Blooms

With Baby Luca growing and doing something different each day, I am constantly reminded by the need to evolve and challenge ourselves. I can't even begin to describe how much he's changed over the past few months, days, weeks. His big thing at the moment is pushing himself backwards, spinning on round on his tummy, and briefly going onto his knees before falling on his tummy again. He can now (kind of ) get around and it's opened up a whole new level of activity. Boy is he proud of himself. The day after he learned to do these tricks he could barely sleep he was so excited. He chatted to himself for about 20 mins before dozing off.

I'm feeling exactly the opposite. I go through the motions of the day, and delight in spending time with James and Luca, but feel very blah. Very blah. Everything seems so stagnent right now. No money for fun, trying to delight in the everyday routine, and get by. I need some change. I need not to post about Luca and only Luca each time - I have a life outside just motherhood, right? Hmmm...I begin to wander. I need something to work towards - something that challenges me a bit...so here comes my new thing...

Flowers. I've always enjoyed fresh flowers (I think this must run in the family as Grandma Rosie had meticulate flowers....and if any of you know my mom...well she's the same). Every time I go into the grocery store I immediatly go to the cut flower section - I have to smell and look at them each week. Check out the prices, drool over what I would buy if we had money.

I'm taking a very basic night school floristry course and it's inspired me to do more. I'm reading every book I can get my hands on, watching videos and trying to teach myself. The only other option is taking a full time 1 year course - not offered in our hometown. So really, it's not even an option. Sadly.
Work has just undergone a massive restructure and today was the last day that my team would work together. To celebrate our last day, I used my new skills to make everyone buttonholes. It was great practice for me, and people were thrilled with my little gift. The Mayor's office even took notice and I may even start doing flowers for Mayoral Functions. Woo-hoo!
No, I'm not quiting my job - I'll just do this on the side - b/c I like it (and I get access to wholesale flowers if accepted into the auctions!) and lets face it - everyone likes getting flowers. I'm very excited by this new endevour. Flowers won't make me rich, but it will help keep that smile on my face when I'm not playing Mommy. Oh, and guess who will be doing their own flowers for their wedding?

Father's Day

This weekend we took the ferry to the South Island for James to participate in the Abel Tasman Coastal Classic - a 36km Cross Country (up and down steep trails) running race. It was the longest and probably the hardest run he had ever done. All the competitors were SUPER FIT (including James!) and say the run is much more difficult than doing a marathon.

It was the second time we had taken Luca on the Ferry - the first was when he was 3 months old. Entertaining an 8 month old for 3 hours is by no means an easy task. They advertise the ferry trip as relaxing....ha...anything but with a baby!

While James was running the hardest race of his life on Saturday, Luca and I hiked for 3.5 hours along the trail with the rest of the 'supporter' group. It was exciting to see James pass us towards the end - and we were very impressed with how well he was doing (his story might differ a bit...ha ha!)
Luca after discovering how much he enjoys ginger nut cookies. This is right before we started our hike. Had to go buy him a new sunhat to wear....his expanding head won't fit into his sunhats from last summer. Luckily it was a gorgeous day to spend in the National Park. On Friday and Saturday night we stayed with James Aunt and Uncle - it was good to catch up with them.
Me trying to take Luca's picture while he was in the baby backpack. He seemed to enjoy the ride, but he did look a little uncomfortable when he fell asleep... We sang songs and I pointed out different types of leaves and things on the trail to him. It was kinda cool to feel his little hands resting on my shoulders as we hiked.
Sunday on the ferry ride back to the North Island.....FATHER'S DAY!!! James and I were both exhausted from our active Saturday...poor James could barely walk (but who could blame him...after that crazy difficult running race!) Incendently Luca also decieded that Saturday night would be a poor sleep night, so we didn't get much sleep. I ended up taking Luca for a 2.5 hour walk at 6am on Sunday just so James could have a father's day sleep in. Usually he's such a good sleeper, but I think the change of routine really messed him up.

We spent a majority of Father's day traveling (driving to Picton, sitting on the Ferry, then driving to Palmy) but we did enjoy a much deserved Dominos Pizza Dinner when we arrived home, and surprise, suprise....Luca slept like an angel on Sunday night. Thank goodness!

All in all a good weekend....We love our fit and fantastic Daddy XOXO