Broome Stars

In 2005 I wanted a sea change,   to move as far away from Perth as possible but stay in the same state, so I chose to apply for a live in Hotel position in Broome , stay for a season and see how I go , 12 years later I'm still here !  I was never just about work so had a list of community programs and classes I was to sign up for, Zumba was one of them.

Broome has a wonderful community spirit, sure we have social issues like many other regional towns but we have many inspirational creative souls who you love to be around.

An example of a Broome Gem and Shining Star is Justine De Bruyn. I started going to Justine's Zumba classes in 2010 when she started off in a small room at the local BRAC (Broome Recreational Aquatic Centre) the little side room was very modest but Justine was so friendly and welcoming I knew I would continue to go to her Zumba classes as often as I could no matter where she held them!

 

As Justine's following got bigger she leased a larger room at the Notre Dame University where I met lots of other lovely Broomies who I am proud to say I remain friends with to this very day. 

 

Justine has always got behind fundraising for special causes; World Natural Disasters, SIDS, Cancer Research, local  families going through challenging times as well as helping  many, many other charities. Justine was even kind enough to do a special fundraising  night for my nephew Boris when he was gravely ill with Cancer , the money went towards Cancer Research at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London where Boris spent much of his first year fighting cancer.

 

Justine along with a very talented  entourage were also kind enough to help me do a special dance at my wedding to help encourage everyone up on to the grass dance floor. I still think this dance was the catalyst of a great party enjoyed by everyone and a night my husband and shall never forget. 

 

Roughly five years ago Justine joined forces with five other wonderful women and created 

'Broome Dance Co-op' ( since evolved into BPAC, Broome Performing Arts Co-Op )

Justine and her team set up a great space, called 2 b six , based in old Broome where she continued to run Zumba Classes as well as numerous different kids dance classes . Zumba has since merged into  Hot Fitness , which is a fitness program offering numerous dance fitness style classes for all ages that keep you in shape in a fun non intimidating way!

 

BPAC and Hot Fitness outgrew the 2 b six studio and needed more than one room to run all the adult and children classes.  STUDIO 34 on Hunter Street is now well  under way in being constructed and will be an awesome facility for the Broome Community to continue to partake in a wide variety of adult and children dance classes in air conditioned, comfortable environment. (for more info please read below for links)

 

As Justine and her fellow teachers have never operated for profit and they have always ensured the kids end of year concerts were priced at an affordable rate for everyone to be able to attend they are now requiring any assistance possible to help create a studio of their (and our ) dreams. BPAC needs to raise $10 000 to cover the costs of a sprung floor, mirrors and soundproof walls so that they can continue their legacy- to provide fun, funky, professional, AFFORDABLE dance and performance opportunities for our kids and community! 

 

I have already had the pleasure of attending Justine's "Baby Wearing Booty Classes" ( dance classes whilst wearing our infants in carriers) Classes at the new  Studio 34 as part of her Hot Fitness program and am  very impressed with how everything is taking shape.

 

BPAC still needs assistance with the finishing of building their new Studio, and there is now under 10 days left to raise money for this worthy cause.

 

If you would like to help Justine and her fellow dance teachers to be able to continue to provide such a fantastic service to the adults and children of the Broome Community, please click on the below link and donate however much you can ( all amounts help).

 

Broome wouldn't be the wonderful town it is without Stars like Justine.....

 

https://pozible.com/project/studio

 

Happy New Year!!

Woah! A few days off a month since my last blog...it certainly has been a full on month too!

Christmas, New Year , my birthday and Joanie's Birthday!

I really hope everyone had a safe and happy Christmas ours was lovely , time spent with friends in Broome over a delicious Christmas Lunch, Joanie was a delight and Koby was considerate sleeping through so I could have a few glasses of Champus ( he dined on my specially pre-prepared expressed milk.- funny I feel a bit guilty expressing milk so I can have a few drinks but hey I figure its the only way I can enjoy some beverages at this Festive time without pickling him at the same time!)

I then took Joanie and the Kobymiester to Perth from the 28th of December -5th of January. Originally it was only till the 3rd but I was having trouble fitting everything in  ( still didn't get to see everyone or  get to the beach or zoo  unfortunately ). I'm so happy to report that my two flights were

hassle free compared to my last horrendous encounter, I did take a few herbal relaxing tablets too so that may of also helped.

Sad to say our dear Vonnie ( Ju Ju's mum) had a fall on Christmas Day arvo , not a nice way to finish this festive day with Vonnie going via ambulance to Fiona Stanley Ed, silver lining being that she didn't have a bad break of her hip, it didn't require a replacement , but a bolt which from my understanding and experience with other elderly in our family wont need as much rehab/ recovery. Joanie, Koby and I regularly visited her at the South Perth Hospital and were happy to see her steadily improving. Here's hoping that she continues to mend well and that the next part of the process isn't too stressful for Gg and Ju Ju

Vonnie getting some healing vibes from Koby

                               

Another big factor of us returning to Perth so soon after Joanie's review was to catch up with my dear cousin Sacha and her charming husband Nicolai (not to forget their awesome kiddies!)

Jb and her Aunt Sachi xx

On the 29th we met up with this London based Fam as well as Ju ju,  Annie , Zaylie, Kym and Florrie at the Naturescape in Kingspark, what a bonus! Joanie absolutely loved frolicking with her cousins in the rocky creeks, it made us feel like we were bush treking in the middle of the city! It was fantastic for Joanie to reunite with her cousins before our family gathering for Normas 90th the next day. It
was also wonderful to have a squeeze of the enchanting, forever smiling Max. aka Mini Sacha, who is only a month older than his cousin Koby.

On the 30th of December we had the pleasure of going on a very special boat cruise on a very snazzy catamaran (organised by the very clever and  efficient Marie) around the Swan River to places of special significance and meaning for Normas 90th. It was absolutely wonderful to see these special
locations through Norma and Phillips eyes , a lovely trip down memory lane. The kids all had the time of their lives playing together on the catamaran and the extended family and friends were all
treated to a gastronomic feast on the swan. I was proud to report back to Shaun that Koby felt very at ease on the boat and slept most of it, i think the gentle vibrations of the boat made him feel quite at home. When Koby wasn't sleeping he was hanging out with the other bub gang members, Max and the energetic Felix who appears to be only days away from walking! ( Watch out Lozzy and Oscar!)

Model Joanie relaxing on the boat...

New Years Eve Gg , Ju Ju, myself and the kids all went to my beautiful cousin Annie's house for a awesome soiree! I was a bit worried when Jb had a big tanty about getting out of their pool but she came good and got out eventually and played with her cousins Zac, Chloe, Boris, Zaylie and Florence on the play equipment. Koby again was very well behaved and slept most of the party, so good to know he is adaptable even sleeping in other peoples cots! It was also very cute as he roomed with his little Cousin Max who was also very well behaved and sleeping in his pram.

The highlight of my night was when Annie came out holding Joanie and a wonderful Chocolate Cake decorated by all the kids, Little miss Red shouted

"HAPPY BIRDAY MUMMA!" which melted my heart!, so touched by this gesture of Annies!

Once the kids went to bed we played a game of "Cards Against Humanity" which was very , very entertaining! The New Year was counted down under the stars and then we danced to some great tunes put together by Dj Kymmie. Zac was the dancer of the night!

My actual birthday was celebrated with a wonderful sundowner at Mary Street with family and Joanie helped me blow out the candles on another birthday cake, this time a creamy Casatta made by Ju Ju!

Joanie helping mumma blow out the candles

Of course we couldn't come to Perth without visiting Joanie's name sake , Joan Stanley, her Great Grandma. Grandma and Grande were absolutely stunned by Joanie's appetite as she devoured everything put infront of her at the Club house dining room. I believe the little kids and bubs give Grandma moments of clarity when you wouldn't even be able to tell she had a stroke. She says "Isn't' she beautiful" and "look at that little boy" "What a darling" sentences like these are very few and far between these days for the once chatterbox senior. The two Joanie's even shared a bowl of ice cream which was delightful.

Joanies eating icecream

Other highlights of our whistle stop tour included picnic teas on the South Perth Foreshore, once with Gg and Ju Ju and another time with the newly extended family Elliot, Sam and the gorgeous Ellie! (Congrats again guys she's magnificent!)

A catch up in Baldivis with the Hartleys was also well overdue, what an awesome way to spend a summery day in their magnificent pool!

And Joanie was lucky to have quite a few play dates with her cousins, she is now able to name everyone in the photos..

Showing Koby Farr the South Perth Foreshore...

Eri meeting the beautiful Ellie!

Koby catching up with uncle Elliot

Fun at the Hartleys

Play dates with cousins!

Towards the end of our time in Perth everything seemed to go  a bit pear shaped as it often does when i try to do too much in the remaining hours. The main inconvenience being our flight was delayed by three hours. Luckily the kids had a sleep in the car as we returned back to Mary street and we had a snack tea. The nap meant the kids were in good spirits for the later flight.

Since returning to Broome Joanie has had her 3rd birthday which unfortunately didn't go to plan, Shaun and I had organised a pool party at the Mercure but I was being a typical worry wart and post poned it as the weather reports were forecasting rain , Murphys Law the time of the scheduled party had no rain. On the brighter side next Sunday will give us more time to organize a fun party for our little Red Head.

Despite being low key Joanie did enjoy her birthday, she played with all her Christmas Toys, ate her favourite food and I took her shopping to buy some little presents. Her big Birthday Present is an enclosed trampoline which Shaun's co worker has kindly offered to drive up to us from Perth.  She keeps on telling everyone she's getting a "boing boing" , should be here by Monday. Can't believe our first little "big girl" is now three! Where has the time gone?........

Happy New Year!

We're famous!

Not long ago Dad wrote to the Craniofacial Australia Foundation in Adelaide regarding our history and progress. The editor included the story in the latest newsletter.

You can see where my love of writing has come from...

It takes a village

November 25th marked Joanie's yearly review and yes our wins continued from my last blog as she passed her review with flying colours. The Surgeon was more than impressed with her development and head shape and classified it as "normal" which is awesome! Jb freaked out when she was in his office though as she must associate that room and Surgeon with a time of pain . Will be interesting if she still freaks out next year when we visit in the new PMH? Will the Surgeon regardless of the environment still make her anxious?

At this stage the Doctor didn't think further surgery would be necessary but saying that  if one day Joanie feels she would like her scar to be reduced or her forehead ( which in a small section is slightly concave) to be rounded she could have surgery done. This would be in her teenage years at the end of her head growth and regarded as "elective/ cosmetic" surgery not essential like her first surgeries. Only time will tell .

Unfortunately my wish of hassle free flights didn't come true. Well the flights down weren't bad, in fact some of the crew took a special shine to Joanie and one Japanese flight attendant took Joanie to the cabin to show her how to make origami which she really enjoyed. Koby sucked on his dummy and slept for the majority of the flight. But the flights back to Broome was nightmare worthy.

The three of us were a bit coldy the day before our flight so it was to my frustration but not surprise when we woke on the first morning in Perth Koby's eye was stuck shut with some gunk and what was later diagnosed at the GP with conjunctives itis. Joanie picked it up the next day and the both of them and myself cold worsened.  Joanie has been pretty lucky as despite her having a rough first year she seemed to skip a lot of the kids colds and flus that many little ones get . Despite her cough and sniffle she was a happy toddler in Perth and loved staying and Gg and Ju Ju's house. Koby had a few hairy nights sleep  and took to sleeping draped on his mummy.

So the day of the return flight I was very nervous , and for good reason as Joanie was very grumpy and her ears were giving her grief  so it was a very un relaxing flight. At one point she pushed me off our two chairs and fell into a deep sleep leaving me to walk up and down the isle with a sleeping Koby. A lovely lady came up to me and said she was trying to catch my eye and offer her an empty seat next to her on the other side of the isle from Joanie, She was in a row of three so we weren't on top of each other, I accepted graciously and had a peaceful 30 minutes nursing Koby and watching over Joanie as she slept.  Poor Joanie's throbbing ears woke her up and she was groggily in pain, that same beautiful lady offered to take Koby for me so I could sit with Joanie and stroke her forehead and shhhh her . This went on for the rest of the flight, leaving that life saver holding my infant ( I prayed she wouldn't get sick from Koby but at that stage he was over the worst of his gunky eye). When I asked the lady if she was a Broome Resident as I'd love to arrange to drop her off some mangoes and fish she said she was visiting her daughter and no gifts were necessary as she would like to think someone would help her daughter if she was in the same situation as myself and travelling alone. So thankyou lovely traveller if it wasn't for you I possibly would've had a melt down. I am guilty of taking on too much at times and forget that it takes a village to raise a child, so I shouldn't feel awkward in the future in accepting help from others.

Big shout out to my ill ( more than likely from us) Mummy who took the Broome Chest Ward under her wing and fed us up on comfort food! I hope you are back to normal soon xx

Our Perth home, getting some TLC from Gg and Ju Ju

Dummy Spits and Games ON Thrones

If you read my hinting status report on facebook you may be wondering what I was on about and what Shaun and I have won.....well for those who don't have young kids you may be let down with an anti climax as no we haven't won a car or a trip to the Maldives but we got Koby to  sleep most of the night ......with help....from the dummy! I'm sure its pretty mundane for most but a win for us as Koby has gone from being not a bad sleeper to quite nocturnal . I was reluctant to use the dummy as Joanie wasn't a big fan of it (only used it briefly  for a few months) plus I wanted to avoid having to wein him off another thing, but desperate times come for desperate measures. I'm no doctor but I suspect his change in sleeping pattern was also because he couldn't roll easily in his grow bag in the cot and the rolling helps him release gas . When he's on his tummy rolling on his beautiful quilt (Thank's Aunty Jani) on the floor he's at his happiest and there's a lot of tootin' going on so little boy is de gasing himself haha. There's also been a turn from the Dry to Wet Season so we have only recently put our air con on. We are quite tough compared to others up here and have our air con only on 26-28 and he only has a light muslin cloth or light grow bag . We are of the opinion that we don't want them too used to the air con as they will be doing heaps of camping with us!

A very happy Koby on his beautiful custom made quilt

Not the best quality photo but I love the faces xx

Jb's Throne!

So the Dummy+ Air Con  = better sleeping pattern was a win for Koby and us but there has also been another win for Miss Red.....she's a big girl and now going to the ol' WC by herself!!! Again this might be TMI ( too much info for my older readers haha)  but a huge milestone for the older sis and been a long time coming. I have gone from toilet time being a very private thing and time that I get a quick break/ rest to it being a huge event and getting commentary when our big girl goes ( gross but funny) I'm now just trying to get her to understand its a part of life and not something she will forever get a reward for .

Hopefully the wins will continue as Joanie has her yearly review in Perth coming up on Friday and we will get to speak to the surgeons about her progress  , fingers crossed they still believe no more surgeries are required . 

Oh and I'm hoping for "winning " good behaviour from both of them on the plane as I'm not looking forward to taking an infant and toddler alone on a plane , hoping Jb's love of planes will mean she is in good spirits and that Koby is restful . 

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband for tomorrow X

Balancing Act...

Tuesday marked Master Koby's 4 month birthday, WOW! Can't believe that time has gone so quickly!

Koby is a very happy boy most of the time unless he has a "pain in his pinny" which is happening less and less with assistance from a magic potion in a bottle! He's very smiley and chuckles when we bounce him around. He has a very strong upper body so has been doing little stints in the bumbo chair and today he started rolling back and fourth so much he almost made me sea sick!

It really is different being able to enjoy the standard infant milestones without the grey cloud of surgeries hanging over us as with big sister Joanie. I hope we didn't miss anything due to being a bit sidetracked with Joanies' medical schedule, I think we still tried to dedicate time to the regular developments but maybe others may disagree.

As discussed in my last blog "Herding Cats" the kids have made it challenging to get to appointments in a "punctual manner" that's putting it mildly ....however, I have had a few wins with this battle lately and am getting to more and more gym dates at the local and very accessible gym.

I've never been a mother to preach to other mums on how to do things but I do believe if you're someone who has enjoyed going to the gym in the past ( or even who has always wanted to go to the gym but decided against it due to kids) I think a gym membership ( or something similar that offers a creche) should really be considered! My local gym has been fantastic for my situation, it has a great creche so I can relax and know the kids are in a safe  , fun  environment whilst I get some "me" time in a group class ( not brave enough "yet" to hit the main gym this time round) . I have also encouraged a few other mums from Joanies' mothers group to bring along their kids to play with my little rugrats which has been an added bonus! Anyway if you can possibly afford it , give it a go as it may be the time out you and your kids needed!

I have reluctantly just returned to the work  force to do some hotel reception work. I enjoy the work but do feel as if it's too soon to return and am only doing it to get bigger day care rebates for Joanie to eventually go to Day Care  ( Shaun and I have had a difference in opinion on when to start her there) and to be able to afford the expensive living costs in isolated Broome Town. I'm working casual shifts that start once Shaun finishes his Maintenance Management work . We work at the same hotel that we've been connected to for over 10 years so its like putting on an old coat I suppose.

Monday night we all met Mr "Super Dooper Moon"  (? the official scientific name right?)  well I'll be honest and admit I didn't go out and see it as I was dealing with two Silly Super Moon Sprogs and was up and down to them all night,  this was made even more frustrating as they were perfectly behaved a few hours before when Shaun went fishing for two nights , I should've guessed it would be Murphys Law  + Super Moon and they would turn into Gremlins once he'd left! I was in struggle town the whole next day but tried to kick on and not feel sorry for myself at home.. I forced myself out the door to take Koby to see his mates at the mothers group. I'm glad I went as the hostess and the other mums were so welcoming and it's lovely to see Koby interacting ( well lying next to ) other bubs around his age .  There  was also another little boy around Joanie's age who she loved to play with ,  he shared his toys so beautifully with her and they enjoyed each other's company . Sleep who needs sleep? I thought....Joanie doesn't...i perked up with a lovely coffee and carried on after the mothers group to run some errands...we were running on empty but still go to the post office and supermarket.

In the afternoon my dear friend invited me and the kids to her house for a swim in their magnificent pool......well the wheels fell off and Joanie turned into "Red Gone Wild" and no longer remembered how to share and carried on like a pork chop ( a sooky pork chop) and got very upset about the prospect of sharing her frogs (or ponds as she calls them) with her mate Ritchie. Well my relaxing swim and catch up was cut short as she couldn't build a bridge about her frogs playing with anyone other than her so I embarrassingly took her and Koby home early. Guesse sleep isn't overrated after all? Shaun has since returned and is now on night shift with Koby for the next few nights so I can recharge a bit for my three shifts this week.

If I had my time over again with my first child I would listen to people when they said "sleep when they sleep" even though it sometimes got my back up when that was recommended ( probably more than anything because I was over tired and irritable) I wish I could get that time back that I chose to clean instead of sleep! When you have two or more kids chances of naps have decreased even more, chances are your older child wont sleep when the infant does if at all so first time mums I would sleep any chance you get! Will the sky fall in if the floors don't get mopped till tomorrow? No ( hey I'm still telling myself this ).

Being a parent is a real balancing act as you have to find time around the kids for yourself , adult time with your partner , work , house work , something always gets neglected and it's often the time you should be spending on yourself , not enough , but I think my general life balance  is improving , hopefully  the balancing act is only going to get better and better! 

Herding Cats

My biggest day to day challenge with the two rug rats is getting them out the door on time for playgroup dates , classes and get together s. Some times it feels next to impossible,  I think it's like "herding cats"  Very frustrating as I used to always be a punctual person prior to kids!

The first time I heard the expression "herding cats" was back in 2009 when a group of my extended family took our Grandparents along with us to Bali. At that point in time they were quite fit and mobile and very switched on. 

We were on our way back to Perth after a successful family holiday when my parents asked Grandma and Grande to sit down and take a rest while we do a bit of final shopping to empty our purses of any remaining Indonesian Rupiahs. It was only 10 minutes later when Mum asked  "Where did Grandma and Grande go?"  the rest of the morning was a blur of family splitting up into pairs scouring every section of the Jakarta Airport for the two Octogenarians. Eventually my cousin Annie and I started lining up in the big que to the pokey departure lounge while Mum and Dad carried on their frantic search. 

"There they are!" exclaimed Annie and Grandma and Grande had made their own way through the hustle and bustle of  raucous Aussie tourists , past the intimidating armed Customs Officials on the other side of the metal detectors in the departure lounge. When asked what had happened they both indicated they were concerned of the time and forgot they were asked to stay in one spot and made their own way to the lounge. Once we were all reunited someone exclaimed ( i can't remember who, probably a good thing too) "It's like bloody herding cats!!"

Family and awesome staff at the Amori Village in Ubud Bali 

Well my kids are similar to those seniors on that occasion. They don't always register what is asked of them and make their own way when they're ready, otherwise you often have to carry them out to the car kicking and screaming. Well Joanie is the kicker and screamer and Koby is the Poo Shooter who always waits to the last minute to have a "poonami" and make us even later!

I really admire parents who get to outings on time and would like to know their secret! I've tried everything, from preparing the night before, laying the kids clothes out and prepping the nappy bag even on the odd occasion down to the tupper ware containers of snacks ( this is something I'm not as good at often resorting to throwing bananas and sultanas in the bag at the last minute). 

I'm hoping to get to a stage when Joanie doesn't protest at the idea of going out, its nice that she is attached to her bedroom and toys but its as if she has separation anxiety about going out without at least a bag of some of her motley crew. 

She loves all her toys but she has had a few special favorites for some time including her collection of small bouncing balls, duplo blocks, turtle puzzle pieces, wooden peg people and her latest favorite are these plastic frog bath toys. Now can you imagine a pretty curly red haired girl , in a floral dress and love heart sandles with a Blue Back Pack with a Shark on it  ( she picked it out at Best n Less) full of this random selection of toys? It is in my defense, an improvement from a larger Styrofoam box that we had converted into a car full of her toys .Shaun had once compromised with her to take this in the car rather than a huge tub of blocks ! Now the  backpack is only half the size again.  I'm dreaming of the day she could pick just the ONE toy!

Jb and her cousin Chloe playing with her DUPLO in Perth

Koby ( hair style by Jb) playing with his mobile

You never know , Maybe Koby will go against the grain and be a minimalist not a bower bird collecting lots of sparkling toys  otherwise I may have to upgrade from Eddie the Mazda to an ugly mini van!??