The Harding Tribe

Saxon at 6 months

2009-09-15T21:38:00.000+10:00

Saxon got his first tooth the day he turned 6 months. I thought that the smooth ride had come to an end - he was grumpy, not sleeping well during the day or the night. But it was just his first teeth. They were the bottom two....

He's moving around a bit more, getting a hang of the commando crawling :)

2009-01-08T21:53:00.001+10:00

My gorgeous Aaliya

2008-09-13T08:18:00.003+10:00

I was flicking through my photos and saw these photos of Aaliya and wondered why I hadn't blogged them! They were taken in the first week in May. We were at Sonia and Trent's engagement/housewarming party. In these pics she's a few weeks off turning two :)

Fathers Day 2008

2008-09-08T08:30:00.000+10:00

Fathers Day's 2008 was celebrated with a brunch in at Roma Street Parkland with all Dad's in attendance. It was a lovely morning with bacon, eggs, fresh bread, fruit, cheese and a mulberry cake (with fresh picked mulberries from a tree near Grandma (aka Carolyn) and Pop's (aka Richard)'s house. Here are some pics....

funny little things

2008-09-05T08:25:00.001+10:00

* At two, Aaliya says "peanut budee" for peanut butter. For a while there, anything with 'er' on the end, she would say 'ee' - like water was "wadee".

* I remember when Owen learnt the word 'tree'. Soon after he learnt the word 'treat' but would sign the word 'tree' because to him they sounded the same (this is when he was using baby sign instead of words).

I'll add to this as we think of more.

strawberries - vertical gardening

2008-08-10T00:01:00.003+10:00

This is how I grew strawberries last year. I ordered 20 plants off ebay (I got 28 in my package) and planted them in this vertical garden. It is a good example in recycling as it is left over PVC pipe that we cut a horizontal line is half way through, then used a hot air gun to heat above the cut and push it in.

We got a really good batch of beautiful strawberries. Not that they lasted long - as soon as they were ripe, the kids got them.

The other great thing about the strawberry pipes was that they were easily watered (water in the top) and that they are easily moved. During winter, they were moved to the sunniest, warmest position next to the driveway which would be too hot in summer.

saxon 5 months

2008-08-09T23:58:00.003+10:00

My baby boy is 5 months old! He's starting to move around, commando crawling of sorts. Now I have to make sure there is nothing on the floor that he can get into that he shouldn't - great! He's waking a bit more at night and wriggling a lot during the day. He's very strong so all the wriggling is really tiring me out! He's also at that age where he just wants to TOUCH EVERYTHING!

He's still the most placid member in the family. He's happy to go down on the floor and play (explore) for a little while and sit in his highchair and check out whatever toys we put on there. He hasn't started on solids yet, I'm kind of avoiding it cause that's extra work for me in terms of preparation and cleaning up and I like the fact my boobs are on autopilot!

Origami

2008-08-09T23:57:00.002+10:00

Aaliya and Owen have a lovely high school girl come and entertain them for a couple of hours a week so I can run around and get stuff done. She comes from Japan and often does origami with the kids. They love it.

We were at a family dinner one night and Owen was showing his origami skills to his Nanna and Grandad and Aunts and Uncles. Owen made something (usually random folds and then calls it a dog or something). Aaliya proclaimed she was doing origami too. We asked her what she was making..... She scrunched up the paper and shouted:

Origami Ball!

so funny and so cute at the same time :)

Owen's school

2008-08-04T23:59:00.003+10:00

I did write an earlier entry about choosing education for kids and how we were considering many options.

Towards the end of 2007 Owen starting asking me if he could go to school. I can't really remember what prompted him to do so. But he was insistent. I kept telling him that we would see after Christmas, and that he must understand that it meant he would have to stay at the school by himself and that mummy couldn't stay with him. He said that was ok, but I wondered if actually put in that situation, how he would go.

Well, at the beginning of this year, Owen was offered a place in a local Montessori preschool for two days a week, cycle 1, for ages 3-6. I was apprehensive about how he would go on the first day, but he was great. He seemed a little nervous but went inside with the teacher just fine. It was like he trusted that I wouldn't leave him with bad people so he let go and went for it. I was so proud and relived that he had such a great start, but a little teary also, my little boy was going to school.

Owen loves school. Stu and I got to go for an open afternoon at Easter time when the children also had an Easter Parade. The children were given the opportunity to show their parents their favourite school activities. Stu and I really enjoyed seeing Owen in this environment. Owen seems to really enjoy the freedom to choose which activities he would like to do, but also works well with the guideline provided by the montessori style of education. At the open afternoon, Aaliya had the opportunity to have a go at some of the activities too (photos included).

Owen really enjoys show and tell. He tells us that when he starts his show and tell, he says "montessori friends". So far this year he has taken pictures and paintings that we have made at home, books, and photos. One day he took a photo of Remi (our french friend) and taught the class a couple of french words. The teachers were very impressed. Last week he took helicopter seeds (seeds from a tree that when you throw them up, the spin down to the ground like a helicopter) and he took enough to give all the children one to take home.

Lately the teachers have been commenting on Owen's ability to complete some challenging tasks. They have been impressed at his ability to concentrate for a length of time and how he is pleased with himself when he completes the activity. They have a digital camera that the children can use to take a photo of their completed work, and Owen enjoys this too.

I'm very proud of my little man and I'm glad we have found a style of education that really seems to suit him. I'm glad that it is education, and not child care (see rant below though) and that Owen is getting a lot out of it.

teeny tiny rant - the fees for the school aren't cheap. We do not have a problem with this. However we have to cover the entire cost as the school does not qualify under childcare (and therefore no CCB) nor does it sit under education so it recieves no funding there either. It's a real shame. However, we are grateful that it is available and will cop it sweet financially because it is an experience we want Owen to have.

new sling

2008-07-23T09:18:00.000+10:00

So I LOVE the mei tai sling, but realised it's limitations in wet weather, and it does take a small amount of time to get on.

Now Saxon is a bit bigger and has a bit more body strength, a ring sling is a fabulous quick option and he can still be upright. I know that you can have new bubby's upright in the ring sling (as Saxon seemed to prefer being upright from early on), but I've never had much luck with new bub's upright in a ring sling.

Anyway, here is some pics of a new ring sling I made for Saxon. I still have the purple one I made Aaliya, but it just doesn't seem entirely right to wear Saxon in a purple sling - an excellent excuse to make a new one!

Hip hop Owen

2008-07-21T09:11:00.000+10:00

Owen found his baseball cap, after not having seen it for a while. He put it on his head sideways and said "I'm a hip hop boy mum!"

I chuckled :), then asked if I could take a photo :)

I think a week before, on playschool they had talked about different genres of music, hip hop being one of them. Being playschool they dressed up and danced as well. I think that this is where it came from.

Dinner out

2008-07-17T09:14:00.000+10:00

So it had been a while since we had been out to dinner as a family (as I recall, the last time the Harding Tribe went out to dinner by ourselves was when I was morning sick and wanted good food but couldn't cook it).

Anyway, I didn't have high expectations of how the evening would go. You can have high expectations of a peaceful mean out when you have 3 kids under 4.

Well, surprisingly, I was a really lovely meal. The kids were really well behaved, including Saxon who just sat on Stu's lap.

We got a little dressed up to go out, and after getting ready, Owen runs up to me as says "Mum, I look like a gentleman!" Gotta love it :)

Anyway, some pics of us all looking nice for our night out.

Kids carrier for Aaliya

2008-07-14T08:30:00.000+10:00

After some inspiration from a friend (same friend who made me the mei tai - she's a talented sewer), I made this kids carrier for Aaliya.

Saxon 4 months

2008-07-11T08:53:00.003+10:00

Here are some pics of Saxon at 4 months. I'm still constantly amazed by his easy-going-ness in comparison to my other two babies. I am still really grateful that the other two were a bit more high maintainence (not that it is or was a bad thing, I loved parenting them as babies) but there is such a contrast, it is beautiful!

There are so many smiles from Saxon now. He delights in people talking to him and giving him a little bit of attention. He loves watching his brother and sister and squeals to get their attention. At the moment he is particularly facinated by Owen.

To settle himself, he sticks his middle two fingers in his mouth when he is heading to sleep. Really different from my other two that had no clue how to settle themselves.

He is grabbing and batting at stuff with a bit of accuracy now, but it still takes a lot of his concentration. One of his favourite objects is the "bag" bag that hangs on the pantry door. It is bright green and makes crunchy sounds so I can understand why he likes it. It is also right in front of him whenever I make myself a cup of tea :)

Mei Tai sling

2008-07-09T16:32:00.004+10:00

Here is a sling that a friend made for me. It is a mei tai and I LOVE it!!!

I can wear bubs on the front or back, here in this photo he is in a high back carry. He is 8-9weeks old in this photo! Great for getting things done :)

My friend made it for me using these instructions. I will attempt one myself one day.....
Scandi Mei Tai DIY

Saxon 3 months old

2008-06-15T08:38:00.000+10:00

Here are some pics of Saxon at 3 months old. He is an absolute delight of a baby - he sleeps fairly well, especially during the day. I am really not use to having a baby that doesn't fight sleep and takes reasonable naps during the day. It is really a refreshing change. I'm actually quite grateful that Owen and Aaliya, my two babes that decided that sleep wasn't a thing they were in to, came before Saxon because it makes me REALLY appreciate Saxon.

Aaliya's 2nd birthday party

2008-06-02T21:59:00.002+10:00

Some pics from Aaliya's 2nd birthday party. Stu got the cubby house finished (well, mostly, and to a useable point). We had a nice lunch. The kids enjoyed a treasure hunt and decorating little cupcakes. Aaliya had a butterfly birthday cake.

A present for Aaliya

2008-05-22T15:13:00.003+10:00

For Aaliya's 2nd birthday, instead of buying something, we thought we would make something....

I found this cabinet on kerbside collection and picked it up for free. We turned it into a cute little kitchen for Aaliya and Owen to play with. The paint were sample pots that I bought ages ago with the view to paint our bedroom, but it never got off the ground, so it was good to use up that paint. All the doors and hinges were off the original cabinet. The stove was made from a bit of wood that was in the door originally, and the hotplates and stove knobs were from reverse garbage. The tap over the sink was a piece of metal from a baby bouncer that we left in the garage and was destroyed by a possum. The door knobs were from reverse garbage, as were the two little decorative hearts and the piece of perspecks that was in the oven bit. The only thing that I bought new was the metal bowl that is the sink.

Anyway, she loves it. We did buy the little wooden tea set (you can see the cannisters from the set on the bench) to compliment the kitchen. The tea set cost $55 whereas the kitchen probably cost us $12-15 all up! Stu and I are impressed with ourselves :) See below for the before and after shots.

Happy 2nd Birthday Aaliya

2008-05-21T15:26:00.000+10:00

Here are some pics of my little girl on her 2nd birthday. How fast they have gone by....

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-11T22:17:00.000+10:00

Here are some pics from Mother's Day 2008.

Owen's first face paint

2008-05-10T22:05:00.000+10:00

Here are some photo's of Owen having his face painted for the first time. He was surprisingly calm and sat very still for the lady who was doing it. Owen can by quite wary of strangers and we weren't sure how he was going to react to the situation of not only a stranger sitting so close to him but also the feeling of paint on his face. There was nothing to worry about, and Owen enjoyed being spiderman for the rest of the day :)

Saxon 2 months old

2008-05-08T16:14:00.000+10:00

Here are some pics of Saxon around two months. He's our most easy going baby so far (though that doesn't say much - Owen and Aaliya were little fire crackers). This is around the time he started cracking some lovely smiles

2008-05-01T22:53:00.001+10:00

This is a beanie that I knitted for Aaliya. It is the first useful thing that I have knitted in a very long time.... I think it is cute :)

Saxon at 1 month old

2008-04-15T22:49:00.002+10:00

he's a little younger than 1 month in this photo, but I had to include it

Some pics of my baby boy at 1 month old....

Saxon has fit in perfectly to our family. I think that going from 2 to 3 kids has been a much easier transition than 1 to 2. I'm used to the chaos and mess by now. Owen and Aaliya adore Saxon, there is no jealousy in this house, if anything, too much love (like trying to get the O and A to leave Saxon alone).

It's amazing how having Saxon has also reminded us of all the things that Owen and Aaliya used to do as newborns and infants, whether it be similar to Saxon or different. We remember that from a very early age Aaliya like to be held facing outwards, never over the shoulder. Owen loved slings, Aaliya didn't. Owen would cry from 11pm for a couple of hours from 2 weeks old to about 8 weeks old - we wonder if we had a good sling at that time whether it would have been such a big issue.

Saxon initially didn't mind slings, though has developed quite a preference for the wrap sling. I love it too :)

Saxon - first week

2008-04-07T20:47:00.000+10:00

Here are some pics from Saxon's first week. Owen and Aaliya were just thrilled with their little brother and were constantly wanting cuddles. Oh, and Owen is pulling a pirate smile face and that was the way Aaliya posed for that photo... Other than that, the news to report on Saxon's first week was that he slept a good portion of day 1, then day 2 wanted to have booby all day and night. That part was frustrating but I think the poor little man was hungry and just trying to bring my milk in and get a decent feed. Then, like a newborn does, he slept for the rest of the week, with the occasional alert period. Typical, normal newborn stuff :)

Saxon's birth

2008-03-31T17:13:00.001+10:00

This is the first photo of Saxon. It was taken just after he was born while I was still in the birth pool.

Saxon was born at home (planned homebirth). We had a midwife attend. He was born in the birth pool at 4.22am on the 6th March. The birth pool was in our kitchen, and Stu has set it up so there was candles along the kitchen benches. It was a lovely place to give birth. Active labour was 4 1/2 hours long, though I'd been having contraction on and off the day before.

Saxon was 6lb 14oz (3.13 kg) and 53.5cm long at birth.

Just before Saxon was born, I sent mum upstairs to see if Owen wanted to watch the baby being born, but he wanted to stay in bed!

2008-03-29T21:26:00.000+10:00

This is the picture of the night before Saxon was born. I read the kids their bedtime stories, including a book called "Hello Baby" which is about a little boy telling the story of how his baby brother was born at home. Owen got a bit crabby when I had to hand the book over to Stu for a minute so that I could get through a contraction!

Our last family outing as a family of 4

2008-03-27T21:09:00.001+10:00

These pics were taken just 3 days before I went into labour. We were heading off on a family outing to the Gallery of Modern Art to see the free kids section of the Andy Worhol exhibition.

It was the first day that Aaliya had her hair put into a pony tail - and she was pretty stoked with it because it was just like mummy's hair.

Reviving the blog

2008-03-25T16:16:00.002+10:00

So I let it all get awat from me but now I'm back.....

It's been 10 months since my last post.....

Our family has changed a little. Stu is balder, Kara is looking older, Owen is 3 1/2, Aaliya will turn two in two months and we welcomed Saxon into our family (I'll give all the details in a separate post).

So, I'm back to continue documenting our family journey.

Still no teeth!

2007-06-13T11:25:00.001+10:00

Aaliya is one week shy of 13 months but there are still no teeth! There are some pretty major teeth bumps though on the top, so maybe by the time she is 13months she might have some (though I've been saying "She have some soon" for what feels like forever!)

Aaliya turns 1!

2007-06-01T17:24:00.000+10:00

So our baby girl turned 1! We had a lovely party with our family and friend who came over for a BBQ.

The kitchen was finished on an hour before the party started, but I knew that setting the deadline and having the pressure of the party looming was see the kitchen finished.

Aaliya had a rainbow birthday cake made by Mummy and had help blowing out her candles by Owen. We then let her get stuck into one end of the cake - such fun for a one year old!

Fun was had by all. I can't believe that my little girl is one. Where does a year go!

Enjoy the photos from her birthday :)

Schooling

2007-05-10T22:48:00.000+10:00

So we are considering our options for schooling the kids. It's hard to choose what we are going to do.

Homeschooling is certainly an option, purely for the large number of benefits that the kids would get. Though we are not sure as it is a big committment from us.

Mainstream school system, both public and private, leave a lot to be desired. Doesn't take much reading or research to come to that conclusion. However, it does work for some kids, maybe even ours, so we don't know (yet).

Then there are alternative schools - Steiner and Montessori schools.

It's a big decision, and we are looking at all the options. I guess we have a little bit of time up our sleeves :)

Here's a pic of the kids doing some "work". Owen is doing a pre-handwriting exercise (pen control) that we printed off the net, Aaliya is just doing some drawing, so she can be like her big brother.

Aaliya's fav spot in the yard :)

2007-04-23T13:18:00.000+10:00

Aaliya is very much into climbing up on things now that she is mobile. The weather has been lovely lately and we have been spending a lot of time in the back yard. Aaliya loves to climb up on this chair when we are in the yard :)

No teeth yet!!

2007-04-21T16:15:00.000+10:00

Aaliya is walking before she has any teeth! Though I don't think that the teeth are too far away. This is the best picture I could get of her bumpy gums.

Aaliya the handywoman

2007-04-20T13:04:00.000+10:00

So we have decided to renovate the kitchen ourselves and because we have so much time on our hands (very sarcastic tone used there) we have decided to self install and flat pack kitchen from Ikea :)

Anyway, we have be busy assembling cabinets. Aaliya is demonstrating some unusual interest and skill in the fine art of cabinet making and using a screwdriver at the tender age of ten months. Aint she clever? :)

Buddies

2007-04-18T13:07:00.000+10:00

Just some pics of the kids playing together. I guess this is the advantage of having kiddies close in age :)

2007-04-13T16:05:00.000+10:00

I have posted in the past how Owen enjoys helping me hand up the washing.

Well, he is becoming quite particular about it. He likes everything to have two pegs, and he went through a period where he like to match the colour of the pegs. The photos below provide the evidence....

My cool bubba's

2007-03-30T09:22:00.000+10:00

Some photos of the kids with my sunnies on. They're so cool :)

Sucking Spagetti

2007-03-27T09:06:00.000+10:00

Aaliya enjoys joining in our family dinners. She eats what we eat. She is even good at sucking up spagetti!

Messy Necterines

2007-03-20T10:02:00.000+10:00

The kids like necterines. I usually cut them up, but this time I let them have a go whole! They enjoyed it....

My only issue with necterines is that they are really messy and they stain. Oh well.

Tea time

2007-03-19T09:55:00.000+10:00

Aaliya likes to copy her mummy, and her mummy really shouldn't leave her tea cup around where Aaliya can get it!

A day out with Nanna

2007-03-18T14:24:00.000+10:00

Well we have all been very lucky. Last night, Mum offered to look after the kids while Stu and I had a nice relaxing dinner out as adults, not parents. It was a very much appreciated little outing and we feel very lucky.

Not only that, Owen stayed over at Nanna's house for the night and this morning they got up early and went to the beach. The weather was superb and they had a great time. Owen tells us that they built sandcastles, blew bubbles, kicked a ball, saw helicopters, planes and boats and they did lots of digging in the sand.

Here are some photos from Nanna's camera. Doesn't it look devine!!!!

She took her first step!!!

2007-03-16T14:09:00.000+10:00

Aaliya has been taking her first step at the tender age of 9 and 3/4 months!

Mind you, she isn't up and walking yet. If we hold her out from us, she is taking 2-3 steps towards us before she falls into us.

Anyway, it is very exciting - even if only for us :)

Kids developments

2007-03-05T17:29:00.001+10:00

Aaliya is clapping and starting to wave bye. She looks like she might be starting to stand soon - it's the last thing before crawling - eek.

Owen is saying so many words. Lots of sentences too - Yay :)

Mascara

2007-02-28T15:54:00.000+10:00

I forget sometimes that the kids watch what we do and remember it! Owen found my mascara and tried to put it on. This was the result :)

Guitar Strap

2007-02-26T15:52:00.000+10:00

One day, Owen had his guitar and was asking for a "boit seat" which frustrated me to no-end as I has no ideas what he was on about. I soon learnt in the car that "boit seat" meant seat belt but he kept saying it when he has his guitar.

I finally worked out that what he wanted was a guitar strap- a seat belt for his guitar!

anyway, I got some elastic from my sewing stuff, taped to the one end and tied it around the neck and he was happy :)

Aaliya reading books :)

2007-02-24T15:55:00.000+10:00

Aaliya quite enjoys books. She lies with Stu and Owen as they read their bedtime story. She like turning pages and pointing at pictures.

The photos below she is looking at a touch and feel book and in some pics she is feeling the textured pics.

She's so clever :)

Aaliya is 9 months old!

2007-02-23T16:59:00.000+10:00

Here are some pictures of Aaliya on the day she turned 9 months old.

The stair climber

2007-02-22T16:00:00.001+10:00

Aaliya's new thing is climbing stairs. She loves it. I let her do it in the hope that some day soon she will get sick of it.

Owen is a great policeman, always letting me know when Aaliya is heading for the stairs and/or climbing up them.

Owen clever number revelation

2007-02-22T15:45:00.000+10:00

Owen has foam numbers that he plays with in the bath. He knows all his numbers 1-9 but last night we were impressed when he picked up the 6 and said "this way 6, this way 9". Not only were we impressed by the fact that he had the concept, but also his use of language to tell us so :)

Where's Aaliya - there she is!

2007-02-18T22:03:00.000+10:00

Aaliya has been doing this for a couple of months now she hold something on front of her face, waits till we say "where's Aaliya", then bring the cloth down with a big smile on her face. This time we caught the action in some photo's (It just happened to be the same day as the food colouring) :)

Updated Upholstery samples skirt

2007-02-11T22:04:00.000+10:00

A-line skirt, made from upholstery samples plus arm-band - Updated

A little while back I wrote about a skirt that I made from upholstery samples. Well now I've added to it. This time I'll write about it in a little more detail.

I went Reverse Garbage where I found upholstery samples. I found 3 of the same set for $1 each. This is what I started with.

When I got home I overlocked them and washed them. Then I overlocked them together and used that as though it were a piece of fabric. I got one of my fav skirts and used it to cut out the skirt and then sewed it up and sewed in elastic. This is what I got (front and back).

Then last week as I was cleaning out my fabric stash, I found the scraps. I thought I would make some embellishments. I set the sewing machine to small zig zag stitch with a stitch length less than 1. I then sewed a shape of a flower (which I had already drawn and just followed) then cut the out and sewed onto the skirt. Thet will fray up to the point of the stitching. I also sewed some onto an armband that I made with a velcro fastener. Here's what I have now.

2007-02-11T21:57:00.000+10:00

Owen the spunk!

Owen borrowed his Aunty Mindi's glasses - he's so cool :)

2007-02-09T10:00:00.000+10:00

Why I love CLOTH NAPPIES

I LOVE my cloth nappies. I have trouble understanding why people immediately dismiss cloth nappies as being too hard or other reasons.

Cloth nappies have changed. They are no longer confined to terry towelling squares with PVC plicher covers (though some people still do it this way and don't have any problems). Now, putting on a cloth nappy is just as easy as a disposable, but you just don't throw it out when you've finished with it.

Why I love cloth nappies:

1. SOOOO much cheaper - buying disposable is so expensive. The initial cost of buying cloth may seem expensive but it only takes a month or two to pay themselves off when compared to buying disposables. Even cheaper if you make them yourself (like I do). Some people argue that they are time intensive because of washing and drying, but if 30 mins of my time a week (hanging and folding) is going to save me in excess of $30 per week, that is a choice I am happy to make

2. More environmentally friendly - Some people say that studies have shown that disposables use just as much energy and water as cloth nappies due to the water and energy used to wash this. This is a cop-out excuse to make themselves feel better and is SO LAME.

This website is great for outlining the differences between energy/water in cloth and disposable - disposable vs cloth

Cloth nappies significantly less to landfill (well duh - you don't have be a rocket scientist to work that one out)

It seems that cloth nappies, when considering washing, are more energy efficient (and less greenhouse gases result), but seem to use more water. While water is a precious resource, at least it is renewable (as our state government is just about to prove with the introduction of recycled water).

3. My cloth nappies LOOK so much better than yucky digustables (I mean disposables). They are pocket nappies (a cover with a pocket in it where half a nappy goes for absorbancy) and are so easy to use and look awesome. The pattern was devised by my friend, and on her website has put together an easy to follow lesson and pattern to show how to make them - nappy tutorial.
I have been using this nappy for nearly two years on Owen and haven't looked back :)

Here are some photos of my cuties in their clothies :)
more photos to come

2007-02-08T21:51:00.000+10:00

Here is another new skirt that I made for Aaliya. I love these tiered skirts because they are so easy to make.

I made it out of the remnants from a pouch sling that I made. I had long strips of fabric that I needed used and this the result.

Ain't she cute :)

Happy Birthday Stu :)

2007-02-07T15:21:00.000+10:00

Stu's birthday was in this past week. He turned 29 this year - next year being the big 30!

It was just a quiet one - a few pressies, dinner at his parents house with a few family and friends. A Jaffa mud cake made by Kara.

Here are a few photos....

Happy Birthday Stu :)

2007-02-01T10:42:00.000+10:00

2007 - The Year of "WAKE UP PEOPLE, YOUR KILLING THE PLANET".

There seems to be a real wake up call in the last few months about the environment - well duh people! Climate Change, calls for reduction in greenhouse gases and energy consumption are all over the media.....

It seems that Al Gore has made a great impact on people with his documentary "An Inconvenient Truth". Great job Al, you deserve a MASSIVE pat on the back. Glad you have thrust these issues into the spotlight. Makes me feel a little better too, cause now it seems to be quite fashionable to be environmentally aware - YAY - my ramblings are cool and I'm not being paranoid :).

Our aim, as a family, is to try and live as green as we can, without completely compromising our lifestyle - to be modern day greenies. Keep in mind that we have a young family - so convenience to some degree is still important or else I would lose my sanity.

It's easy. Things we have done (a while ago) to start was change our lights from incandescence's to fluro's. We have tried to buy energy and water efficient appliances. I try feed my family fresh foods in order to minimize the energy spent on creating packaging, not to mention reduce landfill. I am becoming quite conscious about how much packaging some foods come in and try to make appropriate choices.

Today we are getting a heat pump hot water system, which was recommended as the most energy efficient system for our house (over a roof mounted solar hot water system).

What are you doing? I need this planet healthy for my kids.....

2007-01-31T13:44:00.000+10:00

Camping trip to Hastings Point - Aussie Day long weekend '07

We went on another camping trip - 2nd one this month. We went to a caravan park just south of Tweeds Heads at Hastings Point called North Star Caravan Park for 3 nights over the Australia Day long weekend. You can check out the place in detail here.

My parents use to take our family there when we were kids. I have vague but fond memories of the place. It had changed a little since I was last there (must be about 20 years ago!)

This place is made for families. It has a shaded playground, an indoor play centre with supervised activities, a great pool with waterslide and shaded toddler pool and a games room. Amenities are nice too and has a good camp kitchen. So all we really needed to take was our accommodation :)

We had a nice time. We went to the pool everyday. Owen is a little cautious of water but enjoyed the toddler pool. Aaliya also started out not liking the water but became quite a water baby by the end of the trip.

I should mention that while we were away Aaliya mastered the crawling and sitting milestone! These things happen so quickly.

We also had friends come and visit us on one day and then Nanna Gregory came and visited us on another. It was a nice relaxing weekend :)

2007-01-30T16:02:00.000+10:00

Pay attention Mum! - Children and food colouring

This is what happens when you don't pay adequate attention when there is food colouring about!

At the time, Owen was saying he was busy making pork chops - or "chalk pops" as he says it.

Aaliya was just having fun getting into whatever she could get her hands on!

2007-01-29T16:03:00.000+10:00

Wardrobe Refashion '07 - I'm doing it !

I've signed up for the Wardrobe Refashion '07 challenge.

See the pledge in the sidebar..... For more info, check their link here

Basically, no buying new clothes for 6 months. The aim is to try and refashion and recycle existing clothes and pieces of fabric into new things. I've been doing this over the last month or two anyway, so I thought I would have a crack at this challenge.

Anyway, I'll be documenting my attempts at refashioning on this blog :)

Viva le refashionista :)

2007-01-23T09:35:00.000+10:00

My new skirt from upholstery samples :)

Ok, so I listed in my interests section that I'm currently into making reconstructed and recycled clothing.

This is one of my projects. I picked up some fabric sample cards (3 of the same) at reverse garbage for $1 each. They sample cards probably were for choosing fabric for a couch or something.

Anyhow, I took the sample cards apart, washed the fabric, overlocked it together and then used that as a piece of fabric to make a skirt out of. I don't have a pattern for a skirt, I just layed out one of my skirts and just cut it from that - it is a simple A-line skirt.

The material is a little heavy for summer but it will make an awesome autumn or maybe even QLD winter skirt.

Total cost of this skirt was a $3. It also put those sample cards to good use, instead of going in landfill - so bonus points for that

2007-01-16T09:43:00.000+10:00

Owen earning his keep...

Owen actually enjoys helping with household tasks. Some of the things that he can do include hanging upwashing, drying cups with a tea towel, he puts all his dirty dishes in the sink when he is finished with them (he has plastic bowls and cups) and his latest thing now is to wipe things down with a cloth

We certainly don't discourage him. At first, while he is learning to do something it can be a little frustrating as things can take three times as long to do, but once he gets the hang of it, it's actually a help. Not only is he contributing, but he is staying occupied long enough for us to get things done too

To help Owen help us, we have set up an Owen size washing line and we have placed pictures on his drawers so he know where everything goes....

Not bad for a two year old!

2007-01-14T09:47:00.000+10:00

Owen's favourites toys by far is a little ukulele that he was given when Aaliya was born. He has pretty much played with it for 8 months straight.

Owen's biggest influence is Murray Wiggle but he also takes inspiration from a guy we watch at the Rocklea Markets when we do our fruit and vege shopping.

I'm sure if Owen understood the concept, if we asked him what he would like to be when he grew up, he would want to be a guitar player in a band.

Here are some photos:
1. One if of Owen sitting on a chair, singing into a microphone just like the guy at the markets.
2. Owen making our family into a little band, with Owen featuring on drums, mum on guitar and Aaliya as lead singer

2007-01-12T09:50:00.000+10:00

I love being a parent. I love watching my children learn and grow, whether it be things that they learn on their own or things we teach them.

What makes me sad is that I can't remember every little detail. It would be wonderful if I could, cause there are so many that are worthy. This really hitting home as I watch Aaliya achieve things and I think "I have a fuzzy recollection that Owen did that but I can't remember when or where". It'll be the same - as time passes I'll forget the sweet details and it sucks knowing it.

So I am resolving to take time to enjoy the moment, knowing that I'll probably be forgotten, but hopefully retain the general memory of enjoying every little moment....

Such is the journey of being a parent

All these thought come as I watch my baby girl crawl over to something, easily pull herself up to standing and getting into whatever she can. Owen use to do that and amaze us. I can't remember when, how old he was or what particularly he use to get into but I know that we loved every moment

2007-01-11T09:51:00.000+10:00

Hervey Bay Camping Trip

It was the first time we have been camping with the kids and it was a great success. We lived in comfort (thanks to a caravan park with good facilities) and the weather stayed relatively fine. The only things was that the children were a bit out of sorts - they were both teething (Owen was getting his 2yo molars).

Anyway, we had and blast, Owen enjoyed the fact that there were other kids around to play with/watch. the beach at Hervey Bay is lovely and gentle, being sheltered by Fraser Island. And it didn't cost us a packet to spend eight nights on holiday....

2007-01-06T09:57:00.000+10:00

Happy New Year!

Ok, I'm going to write down our New Years resolutions with the hope that it will keep us motivated and honest

1. Well, we are going to be greener. We are going to reduce our energy consumption. We have watched "An Inconvinient Truth" and read a book called "The Simple Life" and have been given a lot of good ideas about how we can do this without changing our lives in a big way. Lots of small changes should add up significanty.

2. We are going to learn how to grow and then EAT at least one vegetable. I am hoping for something leafy and green, but we'll see how we go. We had a go at a little vege garden last year and while it was fun, we didn't really get a successful end stage, that is eating it.

3. Kara is going to start her own business.... She IS going to DO IT and sooner rather than later Mind you it isn't going to rule my life and if it gets too much I'll pull the plug - family comes first...

4. Get ourselves organised. Get the house organised. The everlasting New Years resolution. Don't know how we can prove it, but I can tell you that we are better than we were this time last year, but there is still a lot of room for improvement .

There might be more, but I can't think of them right now. Will update as needed. But here is to a good year

2006-08-30T14:33:00.000+10:00

Look what Owen can do!

He learnt it last night. Up until then he has only been able to put up his thumb with other fingers there, usually his pointer finger. He is really impressed with himself.

I think he likes being able to do it because the wiggles do it and say "beauty mate!"

2006-07-15T07:24:00.000+10:00

The Kids Developments

For the first time in quite a few weeks, everyone in The Harding Tribe are relatively well (i.e., free from sickness). Yay!!!

Thought I would document a couple of the kids developments.

Owen (21mths) is absolutely obsessed with the Wiggles, however he does seem to be learning from them. He now knows his colours, though he doesn't refer to colours by their name, rather by corresponding Wiggle. But considering he refers to each Wiggle by a trait or interest, then it can all get quite abstract to outsiders. Doesn't matter, makes perfect sense to us!

For example, if something is yellow, Owen will sign 'sing' because the Wiggle that sings (Greg) wears the yellow shirt. If something is purple, Owen will yell his version of "Wake up Jeff" because Jeff, who wears the purple shirt, is always falling asleep and is woken up by the other Wiggles.....

Very smart our boy is!

Aaliya is almost 8 weeks old. We are starting to get a lot of smiles from her. She has also been discovering her hand - which is amusing because as she tried to gain some control of her arm movements, she can end up clocking herself in the face! We love watching her grow up!

We'll keep you updated on the kids developments.....

2006-07-10T14:44:00.000+10:00

Time for some photo's!!!

Our gorgeous darling Owen at 20mths old
Our darling Aaliya at exactly 1 month old
Kara and Aaliya

2006-07-05T14:33:00.000+10:00

Aaliya hasn't done a poo in a coule of days.... I was asking her when she was going to do a crap. I looked over at Owen and he was doing the sign for "crab". He obviously doesn't know what crap is and went for the closest sounding word that he does know.

I just found out that if you read "poo" on a thai menu, then it is referring to crab - maybe Owen just is super intelligent and translating for me!

In any case, I'll have to watch my language.....

2006-06-26T14:01:00.000+10:00

Now that The Harding Tribe has been introduced, time to start with.....

THE ADVENTURES OF THE HARDING TRIBE

Today, Harding Tribe member, Owen, is feeling extremely worse for wear and Daddy has taken the day off work to help with doctors and x-ray appts. It appears that our little man (Owen that is) not only has a pretty nasty cold and a fever, but also a raging ear infection and a suspected chest infection. Mummy has not been the greatest herself, attempting to recover from a gastro bug while she has the chance.

Stuart and Aaliya are well so far (although who knows how they will be in a couple of days???). Aaliya has been feeding constantly, making sure that mummy's milk supply does not dip too much while mummy is ill.

But, let's look at the positive. It has given me the chance to start this blog, and hopefully keep a running record of The Harding Tribe's family life.

Upcoming adventures will include our move to the townhouse we have recently purchased. We are looking forward to living there, but not neccesarily to actually moving. Other adventures will include "Can Kara keep the satisfactorily clean and tidy and keep her sanity!". We'll see how that one goes! Also the day to day advetures of Owen and Aaliya as they go through their amazing growing, learning and developing.

Hi from the Harding Tribe

2006-06-26T13:22:00.000+10:00

The only reason I'm starting this blog is that I have a little free time due to illness. Sounds morbid, doesn't it!

How about I introduce the members of The Harding Tribe....

Stuart is the eldest male in the Harding Tribe. He is the bread winner (a computer systems engineer), a wonderful husband to Kara and the best daddy around according to Owen and Aaliya. Stuart's interests are his babies, his wife, finding a topic to be obsessed and passionate about (e.g., rampant consumerism, homeschooling) and the occasional chance to tinker, either with a bike, or the budget software. If Stuart had the time, he would play computer games (but he doesn't have the time....).

Kara is the matriarch of the family. She is the cook, cleaner, babysitter, courier, ironing lady, ordering manager (ensures that there are sufficent supplies of food and other consumables in the house). While she attempts to complete all the above listed positions to the best of her ability, there is often room for improvement in all areas. Kara's interests are her babies, keeping some resemblance of a social life and jumping on her soapbox about birth choices. If Kara had any spare time, she wouldn't know what to do with it! She would probably sit on her arse and marvel in the fact that occasionally you can do nothing....

Owen is the eldest child in the Harding Tribe. He has been a wonderful teacher for Kara and Stu in regards to what needs to be truly cherished in life. He has taught us numerous lessons in love, patience, understanding and staying calm under trying conditions (including sleep deprivation!) Owen's interests are The Wiggles, watering plants, The Wiggles, doing puzzles, having mum and dad draw numerous pages of multi-coloured fish, and The Wiggles.

Aaliya is the newest member of the Harding Tribe. We are all still getting to know her. Aaliya's interests so far are boobies and pooping. She is currently deciding on whether sleeping is one of her interests (she will sleep well some days, and not so well other days). She is adored and loved by all other Harding Tribe members, including Owen. Welcome Aaliya.