a few thoughts on motherhood

I find it hard to remember my life before children sometimes. 

And not just because I lost a lot of brain cells during childbirth...

Mostly it's hard to remember me back then. 

Not in a bad way, not because my children have made me forget who I am. But because I'm better because of my children. 

I knew little of sacrifice, real work and the pure joy of meeting your own child for the first time. 

I don't think it matters how old you are when you have your children. Whenever that happens you grow. 

If you allow it motherhood can and should change you. 

When I let it my children teach me how to love purely. They show me how to see things with new and unjaded eyes. 

To find joy in the littlest things. 

One thing I need to do more often is to slow down and appreciate the day. To live in the moment with them. 

To allow the difficult days to teach me patience. 

To remember that I'm not managing an inconvenience, but raising human being. They are little people that I'm responsible for.

To allow their tantrums to teach me how to communicate better.

I should be taught by them as much as much as I try to teach them.

snow

We slowed down a little this week.

I accepted that we'd spend the majority of our days getting warm again. 

Having countless sups of hot chocolate.Which must be poured from Izzy's precious teapot into a princess mug.

I not only accepted the heaters covered with gloves and socks, but smiled when I saw them, remembering the moments that had lead to them becoming sodden.

We stood still watching out children create memories.

And helped them create a few too. 

They loved being pulled too fast and falling out onto the snow.

Over and over. 

Something about the snow makes me want to be a kid again. And although you can't tell, Ethan loved when I made it snow above him, or when I dunked Izzy head first into our snowy flower bed. 

I hope they remember that I didn't go out grudgingly to play with them, but that I enjoyed playing with them. 

Their faces say it all. We love the snow.

Even though some of us take a little while to get used to it...

a little bit of Christmas

A few moments from our Christmas this year.

The tree.

Unwrapping gifts.

Being silly with friends.

Opening their scooters together. 

Dressing up for the night in Bethlehem.

Squished around the table dinner. 

Trying on gifts as soon as they're opened. (and Christmas pjs made by her mum.)

The aftermath that still makes me smile.

Excited faces.

An extra large bubble bath.

Playing with the wrapping. Naturally!

Relaxing.

Playing.

Bubbles...

and trains. 

Perfect.

London

A few weeks ago we were able to spend the weekend with some of our friends who recently moved to the capital. 

Visiting London has been on my "30 before 30" list and I was keen to visit, but a little nervous about rude people, being robbed and smog. 

I was pleasantly surprised. It's so beautiful, with so much history. 

And was treated more kindly than I would have been normally. I was let on the subway, people talked to my kids on the underground and train. While I waited for Andy to help me up the stairs three other people offered to help me up. 

People are good. 

(This is me laughing at the suggestion that I get on the oh-so-high wall. I did. And it was oh-so-unglamorous)

Our gorgeous American tour guide filled us in on all the London hiostory. :) I've never felt so uncultured! 

Kim knew that different buttons on the guards uniforms meant they were from different countries, which castle was for who...

And when the changing of the guard was. Andy and I decided we'd go over with Izzy and get a better view. John and Kim volunteered to stay with the pushchairs. 

Andy and Izzy and I ran across the closed off road before the procession began and they ignored the shouting police-lady. I however cannot ignore anyone in authority, and returned to our side of the road disgraced...

Which is why said police-lady gets a less than flattering shot. There was no need to shout, I didn't know crossing was not permitted. I am from the suburbs...

It was great to see the guards and the castle though. The queen was even home...

somewhere.

The kids loved the weekend. They loved being somewhere new, seeing the Christmassy city, spending all their waking moments with their bff Jack :) 

And this little boy? Had just started toilet training the week before and was amazing! No nappies at night and no ruined sofas! Phew. 

We had a great week. 

Firsts:

Being in London.
Eating sushi.
Going on the underground.
Having thanksgiving dinner.
Being yelled at by a policewoman. 
Using a public toilet where I was escorted to my stall and was offered perfume on the way out. 

Shame only two were on my list really.