Grace's Birthday

I tucked my little girl in bed, for the very last time as a 3 year old. We talked about the last 3 years, and how tomorrow she would be 4. The birthday fairies were going to come and spread her with magical fairy dust, then tomorrow she would wake up older.

I read her a beautiful birthday story, then kissed her goodnight and we cuddled until she was asleep. I love the drowsy time as my children slip off to sleep, its one of my favourite times with the children. Watching eyes get heavy and speech become slower, then slowly there little bodies relax as they drift off to dreamland.

This morning she woke, excited about it being her very special day. I gave her her birthday crown to wear, which she did for the morning. We had some cuddle and reminiscing time on our bed, along with an unsuccessful family photo shoot.


Nanny had sent up a special birthday present a few days earlier, so it was taken down from the hiding place and handed over to the birthday girl. The very lucky girl was given a lovely wooden flower press, complete with pre-pressed flowers from Nannies garden. She wasn't too sure what it was, but after some showing and explaining, she understood and was very excited about pressing her very own flowers from the garden. She also was given a beautiful craft book, full of wonderful ideas for us to do together. There was also a smacker lip gloss, which she has had permanently attached to her hip since, so I guess that was a hit!

Grandma and Poppy came up about 7am, then we headed outside for the big present unveiling. It was our old sink that my Fil had built into a bench. It's set up so the hose connects straight to the bottom and the kids can use the top like a normal tap. She was thrilled with the surprise, her and Xav both wanted to play with it straight away.

She then was given a present from the grandparents, a dish drainer and dishes to go on the side of the sink.

It was only a quick play with the new sink, as we had planned to head down to Paradise Point for a big beach breakfast.

The kids ran amok on the playground, chasing Poppy and Daddy around, whilst Wendy and I cooked the big feast. There was bacon, eggs, toast and crumpets. All washed down with a special treat of Grace's favourite apple juice. I was stoked as there was a power point, which meant I could take the jug and have endless cups of tea.

After a delicious breakfast, the kids headed out on to the jetty to give their new kites a fly. Xav got bored quickly, and Grace wasn't too far behind - however Duane and Trevor were having a blast.


After cleaning up, Wendy and I perched in our fold-up chairs, right beside the beach to catch the breeze. We watched as the kids splashed and frolicked in the shallow waters.

Duane dropped Grace & I off at Nicole's house, and he headed how with Xav for a siesta. Poor Duane has come down again with giardia, he had it about 2 years ago, whilst I was pregnant with Xav. Apparently it's something that can flare up again, and seems it has in him. He's on a strong a/b now, so hopefully it gets the rotten parasite out of his system.

We hung out at the Truets for the afternoon, just lazing around and chatting. Duane turned up at about 3pm to pick us up, which is when he gave me the wonderful news that we were now $4700 richer. Yippee!!

We headed up to the Silkwood school for the markets and Christmas carols. I had big plans of preparing a picnic dinner, but forgot, so was hoping that food would be available. We weren't disappointed. Firstly we all enjoyed some chop suey and rice, then the kids moved onto gelati for dessert. Duane reminisced over his Japanese food days, and had some takoyaki balls.

I managed to snare a few bargains from the stalls. A wooden clock for the basement price of $1 and a cute little holly hobby nappy cover, which is going to look devine on a certain little 6 month girl that I know.

The kids, of course, were immediately drawn to the face painting. Both gave their stock standard request - Xav wanting a scary spider and Grace a beautiful butterfly.

Duane & I got to relax on a picnic rug chatting to some friends, whilst the kids played chasey on the oval. Once the carols started though, they came back over to listen. Xav was a crack-up, somehow his funky dancing skills don't really suit Christmas carols - but he boogied the night away, loving the attention that he was collecting from his random fans. He does this crazy little leg flick and hand jiggle dance, and when I asked him what he was doing he answered "My drum dance". It did look a lot like a rock drummer on speed, now that he mentioned it.

The kids after a while, plucked up the courage, and shimmied there way to right up the front - where they sat diligently for the rest of the concert.

We headed home at about 8pm, got the kids in their pj's and tucked into bed.

I layed with Grace and we looked over her birth photos, she then asked me to tell her again the story of when she was born.

I love telling her this story, it's still so deeply etched into my memories and without doubt, one of my most wonderful moments. Grace knows the story so well, and sometimes tells me her side of what happened. She says that she was inside my tummy and was pushing me with her arms and legs, trying to get out and be born. I really wish that I had her birth videoed, so she could see how magical that time was for all of us. But I don't, so I'll just have to keep reminding her.

Of course, I had to take my photo from the time of birth. So this is my beautiful Grace at 10.08pm on the 27th November 2009:

I just can't believe that it has been 4 years since I was flung into this sometimes chaotic but always amazing world of parenthood.

~~Happy Birthday my beautiful Daughter~~