Talk about ending the year with a bang ! Yet, if you think I have tales of fabulous NYE parties filled with champagne and canapés, you are sorely mistaken, my friend.
Having to sacrifice my front seat to an (almost) industrial-sized air cooler, awkwardly-shaped giant breast feeding pillow, Baby Bjorns and a huge plastic tub filled with baby bottles and feeding utensils, I’m squashed in the back seat of our family car, taking position next to my (finally) sleeping boys as I type into my iPad. We’re driving back home to Sydney after a 10 day whirlwind tour of visiting family – both Hubby’s and mine. As far as schedules go, this year was no different from any other: Christmas with Hubby’s family then ringing in the New Year with mine at the “Big Roundabout” (also known as Canberra). Nothing too riveting, but always guaranteed of little or no travel dramas.
This year of course though, there is a slight catch – there are two extra munchkins joining in the fun ride. Two little people demanding a ton of attention and requiring a truck (or in our case, Falcon sedan) load of maintenance. Who would’ve thought that just two teeny tiny humans could create such brouhaha ?
I’m going to sound like a broken record, but dear people, I am friggin’ exhausted !!! I’m also feeling jipped off. Like an irate shopper who missed out on the last pair of Nine West end of year discounted gladiator sandals, my gripe is: “What the heck happened to my Christmas holiday ???”
A combination of sticky hot summer weather, unfamiliar surroundings and a myriad of Christmas commotion have all contributed to the disorder, discomfort and inconveniences of our first family Christmas holiday. Joy of joys.
Oh, I guess it didn’t help that Little N had a fever of 39 degrees after Christmas, prompting 2 trips to the doctor. Then, of course, it’s inevitable when one twin gets sick, the other one soon surely follows. Little K, making his early start to the calls of sibling rivalry, topped his older brother’s temperature one night at 39.5 degrees. Hence, there was a week of restless, sleepless nights, mastering the tricky juggling act of settling two unhappy, wailing babies whilst administering them with doses of children’s panadol and anti-biotics. Did I tell you how exhausted I am ?
My dear readers, you will be happy to know there were some positives. One especially, was the life-saving-breaking-the-mundane local swimming pool. The smiles on the boys’ faces as they splashed and whirled around in the baby pool was priceless. It was also at this very pool where we introduced the boys to two evils invented by this sinful world: chocolate and ice cream.
So, there you have it: Summer colds, unbearable heat, mixed in with some fun in the sun. Just your typical Australian Christmas summer holiday…
At last, the M5 turn off is in view. Homeward bound. Sweet homeward bound.
Melissa Bannan says
So great to keep reading your blog, nearly all the words you write, have come from my mouth over the last 3 years. I am only just getting over the exhaustion now….being a great Mum is the hardest job in the world. Love xox
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Mel. Yes, I don’t think my experiences are out if the ordinary…writing about it is just cathartic. Even better when mum’s write back and say: “I hear ya'”
Happy New Year, my dear xxx
Ellie says
Ahh yes Grace but you would not have life any other way 🙂 even if that means missing NY eve party’s in New York or Hong Kong or shopping for those shoes….
Your boys give you so much more then dirty nappies its there beautiful little faces and smiles that will beat a pair of Jimmy Choo’s on the dance floor any day…….xxx
mamagrace71 says
Ah, Ellie…you know me too well 🙂
You’re absolutely right – all the stinky nappies and sessions of baby vomit totally all disappear when I see their smiley faces or when they’re doing all their cute interactive things.
Just today they learnt how to wave their arms in the air and yell out: “Yaaaaay !!!”
Priceless. Magical.
Lots of love,
xxx
arifa nasrin says
So great to keep reading your blog, nearly all the words you write, have come from my mouth over the last 3 years. I am only just getting over the exhaustion now….being a great Mum is the hardest job in the world. thank you
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