new new year traditions

this nye saw the husband and i starting a whole raft of new new year traditions. mostly as a result of our recent venture into parenthood. so the winter sunset of 2011 and the dawn of 2012 was all about the new little man in our lives that is teaching us so many things each day, about ourselves and about him, as his personality starts to evolve. I'm convinced he knows exactly what he's doing to us when he switches from goo-goo ga-ga happiness to seemingly agonised screams for, what seems to us amateur-status sleep deprived parents, no apparent reason. it's mind boggling, amazing and oh-so challenging in ways I never could have guessed before. and yes, we did scoff a little at all those knowing looks and patronising comments we'd received from family, friends and strangers who have already been through this adventure. I'm not ashamed to admit our naivety. not a jot. well... maybe a tad ashamed.
from now on I guess he comes first in all of our decisions and so he is what led us to regretfully decline all nye invitations to fancy parties, drunken revelries, and dancing fun... and despite staying home with a single can of pre-made vodka lime and lemonade as my little treat to myself (didn't dare stretch to two with all those night feeds to get up for) it was simply the best yet.
2011/2012 nye kicks 2010/2011 nye's ass.

my bundle of joy had arrived

a beautiful handmade gift for the bump. something to keep his toes cosy

the countdown begins... 14, 13,....

yesterday we learned that our little bundle is going to be here a little earlier than planned. so, in as little as 13 days he could be making his very first appearance into the big wide world as the newest and smallest member of the clan. daunted? yes. some trepidation? definitely. fear? ask me again in 12 days.
because of this news yesterday was also full steam ahead day for getting the re-decorating of his room done, with grandparents-to-be and dad-to-be furiously wallpapering and painting everything in sight. it is now a gleaming space of crisp 'whisper white' and bold 'proud peacock'. admittedly, it is much nicer than it was before the ceiling-foot calamity befell it.
i am taking this new date with a hefty pinch of salt though, given how ridiculously big I am right now and the feeling that he is feeling rather too restrained in there. it may be lack of experience or simply naive of me, but I feel sure he might try and arrive under his own stream before we get to 'i' day (induction day!).
we shall wait and see and, in the meantime, continue to bounce on the birth ball.

proof is in the pudding

bun in the oven and a whole up above

there's a bun in my oven, and it's ready for the timer to go off any time. crazy, exhausting and emotional times right now, fuelled by hormones and the need to get my nest feathered and ready for our little arrival. there have been several hindrances to this process recently, all beyond my control, including the husband's leg smashing through the nursery ceiling. days after we spent hours and hours furiously cleaning, covering all surfaces in dettol and eradicating all dust and detritus from the area. alas, it was futile. 100 years of filth came pouring through the gaping casum above.
ive never heard him swear so much in my life.
accidents will happen though, so this particular debacle is now being put firmly behind us and I'm focusing on picking new wallpaper for the now much-needed refreshing of the rooms decor. every cloud...

5 days til I have to los this cosy sight.