Happiness is Eva

Owen Henry Born at 10:34am on May 22, 2013 Weighing 3.7kg (8 lbs...

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:58:48 +1000

Owen Henry

Born at 10:34am on May 22, 2013

Weighing 3.7kg (8 lbs 4 oz) and 53cm (20.75 inches) in Length

Walking the neighbourhood. I’m still pregnant and...

Sun, 19 May 2013 14:16:13 +1000

Walking the neighbourhood.

I’m still pregnant and anxiously awaiting the arrival of this baby boy. Surely, today has to be the day?

40 weeks + 2 Days Waiting, waiting, waiting. With each...

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:43:05 +1000

40 weeks + 2 Days

Waiting, waiting, waiting.

With each little twinge, I wonder is this it? And then my stomach fills up with butterflies. I’m nervous. I’m excited. I’m ready. I’m ready?

I keep remembering back to Eva’s birth — the pain, the relief, the instant bond, the love — and I can’t wait. Finally I feel ready for this change and ready to hold my baby boy in my arms.

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in...

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:48:00 +1000

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013.”

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“Giraffe”

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This morning a beautiful little package arrived from Eva’s Great-Aunt, she immediately fell in loves her ‘raff dress and matching accessories. As soon as she put it on, she ran around the house saying, “I’m so pretty!”. We had to practically pry it off her at bedtime.

Along with some adorable homemade bibs for the baby boy, this delivery was a welcome distraction to the fact that I’m still pregnant and my due date is tomorrow!

Buddha’s Birthday Buddha’s birthday is a great...

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:02:00 +1000

Buddha’s Birthday

Buddha’s birthday is a great cultural event celebrated throughout the world, which I explained to Eva as: “There’s the guy. His name is Buddha, it’s his birthday and red is his favourite colour.”

This is actually an improvement compared to my explanation of Easter.

Despite my weak as anything cultural explanation, it was great day. There were firecrackers, lion dances, bodhisattvas and monks. Eva was not impressed by the firecrackers (“Too loud!”) but was fascinated by the lion dancing and animal chalkboards. Cultural education completed.

Anticipation …………………...

Sun, 05 May 2013 21:12:22 +1000

Anticipation

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Dear Baby Boy,

We’re all excited to final meet you. As each day passes, the anticipation grows. Your big sister, Eva, is eagerly awaiting your arrival. She talks to you daily. She tells you stories, gives you tours of the house, and constantly shushes everyone, telling them that “the baby is sleeping.”

And although we still haven’t settled on a name, the hospital bag is packed and we are ready. I can’t wait to hold you in my arms. I can’t wait to bring you home and into our lives.

Love, Mummy

38 Weeks. In many ways this pregnancy is much like the one I had...

Fri, 03 May 2013 21:14:00 +1000

38 Weeks.

In many ways this pregnancy is much like the one I had with Eva — relatively easy apart from the occasional periods of exhaustion. But the thing no one seems to tell you about your second pregnancy, is that you don’t have the same amount of time to obsess.

Apart from occasionally checking the weekly updates on my Baby Center app, I didn’t pick up one single pregnancy/birthing related book. This wasn’t because I felt like I already “know it all”, but rather I just didn’t have the time.

I only just finished packing my hospital bag a couple of days ago. With Eva, it was packed up and ready to go at 35 weeks. I’ve slowly taken my time buying new maternity singlets, bras and pyjamas along with tiny baby onesies, newborn nappies and other unmentionables.

Second time around, I’m terrified of giving birth again. I had hoped by now I would be at peace with the prospect of going into labour, but I can’t help but feel anxious. The problem is I now know the pain. Drug free — I still remember it. And I guess watching episodes of One Born Every Minute isn’t helping to alleviate my fears.

Since my due date is still 8 days away, I going to try to take whatever time left to try to relax. I’m off to my prenatal yoga class in the morning, maybe I’ll find a little confidence that I have the ability to do it again. Otherwise, I can only hope for a quick and uncomplicated birth and try to stay focused on meeting my baby boy.

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in...

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:47:00 +1000

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013.”

18/52

“Sleeping Beauty”

Slightly disheveled after a trip to the library, Eva stood still...

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:24:10 +1000

Slightly disheveled after a trip to the library, Eva stood still long enough for me to snap these pictures.

What Eva Wore — Headband: Witchery, Dress: Crewcuts, Boots: Seed Heritage

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in...

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:22:44 +1000

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013.”

17/52

“Little Girl”

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As Eva’s 3rd birthday draws closer, it’s hard to see the toddler in her. Everyday Eva is becoming more and more a little girl — long uncut hair, long complex stories and greater independence.

When to Stop?

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:22:38 +1000

When I first started blogging I was a little over 25 weeks pregnant with Eva. Initially, it was simply a way to journal and document my pregnancy and, of course, Eva’s growth and milestones. But somehow it went beyond that. Blogging became an avenue to express both the challenges and joys of being a first-time parent, a place where I’ve met and connected with other parents—people whom I would genuinely consider friends—and as I’ve said before, this blog is Eva’s modern day baby book.

While the pages of Eva’s physical baby book remain blank, this blog has compeled me to write evan at times it felt like a chore. And I’m so glad I did. I have a written record and images which document Eva’s childhood.

Having said that, I’ve chosen to keep this blog open, which of course has it down sides. I choose to share this information openly, to share images of my daughter. And I guess up until now I haven’t had any issues or problems. But as my readership has grown and Eva has gotten older, I’ve questioned myself more and more about whether or not it’s time to stop.

Having a blog has definitely impacted my life. For over 3 years I’ve blogged weekly, if not daily. It is a part of my life.

I’m grateful for the encouragement, support and kind words you have given me. But along with the positive, comes a little negative. Being a parent is hard enough. I know, as a parent, how easy and quick it can be to judge others. While I’ve never felt the need to address the criticism or the need to justify our decisions as parents. But what I will say is — this blog is just a small glimpse of our life, and my daughter’s for that matter, it doesn’t define us.

And while I’m not quite ready to give up blogging (after all I have another baby to document!), I anticipate there will be an end. Foreseeing an end, when I signed up to Instagram, I choose to set it to private, that way I can control (to a certain extent) who I share my images with. You can find me under the username: happinessiseva, but until then, here is a little of our life from Instagram:

Eva’s obsession with Toy Story:

Our obsession with cafes and breakfast on the weekend:

Out and about:

Eva’s obsession with dressing up:

and a little preparation for the baby boy:

35 Months Old. Eva is just a short month away from turning...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:25:24 +1000

35 Months Old.

Eva is just a short month away from turning 3-years’ old. And while life is a little crazy right now as we rush around doing last minute things to prepare for the baby boy’s imminent arrival, I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on these past years.

Being a parent is beyond anything that I could describe. It’s rewarding, challenging, frustrating, captivating, tiring, heart-expanding, amazing. And as much as Eva’s stubbornness and strong-will can be a challenge, it all fades when she gives me an unprompted cuddle and an “I love you, Mummy”. It has been beyond a joy to watch Eva grow and develop into a cheeky, loving, social, excitable, curious and smart little girl. And while I often feel like time is going to quickly, I can’t wait to see her in her new role as a big sister.

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in...

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:01:30 +1000

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013.”

16/52

“Make-Up”

Conversations with Eva Me: Eva, have you finished your drawing...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:05:06 +1000

Conversations with Eva

Me: Eva, have you finished your drawing or are you still using your pastels?

Eva: No, I’m still working on my email.

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Me: Eva, don’t put your bath toys in your mouth. You might choke on it.

Eva: No, I’ll get brave and smart and smarter (reference to ‘The Incredible Book Eating Boy’).

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Me: Hey Eva, do you think the baby could use some of your old baby blankets?

Eva: Um, no. But he can have the grey and white one.

Me: Do you mean your big blanket (her new doona cover) on your bed?

Eva: Yes, I need a new one. I don’t like that one.

(Mummy fail! Apparently, Eva is not a fan of chic grey!)

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Me: I’m sorry, sweetheart, I can’t fix it. We’ll have to wait until Daddy gets home from work.

Eva: Oh (looking disappointed). Daddy’s at work doing lots of typing in his office.

36 weeks. At the moment I’m feeling both mentally and...

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:15:58 +1000

36 weeks.

At the moment I’m feeling both mentally and physically exhausted. In some ways I feel prepared, knowing what to expect and having given birth before. But in other ways, I feel so ill prepared. My hospital bag is still unpacked, but rather the cot is filled with newborn nappies, onesies folded in tiny piles, and other bits and bobs that I’ve randomly remembered that I’d need to take to the hospital.

The thing about second pregnancies that no one seems to talk about is how little time you have to obsess or prepare for that newborn stage again. Just the other night, Johnny and I sat and giggled as we converted Eva’s old car seat for a newborn — are they really that tiny?

And while this baby boy continues to grow, he likes to keep us guessing about his position. As of Tuesday, at our 36 week appointment, he was head down, but definitely not engaged. This is considered to be normal for a second pregnancy, I can’t help but to feel a little anxious.

And from the conversations that we had with my doctor, it doesn’t seem like he is in a rush to come out and see the world. As much as I had hoped there would be a good couple of weeks gap between Eva’s and the baby’s birthdays, there is the possibility that they will be a lot closer. So, while I’m busy trying to get things organised for Eva’s 3rd birthday, I can only hope that I’ll be home from the hospital!

I guess I just need to accept that he will come when he is ready and to embrace these last couple of weeks as a family of three.

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in...

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:42:00 +1000

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013.”

15/52

“Searching for Muddy Puddles”

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in...

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:40:00 +1000

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013.”

14/52

“Sparkly Toes”

R.O.B.O.T Eva is far from a “girly-girly”. And...

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 21:38:34 +1000

R.O.B.O.T

Eva is far from a “girly-girly”. And unlike many of her friends, she is yet to go through a “princess” phase. When given two choices princesses or dinosaurs, she would always go for the latter.

At the park, she started a new game of pretending that monsters are chasing her and Johnny as they run and hide amongst the trees. She has at least four tutus in her closet but rarely asks to wear them. And just today she drew her first spider. I am curious to see if she is just a late-bloomer with princesses, or if her love of Toy Story and the Hulk and ghosts is more indicative of her future tastes and obsessions.

Johnny: Yesterday you made ANZAC cookies with mummy, what are...

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:08:27 +1000

Johnny: Yesterday you made ANZAC cookies with mummy, what are you going to do today?

Eva: Eat cookies!

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I’ve finally hit that point in my pregnancy where the prospect of leaving the house alone with Eva leaves me exhausted. So I now find myself in a tangled cycle of feeling guilty for not taking her out, but feeling too exhausted to take her out. Usually our weeks are filled with trips to the library, the museum, the park and playdates. I had to stop taking Eva to her weekly ballet class as I couldn’t keep up with her. Ever excitable, Eva spent half the lesson running in circles rather than following the teachers instructions, which of course meant that I was having to chase her!

Even a simple trip to the mall can turn into an ordeal. I’ve had to start relying on using the stroller to keep her contained. By no means is Eva a “naughty” or difficult kid. But she is an almost 3 year old with a strong will and incredibly cheeky. And being 8 months pregnant, I can’t keep up with her.

Just today while have lunch at a restaurant, Eva decided that she had had enough of the highchair and insisted on getting out. And while she climbed out of the chair all octopus-like and leapt into my arms, I told her that she had to stay in the chair and that I couldn’t let her go because I knew that she was going to run away. Eva proceeded to tell me that she wasn’t going to run away, but only walk. And as she wiggled out of my arms she began to walk around in circles as if she were imitating Neil Armstrong walking on the moon!

So, back to the ANZAC biscuits, in a bid to rid myself of guilt, I’m trying to include some more new and engaging activities to do at home. And while I scour Pinterest for more ideas, I’d love to hear some suggestions.

So has anyone else had that experience where they thought that...

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:45:39 +1000

So has anyone else had that experience where they thought that they might be able to go and do one of those cool, hipster things that they used to do pre-kids because now their child is old enough to behave and ‘enjoy’ it?

And did you then discover that when you joined all those all other hip cats at the Powerhouse with their gourmet beers and skinny jeans and scarves to see Thelma Plum that their well-behaved toddler only actually had 22 minutes worth of patience?

And did you then learn that 22 minutes—the exact amount of time it takes for a 3-year-old to plough through a bowl of chips incidentally—was just enough time to last through the latter half of the opener who is just some Cat Power wannabe?

And did you then have that awkward moment where your toddler thought the music wasn’t good enough and decided that her version of the ABCs would be much better?

And did you then have that awkward moment where you realise that you are not a hipster, that you are 8 months pregnant, and that your hip, impulsive, and carefree self is dead and buried?

And did you have that cathartic moment where you just gave up on being able to see Thelma Plum and let your kid run in muddy puddles?

Yeah, me too.

Happiness is Eva

Owen Henry Born at 10:34am on May 22, 2013 Weighing 3.7kg (8 lbs...

Walking the neighbourhood. I’m still pregnant and...

40 weeks + 2 Days Waiting, waiting, waiting. With each...

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in...

Buddha’s Birthday Buddha’s birthday is a great...

Anticipation …………………...

38 Weeks. In many ways this pregnancy is much like the one I had...

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in...

Slightly disheveled after a trip to the library, Eva stood still...

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in...

When to Stop?

35 Months Old. Eva is just a short month away from turning...

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in...

Conversations with Eva Me: Eva, have you finished your drawing...

36 weeks. At the moment I’m feeling both mentally and...

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in...

“A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in...

R.O.B.O.T Eva is far from a “girly-girly”. And...

Johnny: Yesterday you made ANZAC cookies with mummy, what are...

So has anyone else had that experience where they thought that...

Anticipation …………………...