneak into the kitchen and make your own cornies, and choose your own clothes and get dressed yourself. You are so independent! It makes us laugh, you are so capable and we are always surprised by it, even though we shouldn't be. You've been this way since day one. 

You love to encourage and teach Katie new things. You are like a mother to her, always bossing her around and deciding what she gets to do. 

For a while you nicknamed her "Kayde" but that seems to have stopped now. 

And Little Eda, who we spend a lot of time with, between connect groups and Maori courses, you end up spending a lot of dinners and nights at each others houses. You love Eda to pieces, and some times seem to love her a lot more than our own family. 

Whenever we go to the "Fruitwell Whare" you are always thinking of things you can take as gifts for Jared, and you think of Georgia as your own Mum some times. 

And lastly, all the other things that make up Milla: hut building, present wrapping, book reading, bouncing and tumbling and flips on the trampoline or off the couch, riding your bike around the house and doing skids with your brakes, and gazing at the moon and stars. 

Oh you love those stars and glowing moon, sunrises and sunsets, clouds and sweet sunshiney days. You are full of wonder and awe at our world and the beauty it shows you every day. We gaze up at the stars and compare the size of the moon some nights before bed, and you "Waaaaoooowwww" with delight. 

Little Camilla, I hope that awe never gets old. This is a beautiful life we have, and we have a beautiful place in which to live it.

Peace and Love,

From Mama xxx

oh! AND PS! You stopped sucking your fingers at night time when you realised that Ana (from Frozen) wasn't sucking hers when she was in bed! Yess

READ MORE:

More posts about Camilla here

Great British Sewing Bee and a Crafty Update

(source)

I have just finished watching the Great British Sewing Bee Season 3. Weeee!! I really really need to talk to someone about it! Have you watched it?! The show just fills me with so much inspiration and fuzzies, I feel like I need to watch all the series again, take down notes and patterns, and then get cracking with my life.

This was definitely my favourite moment of the series, two men helping one of the ladies work out her pattern. Aren't sewing people in general just so wanting to share what they have with the world??!

If you haven't watched Season 3, you can find it here on youtube. (terrible quality). OR start with Season 1 here.  (also on YouTube). If you're into sewing, you'll enjoy it.

Mostly, TGBSB inspires me to just start on something I've never done before. All of the sewers can create beautiful garments from just a pattern and winging it.

It turns out, I do have some sewing guts! I tried my first go at sewing knits last week on a whim! I've had the fabric and pattern sitting in my "to do" pile for 6+ months, I've been too scared of making mistakes (I've heard knits can be tricky), but I just thought I'm going to do it! NOW!

So I sat down, cut out the pattern and an hour and a bit later Milla had some fun new trackpants to wear! Pattern is Lazy Day Lounge Pants without the big waist band, but I'll definitely be doing the wide band around the top next time.

It turns out knits aren't toooo scary, and I'm planning my next go at them to keep the momentum going. Maybe a little sweatshirt with some of the left over fabric, or a knit tunic like this one for me!?

I also decided after dinner some time last week that I was sick of a whole cupboard being taken up by plastic bags so I got to work and whipped this up while the girls were reading bed time stories with their Dad! I've been meaning to make this for years. And here it is, just like that.

I just used bits of fabric from previous makes, some elastic, and it was good to go! MrMoo was pretty chuffed when he told me he made when he was 11, and therefore had beaten me at sewing! ;)

I like sewing things like this, because I think these are the things you remember from your childhood, right? I think my girls might grow up remembering that old bright plastic bag holding the swung around inside the pantry door. 

I'm trying to get some of my projects off the shelves and get them done (so that I can start more!!!), so I've just drafted up a table fort I've been wanting to make the girls since the new year! It'll be lots of fun in the winter I'm sure! 

So thats whats on my sewing table right now! Let me know if you watch the GBSB and we can talk about all the different garments (ps, SKANKLETS!? My word!!)

Love,
Sophie x

Scenes From Our Weekend

SCENES FROM OUR WEEKEND

Camilla has a secret handshake with her Dad. This weekend it finished with him kissing her thumb. She likes to complete any thumbs up or hi-fives with kisses. I was able to sneakily snap one of them on camera, but I cannot give away any more details of the secret handshake. 

A special moment from the weekend was making a surprise trip to the botanic gardens; running through the flower patches, playing on the swings and slides and finding feathers on the ground. 

It was perfect (even though we were boiling hot and starving). Some times you can still see magic even though your stomach feels like its eating itself. 

I like adventuring with our little Moo2 tribe. 

Hello 2015!

Hello! We are back from summer holidays; from the sunshine, fun times and adventures with our whanau. Back to... early mornings, routines, and countdowns till the weekend. 

We had a great summer holiday and I have a whole list of posts I want to create to record our memories here, and I really must do it before the moments pass. First, I wanted to stop in and plant my feet back down in this space and then go from here.

Peace. Sophie x

Welcome Home

(Milla begins to pack her toys)

This is the first time I've opened my computer in 15 days, we've been soaking up the sunshine and good times on the Westcoast.

We had a ball and loved every moment of it. Family, adventures, good food, rest, spas, nature, animals, Christmas, friends, indulgences... It was great, really really great.

When we got back, we decided we'd move houses in the next two days (we had a new empty rental lined up but our lease doesn't end till early Feb). I know, rushed! So I'm typing this from our new bedroom that has a stack of boxes in it. It's great being here, a real -house-, it does have its quirks and I do miss living in our old-new apartment a little.

Today Milla and MrMoo were out, Katie was sleeping and I just sat and listened to the trees rustling. I could hear the leaves from our lounge. It felt like the best sound ever. We've never lived anywhere with real life trees. It's refreshing!

In due course I'll publish some photos from our trip away but in the mean time we're still in holiday / shifting mode (can those two even be said in the same sentence?). MrMoo is off work until this time next week and I don't want to miss this time together!

Do you have any unpacking advice? The place is a shambles!

December Night Update

Saturday night, we meet again. Cookies and wine, a spot of crochet and blogging.

I haven't been finding the time to open my laptop these days, Milla is soaking up all the attention I can possibly give her and I can see her demeanor change when a device is around; the TV, laptop, phone... She fights for attention, of which I will happily give her. Laptops have been staying closed until the evening, and by then there is a husband to socialise with. 

So here I am! A moments peace to turn out some sort of marker in the internets history.

The most pressing news to share is that we have found a home to live in next year. It will do us just great. Despite having to move out 4 weeks early (and continue paying rent) we are feeling very provided for and looked after. All has worked out in the end, and hopefully all the packing and moving will go smoothly after our Christmas and New Years celebrations!

Our new home is a block away from Nanny and Poppas house and backs on to a domain with a play ground and playing fields! We also have an -actual lounge- which we are excited to have people in soon! (if anyone has been to our current apartment you will understand our excitement!)

We've been doing advent activities in the lead up to Christmas, its so much fun having a little pre-planned activity to spice up the day. Milla loves excitement no matter the subject! If something is "special" then it is THEBESTHINGEVERRR! 

This week we've had special Milos during book and bible time (I know right, lucky!!), been to visit Christmas lights, had pancakes for breakfast, been at Christmas parties, made cards and a bunch of other things!

I l.o.v.e Christmas. So so so much.

Last night I wrapped our gifts, it's safe to say that Kmart has the best (and cheap!) wrapping paper around! It's awesome. I love our little pile of gifts :)

Camilla took the photos in this post and applied the filters to them. I have a whole lot of them in my phone, I love to see what she takes when she sneaks off with my phone.

I hope to see you later on in the week, I have a trillion things to share with you!!

So tell me, how is everyone doing out there???

End To A Long Week

And so ends a long week. There's been many times where I have banged my head against my wall of limits and dragged myself begrudgingly out of bed. It has felt like I have had no rest this last fortnight. I get up in the morning tired and go to bed tired. I am tired. (but no Mum, I'm really fine. Seriously.)

I'm looking forward to the weekend. Last weekend was busy for the hubby, he was barely home. I'm hoping things will be a little quieter and more restful this time 'round. You know, Mamas need "weekends" once in a while too. Just sayin'.

I'm also trying not to think too hard about our car that is currently stationary in Avonhead, all alone on the other side of town not starting. (And my phone that wont charge. And my TV that isn't turning on...) (EDIT* Ive been told the car is sorted and we can pick it up tomorrow!)

Instead, what's good?

• The sun is shining, there are two loads of washing on the racks outside waving in the breeze. 
• Milla is playing with Duplo which she got for her birthday. She loves it. 
• She's been getting up 3 times a night for the last week, I think it's time to cut out her lunch time nap (she didn't have one today). I thought I would mourn this day, and I kind of am, but if it means she'll stay asleep at night then I'll be much happier. 
• She is so tired right now as a result. So so tired. Here's to a good sleep tonight!!
• I'm thinking about all the ingredients for a Jamie Oliver chicken korma that I have ready to go for tonight. Delicious!
• The sun. Thank God for the sun (again)
• The Sisterhood. Ya'll have raised $1300 dollars in two nights for two families (this post for more info).
• The upstairs neighbour currently cutting his toe nails off the balcony (they're falling onto our front door step). But hey, he's an older guy with a lovely partner and they are quiet and friendly. I'll take them as upstairs neighbours any day!
• Milla currently screaming at me for water in a different cup. So i'm thankful that our water is so accessible I can get her another cup of it. 

So, there you go. Trying to look at the good things. Also thankful for this blog. And for everyone around me. And my Dad, coming to rescue me in Avonhead today, despite his recent hip replacement (oopsies), also thankful for that new hip too!

Better get that cup of water...

While I'm doing that, weigh in on this! I posted this photo ^^ on FB a few weeks ago, this is the girls at 7weeks old. I think they look really similar (mouth, nose, eye colour, hair) but my Dad doesn't think they look anything alike. He's crazy, right???!

Peace xxx

Random Thoughts On A Thursday

Random Thoughts On A Thursday

(Thanks for the inspiration Ange!)

• The Babymoon has officially been over for weeks. I knew it was as soon as I had Homebrand drinking chocolate in my online shopping cart. As much as I like living frugally and buying the cheap stuff and therefore having more food in our cupboards, it was also deliciously nice to constantly have Milo and Toffee Pops and other delicious (usually luxury) treats in the cupboard.
• My Baby is now 2 months old, and my big girl is turning 2 next week. 
• My Dad had a hip replacement yesterday, his get well card said "To the hippest Grandad..." but he didn't get the joke. Infact, no one got the joke. What a waste! I was sure that was going to be my top joke of 2013.
• I've been sewing lately and I have more projects cut out on my desk ready to go when I get a spare moment! Yipeeeee! Its so satisfying. I'm loving getting a few minutes behind the machine. (Except that Camilla is too scared of her new felt crown and apron to try them on *sigh*)
• Katie is doing really well. She is really good at being a baby. Like, she's a natural. And I'm thankful. She sleeps really well. Eats really well. and does all the other things baby's do.  
• Camilla is obsessed with her Dolly. It does everything Katie does and Camilla does everything I do. Its adorable!
• Every time I can "trick" Camilla into doing something by convincing her with options I smile to myself and think "oh yeah, i'm the bomb!" and have a little chuckle. Anyone else?
• I have a little film crew coming over to Sisterhood HQ on Monday to film a piece for CTV (Canterbury Television)'s local heros news slot. Sisters are heros! Yes they are!
• I'm having to daily ask for more and more patience. But that's cool because I get it. And I'd rather ask and have than not ask and not have. Makes sense huh.
• MrMoo and I have set savings goals and debt paying off goals. We hit a milestone each 5ish weeks and we celebrate by having a little stay at home dinner date. Lots of icecream, chocolate and treats (See point one). It's funny that we've never had so little money and so many bills as we have this year but been able to do so much with it. Funny how focussing and budgeting can achieve you so much (to a point). So we're living off a crazy tight budget, but its crazy worth it. 
• I'm giving away two sets of three prints for Pepin Design tomorrow. Make sure you enter while you can! 
• I really love my blog and I really love that you read it. Thank you for being here! xxx

Life at 6 Weeks

Life right now:

• I've made a start on Katie's 1st birthday blanket, since Milla's blanket ended up being 6 months too late I thought this was probably wise.
• I've started but I really don't have a complete plan yet. I haven't internally agreed on the colours yet. This is incredibly exciting for me (what a blanket rebel!) but also incredibly nerve racking (what if I waste so much time?!)
• For the last 2 nights MrMoo has been a couch blanket hog. I'm going to have to get our spare ones out of the wardrobe. Leather couches get so cold!
• I've gone and compiled a master to do list. This whole feeling like I'm getting nothing done is not good for my mental health! I must achieve, and I must feel like I'm working on something, this I now understand. Everything on the master list is achievable within 1 or 2 days, the idea is to tick something off [hopefully] each day.
• I love the 6 week milestone. No longer a new born but still so little! The cheeks fill out and the neck gets strong. Love!
• Milla is so sick. She's had fevers on and off since Friday but seems to have turned a corner today. Hopefully she's on the up! The rest of us are cowering away from her germ filled coughing.
• Waking up to sun today made me deliriously happy!

Whats happening in your household right now? Leave a comment and let me know!

I included all of you on Facebook yesterday saying you had sick people in your household in my prayers yesterday. Take care xxx

The Previous Two Weeks

(Getting shoes on for our first outing)

Two weeks ago it was snowing and cold, milla and I built huts and shared cups of tea. I was tired and my body was sore. 

In hindsight I wasn't that tired or that sore. That was all to come.

Today, right now, I sit on our hot couch in the sunshine, both my girls are sleeping. Two weeks have gone by so quickly. 

In those first few days the days seemed so long, I wondered if it would take a year to live out the week. Now I'm wondering if I will be able to remember these days, they are passing so quickly, I had better get blogging!

Baby Katie is doing so well. She's been a natural earth side baby, she sleeps well, and after a few days of frustration with feeding she seems to have the hang of it now. That took me by surprise, I kind of assumed she would be a natural feeder like Milla!

We visited an osteopath this morning for her feeding, she seems to only like laying on one side and has a very small latch. I've never been to an osteo but they came highly recommended so I was intrigued! She felt up her back and around her head and gave her a little massagey thing. On one side of her head the bones were separated and the other side they were stuck together, common after quick births (8 minutes pushing! huzzah!) apparently whatever she did to them should help release tension so she will be comfortable laying on both her sides. I'm so interested to see what comes of it! Since then she has slept the morning away!

I'll let you know!

We've been out on little adventures a few times in the last few weeks, I'm yet to go out by myself with the girls, and I'm feeling stronger each day. MrMoo is back at work and my Mum goes home tomorrow, so perhaps next week will be a whole different story! 

Thank you for all of your love xx

(Ps, the giveaways close on Sunday and are announced Monday! Enter them while you can :) )