Jai's birthday was last month. He's getting more grown up in steps and starts. Getting through winter, which is a bit hard for him because he likes to get out every day, but it's cold and windy, and gets dark early. You know how it is. So, more inside play, more books and blocks, and songs, and tv.

We went to Mt Buller for the snow for a weekend, first time either kid had seen the snow! Lots of precious moments, and a few less so... Uma seeing the snow covered cars and trees on the way up, her joy at seeing and stomping in the snow when we got there, the first snowball (made on our balcony), waking up to snowfall before breakfast (and throughout the day). The joy of tobogganing and snowball fights. Jai enjoying the feel of holding the toboggan with his gloveless hands, feeling the snow and laughing. Unsurprisingly, cold hands made him upset after a while. Uma going down the toboggan run, and having races with me. Jai going down the run with Heather. Making friends with strangers at the heated pool. The pub with decent food and wine, and, most vital, a beautiful cosy fire.

These offset by the long tiring drive, and the ritual vomiting of both kids.. Jai several times on the windy mountain roads; Uma, leaving it till we pulled up in the twilight to the final parking lot, a big spew all over the driver's seat! Advanced mindfulness 101 for parents!