A Bog Post

Let's cast our minds back to how I actually came up with the name for my blog: PottyMouthMama. I was in the thick of toilet training. All I could think of was potties. Bribes. Star charts. And cleaning the potty. It was all consuming for me as a young mama.

PottyMouthMama really has nothing to do with the fact that I *accidentally* swear, and therefore Tiny could be found in the back of our car cussing with the best of them. She's a small wharfie in the making. And even when I asked her to stop saying: "Oh F-bomb", she continued. Ouch.

Anyway, back to the reason there is a really special toilet seat posted on my blog. And let me tell you, this place I like to keep kind of immaculate, and you're wondering why there's a toilet on my blog? Why PottyMouthMama, why? And why the crass title? Well for good reason.

This toilet seat may just be the key to getting a reluctant toilet trainer on the toot. It's not your usual white loo seat. It has fishes! It has star fishes! It has sand! Shells! Blue faux water!

Or it could really freak them out. Which could be good if you have a child that likes to sit on the toilet for long periods of time. Let them know a shark may bite their little bot-bot if they straggle.

Actually, don't do that. It won't do anything for their toileting.

Tiny Troubles

If you think you had a bad day, spare a thought for weary old me. I fought a brave fight, but I might as well have been slaying dragons and conquering ticking crocodiles. Tiny got me again with smoke and mirrors. I trusted that small child of mine, and popped her in to bed, blindly, naively so. For ages she sang and sang, and my goodness, that girl continued to sing.

She sang her little heart out for over an hour. And that's when my brain finally twigged. I went into that small child of mine's bedroom to discover she had de-nappied herself. She'd damn well de-nappied herself and spread a distasteful spread through her bedding.

I quickly got her out of there. Macgyver would have been proud. I got her out of there quick smart, de-pooped her, deposited her on the couch with her big bro, stripped the bed, changed the bed (second time today) and put her back into bed.

She continued to sing. And then finally slept.

Damn me forgetting the fool-proof onesie. But it's not just any onesie. It's the crotch-popping onesie, because she can't pop it. Beware the sleep deprived, naive mamas of the world. Small children around the world are quietly removing their nappies, singing their sweet songs, and that is when trouble hits.

Photo above is totally unrelated, of Tiny pushing a tiny trolley at Bunnings. Thrills do come cheap in our family.

Danger Mouse

Remember that show from when you were small? Amazing! Astounding! Danger Mouse! What kind of mouse couldn't be cool wearing an eye patch?

Well today my cheeky little mouse decided to be Danger Mouse. Tiny has taken to, with great aplomb, going into rooms and closing doors. She thinks it's a super great joke. This morning she was in the bathroom, and was calling out, 'til her Mama dutifully rescued her.

Shortly after she went into her room. Disappeared for a while, didn't she? Uh-huh.

Then she started calling out sounding a little distressed. Fear not, I wasn't far away. She was testing out her independence. I knew she'd closed her bedroom door and snuck in there to get into mischief. Hand on the door knob, turn, and the door does not open. What does one do in this situation? Just what does one do? Try the door knob again. No cigar. Clearly the door knob has fallen off (as it has become prone to do) and now I can't open it. Ergh.

Start breathing a little heavier. What to do, what to do. Window is closed. Not skinny enough to slide down a small space between staircase and room. Thankfully at this time my father-in-law walked in.

I had by this called Matt (on the phone) and subsequently hung up on him when my FIL walked in. I cried out for help.

He came to the rescue with a hammer and smashed a window to release Tiny. Phew. We smashed the window MacGyver stylie. (Did you watch Lawrence Leung 'Choose Your Own Adventure' on the ABC? GOLD!)

Tiny's foray into locking herself into rooms. Hmm. That's certainly not the injection of excitement I've been looking for.

PS - I quit my sewing classes today. Ole!

The Case of the Disappearing Silverfish

Prior to our departure for Tamworth I discovered that one of our goldfish was ailing. Lying sideways on top of the water. On first inspection I thought it was dead, but once I walked over to the tank it would wriggle and swim a little. Matt thought I was crying wolf - so many times I have told him that the snails are dead. The snails are dead! But just two minutes later they're seen cruising around the opposite side of the tank. He soon discovered that for once my prognosis was spot on.

It didn't take long for the fish to resume it's position on top of the water. Matt and I wondered what we should do. We didn't have the heart to exhume its still breathing body and boom-toss* it down the toilet or whatever you do with dead/half-dead goldfish.

My son was of course very interested. Being a three and an almost half year old apprentice doctor with a very unsterile toy doctor's kit, he was keen to get in on the action.

So we left it there. Our little dude told us that we should buy a doctor's kit for the other fish so they could look after the sick fish. Too cute.

While we were at home, we mentioned the sick fish to my Mum. Well to be accurate, I told her that the silver fish was looking a little worse for wear, and we thought it was dying. Mum was astounded. I couldn't figure out why. I told her we didn't know what to do with it, should we have removed it? We didn't know. We're no fish doctors. She was astounded that I had left a silverfish in the tank at all. Mum was confused with the fat critters that I am breeding in my linen cupboard - supersized silverfish - the insects, not the fish.

Anyway - I will get to the crux of the story.

We arrived home, and I was expecting to greet a very dead fish. I searched the tank. Nothing. Just three healthy, functioning swimming fish. No silver fish doing backstroke.

I asked my mother in law if she'd removed it, and she hadn't... No one else has been here in our absence.

So now it's a case of the missing silverfish. It's not in the tank. I've looked everywhere. Where can a half-dead silver fish go? Are goldfish cannibals?

And now my son keeps asking where the fish is (how do you explain death when there's no lifeless body to show??). He then told us that we should get another dying fish so that it can die too. And the poor little dude meant it too.

PS - Totally unrelated shot of the evening sky taken while we were away. I didn't really think you'd want a shot of our goldfish. Particularly not while the forensics are searching for the missing fish-member.

* Boom-toss - initially my son's word it means to throw something out, or jump on it - now firmly part of our family vernacular.

Have Toilet Seat, Will Travel (Or - The Kind of Nerd I Am)

So we're here. On a semi-holiday. I'm such a nerd on my computer blogging. Mum and Dad can read my blog sitting next to me. That's the kind of family we are. We're tight like that. I blog, they read, we sit side by side.

So our five hour drive became a six and a bit hour drive. That happens when you're travelling with the smalls, and that's ok.

The smallest of the smalls slept for approximately 50 minutes total - usually she would have slept at least four hours. But not a complaint. She was too excited. She was ready to hit the road and was not prepared to miss a blink of it (well not many blinks anyway).

The biggie small chattered the whole way. Questioning "Who did mummy marry?", "Who did daddy marry?" And then chuckling and saying: "That's a bit funny!"

I mentioned a while ago that while we had finished toilet training there was still one wee (pun definitely intended) problem. He doesn't go while we're out. This posed a slight problem as three and a half hours after leaving Sydney, he'd not wanted a wee stop, and I had been asking "Do you need to do a wee?" at ten minute intervals.

Forevermore, this will be the trip remembered as mummy asking if small fry needed a pit stop. But - it was better than what could have happened, right?

Finally, I decided to send in the heavies (ie. me) and say that we were leaving our travel stop in two minutes, and he had to do a wee before we left. It was poetry. As much as weeing can be poetry.

Anyway, my bin is probably pining for me (well I am for it at least). Right now it's sitting out on the street unattended. I'm still getting over it.

Thanks for your comments. I always love reading them. Alas, I'll respond when I am back in the big smoke (while I am a complete nerdburger with cheese, I can't figure out my webmail right now). In the meantime, stay tuned for my mini-break snaparoos as I take you around my hometown - the only place I know where you can do bootscooting as a subject at school. Now that's special.

This Is... How I Like To Spend The Weekend

Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes

Originally uploaded by Karen C Li

Yes, yes this is how I like to spend my weekend:
- sleep in late (doesn't happen, but I can dream)
- a relaxed breakfast, ideally consisting of Bills ricotta hotcakes
- a wander around a bookstore
- a meander through some markets, pick up a few pre-loved goodies
- a catch up with girlfriends
- a rumble with my babies
- some baking with my big boy, something sweet for my sweeties
- a DVD and a glass of sauvignon blanc
- a walk around the neighbourhood
- and a bit of lolling about in the sunshine, the beautiful sunshine.. Ahhhh...

That is if the kiddlies aren't holed up at home sick rendering all my weekend fantasies just that, a fantasy.

Might we have another weekend so we can try for all of the above ASAP? Roll on Friday.

Thanks to Angela at Three Buttons for hosting This Is.. And thanks to Bird Bath for this week's fun theme!

Thrift-Ology

I learnt the quiet art of thrifting when I moved to Bondi and used to frequent the Sunday markets many years ago. There was a man there that stocked the best vintage dresses, the best, and they were super dooper cheap - I'm talking $10 a frock. B.A.R.G.A.I.N. I loved checking out each week what he had on offer.

But as it goes, the other punters started coming down and his prices went up and up. Last time I went, his frocks were around $50. While that's not super expensive, I didn't ever go back because it took away the quiet thrill.

So this week, I was totally ecstatic when I just decided to do a little spontaneous thrifting. I was one child down, so I took the little one to our local. It was pretty well empty. In the past, I've visited and there are too many punters to get up and down the aisles. This week, oh yes dear reader, things were going to be different.

I scored some more anondised metal knitting needles (totally impractical, but aren't they pretty?). The jug is thrifted too - it reminded me of Morandi. How could I leave it behind?

This Gnome book. It's got cute pics. I am not particularly a big Gnome fan, but it's cute, I've seen it before, and I likey.

And you know what dear reader, I found this fantastic Aquascutum trench. I know it would be unfair to tell you how cheap I got it for. But I'm going to be unfair damn it. It did have a price of 25 clams - but you know what? As luck would have it, and thrift-ology dictated it was half price on the clothing (unbeknownst to me!) so this little baby was a measly $12.50. And you know the real sweetener? It fits me! Sleeves are usually too short and I look like an overgrown child outgrowing my clothes, but it fits, it fits, it fits! And another sweetener? The previous owner had her own labels hand stitched in - with her name and suburb on embroidered labels. Uber cute.

And this... It was marked a tea cosy, but I don't buy it (I mean I bought it, but I don't buy that it's a tea cosy). What is it friends? Any hints? Well I know what it is going to be for me. It's got a zip, so for me, it's now a handbag/clutch. Do you know how happy that makes me feel? I don't think you do. But let me tell you, right now, I am probably the happiest little lady in the world. Just listen for me baying at the moon tonight, that's right. Damn fool. It's the weekend.

Reading Time

These days my reading is done mostly in front of the screen. Pretty sad I know, but I can read short bits and pieces, and travel all over the world just by clicking through.. I get around, oh yeah - and all without a passport and dodgy airline meals! Beauty mate!

Here are some interesting reads from a mama perspective...

• I've been an Amanda Peet fan since I saw her in Igby Goes Down. She looked so cool - and hot- waltzing about the screen in tights and jumpers. I wanted to be her with those piercing eyes and big hair. Anyway, this interview is Amanda Peet on vaccinating your child. There was huge furore following this, but it's informative and interesting. Click here for the interview. Click here to watch behind-the scenes of that interview. And here for her response and apology.
  
• For Melbourne mamas, click here and you can win tickets to see Justine Clarke perform live. And even if you don't win tix, go, she's worth it - she's fantastic in real-life (as opposed to pretend life).
  
• Robyn Barker - of Baby Love fame, wrote a fantastic opinion piece for SMH this week about childcare. She's a smart lady - and pretty well sums up the whole childcare debate here.
  
• For an instant injection of style into your day, check out The Sartorialist. I am completely hooked, and big loving Andre Benjamin (aka Andre 3000) - he's always so sharp and witty with his style, and always manages to pull it off. Plus, here's an interview with the style zeitgeist here..

Is My Blog A Fantasy Life?

You know, I have really been pondering this. Ever get the feeling after clicking away from reading your favourite blogs - jeepers creepers - my day is a cesspit in comparison. My house is in a constant state of disarray, I can't be bothered to think what's for dinner tonight - so it's mufti meals again, I am in a hideous mood because I've been dealing with two sick kids and no decent amount of sleep. No wonder sleep deprivation is used as torture. I'm not talking fantasy land as in - Oh yeah I think I am Harry Potter - kazaam!

You want to know what's really happening in my life? Not that things are bad. They're just a tad boring. This is us:

- We rushed off to swimming this morning with sick baby in tow. It's winter. It's cold. Swimming at the moment is a drag and the teacher reminds me of Miss Trunchbowl .

- I need a sleep.

- I am uninspired in the kitchen of late. I am sick of cooking.

- I need a sleep.

- I am even sick of washing clothes. I used to love washing, but now, it's four people's worth - it's not fun anymore.

- I need a sleep.

- I need to turn the notch up to ten on the fun-o-meter, but I think the switch is broken.

- I need a sleep.

- I even don't want to vaccuum. There is definitely something wrong when I don't want to vaccuum. I would happily vaccuum every day. Not today. No. No. No.

- I need a sleep.

- I feel like I am under house arrest because of the two sick babes. Boo hoo!

- I can't krump like the dancers on So You Think You Can Dance. What's wrong with me Nigel Lythgoe? I try. Oh yes, I do try, but I just ain't got that swing.

- Did I mention I need a sleep?

So what to do when the chips are down (and I need a sleep)? I'll blog about some vintage finds I re-discovered lurking in amidst my mess this morning.

Like these two pieces of delicious fabrics.

Now take that crummy days - KAZAAAAM! - and be gone!

Did Juno?

Boom Boom! (in my best Basil Brush style).

Ah tough crowd.

On a very serious note, did you know Kimya Dawson (that girl that did those awesome songs in Juno, and also of The Moldy Peaches fame) has been recording some cool kids songs? Alphabutt.. Cute. Quirky. Can't wait for more.




Click here if you want to enjoy the Juno goodness.

Crazy Quilt

I'll take some better shots tomorrow, but for now, it's just lucky I've hooked my camera up at all.. I've been a little lax lately.

This is a quilt I made with my sister ChoccyBangles last May for my son. It's been back and forth between Sydney and Perth ever since.. But here it is in its final stages.. Kind of..

It was such a fun project to do together. My little boy and I went to Perth for a short week and Choc and I banged this together between kiddies sleeps, picking up the big little boys from school, and general sisterly chatters. We worked hard - it's a big quilt (probably more a queen size than single), made of a mash-up of fabrics, and I really love it. Not just for its aesthetics (I love those vibrant colours, patterns) but for what it represents. A whole lotta love.

And I think my little guy is a bit fascinated with it. Each time I unravel it, he comes over to examine each of the fabrics - a different one each time.

I'll take some better 'whole' shots tomorrow.

Oh and I must mention, given my non-sewer status (or very novice skill) Choc took the reigns on this project and did most of it. Kudos to the girl, she sure can sew!

Feist On Sesame Street

Sometimes TV can be a little bit boring. Particularly when it's kids TV, and the puppets, cartoons and animations are not really your thing.

Luckily there's a change coming about. As though the people that make these shows realised that kids aren't the only ones watching. So now there's good stuff for us big kids too.. Such as...

Feist on Sesame Street


Like Yo Gabba Gabba! now being on ABC Kids.

Like Charlie & Lola.

And as always, Play School remains a firm favourite, and has been since I was a child.

Which is good. Except when your three year old keep requesting this clip. Over. And over. And over again. And then some.




Kind of ties into my previous post - Muffin Tin Monday, because my little dude keeps asking if there's a party in his tummy.

Another Genius Idea - Muffin Tin Monday

I saw this genius idea from Sycamore Stirrings on The Crafty Crow. I've been meaning to have a crack at it - but of course I needed to wait 'til Monday.

So today - we have Muffin Tin Monday.

My little dude ate everything. EVERYTHING. Except for two sections because he was just too full.

This is such a great idea for many reasons, toddlers get to feel independent and 'choose' what they eat. It looks enticing. It's less mundane than prepping a sandwich every day. Bit size treats are a bit more exciting than a regular sandwich. It's good to mix things up for everyone involved, visually as well as nutritionally.

I was surprised to watch in what order everything was devoured. And while there is chocolate starring in one little 'pot' - it wasn't the first thing to go. This is how lunch went down: popcorn, celery, seaweed crackers, mandarin, sausage, rice biscuits, pb sandwich and on and on it went.

Usually I have to keep reminding him to sit and eat his lunch - not today.

Muffin Tin Monday is going to be a regular occurence in our house. Oh yes, yes it is.

Styling Up

Since becoming a mum, my style has somewhat changed to suit my life. Well, it goes without saying that when you're pregnant, you start to wear whatever fits (particularly in the last weeks). And hey - I turned up to the hospital for the birth of my first child in a pair of my husband's paint spattered tracksuit pants, Birkenstocks, my husband's t-shirt with an opium smoking Chinese woman, and a Chinese jacket. I'm not sure whether it was the fact I was labouring hardcore by this stage (think two minute contractions) or my fashion choice that made the man on the front desk let us go straight up, whatever it was - smart choice my friend.

But these are the type of fashion moments I am trying to avoid. A little difficult when your once mean metabolism has decided to keep tabs on all those chocs you sneak during the day.. Oh not to mention the baked goodies you had to sample. Sigh. Bad night with the baby? Yes, I deserve that extra scoop of ice cream. Yes, yes I do.

So I am trying to shake a few kilos and get my style back as well.

Pre-children I had a wonderful wardrobe of vintage pieces. I still have them, they just don't fit - at the moment. I say at the moment, because damn fool, I am going to get myself back into them, even if I have to pour my new found curves into them.

I am eating better, which is definitely a great thing. Though I am hankering for a sweetie - I still have them, just not like I used to. And that's ok.

But I also can't wear a lot of BC (before children) clothes because I am breastfeeding, and most things don't accomodate that kind of action. Ever see someone sitting in the park, looking fabulous in a 70s sunfrock, but oh - she has to lift up her dress to feed a little bubby. No, I didn't think so.

So I've been taking a look at aspirational mums, mums of style and substance to get some inspiration.

So there's Kate Moss. Look at her style - in Turkey, where 94% of the population is Muslim. Not such a wise fashion choice. More and more she's becoming a woman of dubious style, and substance.. abuse.. What was she thinking?

Gwen Stefani. She looks cool. Comfortable. Ready to go to the park. Do some finger painting. Bake cakes. Sit on the floor, snuggle and read books. This maxi dress is cute. I can do that.

I talked about BC lingerie before. When your underwear becomes less about being sexy, and more about being comfortable. But why do they have to be two separate things? My clothes have just become comfy, and not about style.

Nelly Furtado famously acknowledged she loved her post-pregnancy curves. Nicole Ritchie looks great with her new post-pregnancy figure.

And all of these women hire stylists.

I guess style is a sort of personal evolution. You can spy something that you wore when you were a teenage and it can make you cringe. Your wedding dress. Warm fuzzies. Those favourite jeans. Total love, and a little fear (that they're going to be a little tighter). So I'll keep going on my little evolution, maybe I won't come back full circle, but it will be some sort of amalgamation of the former me, with the now me.

And if I can't get into those treasured vintage pieces, at least I know my daughter will have a wonderful time rifling through them, just I have done with my own mother's clothes.

Kids, They Just Don't Give A Damn

One minute they're a wee little bean in your belly. A kick under your ribs. A kitten meow, then a wah in the darkness. Three hourly feeds, a part of you. Next thing they're wedging their hands, legs, anything under your body in the middle of the night. And then they're off. Not babies anymore. It all just seems so unfair that it happens so darn quickly.

Tuesdays Are:

- a day to check into Leni & Rose for Tips & Tricks Tuesday (I'm hoping Michelle can tell me why my photos keep rotating when I am uploading them - weird). Michelle has loads of great tips for bloggers to tweak their space and customise it - and she makes it easy with great easy-to -follow instructions! She's a girl genius!

- a great day for neighbourhood walks, waving at the postman

- a nice day to ease yourself into a wee bit of house work (well it has to be done, so easing is the easiest way)

- a beautiful day to sit in the sunshine, build sand castles and hang wet washing on the line

Birthdayacapalooca

Greetings! Salutations to the sun! Hola. Or just hi - it's me, the super dooper spoilt one. Just back from my birthday festivities. All birthday-ed out. Suffering from birthday fatigue. It's the sweetest sort of tiredness isn't it?

Early morning phone calls from Perth and Scone. In bed with my two babes and my big man, opening a pile of presents. Well, my little guy was doing most of the opening, I was really more like an innocent bystander while he got great joy from tearing off the paper. A fresh cup of tea in my new tea cup.. Oh sweet love!

We had a full day of fun and shenanigans yesterday. Breakfast at Fratelli Paradiso. Mmm. With my sister (who, oh my goodness, if you're like me you'll fall off your chair, has reaquainted herself with her blog after a two month extended hiatus) and one of my good friends. Breakfast risolata... Almond croissant. Eggs. Upside down muffins. And a missing baby-cino (oh and then there's what everyone else ordered... Kidding!)

Then off to the zoo. Mayhem. Pure mayhem. Never go to Taronga Zoo in the middle of a perfect sunny winter Sunday. Unless you want to park your car forever away and you want to act as a flaneur, rather than animal watching. I hardly saw any animals. Our pram almost got flattened by the train (with my babe in it). But my little man got to feed turkeys, a pig, chickens and see newborn piglets - oh and pat a big fat blue-tongue lizard.

But the new Great Southern Oceans exhibit has just opened - which is really amazing. Well it will be once all the animals are in (hey, wow, some seaweed - wild!).

And there was a pretty new baby gorilla - super cute.

All in all, a beautiful day.

And the presents. Oh the presents. A beautiful necklace from my man-child. A fantastic and much-wanted new bag from my sister ChoccyBangles - amongst other beautiful things. A gorgeous almost-finished quilt from my sister Curious Bunny - amongst other beautiful things. A gift voucher to my favourite day spa, measuring cups and gorgeous earrings. Books. Love. Handmade cards. New PJs. Oh gosh, I am so spoilt it's embarrassing.

Indeed, I am a fortunate soul.

Our Own Little Holiday

I know myself as a mum I find it exhausting being surrounded by people all the time - and being 'touched out' , with no view to 'me' time. That's why I think it's important to take off on the weekends and spend some solo time, reconnect with yourself. Even if it is just for a couple of hours. I love that time and often return feeling like I've recharged my batteries and done something for myself. As well, I think it makes me a better mum and a better wife. I can give more of myself once I've had some time out.

Michelle of Leni & Rose reminded me of this interview just today - I'd recently been over at Babble about 'Please Take My Children To Work Day' - Jen Singer's article detailing why stay at home mums should have their own holiday. You can read all about it here.

Interesting and funny article for any mamas and mamas-to-be about June 30 being a holiday for us! And if you can get someone to babysit for you for the day, or even for just a few hours, it's well worth it - happy mama, happy babies. Just put that burnt chop down and enjoy yourself!

Babble (a magazine and community for a new generation of parents) has loads of great parenting articles, forums and tips, pop culture and good stuff to read, as well as Daily Babble which is delivered straight to your inbox.

Anyway, I'm off for some weekend fun, a bit of stitching and generally just kicking back!

Sayer It Ain't So

My oh my, Leo Sayer sure gets around. Now he's springing up on The Wiggles in the morning.

I think he's hilarious. My little man just thinks he's a lady! I keep having to correct him and point out he's actually a man.

Just a few months ago he sprang up on 'Stupid Stupid Man' on the ABC. Flashback moments in high waisted white pants and the obligatory white waist coat. Ouch. But funny nonetheless. He does seem to have a thing for white suiting. He'd be a good spokesperson for Napisan (watch this space - next we'll see him doorknocking).

I had my first "Leo Sayer Experience" a few years back when I worked as publicist for one of our large department stores. I got the dubious task of taking Leo Christmas shopping. With a BBC camera. I spent the few hours I had to swan around the store trying not to be captured on celluloid (hey, maybe it was digital), though he did try and get me to speak on camera. No thanks, I don't want to be ridiculed on UK TV! I was 22 and really didn't know who this afro-haired semi-ageing dude was.

Then he moved to Sydney. Leo Sayer came into all of the social pages, he was suddenly everywhere, and always sporting that signature curly hair. And now we can all enjoy Leo as he morphs into a mini entertainer for the small ones - and a sort of parody of himself. If only we could all be a bit more 'Leo'. At least life would be fun!

But to celebrate the pending weekend, I'm sharing this YouTube video I dug up. Please enjoy the Captain and Tenille's intro (and Tenille's bowl cut).

I'm Late, I'm Late For a Very Important Date!

I still haven't done my This is for the week - what kind of dodgy is that? I'm sorry - it is coming. I've been thinking all week, and meaning to do it!

Today we went to see 'What Does Red Do on Thursday?' at the Sydney Opera House. It was cute. I liked it. N was more interested in interacting with other small bodies than actually watching the show, but it was good to get out and about.

I don't have much to report on.