News from Spring

I thought I would swing by to update you on few things I have been up to lately. We went camping at Wombayan caves with family, followed by a relaxing few days at the beach, and returned refreshed and ready for the lead up to Christmas...

I painted a piece of timber for the "9x5 show" for the Illustrators Australia “CARNIVALE” exhibition. I was inspired by a past trip to Venice and Padua. If you happen to be in Melbourne you can visit the 9X5 Exhibition at SPACE 39, Lvl 2, 39 Little Collins St, Melbourne. Opening night is this Friday the 9th November 6pm-9pm.

Last Saturday I went to "Pinerolo" Margaret Hamilton's children's book cottage in Blackheath. She runs courses on children's book publishing among other things. It was so lovely to be swept up in her enthusiasm for the books she has created over the years and all the amazing writers and illustrators she has worked with. She was also joined by renowned illustrator Wayne Harris who showed us many of his award winning books and and the original illustrations he created for them.

I enjoyed Margaret's original collections of artwork from many amazing artists including one of my former tutors Tony Oliver. I didn't get a chance to have a good peek at her book collection.

Beach Holiday

We just spent 10 days on a traditional Lloyd summer holiday with extended in-law family; around 30 of us in total this year. By traditional, see the patched up beach umbrella which has seen its fair share of beach holidays. The break was much needed after December craziness... Came back home a few days ago feeling refreshed and invigorated, ready to start 2012 with renewed enthusiasm.

And then there were four...

Our Spring baby was born one stormy night in September. There was something magical to me about the night she was born. She was a big girl at 4.35kg and 54cm long. Zoe and her big brother have been keeping me busy!

Bringing her home.

Sleeping on Daddy.

Spring in the garden

Catching up on some posts... I have been otherwise occupied having my spring baby! I'll update on that soon. Meanwhile all the flowers and bees are out in our garden. When it rains you can hear frogs chirping happily from their leafy homes, and the bell birds tinking away at the tops of the trees. I love this time of year.


Our news!

We are very excited that we have another baby on the way! It is due in mid September. I haven't been too unwell morning sickness but I have a bad back already. It doesn't help that I have my little poppet to pick up and cuddle, put in the car, take out of the car and whisk out of mischief!

We have also been in a big rush to try and get our home the way we want it before the second baby arrives. That way we can focus on enjoying being a family... In the to-be-babies room there is a pull down wall bed, which we don't use, so I need to sell that on Gumtree (like Craigslist) and paint the room in some nice light and bright colours. At the moment it is submarine grey in there - which is not lovely. We have been doing lots of weed removal in the garden and painting inside among other things. I purchased some vegetable seeds yesterday and we have a new compost bin. The plan is to make a start on a vegetable garden...

Picnic at the beach

On the weekend we visited a friend who lives near the beach, we had a picnic in a little cove. I just love finding fun things in nature like these red and black

Waratah anemones!

There were also lots of little schools of fish, if you were fast enough you could catch them with your cupped hands.

Motherhood


I completely enjoy being a mother. I am rewarded every day with Ethan's smiles and laughter! He has lots of energy and curiosity and is so friendly with everyone, even with strangers. I think there is a little of my beloved Nan in him. She used to chat with anyone she met, just like Ethan does now in his own baby talk. Nan passed away last year when I was pregnant with Ethan so she never got to meet him, not even as a bump.

I notified my work that I would not be returning. I have mixed feelings about that, but for the most part I am very happy. If I did go back to work I would feel such a pang everyday leaving Ethan in the care of someone else.

Our days are becoming very full. Monday is playgroup in the morning and my pilates class in the afternoon. Tuesday is mother's group in the afternoon. Wednesday morning we have Ethan's swimming class. Friday is storytime at the library. Add to that caring for Ethan, with breastfeeds, solid meals, naps, changing, play and all the chores. And of course other fun stuff like catching up with friends.