Okay, let's wrap up this little meander through our 11 years in Sydney by looking at how we spent our free time once the pixies arrived and we moved to Planet Baby. Our whole compass shifted in both the metaphorical and literal senses. As any parent would tell you, your life is never quite the same. Or same, but different. Suddenly our relationship with time altered. Spontaneity all but disappeared. Planning was essential (often many anticipatory steps ahead). Organisation was required (including stocking the nappy bag with bottles of cooled, boiled water, formula, nappies, wipes, nappy bags, dummies, changes of clothes, toys and snacks). Our trusty Peg Perégo pram lived in the car boot, ready to go. Routines ruled and once pixie number two arrived, the endless juggling game started (let alone with number three!).
Our radius of travel from home shortened significantly to fit in around the pixies' sleeping and eating requirements. Instead of venturing out of the weekend for a two hour drive down to picturesque Bowral, Mittagong or Berrima (do visit The Gumnut Patisserie there for their delectable cupcakes and lamb and rosemary pies), we found ourselves discovering our local area a lot more.
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| The pram loaded up with precious cargo at Balmoral Beach |
Travelling on the ferries became a favourite pastime for the pixies from a young age (what a surprise!). It was fun catching it from Woolwich and over to Balmain to play at the park at the end of the peninsula, right next to the ferry terminal, and then back.
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| One year old India outside on the ferry |
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| Joshie at Thornton Park, Balmain |
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| A rare shot with Mummy at Balmain |
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| Joshua and India having fun at Ryde Park |
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| India enjoying the library |
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| "Now, which one is Alexander, Mummy?" |
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| With three week old India at Cremorne Point |
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| Joshua at Cremorne Point |
Jane
Rewound on 30 January 2011 at Allison's Life in a Pink Fibro
Yep, I can definitely identify with the sudden need for organisation here. I only have one and I was a pretty organised person to start with, and I'm still having days when it all becomes a bit much :-)
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, Nadiah - the joys of being a parent! I also was very organised in my pre-PB days. Now I've had to 'adjust my expectations' (instead of 'let my standards slip' - it's all in the perspective!). That is probably an important thing I have learnt on PB.
ReplyDeleteYep, there we are, having the same life again. My part of the inner west was the other side of Parramatta Road, but I think the whole area is remarkably well set up for kids. Better than some country towns in some ways.
ReplyDeleteThanks for Rewinding at the Fibro!
Too funny, Allison. Oh, the mere *mention* of Parramatta Road gives me the shudders! We used to avoid it like the plague. Something I don't miss about Sydney ☺. J x
ReplyDeleteMy kids were brought up in Canberra...which was a fabulous place for kids. All the libraries had story time and crafts once a week, lots of parks and playgrounds even in our local area that we could walk to, bike paths made it safe for their little bikes as they got past the stroller stage. Then as they got older lots of educational displays and interaction with science etc too. Now we're in Queensland...but still appreciate those days in the ACT.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a very liveable city, Carol, that's for sure. J x
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