Santa Drop-Off

Obviously the most important part of Christmas, is writing a letter to Santa.  So yesterday, I sat down with Moo and we got down to business.

She dictated, I wrote.....

and then she decided that she was too interested in cutting the paper to make paper chains. May I add, since when did my baby become so clever with scissors? Seriously, I was freaking out - blurting out random "Watch your fingers"...."Are you sure you don't want Mummy to do it?"...."Please be careful"......and she stopped....grabbed my face with her tiny hands and looked me in the eyes. She said very slowly and very careful "Mum - I.can.do.it". Enough said.

So today, while Macie played at Daycare and William didn't know what was going on, Santa came to visit to decorate our house and deliver a very special "someone" for our darling children.

He placed a wreath on the door, put the Christmas tree up, decorated and made the cottage feel very festive.

He left a special present under the tree.....a book explaining all about his special someone....

and I wonder who that special "someone" will be???

And for now....we are off to town to pick up Macie.  I am beyond excitement....and I know that she will be too!

Now that Macie is dancing on the "Nearly Two" line - we are getting some whopper words and one-liners from her.  Some make us laugh, some make us gasp and others just make our chests puff out with pride.  Yep - that's right folks....she's all ours...the giggles, the temper and the mouth!!

The best over the past few weeks are...

"Hi, How are you going?" when she picks up the phone....exactly like me!

Reciting the word "Strategic" over and over after hearing me cursing myself for not being more "Strategic with where I place my keys".  What the?

The constant question of "Whats That?"

If you ask her to do something that she doesn't want to - she will reply with "NO WAY" without hesitation.  If it is something she really doesn't want to do - she will say it over and over again until she thinks we have got her point!

Heath has taught her to say "HURRRRY UP MUUUUM" whenever I am putting on my makeup.

I have taught her to say to Heath..."COME ON DAD - WE HAVEN"T GOT ALL DAY!" when we are waiting for him on the Tractor.  She is still working on perfecting this....but Daddy gets the point!

Instead of saying Kangaroo....everything is "ROO".

If we come across a Dam....she goes "Snap Snap" because Crocodiles live in water especially on farms....did you know that? ;)

She gets right down to eye level with Milly the Puppy and says in a really high-pitched squeal "Pup, Pup, Pup" all while patting her knees.  Some days Milly responds....other days she sits and pretends she never heard a thing.  Perhaps our dog is smarter than we think?

If she hears anyone crying or upset, she will become very concerned and say "She/He's Sad".

Any baby she comes across whether real, a doll, a picture on a Nappy Pack or a baby on TV is called "Archie" after her new baby cousin.  Archie is a busy boy! 

"Sorry Mummy" when she realises she has overstepped the line or after some time-out. 

The list is endless...and I am going to make a conscience effort to journal and remember these magical and hilarious times!

Times like when I find her in the dryer....and instead of getting narky at her....I laughed.  What the hell - it was funny and she wasn't in danger.  Plus - wouldn't this smile make you laugh too??

Children are the reason why people all over the world are smiling....they are innocently the very source of happiness and I am so glad that I have my very own dose daily. 

My kinda magic...

I know that I use the word "magic" a lot - perhaps I over-use it.  I never was the 'goo-ey' feel-good person but over the past few years I have truly transformed.  I really do believe that magic surrounds us each and every day. Life itself is magic - you just need to take the time to find it. 

Things have been somewhat silent here on my blog over the past week while I held on for a whirlwind ride in both my life and the lives of my family.  Over the past two weeks, I have witnessed so many beautiful and wonderful moments - moments that I like to put in the "Never to Forget" file.  The special file that I pull out when life seems tough and I feel like I am treading water.  

Last week, a new addition to our family arrived in the form of my perfect little nephew, Archer James.  I fell in love with him instantly and found myself sitting back and watching this beautiful new family blossom.  I have witnessed my sister become a mother and her husband becoming the doting father and husbo.....and I must admit that I have shared enough tears for everyone.  There is nothing more magical than watching my sister's adoration for both her son - and her husband, and to see that her family are now her world.  Nothing else compares.

I happily welcomed her to the "Mum Club" where it's natural and infact mandatory to cry over the smallest things and marvel at the ability to function with such limited sleep. It was only when both Emma and I found ourselves on the couch crying over Archer's little fingers and toes - that we looked at each other and started laughing at ourselves.  Another moment to file in the "Never Forget". 

Many friends have welcomed darling little babies into their lives over the past few weeks and have given me the utmost pleasure of photographing their little miracles.  I love nothing more than the newborn features, their soft skin and their tiny little cries.  I love reassuring the little darlings and finding that they finally fall asleep or settle once they learn to trust me. 

The one thing I really love is watching the beautiful new relationship form between the family - that really is magic. 

My Newborn Photography seems to be a hit as I now even having 'bookings'.  Who would have thought!  Newborn cuddles + Beautiful families equates to my kinda happiness! 

I sometimes wonder if I should pack up the sewing and start being more serious with my photography.  Since I am self-taught (with the help of my lovely in-laws who are seriously camera-savy) I wonder if I should take the next step to learn more about my camera and all the confusing jargon that comes with it....another challenge on the horizon....and another oppurtunity at my feet.

Speaking of oppurtunities - I had the pleasure of spending Sunday morning with some of the most dedicated and talented women in my border region.  I met the gorgeous Shelli from Shelli Morse Designs, Lisa from Bush Babes and Kate from Children's Online Store - all of which are beautiful and inspirational.  We had all been honoured to be asked to be part of an article in the upcoming Spring Edition Border Living Magazine - to shine the light on creative mums in our area who are working from home.  It was the 'Pinch Yourself' moment where I wondered if I qualified since my sewing machine had been so quiet recently - but thankfully they wanted to shine the light on my blog and photography too.  I think this certainly qualifies for a "Never Forget" moment. 

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As the suitcases remain unpacked, the washing pile continues to rise and the house continues to get untidy - I remince on the fantastic few weeks I have just had the honour and pleasure of experiencing.  Although life has thrown me so many gems....nothing beats coming home to this man....

and watching my little family create our own magic....the kind that I will never forget.