Almost done and dusted. The year has been filled with many wonderful moments, some even life changing, and with a few that we could have done without. Professionally, it’s been an exciting time for me and the blog signing up with the Remarkables, starting to monetise my blog and getting some media attention along the way. Personally, some of the highlights would be learning to use my camera properly, taking my trip to New York and spending a special few days with Rob fly fishing in New Zealand. As a parent I’ve really been challenged this year – with health issues with Harper, dealing with settling Daisy into School and being happy there and of course my dreaded nemesis sleep – which has played a big part in both kid’s happiness and well being. Most of the time though I just keep muddling through the year, making mistakes as I go and sharing them all along the way in the way I do, in words and pictures.
January was a family holiday to the beautiful snowy mountains where I fell in love with mountains and big sky and fishing with that silly little fly.
And we had our first taste of School life when Daisy started at the end of the month. I swear she was just born so I have no idea how this happened.
February saw someone turn 5.
And saw me turn into a stressed out, overtired person. I was demented from lack of sleep with Harper whose sleep apnoea was getting worse and meant that she was awake every 1.5 hours a night. She was admitted to hospital for asthma in Feb and my own health wasn’t great. I had a few trips to ER with suspected heartburn problems (that was actually undiagnosed gall stones). Yes, February kind of sucked.
March was a little brighter – we got Harper into surgery early in the month to get her adenoids and tonsils out, but it meant a slow few weeks as she recovered. Those were some shitty, long, hard weeks.
Easter came and went in April. I learnt some hard lessons with my first taste of main stream media and was excited to be a part of the Top 50 bloggers competition – even making the top 5 and working really hard to try to get that ticket to NY.
May was a highlight with me taking part of Tim’s Nursery sessions which opened my eyes (literally) to taking better photos. Without a doubt for me, this has been such a highlight for the year. I’m still working it out, learning, and trying to get better. But it’s awoken a true passion in me that will be with me all my days…what a gift! I was also thrilled to be included in the first round of bloggers for the blogging agency the Remarkables Group.
June was up and down. Harper was still sleeping very badly (and with us pretty much every night). I missed out on the free trip to NY(but ended sponsoring myself) and I was excited (and just quietly shitting myself) to be on The Project to talk about blogging.
It was also a difficult time health wise – my poor Brother in law had his terrible head injury accident and of course my own was on a further decline. One final episode of (what I thought) was heartburn saw me back in Emergency and then later admitted into hospital to have my (nasty infected) gall bladder finally removed a day or so later. Things were on the improve…at last!
July was off to a slow start with recovery for me from my op. We took a wonderful family holiday to South Australia for Rob’s cousin’s 40th, a TV appearance for me on The Morning Show and at the end…New York.
In August life came back to normal – I threw myself into entertaining as much as I could – note to self: do NOT blog about such matters, it can drive the people crazy.
And finally tackling the elephant in the room: Harper’s sleep. It’s taken MONTHS, and it’s been bloody hard work, but we are there. She sleeps in her bed, every night, popping into ours only in the morning usually between 5.30-6.00am and is doing so much better all round.
September was a quiet home month. Rob went OS for work and play and I started to work hard – on the blog and developing Beverley my iPad Magazine that I shot and wrote towards the end of the month. To be able to start to make my own money again, doing something that I am passionate and love, well it’s been a breakthrough for me and my confidence. I have always (probably to my detriment) been someone who equates value to paid work. Even though my hardest, most rewarding and shittiest paid job is Mothering, if you’ve been a worker like I have my whole life, it’s the actual money in the account that makes me feel like I’m doing something. Stupid I know, but me. Complex I tell you – just ask Rob.
October we were lucky enough to have 2 trips away – down to Melbourne for my sister in law’s 40th and a great family break spent together with my Brother & sister and all their kids.
And of course up to the farm to see in a certain someone turning 3. I also made it again onto TV surviving (I hope to be my last) appearance on Media Watch.
November started with a flurry of social events – a few more 40th’s and a surprise wedding. Later in the month were some more highlights – a trip with Rob to New Zealand to the most amazingly picturesque place that ever there was, learning a new passion I know will be with me for years to come.
Our third child Beverley was finally delivered to the world just scraping in before December. I am so proud of this, of actually doing something that I wanted to do, and of course am so grateful to Rob for all his behind the scenes hard work on this. I don’t thank Rob enough, for all he does. Without him and his support I wouldn’t be able to be doing the scary stuff of living dreams. I do love that man, and I hope he knows it.
Is it any wonder by the time December came around I was tired? That we were all tired? Daisy made it and survived her first year of School and I am so proud of all she has achieved. Harper has been through the wringer with her health and sleep and has come out the other side toilet trained, sleeping better, with her good humour in tact and desperate to get to Preschool next year. Rob has been tested professionally – working out new directions and focus and has lived out some dreams to along the way – filming and shooting in Paris and London in Sept – he should be very proud of all his achievements.
It’s an interesting exercise, looking back on a whole year. Here is 2011. And 2010. And even 2009. If you’d asked me before I started this post if 2012 was a good year, I would have answered with a resounding “Yes!”. Looking back though, I’ve remembered all kinds of things I had forgotten about. There have been some challenges, no doubts about it. I’ve learnt SO much professionally this year, both good and bad, and I’m excited about a new year starting out again. There’s so much opportunity at the start of a new year isn’t there? So many unknowns. Who knows where I’ll travel to? Who knows what the girls will do and achieve? Who knows how many hours of work will be required from me to keep Beverley ticking along? Best I don’t know that bit, right?
What I do know is that I’ll still be here, sharing as I go, in the way I know how, in words and pictures. Thank you for checking in daily and enjoying BabyMac. I know so many of you do from all your lovely comments, or emails, or Facebook & Instagram likes, or retweets on Twitter. This blog is still first and foremost for me and my family. Ha! Who knew? Sometimes even I forget that. It’s our story, our life and I won’t change or edit any part of that just because I know that there are many more people now that read it. Our life is lucky, it’s blessed, it’s so precious to me and I know that it’s very, very good. I am grateful for every little bit of it – no sleep, hospital visits and all. While it’s also become about work for me, and I’m still working out how that fits in and making mistakes and occasionally kicking goals along the way, I am dead set thrilled that I can be providing for my family again in a way that fulfills me creatively. That’s all I’ve ever wanted, and what I worked towards at University and regrettably was never able to achieve in all my professional working career. And now it’s happening, while I’m a stay at home Mum. Go figure.
I hope that 2013 is a good one for you and your families. That it is filled with many happy times with people that you love. That there is good health. Sights previously only dreamt of, seen. Success in your careers. Fulfillment and joy in raising your children. That goals are achieved and even higher ones set.
All of those things, and more.
From me, and from BabyMac for 2012, over and out x
Thanks so much for sharing your life with us Beth. I’m not a regular commenter but I always find time to see what you have been up to. You have such a beautiful way of using photos + words to tell your story. Bring on 2013! I can’t wait to see what it has installed for all of us!
Love your work Beth and look forward to reading along in 2013 xx
Thanks for sharing so honestly with us Beth. I love your stories, your words, your photos and your recipes. Congratulations on all the good stuff that happened this year. Here’s to 2013 being filled with more of the good, and less of the challenging.
G
P.s. I personally love your posts on entertaining.
Me too! They are my favourite kind to write! Don’t worry – as if I’d let people tell me what to do – they will be back x
WOW…what a year…no wonder you were exhausted!
Hope you get a good rest over the holidays…and more power to you for all the exciting things I’m sure 2013 will hold for you 🙂
So many things resonate with me on a personally level, my own health issues; a child that is lucky to sleep for two hours at a time, so therefore sleeps with us; and the desire to be a stay at home Mum, yet provide for my family. Beautiful post, and a very enjoyable blog. Can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store for you and your family.
http://iliska-dreams.blogspot.com.au/
Thank you so much for sharing your year with us Beth… I came in to your blog part way through the year, so this felt like a lovely way to catch up and learn some backstory 🙂
All the very best to you and your beautiful family for a safe, exciting and wonderful 2013!
What a lovely recap. I can’t believe how much you and your family have achieved this year. Well done. Now just take a bit of time to sit, breathe and relax over the Christmas break, so you can be energised for 2013. I’m so glad I found your blog this year.
We’ve also survived the first year at school for our eldest daughter this year, as well as my return to paid work after having our third bub. It’s been a big year. I will try to do my own recap in the next week or so 🙂
Best wishes to your beautiful little family in 2013. Love the blog. Love your inspiration. Love your energy. In fact, am feeling a little sloth-like now that I’ve read your 2012 recap. Think I need to get out more and carve out a better 2013 for myself. Cheers, Kylee xx
What an incredible year for you! I hope 2013 brings even more joy. Thanks for sharing it all with us! X
Hi Beth, I too discovered your blog earlier this year and it has been a ‘breath of fresh air’ I have to say 2013 has been no picnic for me either and with my second child starting Prep plus a 9yr and a rambunctious 2 yr old, life is never dull. It’s lovely to read read though reflections of your year and realize we are not alone as we weave the magic world of life and experiences. Cheers to you lady and all you have achieved! I look forward to reading more in 2013..xxx
Thanks so much! I look forward to having you here x
What a year Beth! At least it sounds like the ups were matched by the downs but here’s hoping 2013 many many more ups!!
You’ve had a HUGE year! Has been lovely to be along for the ride with you. Your blog is my “must read” and I have loved living vicariously through your highs, and feeling for you with your lows. We have the sleeplessness here too, my god it’s hideous. But now I think “well, if Beth can get through it then SO CAN I!”
Can’t wait to see where you go in 2013, I am sure it will be to many high places 🙂 Thank you for your support and for making my year end on a good note too. x
Massive year Bev. Rest up as I suspect 2013 will have more adventures in store! Xx
Lovely posts, and I personally love your entertaining posts, it gives me some great ideas. I don’t have the weather or the big outdoor space that you have, but I love to adapt what I can and i get a lot of inspiration from seeing your beautiful table and food.
All the best for 2013
p.s. when you get the Bev app sorted for IPHONE I AM IN X
I was lucky enough to be pointed in the direction of your blog by a dear friend of mine. How could I not have knob about you before?? I love reading your refreshingly honest blog and have enjoyed each and every podcast with neighbor!!
Keep up the good work and best wishes for a wonderful new year filled with sunshine!!
I have followed your blog for one year. It’s pleasure for me to observe your life. It’s nice to hear that you find your direction. Good luck baby mac.
What an amazingly eventful year! We had similar sleep issues with out Master S… over 100 apneas a night, scary! xx Rach
What an awesome year indeed! I’ve enjoyed seeing life through your eyes, Beth – and I’m another one who is a fan of the entertaining posts – please keep doing them! (PS. I used the watermelon christmas tree shapes this year and they were a HIT with everyone.)
Enjoy the holidays, Beth, and all the very best to you and yours for the coming year xx
Thank you BabyMac for sharing your past year with us. All the ups and downs, the lows and highs and there have been many of them haven’t there and yet you have come out the other side still as bright as a button. You have 2 truly beautiful daughters and a man who stands by you as you stand by him and the girls. I am so glad Harper is so much better.
I love visiting your blog (every day if I possibly can) and will continue to do so next year if you will have me.
Wishing you and your beautiful family a very happy, healthy and safe New Year. xxx
What a year! So many achievements for you and for your family!
I am so glad that I found your blog this year and have gotten to know you through your posts!
Thank you for putting in the time and effort to put a smile on my face.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2013!
Thank you for sharing your year with us. All the very best for 2013.
All the best for 2013 from me! Xx
Thank you for sharing all that you do Beth, and for doing so SO beautifully. You’ve certainly become a great photographer this year.
I love that, similarly to me, you’re finay doing what you’re passionate about through blogging and other pursuits. Well done in a great 2012!
Also, congrats to Rob on his achievements – sounds like he’s Just as amazing as you!
Have loved your posts this year. Now mil is ova for dinner. Got to hunt through your revipies for something tasty
Ups and downs, ebbs and flows. Thank you for sharing it all Beth. You are inspiring. All the best for a magical 2013 with more ups than downs!
Happy New Year Beth! It’s been ages since I popped in, and I love your recap. I thought I was more regular, but think I dropped off the www from August onwards. What a year for you all! Looking forward to seeing what this year brings. Hugs to you. x