Juggling Act

Today I took Miss 1 out by myself for a while. After I discovered the stroller didn't fit in my car boot we re-arranged the car a little and then were on our way!! All went pretty well, she was very well behaved although I was glad to be able to get home. I consider myself to be quite organised when it comes to the children....meaning I usually remember to pack everything that we need. It's never a quick trip anywhere there is so much stuff to take with you even just for a visit to the shops. My black handbag has been swapped for a pink princess backpack full of nappies, wipes, snacks and toys. I think I still need a bit more practice at managing a stroller, the baby, carrying the shopping etc!

Sick

So it's been a long few days being unwell. And while I'm on the mend it's made me realise just how hard this parenting thing is when you are sick. I've been fortunate to have a few days without the girls so I've been able to just rest and try to get well. Now it's back to Friday and the girls have just been dropped off by their mother. I always find Friday is the most difficult day because it's their transition day. I am not at all surprised that it's stressful for the kids and I hope over time they will slowly get used to it.

It never ceases to amuse me how much Miss 4 wants to play with Miss 1's toys!! Now that Miss 1 is starting to walk payback is coming into play. Miss 4 just set up a train set with her dad and just as they were playing with it Miss 1 made her way over and started pulling up the tracks!! This was soon followed by a little outburst by Miss 4 about how it's unfair that her sister plays with her toys!!

Does anyone read this??

I've been blogging now for a few months and I find it therapeutic but I'm not sure if anyone is reading it!! A following is not why I do this, this is simply a way for me to vent and try to deal with my life as a new 'parent'

Comparisons

The latest line from Miss 4.....'I'm going to tell my mummy on you'

This came after an argument about Miss 4 putting on her tights before going outside to play. This statement comes in a long line of statements comparing me to her mother. My risotto was 'yuk and not like mum's' and 'my mum said I don't have to do that'. Oh dear....how do I deal with this?? Help!

I know it isn't a competition but it's hard being compared and accepting that I will never be as good as her mum. I have to get over that, I'm not her mum, I am her friend and her father's partner. To our dear Miss 4, she has a mum and a dad and all I can settle for is playing a key role in her life as a special friend :) For that I am grateful.

Babies everywhere!

I know of three babies born in the last week and it's amazing how quickly your conversations with friends change. We've gone from talking about Home and Away, movies, the latest gossip to breastfeeding, sleep patterns and the joys of childbirth. It's amazing how quickly things change. Makes me want a little baby.....but now is definitely not the time!

International Women's Day 2011

What a wonderful day to celebrate!! Today is the 100th International Women's Day and I would like to pay special mention to all the mum's and step mum's out there. Especially those that play the role of 'superwoman' raising a family, being a partner, going to the office etc. It's no easy task and I know I couldn't do it without the support of friends and the guidance of mentors both professionally and personally.

Things are tough

Well it's been a difficult week this week, sometimes I struggle moving between life as a couple and life with 2 children. I feel like I'm running a million miles an hour trying to play catch up when my partner has 4 years head start on me. Now I can hear people going "you knew what you were getting in to" but now isn't the time for that, what I need now is support from my friends and family. Having children in your life whether they are your biologically or not is always going to be a challenge and I don't think until you've walked in my shoes you can comment.

A recent addition to my extended family this week made me reflect on the mean on family and new beginnings. That whole concept really summarises my week so far!! It's amazing how nothing else matters when you are holding a newborn baby in your arms. All I can hope for is the best for all the little new additions close to me this week. As for the two amazing girls I live with, all I can do is be there and be me. I keep being reminded by other wise step mum to let the children come to me, don't push, just be me and they will work out the truth in their own way.