some recent photos

Mmmmm, toilet paper! When we go into the bathroom for his bath, I have to shut the toilet lid and put the roll up on top of the loo, otherwise he tries to deposit it in the toilet.

A rainbow from this afternoon.

Looks like he's ready to head off to a footy match!

This toy is way too advanced for him but he enjoyed chewing on the cars.

Hard life for some...

Fish Face

Mum taught Hamish how to do a fish face today - too funny!

Licenced to Drive!

Yes, I finally have my provisional driving licence! It's been a looooong journey but I've made it. Yay!

Will be a little while before I actually take myself anywhere though because our car has a turbo, and P platers are not allowed to drive modified cars. We can apply for an exemption though so we'll see how that goes.

Doing the test this morning was very stressful, even though I've had plenty of practise around the area I did it in. Luckily I didn't do anything silly and still can't quite believe I've qualified.

It's been around 14 years since I first got my Learners Licence...and I've had the current version since 2004!

Massive thank you to UD for sponsoring my many hours of professional lessons...couldn't have done it without you!

Gipsy

The idea of giving up things for one great desire reminds me of this poem, by DH Lawrence (with thanks to KM for introducing me to it years ago!):

Gipsy
I, the man with the red scarf,
Will give thee what I have, this last week's earnings.
Take them, and buy thee a silver ring
And wed me, to ease my yearnings.

For the rest, when thou art wedded
I'll wet my brow for thee
With sweat, I'll enter a house for thy sake,
Thou shalt shut doors on me.

Sacrifice

Been thinking recently about an irony of motherhood - that when God generously gives you the desire of your heart - a child - one of the effects is the seemingly inevitable sacrifice of so many other desires. Eg sleep and rest, time to relax and pursue hobbies and friendships, serving in church etc.

Unless you are a 'Super Mum' (and our culture seems to be slowly realising what a myth that is!) it's just not possible to devote as much time to personal interests as it is without young kids.

So fulfilling one desire puts the rest on hold - because looking after a bub means consistently putting someone else's needs before your own - needs that take up most of the day and sometimes, half the night!

I don't think this is a bad thing - it's just the way it is. It can be tough going, but I know that it's in the challenges that God is at work, shaping us into people who reflect His character. And we've got the ultimate example in His son, who not only gave up his personal interests for us, but his life.

Sweet

We usually let the dogs inside after dinner, and Ruby spends the evening lying at my feet.

On Wednesdays however I'm out at bible study, and Adam tells me that Ruby plants herself right outside Hamish's bedroom door instead! We're not sure whether she thinks she has to look after him when I'm not here or whether she thinks I'm in the room and she's waiting for me to emerge, but either way, it's sweet of her.