Mrs Negative

Click

2009-05-23T00:31:00.004+10:00

Recently Cooper had the opportunity to have his photograph taken with a couple of 1st grade football players. These guys are high profile (FAMOUS even!) in Sydney. It has been a thrill for us to have the rugged brunette live next door to my Aunty for the past few years. Sadly he is moving soon. We'll miss the sight of him mowing the lawn without a shirt, jogging back from the beach still wet & glorious. Seriously, I have never seen a more handsome man in real life. He is in peak physical form. Guns like nothing else. And would you believe he is even a really lovely man? He is totally devoted to his lucky wife & kids....this makes him even more attractive!

I always get a little star struck when I see him. Despite 18 stitches in his lip I still think he looks fabulous. Cooper was totally under awed....but when he grows up I'm sure he'll appreciate these photo's. I'll tell him how 2 famous Rugby League players picked him up, said "Hello Little Mate" and smiled for his semi-delirious, flustered mother.

Royal Easter Show

2009-04-26T02:05:00.003+10:00

Sydney-siders flock to the annual Royal Easter Show.
It's the same every year. Chaos. But I love going.

The crowds, the rides, the animals, the food. Kids plan weeks in advance which showbags they want.

It's a hideous rip off in so many ways. Everything cost 4 times more than it should....but still. It's FUN. This year Cooper was big enough to enjoy the Carousel. My voice went all high pitched as I loaded him onto a prancing stallion. "Ooooohh! who's riding a horsey?!!" We waved frantically to Nanny with each passing rotation (I waved...Cooper cantered) It was completely precious. The Easter Show has a whole new level of fun for me now, through my son. Next year perhaps he'll get his face painted, feed a piglet or demand the Dora showbag. Oh, sweet childhood. Embrace the days of innocence. My 14 year old cousin proclaimed that she'd rather be dead than wear a rain poncho, despite the frequent downpours. Not that long ago she was a Carousel rider too, waving to the crowd & not the least bit concerned about how her hair or lip-gloss looked. That's what I love about growing up with the Easter Show. At first you just ride the Carosel & grip your balloon, then you progress onto obnoxious air brush tattooed teenager, then pram pushing proud parent & one day you just go to admire the pickled fruit.
The memories are worth every grossly inflated cent.

April

2009-04-19T05:55:00.002+10:00

A blog entry for April.
Lazy bones is finally walking. Teetering & flailing...collapsing onto his lounge. His preferred mode of transport is still his 3 wheeled bike. He hurtles down the hall way, taking corners like a speedway racer. He just can't operate unless he has something on his head. A hat, a headband, a bowl!
Eg:

Funny little bloke. He is completely in awe of "Toy Story"....over & over...infinity, beyond & back again. I know it word for word. My favorite line is "That's MR Potato Head to you...you back stabbing murderer"...such fun for the kiddies. Oh and when Buzz is paging Star Command & ponders out loud "Why don't they ANSWER??" It's a total crack up.."The mystic portal awaits.." Man, I need to buy "Finding Nemo"
See you in May.....and "oh...it's a Combat Carl.."

Hip Hooray

2009-03-21T23:43:00.003+11:00

I turned 37 this week. Birthdays are nice. I got spoilt. Cooper loves the Happy Birthday song. Don't all kids? Here he is singing & clapping "Hooray!"

My Mum gave me a pendant that belonged to my precious Nan. My Nan passed away when I was 14, she was exceptionally loving & adored by us all. It's lovely to wear something that once adorned her neck.
Mum also did a little photo album for Cooper. It has pictures of all his cousins, us, the dog and him. He absolutely loves it. He sits & studies each photograph before a flurry of page turning and then more careful studying. He calls his new little cousin "A Bubby"

We are going to see The Wiggles next month. I know Cooper will lose his little mind when he sees Dorothy the Dinosaur. He loves her.
My girlfriend & I are thinking about selling some of our craft at the Markets. I have been sewing alot lately. It would be a buzz to sell some of my handiwork. Here are some of the little sunhats I've made.

Zzzzzzz....

2009-02-28T13:35:00.004+11:00

Cruising in the car today I gleefully turned up the radio at the beginning of "All Out of Love" by Air Supply. Such a guilty pleasure....singing your heart out to the daggiest of tunes...You know all the words and the chorus leaves you with a ruptured vocal chord.
That's the Boogie.
After the song finished I heard a little sound coming from the back seat. It was my tiniest homie, Cooper..and he was clapping! Apparently my off-key belting rendition impressed him. Let's be honest, it's never too early to discover your Mum is a Rock Star.

I wonder who coined the phrase "Slept like a Baby..?"
It seems so contradicting. Or at least it DID. My Karitane experience has produced the most delightful, slumbering boy I've ever encountered.
Bedtime is easy. He actually waves goodnight. It is an absolute miracle. 12 hours, 11 hours...all night, every night. And I won't even bore you with the daytime napping stats. Let's just say I yawn a whole lot less these days.
Cooper, my beautiful little dude.
You are sleeping like a Baby.

Hats & Bears

2009-02-14T01:28:00.005+11:00

My son isn't a very affectionate boy. He rarely seeks cuddles or sits happily in my lap. He's far too busy.

He does however display immense love to his teddy. Both arms wrap teddy in a headlock. He spoons with Ted all night. I'm glad he has this security friend.

Similarly he will not wear a sunhat. Even for a second. BUT give him his Tonka hardhat & he puts it on his noggin for hours. He'll eat dinner with his hard hat on. He'll watch tele in his hard hat.
Tough enough for a hard hat...mushy enough for a teddy cuddle. A perfect blend for my boy.

Magic

2009-02-08T07:36:00.004+11:00

Karitane.
They came.
They saw.
They left.

...left me with a glossy pamphlet, a serious talking to and a whole new game plan. Like a shrill Supernanny episode...it is working.
My son is sleeping.
For hours upon hours.
I am completely gobsmacked. It's all so simple. Cooper goes to bed without a bottle, without his music box, without his pillow & without his on-demand Mother.
I just had to stay strong enough to let him cry it out. Scream & bellow & wail it out, actually. It wasn't easy...but it wasn't difficult either. When he woke through the 1st night I clutched my pillow, said a prayer out loud & watched the minutes of mayhem tick by on my clock. 12 long minutes passed before there was delightful silence. Each waking episode was handled the same way and 3 nights in he is sleeping 8 hours straight. I am giddy.

Alter Ego...

2009-01-25T04:16:00.003+11:00

Sweet Boy has recently introduced his alter ego to the household. Holy....he be naughty!
Tantrums! Frequently!
Whining! Often!
Maybe it's teething.
Maybe he's exploring new boundaries.
Maybe he's just a tiny monster!

I have finally sought help for his constant night waking. We have a Karitane home assessment booked early next month. Cooper wakes on average 4 times a night. I haven't had a full night's sleep in 15 months & it's finally taking it's toll.
Bedtime is a battle. He cries & cries, standing up in his cot wailing until he vomits! I couldn't count how many hours I've spent on my hands & knees cleaning up cranky baby vomit. Little bugger!
I hope the Karitane co-ordinator knows what she's in for! Hee!

Other news includes the arrival of a precious new niece! My SIL was taken to the hospital in a flurry of super speedy contractions & before we could even gather our thoughts my brother was calling to declare little Ella had arrived! "She's adorable.." he told me. I scared Cooper with my excited high pitched squeals! Another little girl to sew for...and I wasted no time revving up the Pfaff!

Ding Ding!

2009-01-11T22:15:00.003+11:00

Oh Son.
Was there ever a cuter bicycle passenger? Ever?
We'll ride. Lots, you & I. Mama will stop every now & then to make sure you're secure...and to rest her screaming thigh muscles. You'll point to helicopters. And Cockatoo's. And I'll do my best to keep my slacks from getting caught up in the chain.
Loving you is the most exhilarating journey I've ever pedalled through. Even uphill.

2009

2009-01-01T02:00:00.006+11:00

I was watching an old Elton John video clip last week. I looked at his bald head & the gap between his front teeth.
He reminded me of someone. He seemed so familiar. Behold! A miniature Elton!

Christmas was very civilised. Cooper was not spoiled in the slightest.

We took the Winniebago down south for 5 days. Heavenly! He had his 1st frolic in the Ocean. Much-o fun-o. He crashed off beds, tumbled through doorways & bumped his head in 17 different ways. Grazed & bruised, he looks more like a street thug with each passing hour.

Learning to walk can be a very dangerous pass time. Daddy gave him a little pep talk...if you think walking is hazardous, Son...just wait until you start shaving.
Happy New Year everyone!

Shady

2008-12-21T03:43:00.003+11:00

He is learning so many little things. He knows that a hat goes on his head. He knows that the toothpaste goes on the toothbrush...and the toothbrush goes in his mouth. He knows that the doorbell means "Quick! Someone is here! Go to the door!"
And he knows that his new sunglasses will entertain all that see him...and that he looks pretty damn cool.

Him Swim.

2008-12-07T02:33:00.004+11:00

We went to the pools last week. A fabulous Aquatic Centre in Sydney. Cooper had never been in a pool before, despite owning every inflatable devise available & numerous lycra shorties. When I saw all the H2O fun on offer I immediately morphed into a 12 year old. "Oh My God!" I squealed to my 6 year old nephew..."There's a WATER-SLIDE!!"

I felt horribly self conscious in my One Piece. I draped Cooper & his floating chair strategically across my torso & waded into the chaos. My little duck wasted no time. He was buoyant & kicking within moments. I was the proudest Mummy. Cooper fluttered wet eyelashes & bared every one of his 8 teeth, a fixed grin that could not be dimmed. We moved over to the rapids & whizzed round, round, round. The heaving throng of fellow floaters did not rattle him. Splashing waves rolled over his face.
He. Loved. It.
We stayed in the water until we were wrinkled.
I took the bigger kids on the water-slide, barrelling through the green tube. I thundered out the end with a huge splash. Water up my nose, hair in my mouth & lycra up my bum cheeks.
I swaggered out of pool, wedgie on display. Nobody took any notice of me. Apparently my giant arse was the least interesting item in the Aquatic Centre.
And that, my dear friends....was fine with me.

Watch This..

2008-11-23T01:45:00.005+11:00

I know it is widely frowned upon.
Parking the baby in front of the television.

I do not frown. If the Nick Jnr channel is considered my saving grace, then The Wiggles are officially the 8th wonder of my domestic world. Cooper sits transfixed for the entire dvd performance while I do all my morning chores. The songs...oh my lord they be catchy. I find myself belting out certain songs in the car, in the supermarket...checking the letterbox.
I ask Cooper "Can you point your fingers & do the twist?"
He can't.
But I, on the other hand certainly can! Look at me go! Pointy, pointy, pointy!!
Thank you Wiggles. The washing is done, the kitchen is orderly & my hair has been combed. I'll see you again around 5.30pm. You can bewitch the babe while I peel potatoes and stir the dinner pot.

Sleepover

2008-11-16T05:29:00.005+11:00

We attended a friend's Wedding yesterday. It was entirely elegant.

The reception was held in the shadow of Sydney's Harbour Bridge. My home city is breath-taking, there's no denying it. For me it was an opportunity to get my hair done, frock up, drink champagne & dance myself into a sweaty heap.

Cooper spent the night at his Aunty's. It is the longest separation we've had. I tried not to fret. I hoped that he was being a good boy. I knew he wouldn't miss us. He is besotted with his cousins.
Still.
I pined a little for my boy. I was delighted to receive text message updates throughout the night.

Photo's of him eating his dinner & splishing in the bath. It eased my mind enough to eat 2 desserts, join a raucous conga line....and enjoy just one more glass of champers.
Cha-cha-cha

Sewing

2008-11-09T01:59:00.002+11:00

A cheeky boy looking at himself in the mirror. See? I told you that you're gorgeous!

I love sewing. Here is my latest project for Cooper. Shoes, belt & bib. They turned out cute. He'll wear them tomorrow when we have a family portrait taken.

Waiting For Dada..

2008-11-02T00:35:00.003+11:00

In the afternoons we wait for Daddy to come home from work. The dog, the child & the wife keep our 6 ears peeled for his familiar V8 engine to pull into the carport. Sometimes I let Cooper watch the afternoon traffic creep down our street. The shops & school nearby guarantee a steady stream of people to study. Bicycles, skateboards, pedestrians & leashed dogs keep him fascinated.
He's an appalling busybody. His brow is often furrowed.

He is well known for his serious facial expressions. Particularly when modelling one of my special Origami Catalogue Hats.

I totally dig how kids love other kids. Cooper has a completely different demeanour around other children. His guard is down. His spirit beams. He befriends other children in a blink. Adults require alot more sussing out & studying before he'll even think about a smile. I love that about little babes. Gorgeous creatures!

One Up

2008-10-25T21:47:00.008+11:00

The Birthday Party was a riot! Cooper was enthralled with all the activity. Our loungeroom was full of presents, Cooper made a funny little "fffff" sound everytime he saw all the boxes. He stands up in his cot now. It is so amusing to greet each other eye to eye. He loves Dora. Alot.
Cooper has new tricks everyday. Clapping, dancing, waving, rousing on the dog & proclaiming "Uh-uh" before he does something mischievous. He uses little pincer fingers to place food into his mouth, trying whatever I offer. I love this age. He's my companion. My little friend. There's so much more interaction with a toddler. He says "Dad Dad Dad".....my husband asks him "Who's better Mum or Dad?" and of course Cooper knows only one answer "Dad!" Just wait until he can say "Mummy". For now I am referred to as "La" He bellows from the next room for me "L-aa! La!" He loves looking at photo's of himself. His nose crinkles & a toothy grin of recognition spreads across his face. "Who's that?" I ask. He knows darn well, La, that's Cooper.
Cooper plays the xylophone! One of his many lovely Birthday presents. He puts a toy phone to his ear, mimicking my actions. Ahhh, I just can't get enough of my busy boy.

Who's 1?

2008-10-11T22:33:00.005+11:00

He'll be One on Friday.

Oh darling, beautiful boy!

You will have a party. Yes sir'ee!
A big celebration next weekend with a very silly amount of guests. You will have a Jumping Castle and a wonderful Pirate Ship cake. The Big Red Fire Engine will come and take all your friends riding on the back. A real Fire Engine! The bells & sirens will be blazing just for you.

You'll see helium balloons & eat Jelly! There's Pass the Parcel too! You have a very cool outfit & new sandals to wear. The sandals! Oh My! They are nearly as adorable as you! You can show everyone how you clap hands! You can grin your best 3-tooth smile and we'll sing. Happy Birthday you jolly good fellow.
You have given me the best year of my life. I hope yours has been just as grand.

Chomp.

2008-09-14T02:32:00.004+10:00

Pass the floss! He has a tooth! I have felt it more times than I've seen it. He's not one to show off his sharp, new chomper. I've managed to show a few people...after much head wrangling & dribbly fury. "A Toothy Peg!" said his Nanny. That made me giggle.

Cooper caught up with his cousins this week. He was feeling the love. The eldest one told Cooper he has a big head. The littlest one is completely enamoured with Cooper. Jett rushes to greet him, swooping in with "Awww!" & "Ohhhh!"...a bear hug is quickly established. Baby arms are wrapped around each other. Jett lays his head down on Cooper's chest, this is followed by a round of open mouthed kisses, planted wherever he can lay one. Cooper always looks a little startled but nothing deters Jett. It is the most gorgeous display of affection! Our laughter fills the room. I love my family! My heart soars when I think of the friendship these 2 little boys will share. Mates for life.

Ouch.

2008-09-07T01:05:00.005+10:00

It happened.
Something I've been dreading.
Cooper had his first accident. Entirely my fault....a factor that made it all the more traumatic. I left him in his walker while I got dressed, foolish moron that I am.
He ventured on over to the gas HEATER....Oh My God. The scream hit me like a 1000 wild horses. The blood drained from my face as I sprinted to the lounge room. I knew right away. He was sitting right in front of the grille. Both his little hands were raised up, his face, oh man...he was screaming so much, he wasn't breathing.
I felt sick. I remember panicking, terribly. I whipped him out of the walker. I was saying "No! No! Nooooo!" I couldn't see where he was burnt... oh, mercy...there on his thumb & pointer finger! White hot marks! They progressed to blisters very quickly. I was lost in a whirlwind of worry, regret and awful guilt.
For about 2 hours he cried. Of course he did! My poor little baby! When he finally succumbed to his morning sleep I felt so relieved.
I sat on the lounge and bawled. Big heaving sobs! I couldn't believe I'd been so stupid. It could have been so much worse! The "what if's..." raced through my head. I rang my Mum. "Don't be too hard on yourself" she said sweetly. "He'll be alright, these things happen".
Yes, these things do happen! But it will never happen again!
I learnt my lesson at Cooper's expense. Now he looks at the heater with wide eyes. I shake my finger at the heater and say "Ouch. Hot. Uh-uh." He listens. And so do I. I know the months and years ahead will be filled with bumps, scratches & bruises. He's an inch from danger most of the day. Putting things in his mouth, rolling into furniture and pulling things off shelves (including a huge terracotta pot he lugged into his walker this week!)
It's all a part of growing and learning for Cooper. And it's all a part of being a Mummy for me. Let me soothe any hurt with cuddles and loving kisses. Here I am to dry the tears.
His and mine alike.

Video Test!

2008-08-24T01:20:00.003+10:00

After much Effing around....I think I worked out how to put a video on my blog! It's just a test....check out Peter & Cooper in "The Bunker"...and LOOK! There's a quick glimpse of my drumkit in the background!
Cooper likes to look at the baby in the camera...I wonder if he knows it's him?

Cooper Hi-Kix to feature SOON....

Touching Base.

2008-08-23T21:52:00.005+10:00

Hello Blog. I do neglect thee, huh? The reason I do not post often is because...well...my life outside the computer is kinda wonderful.
It's just not "Terribly-Exciting-Blogging-Fodder"....say that 5 times fast, sheesh.
I have become, well quite frankly...Mundane. My days are a fragile balance of laziness & contentment and it's a mix I find sublime.
Speaking of sublime.... Check it, Pilgrims.

Cooper is a Grumpy Bear. A Chinky, Chunky Bear. (That's my latest silly song) We are still waiting patiently for his teeth & hair to arrive. He loves to hold onto my hands & walk. Tippy tapping baby steps. Each stride involves a little high kick, much like a goosestep. I find this activity so completely hysterical. I nearly double over and crush his little socked trotters.
Hmmm....I think I may have just thought of my next blog post. A video perhaps? Starring the one & only "Cooper Hi-Kix"? Maybe...if I can work out how to post a video. Topcat? Did you learn how to do it yet?

Hey! Thanks to "Suzie" who left a lovely comment. I have a new reader! Shizzah!

Cooper Wiggle

2008-08-17T11:58:00.003+10:00

We went to the new Wiggles Play Centre. A warehouse full of inflatable Wiggly fun. Surely Cooper would be too young to appreciate the frivolity? Nay. His legs began kicking upon entry & continued to pump merrily for the next 3 hours. He did jig on a giant air filled platform. He did frolic amongst the plastic ball bin. He did swing his arms when Dorothy entered the room & he huffed and rasp berried his way through "Rock-a-bye your Bear."
I chased my niece up a giant ladder & grabbed her as she hurtled down a slide. A little girl tapped me on the shoulder and said "Excuse me, parents are not allowed on the rides..." I was a little taken back that she assumed I was a Parent? Me? Ha! I apologised & told her I was just helping my niece not to break her wee neck.
Cooper sat in a carousel & whizzed around unaided. His hands clamped firmly to a steering wheel, turning this way & that. I looked to my Mum and said (inappropriately) "Holy Effing Wiggle."
"He's Driving"

Blue or Lamb..

2008-08-03T06:24:00.005+10:00

I cleared out his wardrobe. He has outgrown 40 percent of his clothes. I am handing down lots of outfits to my girlfriend who has a brand new bub. I have a stack of things for the
charity bin. And then there's the 20 or so outfits I just can't part with.
Eg: The shirt & short combo he wore home from the hospital.
Size 00000.

I remember the day he was discharged from the NICU. I could not wait to dress him in normal clothes. It was such a thrill. I recall my woe when the nurses told me he'd need a bath & check up before we went home. I had to strip him promptly...fearing that we'd never, ever escape that damn NICU.
All of a sudden Cooper seems too grown up to wear cutsie clothes. He would feel silly in a teddy bear t-shirt or rabbit onesie. He's all cargo pants & hoodies. Jeans & polo's.
I keep playing the scene from "Look Who's Talking?" in my head. The part where Molly asks Mikey if he wants to wear 'The Blue or the Lamb?" and Mikey says "They both look pretty lame! Don't make me wear clothes with animals on them! I look like a retard!"
Don't worry son, the very worst you can expect is knitwear.
You know I am a complete sucker for a hand knitted cardigan or pullover. I know you'll look back at your baby photo's and groan at the clothes I made you wear. We all do that. We all ask our Mother's if they were insane to dress us like that. And take us out in public.
It's just that you do the preppy look so well.

Suave. Funky. Downright respectable.
And look....there's not a lamb in sight.

Baby Talk

2008-07-24T09:38:00.007+10:00

My vocabulary has expanded since Cooper graced our world. I say "Gah-Ding-Kah!" in an animated voice to him at least 1000 times a day.

It's a silly new word. It means "Well hello there!"
It can also mean "Here's your favourite toy!" or "Come cuddle me!"
GAH-DING-KAH!
I mentioned to my husband that I should stop saying "Gah-Ding-Kah!" because it's sort of irritating & to be honest, completely non educational.
Peter sympathised and said he feels the same way about his new word, being "Whooosh-kah!"....which means "I'm gonna throw you up in ther air!" or "I'll race you to the door!" or "I love you IMMENSELY!" in baby talk.

Cooper has Hives. Damn Hives! Wha?
Gah. Gah. Gah-ding-kah.
He must be allergic to something new in his diet.
Guess I'll have to stop tossing cashews and pistachio's at him to catch in his mouth.
And he was getting soooo good at it too.