Saturday, July 19, 2014

Birthday Weekend to Mount Cameron, part 1


I am blogging on my phone and will upload this once we return to civilisation. I am so happy to be in the middle of the bush at the Scottsdale High School Field Study Centre with my little family,  my parents, my sister Lisa and her partner Erik. This centre is the base for school camps and as my dad was the Outdoor Ed teacher for years, my sister and I grew up coming here on weekends and holidays with Mum and Dad. It's a huge cabin in the middle of the Tasmanian bush and possibly my favourite place, ever.  


We drove out here in a convey of three cars this morning and after unpacking and having lunch, spent time on the flying fox which is a blast. I haven't been on it in a good few years- last time was before I had an abseiling accident and developed a fear of heights- and I was determined to do it and enjoy it. As soon as Dad had checked my harness and I was good to go, I stepped straight off the platform and my nerves disappeared as I felt pure exhilaration. Lisa took this photo of me once I landed on the other side. 


Harry brought his Batman costume along and my sister decided to wear the cake and mask and become Bush Woman. 



I'm now sitting on my bunk holding a sleeping bub (who decided he was not going to have his nap in the portacot, in any way shape or form and wanted to snooze on me instead) while everyone else is outside. Once he wakes up it will be time for Happy Hour- a Mount Cameron tradition of drinks and nibbles in the afternoon, which will be even happier as I will be given some birthday gifts and mysterious cake making has been going on in the kitchen. 

Liam is loving having everyone around as well as standing up at the couches in the big main room. I moved eight couches around to create a play area so he is safely away from the fireplace and he loves walking around the couches, especially when members of his family are sitting on them. 



                                                  Loves his Nan and Pop. 


We brought a few toys along as you can see. That Duplo window is by far his favourite toy and he usually has it in his hand at home. 

I was worried that if Liam didn't nap in the cot and I got stuck holding him I would feel left out of things but I actually feel very happy and peaceful sitting here on my bunk, looking out the window at the bush and listening to the birds. I am looking forward to feeding the possums tonight (they know that the centre being occupied means there is a good chance of fruit being given to them on the verandah) and sitting around the fire tonight toasting marshmallows. To be continued...

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

It's fun to be one

So after the drama of having to cancel Liam's first birthday party due to him being so unwell, we held a rescheduled party two weeks later with family and friends. I love to cook and bake and decided I wanted to try my hand at making his special cake...a decision I regretted at 5pm the evening before when I was literally up to my elbows in blue icing and had a 'mum's night out' to get to with the lovely ladies from my Mums and Bubs group (our first catch up without the babies and a rare dinner out for many of us). Who knew using a 'grass tip' icing nozzle to create fur on a Cookie Monster cake would be so time consuming, messy and stressful? I persevered and wasn't unhappy with the end result. 


I then got dressed and ready to go out so I could leave as soon as Liam was settled in bed after his bedtime feed. Rookie mistake- as I was getting him out of the bath he did a giant wee all over my pretty dress. Motherhood! Anyway, after a quick change, a breastfeed and a cuddle I was out the door and on my way. After a year of mostly spending evenings at home it seemed surreal to be out after dark. The girls and I had a lovely time. You hear horror stories about mother's groups but I am very glad I joined and found these lovely friends. 


I was home by 10pm to find that Liam was still snoozing away and had woken once in my absence but had settled after a cuddle from his dad. It's been hard having a baby who, even after a lot if work, still is quite wakeful and I've been hesitant to go out at night. It felt liberating to get out of the house for dinner and we are hoping to do it again soon. 

The party went well and Liam enjoyed playing with some of his little friends. He was spectacularly underwhelmed by his cake but oh well. It tasted good anyway. 


I still find it hard to believe that I have a one year old son. He is such a funny cheeky boy and I miss him a lot on the three days a week I'm back at work. I'm currently on term holidays and have been enjoying lots of time with Liam, Rob and the kids as well as fitting in some time to rest and recharge during Liam's naps. Pesto has discovered that I may be on the couch at certain times as well and has been using it to his advantage. 


We are off into the true Tasmanian wilderness on Friday to celebrate my 30th birthday at Mount Cameron. If I find it hard to believe that I have a one year old, I find it even harder to believe that I am turning thirty! I don't feel thirty. It should be a great weekend and I can't wait to head into the bush.