Now This is the Life

Well, hi there old friends.  I've missed you and thought of you often but just could not seem to find the time, energy, gumption, human ability, to write.  Please don't get me wrong, I've had so, very, much to say.  I've thought of the most brilliant topics, hilarious stories and social commentary that just had to come your way but between a nursing baby, a million appointments, night terrors, reading tutors, the terrible two's, a 3/4 time job and being the wifey, I just had to sleep.

I am 100% convinced that our lives are not all that interesting buuut, I thought I'd give everyone a little update before I really jump back into the adventures we've been taking.  To begin, please allow me to introduce, AJ4

Okay so I threw an extra in there of AJ3...he doesn't seem to be quite as interested in his predecessor to babyhood as he is 100% big boy now.  He's witty and fun and ornery as all get out.  He no longer walks or runs anywhere but gallops everywhere but I'm supposed to be talking about his little brother here!

AJ4 is a dream baby.  He'd sleep twleve hours a night if I let him.  He's been smiling and laughing form the get go and he loves to be cuddled and kissed.  My grandpa is his best friend and his biggest brothers think he is just the cat's meow!

Life with four is different.  I thank God that he blessed me with Mamaw and Junie because I literally do not know what I would do without them here.  I am serious about that -- literally, don't think I could function.


Now for a little story of adjustment to mamma-hood of four...

Last week I decided I would take all four to AJ1 & AJ2's swimming lesson.  I mean I have to take them all out at the same time eventually, on my own, so why not now, right?  What better place to take them than to the pool?

So help me God I thought we were all going to die!  AJ1 was brilliant about getting into the pool, with his class, goggles on and doing as he was told until it was time to change.  AJ2 was good about getting into his class but refuses goggles, "I don't wike boggles!" and his new teacher is insistent that he wear them.  AJ3 whose lessons were earlier in the day threw the holy grail of two year old fits (screaming, back arching, writhing, clawing...) while AJ4 became scared and wailed!!

I was trapped.  I couldn't leave the boys in the pool.  I was holding the baby whom I'd worn and only had the stroller set up for one.  Some nice man recognized that I was headed for trouble and began talking to AJ3.  The more he talked the more 3 writhed and eventually I looked down to find one bra clad breast completely out of my V neck T-shirt - Mortifying!

Eventually, I was able to strap AJ4 into the front of the Phil and wheel him into one of the changing rooms while I carried AJ3 fireman style.  Laid AJ4 onto the bench and protected him from falling with one thigh while wrestling AJ3 into the Phil and criss-cross strapped him tightly.  I was able to get AJ4 strapped back onto me in the front pack and headed out to get the boys out of the pool.

AJ1 came out of the pool a few minutes before AJ2 so I took him back to the same family changing room (our pool has old school small, individual changing stalls all around the perimeter.  I wrapped him in a towel and told him to stay put with the door open until I returned.

AJ2 decided lessons may be over but he was still swimming.  AJ2 is a rather strong minded child so I was thrilled when his teach simply picked him up and handed me a wet three year old (seriously, I'm not being sarcastic).  When I looked to the changing room, not 15 meters away, where I left AJ1, there he stood, penis out on display as he had totally undressed himself, with the door open and didn't have his clothes to put on!

When we made it to the car, fully clothed (less AJ1's underpants which at that point I couldn't be bothered with finding in our vast bag), I sat, breathed, and reminded myself it will be worse sometimes.  Someday it will be the worst when I don't have little boys to fill my days as they will be older and have a million other things to fill theirs than their mamma-- I counted my blessings, again.  I sat back, while the baby still cried, the toddler still sassed, the preschooler still pushed me to my limits and my sweet, naive oldest asked a million questions and thought to myself, now this is the life!

Hugs and promises to be back very soon with things that are interesting or beautiful or even both to share.

Cheers!

Auckland in the Winter (with kids!)

I remember winter in Auckland as a little depressing and filled with vomit but a quick convo with Mamaw helped me to remember that although it does rain daily and it's a bit too cold to go to the beach, the shorter days are still beautiful and can be filled with lots and lots of fun.  You have to learn to be flexible and go with the flow (literally, the flow from the heavens)!

The day that my best friend got married was the coldest day of my life.  Not becuase I don't adore her husband, I introduced them!  It was literally FREEZING cold and I was in a strapless dress and heels running all over the city!  I finally traded my strappy heels for my bestie's disgusting tennies and broke a sweat by running everywhere I needed to go.  I remember sitting in a hot bath the next day thinking I might never be warm (or rested) again!  Three little babies that I love about like my own later, and a happy bestie and it was all so worth it!

I know, great story but why am I telling you this?  It doesn't really get COLD in Auckland but the thermometer can actually be deceiving.  Just like the weather service can tell you that it will be 20 but once you get out in the sun it feels 28 in the summer, it can be 15 here but once you are wet, it feels like 5!!  Being prepared is imperative to having any fun at all!!  And, getting wet and being cold really can be worth it for a good time!!

I'd like to start this post with what to pack in your car/backpack/stroller etc to prepare for winter.

1.  You know that water bottle you have been carrying around all summer?  Trade it in for a thermos or insulated coffee cup. Carry some hot chocolate or broth for the kids and coffee or tea for yourself.  You can always stop and get a flat white or long black and a fluffy for the kids but I find that I want one every hour or so and the coffee here has a higher caffeine content (esspresso vs drip).  I'm thinking about hitting K Mart next week and picking up a good old drip pot to have coffee all day long this winter!

2.  Buy a good base layer.  We prefer MacPac for the kids and Jesse and well, I've been prego so long I can't tell you what I like.  Get something that washes well and fits close to your skin for real comfort.

3.  Wellies are a must.  Good ones, that don't leak.

4.  Have clothes to fit over your base layer that aren't too thick and repel water.

5.  Have something that you can put over your clothes - repels water again.

6.  Carry a poncho.  I actually learned this one ill fated climb up Ragged Mountain (can anyone say the set of the Blair Witch Project? -- Creepy).

I ended up wearing this fluffy vest that I bought on a whim (and on clearance) at Forever 21 before we left the states almost everyday as my outer-layer.  I wore a water resistant jacket (super thin but warm) under it and a base layer under that.  Most days I wore leggings and just knew that I needed to have at least one change with me.  You should probably carry an umbrella but I always seem to forget it -- I just don't have enough hands for three kids and an umbrella!  Carry a hat instead and forget having decent hair again until at least November.

The kids need all this plus a cove for the stroller. Traditional rain coats are cute but always seem uncomfortable and cumbersome to me.

Everyone needs at least one change of clothes and a plastic bag to stuff your wet things into.

Here is what I have come up with to do in the winter with kids.

1.  Maritime Museum - I haven't been here yet but it is on the top of my list.  They offer reduced entry for Aucklanders and there is a boat ride at an additional charge.

2.  Auckland Museum - I really miss being close to this and the Domain.  This museum is free to Aucklanders and I have enjoyed it for an hour or two at a time with the kids.  In addition, the cafe is actually pretty good as well.

3.  Riding the public transportation - I haven't done this one yet either but I have a good friend who moved to Oz that would take her kids all the time, just for fun.  It's excellent for a rainy day if your kids like transportation, I hear.

4.  MOTAT - I cannot wait to go back here again!  My kids absolutely loved the trains and planes!  They offer several free days a year for Aucklander's as well but it's totally worth the fee (and the fee for the tram ride to go from one facility to the other!!

5.  The Stardome is an indoor activity which is good for winter but not when it is raining.  I haven't been here either as I don't know if MY children could handle the acoustics of any "dome" but I do have it on my wish list!

6.  Dock Line Tram - again, haven't done it -- we vomited all last winter -- but it's on the top of my list as the weather turns away from beach season!

7.  Fish Market -  Seriously cool!!  They offer behind the scenes tours and classes and all kinds of fun!  Even if you are a straight land roaming animal eater, this could be interesting (and mostly free)!

8.  Kelly Tarlton's - definitely not free!  If you are accustomed to aquariums like the Shed then this isn't super impressive but if you factor in the fact that we live at the ocean and what you see here you don't really want to see in nature (huge stingrays -- no thanks), awesome penguins and that it's JUST RIGHT for little kiddies, it's well worth the rainy afternoon!  They also offer annual memberships which are reasonable and if you only pay for the day, you get a 50% coupon off your next visit.

9.  Rangitoto - If you follow me on Insta or are my FB friend, you know that I love living in the shadow of a volcano.  We visited Rangitoto on a cool misty day and had a lot of fun.  Every bit of it is worth it from the ferry ride to the guided tour and tram ride around the island (I'd hike it if I didn't have kids though)!  Bring that thermos or a water bottle to this one and try to cram a change of clothes in to the backpack).  Don't forget your camera!!

10.  Goat Island -  I'm not 100% convinced on this one.  I hear good things and there is the ferry ride (a favorite in my family) but it looks better for summer than winter to be completely honest.  I would love to hear feedback from someone who has been.

11.  Glenbrook Vintage Railway - We did the Day out with Thomas last year and it was an okay experience.  I would love to go back when the whole family wasn't in the process of getting sick :)

12.  Mainly Music - What a great program!  I cannot say enough about this New Zealand originated music class for kids and their parents.  Its SUPER affordable and they have sessions all over town and at different times and days.  We don't attend anymore (not since Charlottesville) because AJ1 is a little big now but I couldn't suggest it more!!  

13.  Tepid Baths - Did you know that recent legislation makes it free for kids to utilize pools in New Zealand?  You only have to pay the entry for the adults in your group to take the kids swimming (wear them out)!!

14.  Swimming lessons - If your like us you spent the entire summer at the beach and your kids didn't take lessons to swim at all!  Ooops!!  The weather was so nice this year that I chose to not do anything I didn't have to do!!  Here is an option for lessons which are affordable but you can find lessons all over the city!!

15.  Metro Lanes Bowling Gone are the days of my childhood where the bowling alley is filled with smoke, beer and "play pins" (today's pack and plays or travel cots) filled with babies screaming.  This place looks a little posher and it's pretty new.  It also doesn't look cheap but if it rains for a week straight, it might just be totally worth it!!  

16.  Auckland's West Coast - We visit the west coast beaches in the winter.  It's safer for us then because the kids don't expect to get into the water and we can just experience the beauty for an hour or two.  The drive is gorgeous as well!  Take a dinner picnic and watch the sunset at Piha (my absolute favorite!!).

17.  If you are in for a drive, visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.  This is one of the most fun days that I have had in New Zealand.  I'm glad it was cooler though as I doubt it smells too great in the hot sun!!

18. Take the kids for a slice or the whole pie at Sal's.  I don't find Auckland to be too little kid friendly when it comes to eating out.  Most places only have ONE high chair in the whole joint (and my family will soon really need three)!  We've eaten at the Lonestar (listed as being kid friendly) and made it work in a round booth with all five of us but the food was lousy and the price tag was $100 -- not too steep but more than I like to pay if possible.  Sal's has a large pizza for $24-$32 and it is true NY style pizza (and the sauce doesn't taste like a pound of sugar)!!  I bring the kids sippy cups (straight imports from the states) and I could lie but we usually let them at least split an orange Fanta.  Sometimes I bring pages to color an crayons as well and we take a little time at it all.  I am a true believer that if I don't take my kids into the world, they won't know how to act.  Sal's is the perfect learning environment and I LOVE the pizza!  If you hit Sal's in Parnell you can stroll down about three blocks after and go to Movenpick (dinner and dessert for less than the lousy food at Lonestar aaaaaand your kids get a full belly and a walk to wear them out).

19.  The beach - I plan to still hit the seaside as often as possible and now that I can walk there, it will be a great place to take a picnic lunch (or stop at the Store and pick up lunch or omg try the doughnuts there!).

20.  Playgrounds and city parks.  We frequented all the flying fox playgrounds last year.  Also, we took a kite to the Domain or Savage Park on a regular basis.  Hiking to the top of One Tree Hill is better in the cooler weather and the lambs aren't as small so mamma's aren't as protective.

21.  The Domain - I think of this as my happy place in Auckland (after the beach of course!).  There are beautiful Wintergardens here that I could go to and spend day after day just sitting in!!  Luckily, my boys seem to be okay with it too (well, not the sitting part).  There is a cafe near by that I haven't been to.  If you haven't spent significant time in this inner city sanctuary, go soon!!

I'll add to this post or do a follow up as we get into winter over here!!

Cheers!!

Disclaimer - I am running short on time and am not going to proof read this even with my bare minimum approach or usual.  I promise I am educated and generally understand grammar and spelling but today if Chrome hasn't caught it, it's just not worth it!

Soapbox Derby

Disclaimer -- I am very blessed and I love everything about  my life. I am very thankful for my home, my kids, my husband and my work (although not in that order).  I realize that a soapbox is a slippery place to reside and want you to realize that I write this in a good humor with a laugh in my voice although I am also quite serious about some of it.

I work from home.

When I say I work from home I mean someone employs me gainfully to be an essential part of their organization.  I do not mean that raising kids and keeping house is work (although it is and quite possibly the hardest work I have ever done), I'm not that cheeky.  I mean I do the work of raising kids and keeping house while living in said house and looking after said kids (three four and under and one on the way), AND I have a J O B!!

When I say that I work for a small firm that does not mean that we are small in dollars or in reach or that my actual J O B in and of itself is small.  I mean that there are six of us, working hard.  During off wedding season about 20 people depend on me to disperse compensation to them.  This wedding season is so big that I know that number will grow tremendously.  I take that very seriously.  I also know that I am probably the most replaceable cog in the wheel, I feel that much more blessed for the opportunity.

I once had someone ask me what I did professionally before I worked from home -- 'You know, what did you do as a professional?'.  Well, I hope that most days I am still a professional.  I attempt to be even if occasionally during a Google Hangout I have a toddler on my knee or have to mute a conference call and simply listen in because someone at my house is in the terrible two's and needs to scream it out!

More than a decade ago when I was still in college, I longed for the days of suits and heels (real heels, "clacker" heels to walk into my high rise office in).  I was actually quite good at wearing them (except once when I went down face first on the trade floor just after the opening bell and a heated convo with another trader but that time I had on a pinstriped suit with a large cuff on the pant and it was a disaster!).  These days, I hope to make it into a pair of leggings and something that covers my ass or well, since I am currently gestating 4, just anything that fits will do, before noon.  I realize that my clothes usually have sticky somewhere and that I have to get up around the middle of the night to be able to shower AND shave - I'm okay with that, I'm up practically all night between night terrors, sleep walking, thirst, leg cramps, sciatica, insomnia etc -- whatever!

What I am not okay with is when you disrespect the delicate balance that I run my house by.  If I have an appointment with you, don't show up an hour early (landlord) or don't just show up randomly (landlord again).  If you have a delivery to make, give me more than 28 seconds to answer the front gate before you lay on the buzzer again or walk around my house to find another way in (grocery delivery man).  I have a church (okay, well, I don't have a church, but I have a religion and have built a church in my heart for the moment), do people go from business to business proselytizing?  These things (except one) happened TODAY!

I recently had a situation where the landlord told me that either they or the owner of the property would be over to fix something during a 45 minute window.  When they showed up a full hour early I simply didn't answer (it was pre 8 am!).  JJ chastised me for my annoyance but hello!  If someone showed up for brain surgery an hour early would he just dig right in?  Yeah, right!

Cheers!

Sheep World (At Last!)

It's unbelievable but when I want to blog I have to shut my Gmail down (work email), which I never really close out of because it means I have to shut down spreadsheets that I like to have access to, well, all the time...

You know, if you want to know how many checks the company has out at 2 am (granted that it is 9 am in the states at the moment) I want to be able to stagger out of bed, look at my desk and see that total.  Want to make sure that you responded to all emails at 4:30 am, a quick stagger down the hall to look in the sent folder and your done (okay, I actually do this one from bed and my phone but I'm trying to break that habit).  I could go on and on but really unless you are on the OLAS exec list, you don't care, I promise.

Aaaaanyway, I have been wanting to tell you all about sheep world for more than a month now and I just haven't.  We were pretty darn sick when we went to Sheep World.  I didn't realize it when we left that morning but my sheer tenacity to leave the house for a few hours and my emotional tie to Go. To. Sheep. World. should have been my first hint!  I get emotional when I'm sick (or when any other part of my delicate balanced life is off-kilter).

New Zealand's is famous for lamb.  It is hard to believe that in the last thirty years the population of people has risen while the population of lamb has steadily declined.  That being said, lamb is everywhere here (and wool, etc, etc).

We packed the boys up and headed  slightly out of town to see this theme park devoted to the New Zealand profession of farming sheep...

Here are some photos:

There was an animal petting area, a nature walk and a show that we watched and some people participated in.  It was a pretty cool place but I have to be honest, it wasn't the cleanest place I have ever visited.  I grew up with country all around me and I know that any farm can be a dirty place but I also know what a well kept farm looks like, this was marginally less than an Indiana standard well kept farm, but those standards are high.  It was a fun day out when you take into account that we were all probably running fevers by the time we got there!  JJ was not sick and tried to warn me several times -- maybe I'll listen next time.  In the end, the boys and I relapsed and all spent the next several days at home sick AGAIN!  

A Quickie...

Today was census day here in NZ.    You can read all the fine print here.  There are lots of links to years gone by as well.

Here's a photo of the forms...

I won't lie, I don't remember what the US census asks.  I'm not sure if I completed the last one or not -- oops!

This one felt invasive to me.  If you know me very well, you know I'll tell you just about anything but I get squirmy when I'm asked a lot of questions.  Oh and if the government's asking, I become belligerent.

My grandfather was a local union president.  I grew up in the shadow of his car being bombed, at home, before I was born (I think).  Papaw Jay didn't even like the fact that there was a seat belt light in your car (it might be tracked) and when day running lights came along, it was as if the government had implanted a chip in him (although I think that he was sicker than we knew by then).

So the government, any government, asking me things like my name, my children's names, our ethnicity and religion and where we"ll be sleeping on a specific night was, well, a bit creepy for me ;)

Nah, really it was short, sweet and to the point and I was able to do it online!!  Whooo-hooo!!

Happy census day (well, night now)!!

Cheers!

Stunning Summertime

What. A. Summer!  I have loved every minute of the Auckland summer this year.  The weather has been Ah-Mazing!!  We moved into a really fantastic house down the street from a fantastic park with a fenced in playground AAAAAANNNNNDDDD, we have a heat pump in one room -- saves prego's soul on days that are just a little beyond the windows open alone!! Our garden is walled for little boys to run naked in and our house is glass which is a good reminder of how to live our lives!

After yesterday's weep for me fest, I thought I would share some images with you so you could see just how great it has really been...

First there was Christmas...

And the summer holidays...

Then we got moved in and settled into daily life again.  Yes, that is a cutting board of the state of Indiana (made by Whetstone -- my fav!  Thanks to the in-laws for the awesome Christmas gift).  Not long after we moved in I roasted beets and had to laugh at the irony of this image -- Indiana, red state.

We have visited lots of parks

That is my husband at the top (my biggest, little boy)

We've had lots of friends to the new house.

And bid 'bon voyage' to others

Explored our new surroundings

Celebrated being American with events like the Superbowl

Lots of walks (and rides) to the beach

Playtime

And we have a good start on decorating the boy's lounge 

More to come as we begin to say goodbye to summer (say it ain't so!!)...

Cheers!