Jikana Damaru

Now I am one... in which Elli-boo celebrates his first birthday.

Today my beloved little baby son Elliott turned one year old.

Today I will be helping blow out his very first birthday candle... It was New Year's Eve in 2009 that I found out I was pregnant - was a tad more sober than it might have been otherwise! - and I remember that feeling of jubilation, excitement and wonder when my test was pronounced positive.

My pregnancy was fairly straightforward... but the birth wasn't! Well -- it probably was completely normal, but I found it fairly horrendous, all the same! The truth is -- when Elliott popped out I had a small moment of panic. A BOY?? What would I do with such a thing?

But I didn't realise.

And then about 5 minutes later, I did. What would I do with such a thing? Why -- just L.O.V.E him, of course.

And love him, I did.

And do.

We all do.

He was such an easy newborn... a cuddly little koala bear who once slept the entire 3 hours I sat with the accountant in his Baby Bjorn (wish I could have, too!) Even now he loves a cuddle with his mum. When he's not tearing about like a hurricane destroying everything in his path he's quite content just sitting in my arms as I carry on with household chores, interestedly observing me go about my business...

He rarely cried...

And Fern? She just welcomed him into our family; our lives; our home -- just like he'd always been there.

And in some ways, he has.

But of course, it hasn't always been smooth sailing: the night-wakings, the round-the-clock breastfeeding; projectile white stuff... and brown stuff... tantrums, thrown food, back-arching, clinginess, fussiness, messiness, and the inability to hold still for even a second.......

... all of that overrided of course by the cheekiness. The smiles. The giggling attacks. The way he attacks food like he's already a teenager. The way he can climb before he can walk. The way he sits on my hip like he could spend the rest of his life there. And fossicks through the garbage like he's looking for gold. His goodness of heart, that shines through, even at this early age. The ELLIOTTness that makes him Elliott.

My son is one. ONE.

Happy birthday, sonny-boy.

All I can say is that you are the most gorgeous little boy in MY whole wide world.

Mummy loves you more than words can say.

Mysterious bullies

Like most parents, I spend a good deal of time worrying about bullying. Worried that my Tsunamis may one day fall victim to a group of bullies, yes. But perhaps even more concerned that one day they might take it on themselves to become one.

I know in my heart of hearts that my sweet little cherubs would never intentionally hurt someone else. They know it's wrong to tease and judge others and from a young age we've shown them how important it is to stand up for the little guy. But there is a little argy-bargy happening amongst the Cappers' friends and I do think from time to time "Heaven help me, I don't want to be raising a Mean Girl."

How will I know? How does anyone know?

I've never met an adult who admits to being a bully.

I know lots of people who were bullied, but I don't know anyone who says they bullied them.

Why is that?

I look back on my own childhood and teenagedom and I don't think I was ever a Mean Girl. If I did, it's not something I remember. Is that what happens? Bullies just forget? Is the act of bullying only significant to the victim? Is it 'just another day' to the bully? That's a right worry, that is.

I was fortunately enough to escape the cruelty of bullying, but people close to me weren't so lucky. I often used to wonder if their bullies ever felt sorry for what they had done.

Nowadays I just wonder if their bullies even acknowledge it.

Are they adults who admit to being bullies, or do they also express disbelief and deny they could ever do such a thing? Do they feel the burden of responsibility for the way they changed a life?

Where do bullies go?

Did you ever bully anyone? How do you feel about that today?

Were you the victim of a bully and did they ever apologise?

Anonymous comments welcome.

[Image by Mi Zhang found here]

Yummy Paper Goods

I have been adding lots of yummy paper goods to the sweet style store with lots of lovely new products arriving each week.

We now stock everything from favour and treat boxes to ribbon, twine and tags to cups, plates and cutlery.

These perfect candy/baking cups would look great at any party - use them for treats or use them to bake in. Ice cream would be great as well!

Teamed with the cupcake/candy favour box they can be used to take home either a cupcake or some candy.

The very stylish chevron tote boxes also arrived in the store this week - great colours to choose from and they are the perfect size for treats or cupcakes

Outdoor celebrations have never looked better with all the wonderful products that are now available - these meal boxes are great for a party in the park and paper straws continue to be popular, making the simplest of drinks look very cool indeed.

I would love to know what your favourite paper products are from the store - leave a message here on the blog or on my facebook page to let me know what you like the best and if there is something you would love to see!

Happy Shopping!

another week..

Happy Monday. All the sudden, I'm 36 weeks/ 9 months preggo and I am tired. Pregnancy seems to be finally taking a toll on me. I feel huge and I'm definitely waddling more! Hubby had to help push me up in bed in the middle of the night just so I could waddle myself to the bathroom. 'Oh the joys of pregnancy.' We both laughed as I was laid like a turtle on my back saying "I can't get up!" Ahh, four more weeks (yes, Addison please come out in four weeks!) until we meet her!! This weeks task is to get my hospital bag started.
No pictures of big girl this week, I'm too lazy. Plus I should have some maternity photos soon!
I have a few more photo sessions over the next two weeks and then I will be on 'baby break'! As much as I'm loving doing shoots, moving around a lot and fast isn't so easy anymore! :)

And for a random picture...

Linking up to the Paper Mama's challenge: Furry Friend

My nephew with his dog Lucy!

where to start?

sometimes quiet contemplation, other times quite overwhelming.

Too hot, too cold

I was out at the pub the other night and they had the heater inside cranked up to 40 degrees and a fire going. Man, it was stifling in there. A couple of us elected to take our chances in the garden.

Outside it was freezing, despite the outdoor heaters and the warmth from a hundred lit-ciggies. But I was much happier there than being closeted inside a too-warm room.

I much prefer to be too cold than too hot.*

How about you?

* I assure you this post is not related to yesterday's post.

[Image from here]

Embroidery hoop wall art

Don't you just love embroidery hoop wall art? So pretty, unique and so many different options. I am desperate to do this in my house but can't decide whether I should do it up the wall of my stairs, in my living room, in my craft room or all three! I have ordered a bunch of hoops in different sizes to play around with some ideas. I love the idea of using some of my bright pops of colour fabrics against my fresh aqua painted wall in my craft room or heavily embellishing some textural neutrals for my lounge. Can't wait to start playing!

To see more inspirational embroidery hoop wall art check out my Embroidery hoop wall art on Pinterest.

Have a sweet day!