So it has been a busy couple of months in our household.
As I mentioned before, hubby is well and truly in the throes of his resettlement study. He has been on courses for weeks on end, all to further his IT qualifications and spends most nights studying too. I am very proud of him and how hard he works, it has been difficult to get quality time together (other then our weekends) but I know the pay off will be grand.
Things are certainly looking promising for him on the work front too. He put his CV into cyberspace and had a number of contacts regarding work. I have a lot of faith in him and his abilities- I know he won't have any trouble securing a new job. It is such an exciting time too as he is leaving the security of the 'army life' after almost 8 years-- but it certainly is time to move on. Once he secure a position we will be moving; hopefully we will stay around the same area.
I started back at work 6 weeks ago... so far so good. I enjoy my days in the office, although it is work I enjoy being back amongst it and have managed to secure a little me time on a weekly basis. Avalon spends Tuesdays with her Granny which is going really well. On the Wednesdays (I only work 2 days) she has gone to various friends places- for the most part it has been fine a part from one very grizzly day-- the fact she was cutting 2 new teeth and fighting a cold didn't help and if I had known that at the time I would have stayed home and had milky cuddles all day long. But thems the breaks of being a (somewhat) working Mama.
My friend Nina is looking after her now (today being the 1st day) and with a daughter of similar age I am sure she is having a blast, she has kept me updated and so far so good.
Avalon is doing brilliantly. I know it is a terrible cliche but she is such a joy to be around. She changes every day and she is just so... fun! I don't know how else to describe it? I love being with her and whenever I am away I cannot wait to get back to her. Seeing her face light up and squeal when I walk through the door at the end of the day is priceless.
She is a bonafide 'walker' now... She toddles around the house- arms akimbo, chasing the cat. 'No' seems to be her favourite word at the moment (hmmmm.... I know) and is so clear! We fall a part with laughter as we can hear so clearly her 'voice'. She also says Dada, Mum, Bye and Duck... She LOVES ducks (well any animal really) and every bird is a duck. Apparently.
She loves going to the park and having a ride on the swings; namely she loves to find her own way and walk, walk walk! We take her out of the Ergo a lot now and just toddle along with her. She is very self assured; she knows what she wants and I love that. It may call for some interesting times in a few years but I wouldn't want her any other way.
She has 6 teeth now. They seem to come through in pairs and the last 2 really had her bothered. The nights are not so great and she has been quite grumbly when I am not around.
On another note, I am really excited at the prospect of my Mum and Dad visiting in October for my birthday... the big 3 0! Where has the time gone? I do not know.
I am already brainstorming day trips for when they are here and the best part will be seeing them with Avalon- they miss her terribly. They have offered to have her for Grant and I so we can have some time away together- the prospect sounds amazing but in reality I am not sure how we will do without her (nor my parents do the nights!) It is still 5 months away so time will tell.
I would love to go away to Sweden, Italy or Spain... 6 years I have been in England and have not seen anywhere else other than Scotland, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and France.
I think we will be due a romantic time away so I'll get to planning.
I went to my first La leche league gathering last week. It was so validating being with other Mums who have similar philosophies on parenting. Yes, yes, I know that sounds hokey but hey, it makes my heart soar just a little bit. I am hoping to make this a regular thing and will be seeing the ladies again tomorrow. I love having sling wearing, breastfeeding, natural birthing friends around too. I have relied so heavily on my online community of friends that having coffee and a yarn with these women is fantastic.
I have been asked to be the Homebirth Co-ordinator for my local branch of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT.) I am beyond thrilled. I will take over the post from June and can't wait to be a support to local mums-to-be exploring their childbirth choices.
Exciting and busy times ahead for our family.
What else have we been up to? Lot's of weekend family time; we spent a day at Wellington Country Park with friends, shopping trips in Basingstoke & Guildford, breakfast out at Giraffe, The Garden Room & Caffe Uno, walking at Blackwater Canal, picnic's in the park and BBQ's at home. Yep. Life is good.
