all snug and cosy...

and warm inside. That's how I felt after my birthday weekend. Daniel went out early on Saturday morning to photograph the sunrise and came home with a bunch of flowers and a paper bag full of freshly baked croissants. The croissants were, without doubt, the best I've ever had. We topped them with lashings of raspberry and blueberry jam and we enjoyed them with a few cups of tea. I opened my presents from my boys, a collection of books I'd been coveting for ages, and then headed out to teach my pregnant students.

In the afternoon two friends from Sydney celebrated with hot chocolate and brownies at one of my favourite local cafe's (Daniel made a film there a few months ago) and I treated myself to some ink & spindle goodness in the gorgeous new gallery, the pear house.

That evening, dinner at mum and dad's and on Sunday, I taught an all-day birth workshop to seven pregnant couples. Most of the "Pregnant and Prepared" workshops that I teach attract first-time parents. But on Sunday, six of the the seven couples were already parents and many were preparing for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). It was incredibly inspiring to see the determination in these pregnant women and the unwavering support from their partners.

Friends of mine and past students came to share the birth story of their beautiful baby girl, Nylah Pixie. It was the first time I had met Nylah and while holding her she found my gaze and chatted with me in her coos and aahhs for a good five minutes. Her muma had attended my classes throughout her entire pregnancy and it became so obvious to us that Nylah recognised my voice from when she was in the belly. The connection was precious and the moment absolutely melted my heart. Nylah's birth was swift and powerful - her muma's waters breaking soon after her blessingway. Nylah swam into the world a mere three hours later.

Sunday concluded with a big bowl of vegetables and noodles cooked in homemade chicken stock. And it was cool enough to wear my new toast slippers. The perfect end.

bump: birthday belly

25 weeks pregnant and 27 years old. My Mum and Dad hosted a little birthday party for me complete with balloons and a hearty meal of roast beef and Yorkshire puddings (in celebration of my birth in Ascot, England). Che helped me blow out the candles on my homemade raspberry and peach sponge cake. It was the perfect end to a beautiful day - full of special treats and my favourite people. I love birthdays.

date night

the restaurant: quaint and unpretentious

the service: friendly. never pushy

the food: decadent, mouth-watering, devoured with love and gratitude

the conversation: funny

the opportunity: greatly appreciated

the dessert: ice cream at the local ice-creamery

the verdict: 10/10

the promise: to do it again before baby arrives

cloudy sprinkles

A few months ago we took a leap of faith. Daniel had been contracting with a local business for a few years and while the regular money each week was nice, the other bits weren't so. We have our own business which brings in a couple of jobs a week but, as with any trade, those jobs aren't always guaranteed. And so, we decided, for the sake of happiness and well-being, we would focus on other exciting ventures and leave the comfort of a weekly pay.

What has risen out of our decision has been both unexpected and a complete joy. We have, as a family, spent more time together, watching clouds, eating ice-cream, planting herbs, than we ever have. Because we have the time. For Che, whole days spent with his Dad while I type has been a true blessing. They have established such a special connection, bonding over lego and bush walks and beach exploring adventures. A connection that doesn't always involve me and one that I truly believe, will remain strong for the rest of their lives. The 3.5 of us are relishing in slow days, the change of season and good wholesome food. While our wallets aren't as brimming as they once were (although brimming is most definitely an exaggeration) we have found that days spent close to home, indulging in simple pleasures, is absolutely perfect for us.

And while I grow our baby (we are using the term 'our' because for Che, it's his baby too) I'm wondering if perhaps this time is made all the more precious because in a few months, things will change all over again. This baby of ours has, in his or her own way, encouraged a shift in our lives and a recognition of what's most important.

Right now, all is so very good.

bump: in the trees at 22 weeks

One morning a week while Che is at Montessori, Daniel and I go on a date. We don't spend a lot of money or venture far and wide. We stay close to home, explore new-to-us pockets of places and take photos. Buba tags along. Obviously. Today we wandered in and out of the paper bark trees and listened to the lake flowing. Then I got to bare my white blossoming belly to the world and let buba catch some sunlight. Not far from here is the beach and so we mosied across the sand and ended up in a new little cafe with fresh juice and morning tea. And we felt really lucky.

Muma's favourite food this week: watermelon, cold from the fridge.

Buba's favourite food this week: strawberry yoghurt. kick kick. nudge nudge. give me more, please.

so far

this autumn there have been paper wrapped pears and sunny afternoons imbued with inspiring reads. I have been tapping away at the keyboard for days on end, grateful for the incredible support of my professional peers as they allow me to work from home. It's perfect really because I can have lunch with the family and take a little afternoon kip when I feel the need. Che and Daniel have been spending beautiful days together, building lego and exploring quiet beaches, while I thread words together. Thousands of words. Phew. My absence from here was in no way intentional. But sometimes, at the end of the day, sitting for an extra few minutes on the computer just isn't appealing. Especially when a baby blanket needs a few more stitches...

bump: halfway

On the first day of autumn Daniel and I ventured to the deciduous trees in hope of a few golden leaves and a hint of cool in the air. Green thick foliage and a hot wind welcomed us instead. But we will return, in a few weeks time, when the belly is bigger and the leaves all crumbly ochre. I could sing in the streets how pleased as punch I am that autumn is finally here. Thoughts of crisp nights, knitting, hot chocolate and soups are oh so good. The reality will be even better. I think this buba is a boy. A baby boy. I'd love to know what you think...please, do tell.