It has been a while

So this is my first post in a while. So much has been happening.

Our son has been born!! He was born on 14/11/2010... He was 9 pound 7 and I still maintain the opinion that the dates were wrong. His skin all peeling(sign of being overcooked) and his sheer size.. I am glad i gave up on VBAC dream and opted for another c-section other wise i could still be pregnant now and waiting for something to happen and he would be 10 or 11 pound!!

He is just gorgeous. I had forgotten how amazing babies are. It is nice having purpose in life again, and feeling needed.  No matter how much he cries and wakes me up from my sleep i still seem to greet him with a smile and a cuddle.. I look forward to him waking up.. I would think this is my last child as there were complications with the c-section almost requiring me to have a blood transfusion. I will not completely rule out a 3rd c-section but it would have to be a definate decision with me and hubby. At the moment I don't see it as being likely.

Lavish - She Said

The band that I spent most my teen years following, photographing and loving!! Enjoy

Scissor Sisters - Fire With Fire

Scissor Sisters.. Fire with Fire.. BRILLIANT!!

Wise old owl

When we were leaving hubbys footy game the other night I spotted a lovely owl in the tree infront of where we parked.. Would I go anywhere without my camera? I think not! I hope you enjoy the photo as much as I do.

Family

I have recently really started to realise that I am not invincable and that someday I won't be here. This has led me to start the unravelling of the family tree. I figure that this is the best legacy for my children. Although they won't get it now, I figure when they are my age or a bit older they will truely appreciate knowing there heritage and where we came from. The struggles, joys and heartbreaks that there ancestors endured to get us where we are now.

However, I dare say I have made it rather hard for myself as I am not only doing my family but my husbands family as well. His family have proven rather simple as they are all still alive. My family, well that's a different story.  My grandparents have all passed excpet for 1 and she has severe diamentia and doesn't know anything about herself.

I am relying on family stories to piece by piece uncover each member of the family. I dare say a big road trip may be on the cards..

Well I am enjoying none the less.  Discovering where you come from really helps you to understand who you are and why you are the person you are.

Cake

For a while now I have been trying so hard to replicate the delish icing my grandma used to make on her cakes. I actually won't eat cake cos i have never found any as good as hers. So buttery and sweet and moist.. I have mastered the cake but the icing has been almost impossible to figure. I would love to ask her for the recipe but she has diamentia and has no idea.

So today I finally mastered the hard setting butter icing. The photo above is my attempt. So presentation needs work but the icing is great.

I also made a vanilla block sponge cake. I had never made my sponge recipe in to a block. I must admit that I am very happy with how it turned out.  Soft thick buttery icing is my triumph though. I was chuffed when I iced it and it looked/tasted so good. The butter I used gave it a rather yellowy colour, but that suits me as yellow is my favourite colour. Now that I have mastered my cake and Icing, i just need to work on the application..

She couldn't wait til the icing set, she wanted hers straight away.

 

Dearest Daughter seems to think both my cake and cupcakes are the best though and thats the most important thing.

Emu song.

This is my 3yr old with her guitar. She came out to hubby and I telling us that she had recorded some new songs and that she wants us to hear them. This is what she came up with. So cute!

This is a statue I came across a restaurant in Toowoomba. I absoloutely love it.

Beautiful sheep at my husbands University.




A turtle we found while out fishing.. So cute!

I love to Bake

One of my butter cakes that I make. No packet mixes here, everything from scratch.

The best scones I have made to date. So simple yet so delicous!

Gosh what a big day. We ended up deciding to go to the ekka yesterday. Doing this while 6months pregnant may not have been the best idea! I am so stiff and sore today. We did have a wonderful day though. My big girl got to milk a cow, sit on a police motorbike and visit with cows and horses. As long as she sees horses she is happy!

It is disappointing that they will be knocking down so many buildings in order to build units. Could this be the Valley incidident all over again? According to the plans, they are going to build the high rise units behind horse stalls and cattle pavillion, will yuppies of these apartments complain about the smell and noise made once a year?  Remember when they decided to build the Sun apartments in the valley? The new residents complained about the noise levels and then came in laws about music being turned down at certain times.. The VMC had to work hard to save the night clubs and live music venues. Could the Ekka be heading for the same fate? Or will these people be made to realise that once a year in August there will be horses, chooks, cows, 100,000's of people and rides playing loud music, severe congestion and well everything glorious about the ekka.

Now that I have had my rant, please enjoy some piccies from yesterday.

Well it has been a while..

So much going on at the moment.. We move house at the end of this week so super busy with a lot to do in such little time.

Pregnancy seems to be going okay. Few aches and pains but it all goes with it.. This little boy seems to really only move about and kick and night time. Really don;t feel much during the day time tho I dare say its probably too early to feel a lot.

David Guetta & Chris Willis ft Fergie & LMFAO - Gettin' Over You (Offici...

The Show

On the weekend just gone, we took lil one to the local country show. Fantastic variety of things to do and see, great amount of rides. We went on the Sunday so there were not many people there, Saturday is the big day out here..

Hubby and I love the produce and cooking areas where they judge who has the best vegies, cakes etc.  I was expecting that in the country there would be some amazing bakers but I was very shocked to see a category called "best packet mix cake" YUK! There is no skill involved and they are not as good as making a real one. So I don't understand it.

I took a couple of photos on the day that I thought I would share with you all.

She went on the roller coaster alone.


She cannot say no to a pony ride!


We got there bright and early to watch the show jumping

Quickie before bed..

Well.. I have been a bit neglectful of my page of late..

We have been approved for a house thats cheaper and gorgeous.. however we have to move in 2 weeks so we are super busy!!

Getting lots of kicks now at night. sometimes it wakes me up.

Today I made my best ever batch of scones..

A new month. Today in the USA are July 4 celebrations, here there are july 4 celebrations as it is my nieces 2nd. birthday.

What a busy few weeks it has been. Started with 20 week scan as you know from previous blog. This followed by the commencement of the School holidays. Me and little one decided to visit with my mother(grandma) and visit with a dear old friend of mine that I had not seen in about 12 years.

It was so wonderful seeing  her after all this time. She now how has 2 lovely little boys, beautiful home and what seems to be a wonderful life.  When I had to go home she gave me a huge box full of baby clothes, nappies, socks and shoes. I felt so blessed and so unworthy of such an thoughtful gift. I felt bad for taking it and think I should have given her money for it all. I will be sending her a thank you when I figure out what it should be. I hope that it will not be another 12 years before I see her again and that I will continue to rebuild our friendship. Bestfriends as kids and still so much alike as adults.

Tomorrow is the 20 week antenatal appointment.  Will have to drive to the city for the appointment but will get to meet with the man who delivered my little girl so that will be lovely. I hope it goes quickly as I hate driving all that way.

Big news...

We had our ultrasound, baby seems fine and the heartbeat lovely and strong.  As far as the radiologist was concerned our baby is in perfect health.

Prior to arriving at the appointment I wondered if you were still required to drink copious amounts of water before the ultrasound, as I was not sure and had not been made aware of any said rule I decided to drink 1 litre just in case.. By the time they called my name out I was busting to go to the loo... It drove me crazy. I got up on the bed and she said to me that it is not a requirement any more.  It would seem that in the last 3 and a bit years they have improved the technology so there is not a need for a full bladder.. (now they tell me)

We were so happy to learn that we are having a boy. Wow one of each that means. Makes you question if there would be a need or desire to have anymore children after this?  Time will tell I guess.

Well that is all the excitement I have for now. We have chosen the name Raiden.

Wednesday is the day

Wow.. Time certainly is flying through this pregnancy. Wednesday is the midway (morphology) Ultrasound. This will be the more in depth scan about the health and due date of bub, oh and we will find out the gender of the fetus. I am so excited about it. Everyone seems to have an opinion about what they think it is but we will just have to wait and see. I would love another girl as there is nothing better then having sisters and I feel our little one would so love a sister. However, with hubby being the last man in the family with the surname it would certainly take some pressure off him to have a boy. Either way my main concern is the health and well being of fetus and to know it is doing OK. I am also excited because if it is a boy, we have the name picked out. I can stop calling it Fetus lol. If it is a girl though, names will take a while and the name Fetus will continue.

So, I have decided that as I am due in November, it is highly likely that the last thing I will want to do is go Christmas shopping, so I am starting it now. I will be attending the local toy shops mid year sale after the scan on Wednesday as they will layby until Christmas Eve. Gives me plenty of time to pay things off as I will now have 2 kids to buy for.. As well as a niece and a new nephew soon to be born.

As for everything else, well it's all just fine. Hubby has the last exam for the semester as we are speaking and then he is on holidays from University for the next few weeks. A well earned break from the books. Should be some nice family time.

Memories

Week 17 of the pregnancy. This week I have been remembering back to when little one was born. I have been looking at her baby clothes, photos and videos. She was so tiny and amazing. It has really got me more and more excited about this baby. On June 23rd we will have another scan and this time we will know the sex. Some say girl some say boy, I say healthy and happy. 

As thinking back to those times has been such a lovely process I felt it was fitting to share with you some photos of my little girl from when she was born and from the first few months of her life.  I hope you enjoy

Week is almost over.

So another week is almost over and another new one about to begin.  What a week!!

This week I have had to rehome the family dog of 8yrs. We may live in a rural area but we have poor fencing and the dog continues to get out. So he has to be locked up 24/7 which to me seems rather cruel and unfair, so he is going to a new home.

On monday was the first antenatal appointment. Lucy and Kylie are my 2 midwives. Lovely thing about going to a country hospital for these visits, is that I will see the same 2 midwives the entire pregnancy, when usually you see who ever is on and then some one random delivers you. It was a nice appointment, surprisingly she did not try to force breastfeeding on me. Yuk! Why would you when there is formula. Makes no sense to me. My little one had formula and she is just fine so I don't get the fuss. Was able to talk about the bad experience from last time and she was very caring and shocked by all that happened.

I have now got a referral for the 20 weeks scan which will be more in depth then the 12 week scan was, it will also be able to tell me the sex of the fetus. Everyone thinks they know what it is.. I guess we will have to wait and see.

The news of my grandmother being on her last days came as some comfort. She has severe diamentia and it is truely no way for any person to live. She has been told that her body is finally failing meaing she will be out of this hell she is in. Although, I am devestated at the thought of loosing my favourite grandma and the one that I have always been closest too, I am relieved that her suffering will end. If she was an animal she would have been put to sleep humainly some time ago. For some reason we hold the quality of life for an animal higher then we do human quality of life.  It is really very very upsetting and something that with an ageing population they are going to have to reassess at some point.

On a positive note, 2 friends have given birth this week. Both of them having boys.  Welcome to the world John michael and Kobe.

Have you noticed?

You may notice there is not only music now on my blog but theirs is a small group of Vids. They are videos i recorded myself of bands and other things that I like, love or found interesting.

Coldness

The rain has gone and althought there is a beautiful blue sky it is still soo cold.

I took little one to the Western Breeds show this morning. Was the final day, most stalls had closed down and they were judging only a few rounds. She picked the winner in every category! She has decided that when the time comes she would like a white horse and to name it Kissey! Although strong winds blowing up the sand from the arena and freezing weather it was a lovely morning out together.

Tomorrow is the first antenatal appointment at the hospital. Although i am excited, i am also dealing with the fact that i have to deal with the incompetence of that hospital again.
A friend of ours had their first baby last week. I am so thrilled for them, a son. She called me through out the pregnancy or spoke to me online seeking advice or just talking about her worries and concerns, then along comes the baby shower and well I was totally ignored. I get invited to everything else. Do assume that this is the end of yet another mediocre friendship. Ahh nothing like a cold slap in the face to wake you up!

Rainy Day, Dark clouds, cold and loving it..

Wow. It has now been raining for 10 hours straight.. I love this weather. Cold, dark and wet.. Great for snuggling in bed, curling up on the lounge with a blanket watching tv or just sleeping in. I thought seeing as though it is such a beautiful day I would post a photo or 2 of what the rainy days are like here.

Brainstorming! by the Imagination Movers on Playhouse Disney

My Daughters Fave tv show. Fresh Beat Band

song for today

You are my sunshine.. Have been singing it all day. Just love that song.

A Touch Of Australia

*4 X 100 meters - The American 4 X 100 meters freestyle relay team had never been defeated until the 2000 Olympics when they were beaten by the Australians.

* Swimming - In 1838 it was declared illegal to swim at public beaches during the day! This law was enforced until 1902.

* In 1954, Bob Hawke was immortalised by the Guinness Book of Records for sculling 2.5 pints of beer in 11 seconds. Bob later became the Prime Minister of Australia.

* Until 1984, Australia's National anthem was "God save the Queen/King."

* Alcohol- It has been reported that the first European settlers in Australia drank more alcohol per head of population than any other community in the history of mankind.

*The Australian Lyre Bird is the world's best imitator; able to mimic the calls of 15 different species of birds in their locality and string the calls into a melody. Also been known to mimic the sound mobile phones.

*The Fierce Snake or Inland Taipan has the most toxic venom of any snake. Maximum yield recorded (for one bite) is 110mg. That would probably be enough to kill over 100 people or 250,000 mice.


*The Wombat deposits square poos on logs, rocks and even upright sticks that it uses tomark its territory.

*A 10kg Tasmanian Devil is able to exert the same biting pressure as a 40kg dog. It can also eat almost a third of its body weight in a single feeding.

*Australia is the smallest, flattest, and driest inhabited continent in the world. It is the only country which is also a whole continent.

Such is life - Ned Kelly - bushranger

ALL THAT IS WOODFORD

Little one on daddys shoulders watching the John Butler Trio.

 I didn't feel I needed to tell you about the photos. Enjoy them and go on your own journey. That is the woodford way!

Other great loves

Ok. So you may have noticed that I am quite the happy snapper.  Not only do I love taking photos of life but also of one of my greatest loves, musicians and live performers. I have been to many festivals and met some amazing musicians. All with their own stories to tell and all with their own interpretations of their art. What is rock to one is folk to another, what is folk to one is country to another and so on. Music knows no boundaries and nor do those fortunate enough to be blessed with the talent and courage to get up their and share their message.

So over time you will notice a wide variety of pictures making them self known on here. I love it all. I have started by putting 1 of my favourites below.


This is Manta whilst in the band Zephyr Timbre. You have not heard a voice til you have heard this soulful creature sing.

Wow.. What a day. Achieved so much. My little petal went to the university with my hubby today, she went to a lecture with him. She took her stethoscope with her and had a wonderful afternoon. My 3.5 yr old at uni.  Should be great preperation for school.  She sat quietly in class and listened, as a reward was taken to see the cows getting milked at the dairy.

As exciting as it was for the pair of them, I loved it the most as I rarely get anytime to myself. I was able to be very productive during this time and get lots of stuff done around the house then sit quietly.. Just me and silence.. Ahh the little things.

day to day

Waking up to another chilly morning. thick fog covering the open plains and thick frost on the grass. The middle of winter is not even upon us yet and it is already this cold! 3 at night.. Oh dear we are in for a freezing winter. 

They dead mouse mission has begun with us mouse by mouse killing the plague of them that decided to take up residence in my house! I really do not like to kill them, but if you don't then they come back and breed. 

I really crave choc fudge pop tarts.. Oh man.. will have to for a big drive to get some I think.

Horses

We took our darling to see the horses at the University where hubby studiea. He got her up close and personal. Her favourite was Tulip. I have a fear of horses and this was a great opportunity for me to face it head on. Tulip was also my fave horse as she was soo gentle!

I tried to take photos of as many as I could. What beautiful creatures to photograph!

That is our darling with Tulip, I think that
Tulip loved her just as much, everywhere they went Tulip kissed her!

Ozzie was a poser
















This is Bozo

song of the day..

 Today i am constantly singing "love in the first degree" bananarama..

Had a nice quiet day with little one out and about.. I am still at my mothers house and the siblings are all sleeping(5.55pm) and my little one is playing and watching a video.. My feet are freezing and i so wish i had some socks!!

I went to help my mother at the shops today and there we were given a free sample of lenards spring roll. It was the most amazing i have tried in ages.. Sooo on the must buy list next shop!!

Well hope i haven't bored you too much..

Not always a nice blog

Whilst cooking dinner last night I recieved a call on my mobile phone from the florals. Wanting to talk to me about the quarrels that I have with mr sunflower.  I do appreciate there interest in the situation but struggle to talk to them about it.  At the end of the day they are my inlaws, if the shit hits the fan they become the enemy but my family are always around.  I would love to have some closeness with them but they always seem to find a way to justify what I consider to be a bad attitude (intolerable at times by hubby). Like really, I don't comment on thier marital situation and what I think ..

Some good news did come from said conversation though, they offered to take my young sunflower to the show today.  She is ever so excited.  Rides, animals, pavillions, fairy floss; all the stuff she loves.  She is already set to go (an hour early) and struggles to contain her excitment.  I look forward to a nice quiet day with my mother and siblings.. Should make for a lovely day! 

so far today

So far today, I have spent the morning listening to a certain little 3yr old telling me about the baby in my belly button. She is asking how she can see it and why it won't talk to her. she keeps drawing pictures of a belly button and a baby in my tummy.. It is the cutest thing. Staying here for the last few nights has been a nice break from everyday life.. It is strange how you com in to the city and the asthma flairs up, sinuses go haywire and geez I wish I could stop sneezing.

I guess when you are used to living in the country, you fail to realise just how clean and clear the air is that you breath, how much nicer rainwater(water tank) is then town water.. Although here I can have a 10 min shower! lol . Ahh the life. Will have to return to it all come Sunday.. Might even go back for a bit and drive back here for mothers day. Decisions decisions..

A peek at the precious that is my young sunflower

My little sunflower petal.  She is the sunshine on gloomy day and makes you want to pull your hair out on other days. Ahh the joys. This was taken recently and was taken on the way to dinner for my birthday. She is truely beautiful and pure at heart..

Out the back

When the weather is fine, there is nothing better then going for a walk around our acreage to see what creatures are out and about enjoying the sunny day.








This is one of our amazing neighbours.  The sound that this glorious Kookaburra makes is like nothing else.  Occasionally we have a number of them sitting on the fences and in the trees laughing as loud as they please.


The most common critter in our yard is this magnificant Lizard. It is very friendly and we have saved the lizards babies a few times. It let me get really close to take some photos. I hope you enjoy it like we do..

The raspberry thief

A while back we took a day trip to one of our favourite spots. We don't just go there for the amazing scenery, but for the huge plantation of wild raspberries.




They are fat, juicy, delicious and free. We always say we will bring some home but they all get eaten before we leave. 
Husband was picking himself some berries when he realised someone was stealing them before he could get any. I scanned around the area and found the thief.

Here is the thief.. The beautiful crow caught in action!

It would seem that no matter where we live, we are always surrounded by the beautiful Native Green Tree Frogs.  They are so friendly, photogenic and patient with a 3 yr old that is forever wanting to pick them up. One of the most charming and enchanting of the animals I have ever encounted.