The door that Captain built

Our bathroom has a door!

I appreciate it on rainy nights, when I don't have to drag an old door and a sheet of insulation in front of the doorway after my shower. But on nice evenings I still leave it open and admire the courtyard.

Captain loved the process of building a door.

She asked the name of every tool, screw and nail and delighted in handing Daddy things he needed.

Mr. Buttons had different view and complained of boredom after mere seconds.

Myself and Captain used leftover wood to make a village of houses, shops and even a little pharmacy.

The shop was required to sell spaghetti, beans and apples -can you guess what are some of the littlest lady's favourite things at the moment?

Wood blocks make great houses

New door

Old door

Tears and dinner parties

Yesterday was a strange day.

I went to my therapy session and cried for fifty minutes solid.
Then I bought a dress from a charity shop and went to meet Hubby and Captain.
I did the shopping and cooked a three-course meal, cleaned the house and hosted my in-laws, while feeling I should've actually been under a blanket with a hot chocolate.
When they left, I got the chance to try our new shower for the first time.

It was better than any meditation.
I brought a candle with me and stood under the water, watching the raindrops on our courtyard and smelling the lovely, freshly cut timber on the ceiling.
Best damn shower ever.
Ever.

And I cried again.

What I have learned from this:

1) My cakes rise better with tears.

2) Sometimes not having many doors is a good thing. (Obviously not so much, when the Irish winter kicks in)

3) I am now someone who gets excited about tiles, a well-functioning shower and lampshades.

4) Spending most of your day trying to get yourself dehydrated by crying makes you feel like floating.

What have you been up to? What makes you excited these days?

University of Mom

Things I have learned in the past few days:

1) Trying to read several books at a time works better when you don't have children.

Since I started reading I have had a habit of starting several books at a time; leaving them open in various rooms and reading a snippet here and chapter there. This used to work fine up until baby brain hit me and I could only focus on producing milk and remembering my name most days.
I have started to read more again and instantly slipped back into my old habits. At the moment I'm reading I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, some book about mindfulness and catching up with issues of Breastfeeding Matters. Oh, and Politics of Breastfeeding is hiding somewhere with a bookmark that is moving very slowly. (This is, as always, to save my blood pressure from rising too much)

2) Letting your children cuddle tiny puppies is nearly as dangerous as letting yourself cuddle tiny babies. Each carries the same risk of your family getting a new addition.

This one is self-explanatory.

3) Trying to expand your husband's taste in toddler clothing is pointless. Cool, printed jumpsuit just isn't a pink dress. Luckily, said toddler knows her own mind*

*This often results in crocs two sizes too big and, if I'm lucky, a top.**
**Somehow I manage to get clothes on her before venturing into the public eye. This involves flattery, negotiations and magic.

As always, I would love to hear from you. Get connected on Twitter and tell me your tips on training hubbies on toddler style matters, weaning children from wearing crocs and good reads for tired moms.

Hello from the wilderness

Update:
Still no internet.
Or doors inside.
But washing machine is nearly ready to be plumbed in, as is the shower.
Mr. Buttons has made a giant box from IKEA into a door/computer costume.

Due to increased motivation (read: no washing machine in the house combined with cloth nappy -wearing toddler) The Captain is nearly potty trained. She remembers to use the potty at home, but isn't quite ready to venture into the world of big toilets when we're out and about. That will happen when she gathers up a bit more courage, I'm sure.

I went to my first therapy session and found it good. There's a lot on my mind after it and I'm looking forward to continuing exploring my thoughts about my past, whenever I get a chance.

So all in all, things are moving along nicely.

Last but not least, Happy Breastfeeding Week!
We have been celebrating by bombarding Facebook with breastfeeding information and freaking out nursing mamas by beaming at them as we walk by.
Hope you're enjoying it too.