I thought I’d host Grateful this week – what a nice change!?
I’ve just spent the most refreshing week down the coast with Gran and Pops and those whirlwind Tsunamis of mine. Spending a whole week with my children on my own was daunting to say the least. As a working mum, it’s not often that I specialise in quantity time… I think in the back of my mind my children are still “three under four” and my expectation of time alone with them is always based on that kind of craziness.
But, of course, time marches on and this week I’m grateful for…
178. Growing up – my children were all very small all at the same time and life was relentless for a good while there. I often felt like I was just treading water with my head only marginally above the surface and at times my ability to mother was pretty much drowning. I am not that mother any more.
179. Make believe – a lot of that has to do with the fact that young children are way more interesting to me than babies and toddlers. I have always been honest about my complete aversion to ‘play’ but these days the Tsunamis are into the kinds of things that I’m excited about too – books and dress ups and make believe. We are currently playing Smurfs.
180. Parentals – thanks for having us this week Gran and Pops. It’s always lovely to spend some time in the ‘city’.
Miss Mandy says
Oh good, so what your saying is there is a light at the end of the tunnel
Kellie says
Lovely to have you back, Bron… not that you were really ever gone!! 😉
Loving the thought of things getting easier! I can slightly see that with Ella now at age four (make believe is a big part of play here), but with Holly turning one this week I’m bracing myself for the terrible twos and all that that entails again!
Glen says
nothing beats the imagination of kids at play – they are awesome – the trip back into that world when you play with them, makes the reality of growing up worth while
Veggie Mama says
I’ve even noticed that in the transition from needy newborn to cheeful six-month-old… It’s a little more enjoyable, a little less relentless 🙂
Kymmie says
Yay for children growing up. I totally relate to that craziness! And then I think, “This too shall pass”.
What do you know, it actually does.
Happy holidays and glad to have you hosting again 😉 xx
jody says
Lovely to see you back hosting this week! xx
Alice says
Amazing post!Imagination is something really great!
LionessLady says
Yay to your return! And you gotta be grateful for grandparents and ther special kinda grandparenty love.
Joni Llanora says
I still play make believe but in a drama/theatre-like style with Anya. I played it with my younger sisters as kids and its surprising how I still enjoy it at my age now. have a good weekend to you!
georgi says
hmm i just read your post that you linked about children’s ‘play’ – its quite an interesting topic.. I worked at a large, national museum, specifically in the areas aimed at younger visitors , and my role was ‘playing’ with them – but more specifically, helping them to engage and to link their imaginative play to maybe some facts, some cool observations or some other kind of interactive activity. my favourite kids were the ones with the imaginations – you hardly had to ‘play’ with them ,they’d just tell you what role you were! ahh not sure I’ve got a point any more. but yes. your children, they sound precious. x
Teresa says
My daughter’s imagination is one of my favourite things to watch – she has a great ol’ time playing teacher to the ants, running from bears (favourite book – going on a bear hunt), making trains out of cushions….I love it.
Jodi @ The Scribble Den says
Thankyou for point 178. I feel that way at the moment, but each day is getting better as I look forward to sanity.
Deb @ home life simplified says
Glad you had a nice visit!
I don’t do pretend play so good on you for playing Smurfs. I was just saying today how awesome it is that my girls are 6 and 8 and we can do something like hang out together watching so you think you can dance and chatting – my kind of fun!
happy to be linking up for the first time!
Tat @ Mum in search says
My kids are playing mummies and daddies and doctors at the moment. It’s amazing that even their 20-month-old cousin seems to understand the games.
supermac says
Glad that you are hosting again 😉 My children are 8 and 7 and yes, my time with them is easier and much more fun now that they’re a bit grown up compared to when they were babies. I love it that they are not as high maintenance and that we can talk about a lot of things. But sometimes, I also miss the days when they were such cute toddlers. I’m such a crazy mom!
Caz (The Truth About Mummy) says
Welcome back lovely Maxabella 🙂 I so understand what you are saying. Our kids must be similar ages. (3,4,7). As mush as I love babies – they are much easier and more fun now. But I still feel like I’ve got to recover some energy and life for myself!! It’s been a long haul!!
PS: I’ve linked twice. The first link I accidently linked to my admin page (DOH) Sorry.
trudi@maudeandme says
Can so relate to 178. Kids are now 6,7 and 9!
Kirsty says
Welcome back lovely!!! I love how our kids are getting that little bit older, makes for so many more fun things to do with them!
Posie Patchwork says
Oh i have to say, when i had 4 under 5 – it was the greatest time ever, such a simple life, they were under my wise & capable control.
It does get better, different, more fun, challenging – high school is fascinating, especially if they are having as much fun as you did!! I don’t have to live through my children, i’m living with them. Right down to the constant reminders to check lost property!! They are truly mini versions of me in that regard.
Visiting my ‘parentals’ now, about to hit the road for a 21st in Sydney. Trying not to dread it, mummy’s Alzheimer’s is bad, she doesn’t know who i am anymore, SO sad, breaks my daddy’s heart.
Have a gorgeous weekend, rainbow tutus, smiling faces & quantity time with your sweeties.
Love Posie
Erin @ Eat Play Bond says
Ooh managing all 3 Tsunamis solo would be very daunting, bless grandparents and their ability to take the pressure off.
Nice you have you back 🙂
Jacki says
So glad you’re back! I always love your gratefuls!
therhythmmethod says
Lovely to have you back! Sounds like you had a great break. x
Leanne says
Great to have you back doing the gratefuls!! Love your work
Mum's the word says
its so nice when they get that little bit older and you can interact in a different easier way.. Babies are hard work but it does get easier in the end!
Nice to have you hosting again 😉
Brenda @ Mira Narnie says
Oh so good to have you back!!!! Well, i totally get what you mean…these holidays well, we about playing actual games, with a start and end….being able to plan an activity and execute it….or just watching them play. All. By. Themselves!! Amazing! Love your list and really, there is nothing quite like make believe xx
Lindy in Brisbane says
Oh yes, I am so glad my kids are beyond that now. I always felt so guilty that after two peek-a-boos, I was totally over it. For me it’s so much better now they are big kids. There are different stresses now, (they are 10,11 &13),but at least they have the power of speech and reasoning. And can wipe their own bums. And do up their own seat belts. And get their own snacks. And dress themselves. Having three kids under 4 is no picnic.
Jen R says
Im also grateful your back and blogging xx
Alison @ Melbournemumma says
I’m the same…I think it gets easier and more interesting the older they get. Except perhaps around puberty when hormones start kicking in?! Time will tell..! x
ally says
Lovely to have you back hosting
I’m a bit prone to the “this is the best age ever” way of thinking….and so far it just keeps getting better.
Lauren says
this is really cool to remember for when I have kids…all age levels can be fun!
m.e (Cathie) says
so good to have you back hosting!
I love their age at the moment & silently wishing they would stay 4 & 5 forever.
happy week Miss Maxabella ♥
Muddled Up Mumma says
I love the smurfs! Hope you’ve had a beautiful saturday filled with smiles and fun. x
emma @ frog, goose and bear says
I can totally relate to the keeping head just above water. The exact scenario I have found myself using many times! I am just starting now to feel that maybe I’m staying afloat a lot more easily than before.
I’m with you on the babies too – I find the older ones much more fun! Sounds like you’ve had a wonderful time!
Lea says
I’ve always enjoyed your grateful posts. Today I’m joining in…hope that’s okay:)
Cheryl says
Do you know, I can relate to the relentlessness because that’s where Bubble is at now. It’s definitely hard work but I’m really looking forward to the make believe stage too. I think that’s where I’ll really have some fun!
:o)
Tiffiny says
I miss when my kids where young. But am enjoying them at the age they are now. All ages are wonderful with our kids and we learn so much along the way. Nice post. 😉
Quill and Ink Handmade says
I’m loving the creative side to play we’re going through at the moment – in our house, it’s all about dinosaurs and monsters, and feeding the scary things to make them into friendly pets 🙂
Glad you’re back hosting!
x
bron @ baby space says
We love the smurfs too 🙂 I have a collection of them that are kept in a box in my cupboard so they don’t gt bored of them. I’m not a great ‘player’ either. Bring on the books and drawing!
Seana Smith says
Hi Bron, good to have you back in the grateful hot seat. Nothing to post this week after my tech-free fortnight, which was good. Just wanted to say g’day and also that I find the children much easier as they grow up. My twins are five now, but still fairly wild, and they battle a huge amount, but all much easier. My second turned 12 yesterday… wow.. and ouch! I can still remember every agonising moment of that birth!