The Price You Pay

Simes and I were lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong on an 'adults only' long weekend with 6 of our great mates a couple of weeks ago. It was a bloody amazing experience. We flew upper class both ways and stayed in a gorgeous 5 star hotel thanks to our beautiful friend Sammy the Blagg.

Our journey was eventful before we even arrived with our plane flying through a spectacular storm as we landed in Hong Kong. I have never seen anything quite like it. The lightening was constant for more than 20 minutes. Fortunately it wasn't too turbulent and I had no idea that the plane had been struck by lightening 6 times during our landing!!! As they say, ignorance is bliss!

The trip was SO MUCH FUN. We hung out, explored the markets, shopped till we dropped, had an life changing foot massage (which affectionately became know as "the foot wank"), relaxed by the roof top pool, ate wonderful meals together and generally just had some adult time.

It was the first time that Simes and I have ever left Mads to go away together. We were incredibly lucky that Simon's parents, Kathy & the Dodge, flew to Sydney and looked after Mads for 4 days while we were in Hong Kong. They were absolutely amazing with her and spoilt her rotten. She had such a special time getting to know them.

When we returned home, they were happily knackered and Mads was stoked to see us (or more importantly the swag of presents we bought her!). Then... the trouble started. About two weeks after Kathy & Roger returned to Adelaide, Mads started to panic every time I left the room. The words 'separation anxiety' simply don't cut it! Little Mads will not let me leave the room, have a shower, go to the lav or even get out of the car without her. Let's not even start on the day care drop offs! The poor little lady has been getting herself into a right state.

I have sought advice from friends, family and Google, but at this stage I don't have the answer. It seems patience, reassurance and love are the 3 words that come up the most. Fingers crossed I find a strategy to get her through this phase quickly because it is breaking my heart to see the little lady so wound up.

Mads is a spectacular little lady and I know it will all work out in the end and she will grow up to be an amazing young lady. She is hilariously funny and an absolute friend magnet. She has the most wonderful little buddies and is fabulous company. she comes out with the most hysterical observations about life. Here are just a few of her recent comments...

"mum, you aren't very dedicated are you?" (delivered to me as I was designing her birthday invitation on my lap top and therefore neglecting to give her my 100% attention for approx 10 minutes)

"Auntie Biddy, in a good world the good succeed!" (delivered to her Auntie Biddy on a recent visit to Sydney)

"mum, did you know that concentrate has three syllables?" (delivered to me as she watched Hugh Jackman say the word of the day "concentrate" on Sesame Street)

"dad, you are such a man scaper" (delivered to Simes for no apparent reason)

"mummy, that is hideous!" (commenting on an outfit I had selected for her to wear to a friends party)

"mum, I love you so much I don't even want to close my eyes to go to sleep because I wont be able to see you anymore!" (delivered to me as part of the new separation anxiety routine)

Bless her highly strung, warm hearted, quick witted, over the top world.

Who knew this parenting gig would be as complicated as it is?

Maddie's Dad

Here are just some of the reasons why Mads loves her dad...

- He makes her laugh more than anyone on the planet (in fact she has a special giggle that she reserves just for him.

- He takes her to the park every week and buys her small pink cup cake

- He spends time with her teaching her to read, write, draw and paint

- He shares his favourite music with her and teaches her his best dance moves (as scary as they may be!)

- He loves watching her evening 'pre-bedtime' shows and applauds loudly every night

- He reads her stories with great enthusiasm (even when he feels like poking his own eye out with a pencil as he reads another Disney princess story)

- He let's her watch 'kids TV' when he would much rather be watching football

- He is patient and kind, loving, grumpy, thick skinned (because sometimes kids can be rutheless), funny, giving, consistent, loyal and dedicated.

We love you Simes. Thanks for being an amazing dad xxx

Sneaky Blue Mountains Get Away

Beautiful friends, gorgeous kids, an amazing old 5 bedroom house in Blackheath, spectacular home cooking, a huge back yard with a cubby house for the kids to play in, too much wine, a dance off that has resulted in injuries, a hot stone massage, pony rides and four days of Heavenly relaxation in the Blue Mountains. Wonderful memories that will hopefully stay with Maddie for ever.

In the Zone!

This photo made me laugh so much. Linus, Edie and Mads in Sydney Park practicing a bit of yoga! Maddie's expression is priceless xx

Yeowchi Mumma! Our First Visit to Emergency.

Poor little Mads had her first major accident on Sunday. The day began so beautifully. We met Maddie's God Father, Benny, for brunch and followed it up with a glorious play in the park. What began with swings and giggles ended with a horrific fall from the flying fox and a trip to the RPA emergency department. The worst part... it was entirely my fault. I completely lost my grip of Maddie and she went flying and fell on her beautiful little face. HORR..END...OUS!

I have never been so frightened. Thank God Benny kept his cool, swept us both up and drove us straight to the hospital. The nurses at RPA were complete angels and checked Maddie from head to toe to make sure she was ok. Fortunately her wounds were just superficial... unlike the emotional scars and guilt that I will carry with me for the rest of my life! Benny waited with us the entire time we were in hospital and had his camera on hand to document the whole experience.

It broke my heart to see my little angel hurt. Maddie was so incredibly brave and by the end of the whole experience she had Simon and I on the hospital bed while she played doctor and checked us over for injuries! When I tucked her in bed last night I apologised profusely and told her how sorry I was that I let her get hurt and she said... 'Mum, it was just an accident. I am ok. I just hurt my mouth'. I love that little girl SO MUCH and we will officially be steering clear of the flying fox for some time!