I've moved my rants...

...to over here. (www.findbonitahere.com)

Hope to see you over that way for more fun and blogging games.

BBxx

Annual check-in, yo!

Welcome to my annual check-in! Kind of seems that way at the moment with the frequency of the posts, huh?? Not sure where all the time goes.... Oh, wait... yes, I do - work, Leo and boring life stuff like cooking dinner, shopping, housework and sleep! 

There's been a million times where I've thought to myself, 'I totes need to blog about that!!' but like a lot of things in my life, it happens completely in my head and no where else. My head is a REALLY busy place.... and super fascinating!

But I know what you're mostly wondering about and that's the status of my world famous and much anticipated book!! 

Well, the truth of it is that after the renewed hiss and roar of my last post, things kinda fizzled out again! I did finish the edit and its currently sitting with my sister editor... who is a million times worse than me when it comes to getting things done. (Love you sis, but need I mention 'Top Shop' eyeliner! And mom is still waiting for the copy of your passport).  

So, making my MILLIONS as an author is still on the back burner to be honest... although I have submitted to the odd agent this year, and most recently Harlequin....So who knows, the big 'Hey, we'd love to print your book - it's AWESOME!' email might yet arrive.  

Man, it just makes me so sad to think that it might never get printed... but at least I know there was a few peeps (bless their cotton socks - you know who you are) that took the time to read it all and let me know that they loved it. And if it never gets printed, at least I know that it was read and loved by a small handful and not just me.

The other thing that I did and then seemed to lose my mojo (I'm just going to stick with the 'I'm a mom' excuse!) is create my own domain - findbonitahere.com! Isn't that cool!! But again, there's been a lot of activity in my head... but not so much where everyone else can access it. Which is such a shame... cause man on man - I LOVE WRITING!! And I love sharing it... so blogging is like, the perfect thing ever! But I find that when I do have a spare second, it's mostly huddled up and reading something or other. Ha ha. Quite funny if you think about it. 

But I suppose that 2016 is a bright and shiny new year... and might well be the year that I make it as a full time writer! 

Fake it till you make it, baby!    

Write, submit, repeat...

Well, hello there! How are things for you on this last day of November?? Can you believe that this time tomorrow, IT'S DECEMBER!!!! That's crazy town!! (Note to self: dig out #elfontheshelf)

Actually, it doesn't have to be December to be crazy town in my world... it already is all the time!! As in totes cray-cray. Now that I'm doing a lot more hours for World Travellers (you better still be reading those travel blogs, people!!), I seriously have no idea where the time goes. No one can ever fully understand how looking after a little person can suck the time (and sometimes the life!!) out of you until you have one to call your own... it's frecken exhausting being a mama. Particularly one that still breastfeeds. Four hours feels like a full night... I SHIT YOU NOT!!!! 

But, but, but... motherhood in all its glory (and there ARE good bits, like you know, the actual child - TOTALLY ADORBS!!!!) is not what I'm here to discuss today. I'm here to tell you that I've decided to get back onto the writing band wagon and try to get my first book published again. Or I'm going to publish the damned thing myself. I hate to think of all that blood, sweat and tears wasted... or more importantly, Elle, Daniel and J.T never seeing the light of day. I loved writing it, so surely someone else will love reading it too. Surely. Surely. Ok, so maybe it doesn't work that way but goddamit - I WANT MY FRECKEN BOOK PUBLISHED!!!!! 

Sooooo.... 

I've started sending it off to agents again. And am getting the 'no's' again. But I just keep repeating to myself that my writing is 'smart, snappy and fun to read' (that's what Danielle Chiotti told me and she totes knows her stuff). That's right - smart, snappy and fun to read! We need more of that in the world, and less of 'I'm going to slit my wrists 'cause that story was so frecken sad' (I'm looking at you, Jodi Picoult). I just can't read that stuff anymore... reading is too real for me, and I can't shake it off for days, weeks, aggeessss. I get into a fug and it sucks. So I don't do it anymore. I read light hearted and funny and happy ending. There's the occasional strife, a little, a tad, nothing major... but the end is good. And that's what I want. Happy. Lovely. Fuzzy-like. Something that's smart, snappy and fun to read. Fiona Walker and Sarra Manning, you do this for me. I love your work. Your stuff probs won't win no Booker prize, but it wins my Booker prize. And that's what I want to do; I want to be someone's booker prize. So, I'm just gonna do it.

Or maybe, Choc Lit will do it for me as I submitted my story to them... and choc-late has always come through for me before, so I don'y see why not this time. :)  

And for your personal enjoyment today, here's my back cover... 

Smart, snappy and fun to read. 
Write, submit, repeat. 

BBxx

Just like in every little girl’s dream, Elle Jones has been swept off her feet by a rich and handsome prince. Now if only his damned wedding ring would stop snagging on the corner of her ‘happily ever after’!

Elle has a very simple plan - open her dream shoe store and take London by storm. Her plan however does not include a chance meeting with soccer superstar and living god, Daniel Blake, that turns her world upside down. Not that anyone can really blame her; it isn’t everyday an ordinary girl gets to claim ‘People's Sexiest Man Alive’ for two years running as her own. Well, almost all her own since theoretically she’s sharing him with his wife.

Even after several near misses with the paparazzi, a few unexpected meetings with her lover’s wife, concerned friends trying to set her up, and the exhaustive planning for the launch of her new store, Elle is sure she has it all under control. Until a few too many drinks and a bad decision gets her arrested - in nothing other than some highly inappropriate underwear and ridiculously high heels - and the front page of every major newspaper.    

Now Elle has to decide if ‘almost all’ will ever be enough. 

It's the ordinary things...

So, yesterday afternoon, I left Mini Mr with his dad and took off to go to THE MOVIES!!

Yes. The actual movies. And it was glorious. 

There wasn't really that much on... I tried to get into 'Maleficent' (!!) as it was the first movie showing when I walked in but lucked out. So I opted for whatever was showing next...and it happened to be SEX TAPE! I agree, neither of these were mind-blowing choices. SEX TAPE got absolutely panned on Rotten Tomatoes, even with the audience score which does tend to be more lenient. And I can't stand The Jolie. I really can't. But I didn't care, man... I WAS AT THE MOVIES!!! I was taking what I could get. 

I purchased my frozen coke and popcorn (both small but actually not 'cause nothing is truly small in the world of fast food anymore - but that's another post) and I settled in. I tweeted. I sipped my coke. I ate my popcorn. I didn't call home.

The ordinary from way back when is no longer so ordinary. We've been on a break. But there I was again, more than a year later, doing ordinary. Nothing too flash or OTT... just me, myself and I enjoying an ordinary movie.

And it was frecken MARVELLOUS!!!!

Again, I agree. That movie won't be winning no Oscars. But I did have a giggle and the light hearted comedy, although mostly cliched and unbelievable - I mean, who exactly takes their kids to a bust into a porn server location? - was exactly what I needed. So thank you Cam and Jason. I really did love spending my free afternoon with you.

And yes, I really do need to try and add more of the old ordinary into my life as I create a new ordinary for me and my wee family.

Now, back to making wee sandwiches as we're off to a petting zoo today! Yay.

PS I hope you're keeping across my blogs over  at World Travellers... the latest one is about food and travel... combined! One of my favourite things. 

  

  

I'm blogging for World Travellers....

... and loving it! :)

Here's my latest one on why the Middle East should get a look'in for your next family getaway...

Book it. Book it now. Sounds awesome. 

I cry...

... every time I read this.
Such a wet blanket now that I'm a mom. It's true. I'd heard it happens. I'm a cliche.
I do, I do, a thousand times I do cherish every moment with my cuddlebug.

The never ending search....

"People confuse the source of their happiness. They become temporarily happy when they get a new car, or a new house, or a new marriage. And they think that they are suddenly happy because of this new thing in their life. In reality, they are happy because for a brief moment, they are without desire. But then soon another desire comes along. And the search continues."

Thank you Rebecca for that gem. So true. So true.  

Vinegar and baking soda... it HAS to be done!

Now I know Wednesdays are usually reserved for some really cool stuff I've seen online.... ah, wait a minute, this totally hits the mark 'cause the ole vinegar and baking soda trick is pretty ah-maze!! 

Let's just start by saying that I'm the WORST housewife ever. I love a house that sparkles and shines... its just that I'd prefer someone else to do it all for me. I'm a pretty good 'straightener upper' though and am forever plumping the cushions and stacking the (dirty) dishes into neat rows.

I've also been on the 'eco products' band wagon for years.... although the cleaner I most recently had (oh, how I miss you Jo!) kindly asked me to please buy the 'heavy duty stuff' so that she could do her job properly without any sort of elbow or shoulder dislocation from the scrubbing required. In my experience though, it all takes some serious elbow grease regardless of product... and its all sooooooooooo mind - and arm - numingly boooorrrrriiiinnnnggggggg!!!!

So I've wanted to try this vinegar milarkie for years - as in literally years - and finally got around to it this past week when I stumbled over this page. Since my my bath was kinda heading the very same way I got all inspired... not enough to add no fancy smancy orangey stuff mind you and just went straight up, hardcore vinegar. Although I did make a rather flash spray bottle by recycling the nozzle from something else and just tightening it straight onto the vinegar bottle. Gosh, there is so a domestic goddess deep down in there somewhere.

And like I said... pretty AH-MAZE!! It's so easy peasy, pudding and pie that I will absolutely be cleaning the bathroom this way again. And again. And again. And hello, non-toxic. Like, boom. 

Now I'm telling you that you simply must, must, must try this out for yourself - if you haven't already. And in that case... why haven't you shared this awesomeness???

So cheap, so easy, and so good for the environment. We're all winning!

I also cleaned my drains with the 'how to' from this site. And since I was on a bit of a vinegar bender, I used it as a rinse in my washing. Yuck. I hated it. Tried it twice and sucked both times. So I'm out on that count. But since I don't use softener anyhoo, we're still winning, people, we're still winning.

I can't want to hear how your experiences go... yay or nay, what did you think?

PS I hope my Pam's cheque is in the mail for the free advertising!  

If only I could I would... NoMad Hotel, New York

Um, how could I possibly be in the state of New York... and not visit New York City!! Hello... isn't that, like, mandatory??

So its off to NoMad Hotel, New York City with the one person in the world I can always rely on to feel like cake (usually with extra cream), reruns of Sex and the City and really, really good champagne. She'll also do copious shoe shopping with me, has very different taste in men and has the dubious title of being me best mate.

See you there Karkabear! Bring on the big 4-0... yes, it will happen!! If only to say I told you so!!!

If only I could I would... Lake Placid Lodge

This is me - Lake Placid Lodge, New York.
Its all beautiful.
Every. Single. Space.
I'm at a quandary about what room I'd have to have.... but I'm leaning heavily towards Owl's Head Cabin. Di-vine.
If only I could I would...

A galloping New Year....and Gretchen Rubin

I cannot believe that it's 2014!! There was so much hype around 2012 for soooo long, I just didn't think of any other years after it... so I'm always a little shocked when they arrive. It feels like only yesterday that we were all stressing about the YEAR 2000.... and yet, here we are... the YEAR 2014.  

A Seven year in numerology, this year is all about introspection... so pretty much looking within rather than without to find things that make us happy. Its also the year of the horse. The wood horse to be exact... and from what I can tell, its to be a rather challenging year for most of us 'cause it seems this horse likes to gallop, has way too much energy, and occasionally catches fire. I'm a dragon and Mr is a rat... word on the street is that neither of us should expect an awesome year. But in the end I suppose, it's what you make of it... you know, free will and all that. So there's no reason why you can't make it EPIC and give that little wooden horse the finger.  

Why not start here with your epicness... 

I've spoken before on how much I enjoyed Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project"... its a GREAT book and I can't recommend enough that you take the time to read it if you can. Her website if also chokka full of awesome stuff so pop over there is you can too. Its because of Gretchen that I remind myself daily, while knee deep in my very own 'Motherhood Project', which often feels scarily ground hoggish and mundane, that the days are long but the years are short. So I make a conscious effort to really try and enjoy every nappy change, every breastfeed and every time we sit down for a snack ... because one day I just know I'll miss it. 

Anyhoo, Gretchen has recently launched 21 day happiness projects. That's kind of perfect! Twenty one days is exactly how long it takes to make a habit.... she so must have known that!! You can actually try 'The Relationship Challenge' for free and then decide if you would like to try one of the other four options she has on offer. It goes without saying that I'll be signing up for the know yourself better and de-clutter one. I'm currently trying the relationship challenge though and am on day five. Its easy things like remembering to kiss your partner every morning and night. Real simple stuff. But its usually the simple stuff that gets forgotten in the madness of day to day life. 
So why not give it a go and see what you think... it may just be the first step in one of your best years EVER!  

In memory of darling little Arya (22 July 2013 - 22 December 2013)

For one mother in the world, her very worst nightmare has come true. Her arms are empty and her  heart is heavy because her darling little girl was taken much, much, much, too early from her bosom. When MiniMr was born, a friend said to me that from that day forward, my heart was walking outside of my body. So I'm left wondering how this sweet little girl's mother is expected to carry on without her heart?? No mother should ever have to bury a child. Ever. But burying a child that has barely lived seems that much more tragic. Why? Why? Why? I feel so sick with sorrow for her family. There are no words or actions or anything at all that will ease their pain now. Only time. Time. The only thing that can't be hurried, or bought, or taken. Time. The only healer. I'm in utter awe of every single parent that has ever lost a child and is still here to tell the tale. I'm humbled. I'm heartbroken. I'm not sure I'd survive. I pray that I never have to find out.

Rest easy little Arya.
You will never be forgotten.

If only I could I would....FIJI!

I love travelling and have done a fair bit in my time but not nearly enough to satiate my wanderlust! There is still sooooo much that I'd love to see and do and just hope that I'm blessed with enough years to do it all in. As I used to work for LUXURY Holidays & Corporate Travel magazine, I got a bit of a taste for the truely sublime and breathtaking.  But now that I'm otherwise occupied with a pint sized little dynamo (yes, let's blame him for the lack of travel!), I thought I'd treat myself with a regular post called 'If only I could I would...' of where I'd be galavanting if money, time and all other restrictions fell away. 

This week, I'd be on a flight to Fiji with family in tow. I'm feeling like a wee lie on the beach, or around the pool with a (virgin) cocktail is EXACTLY what I need. The plane would be dropping me off at Dolphin Island... actually, no, the plane would drop me off at Fiji International and from there I'd transfer by float plane or helicopter.... I'm not really fussy! And this is what would be waiting for us...

Love Wednesday...

Rather late than never... and its Wednesday somewhere in the world!  

This week, I got a contribution little readers! Oh, yes, we're seriously on our way to hitting the big time now! Thanks Mz Bex for flagging Stickygram - an awesome site that promises to bring your Instagram photos to life by allowing you to get them printed onto iPhones, iPad covers or magnets... I mean, is there a better way for the world to see how amazingly talented you are behind a camera?? And, hello, FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Boom. I'm sold.


On the fabulousness of the world wide web, wouldn't it be cool if there was an app with ideas on how to amuse your almost five month old. Hold up.. there is one! Welcome Knoala! The website claims to 'Raise happier kids'... now I'm not sure about that but it sure keeps them happier if they are entertained! Basically, after you've registered, you load all your kid's deets in and where you're based (that's so that they don't give you summery stuff and its -13 degrees outside) and it will suggest activities. Its totally genius I tell you as I often feel like MiniMr and I have rehashed the same songs, funny faces and toys over and over again. Check it out, a total must have for anyone that often has ankle biters on their hands. And just as an aside, the video on their home page makes me a bit teary eyed. Stupid mommy hormones!

Its summer in this part of the world, so along with glorious days comes not so glorious FLIES!!!! Now, I know we're meant to love all of God's creatures alike but I am so NOT a fan. And since we've got MiniMr, my usual line of defence in the aerosol can is not an option. So I purchased a Bug Zapper. And here's the thing... it really works. Not as easy as a quick spray since you have to hunt them down, zap them, and then locate their stunned little bodies to dispose of. And the smaller ones are HARD to catch. But still, sooooo much better than having six of the little fockers swarming around me while breastfeeding. And it works for pretty much everything with tiny wings.

Why oh why oh WHY did we not have uber cute linen like this when I was growing up?? I had a crocheted bed cover and I just know - JUST KNOW - that I would've been happier and had a whole bunch less hang-ups if only I'd had this princess duvet to go to bed with at night. Oh well, I'll indulge my childhood fantasies through my wee boy... I'm sure he won't mind a princess duvet!!! (There is in fact a rather fabulous astronaut one for boys!)

And just because its Christmas, and I just know there are some of you that will be furiously wrapping pressies at 11.10pm on Christmas Eve... only to realise that you forgot the tags. Well fear not as now you can MAKE YOUR OWN. Check it out here. Okay, maybe not really ideal at almost midnight but still cute!

And last but not least, I bet you've been wondering ALL week what's caught my eye on Etsy. Well, wonder no more because here are my little bits of deliciousness...

I'm not sure what's with all my winter picks since its SWELTERING in Auckland at the moment, but how adords are these little baby boots! All together now...'Cuuuuttttteeeeee!"

And I just know there is someone out there that's freezing and ABSOLUTELY requires these little beauties. There are also mo' ones, heart ones, dog ones, even Christmas ones... basically something for everyone. 

Then there's this awesome shop that sells teething paraphernalia. A little bit cute, a little bit quirky, a whole bunch of 'Add to cart please'!

And that's that for another week. 

Um, I don't think there will be a 'Love Wednesday' next week since its likely I'll be comatose from stuffing my face. And the week after is New Year... but then its all systems go! 

Santa's in da house....

Ho, ho, ho. I frecken love Christmas! Love, love, love it! I think its because I'm slightly obsessed with creating traditions and Christmas gives you a truck load of opportunity to do just that. And of course, Christmas is one of the most exciting times if you have a baby... I can now create some awesome Christmas traditions for our family! In reality though, what's likely to happen is that I'll get totally overwhelmed and do nothing. But right this minute... THERE IS SUCH PROMISE!!!!

I can't say that I've started the way I mean to proceed with all this family tradition stuff. I failed miserably at getting Xmas cards out this year - as I have for like, well, the last 10 years or so. I used to make all my own Xmas cards. For real. And then suddenly, I didn't. So this year, MiniMr's first, would have been a GREAT time to get started on that again and send out a homemade card with him on the front dressed all cute and stuff, like a Christmas log or something. Oh, I thought about it. I thought about it heaps. But I NEVER DID A THING!!! For once in my life though, it wasn't plain laziness - babies keep you busy, man!!

I'm on some great mommy sites on Facebook - shout out to all the mamas that are reading this :) - a lot of which are American and man oh man... they do traditions like nobodies business. I've had card envy, tree envy, Santa envy. In fact,  I've had Thanksgiving envy, Halloween envy, you name it envy... I've had it. They just do this stuff so well. Their Santas at EPIC, and the family photos just rocking. It makes me WANNA BE AMERICAN!!!

But back to my reality and the real world, I'm now trying to get some Salt Dough ornaments made (as you all know from a previous post, I'm yet to use the plaster of paris kit I bought to immortalise MiniMr's feet and hands!!!). I must, I must, I must. Its not that hard for goodness sake. And the tree. That was a major 'Should we start getting a real one or just stick to the old trusty artificial tree that has served us so well for the last 10 years or so??'. Lordy, that dilemma bounced around in my head for WEEKS while I talked to people about it and all the pros and cons. Eventually, I just pulled out the frecken tree and put it up. Not like MiniMr is going to know any different at the mo and it might be nice to change to the real thing when he's old enough to be asked his opinion. And then there was the Santa photo...Do I take him to the flashest place in Auckland to do one, and wait a million hours in the queue with screaming kids and disgruntled parents? Or do I just take him to the local shopping mall because again.... ITS NOT LIKE HE KNOWS WHAT'S HAPPENING. Anyway, his father told me that we're not fancy people (although I secretly fancy myself just that) and off we went to the local mall. Well, SANTA NEEDS TO GET A NEW JOB!!!! I'm not sure who looked more somber in the photo - MiniMr or Santa, who was evidently rather over it and already thinking about the cold beer waiting at home. I even had to ask for MiniMr's gift... from the photographer!!! I WANT AN EPIC AMERICAN SANTA!!!!

Anyhoo... on the bright side, the photo is done, the advent calendar was bought (MiniMr had a wee chew on the corner and then moved on) and he's got a Christmas Eve outfit and Christmas Day outfit so its not all a complete fail. And, there'll be another Christmas around in a mere 365 days. Ooooh, and then I'm going to do it all.... homemade cards with a corny family photo on the front, a Christmas book for every night, a homemade advent calendar with teeny tiny gifts, Xmas pj's for the whole month, Salt Dough ornaments for all and sundry, maybe the tree will even be real. Ooooh, and... and... and....   

Here are some great Christmas Tradition ideas that I loved and thought I'd share with you:

-Homemade Christmas Advent calendar, with small and personal gifts
-The Christmas stocking, with one gift that stays consistent, eg socks, or an orange, or a bar of white chocolate.
-Christmas book Collection, either in a basket under the tree, or individually gift wrapped so that every night is a surprise as to what book will be read. Start buying a book a year and your collection will be rather meaty in no time.
-The Christmas Bake-off, where the whole family gets together and bakes awesome treats for neighbours, teachers, co-workers and such as gifts.
-The Christmas lights tour, every town has one street that is awesome... make it a tradition to drive along it as a family. Or, why not become that street! 
-Christmas Eve = one gift to unwrap before bed. With cocoa. And Christmas songs. Love.
-The Tree Trimming, where everyone mucks in and gets that tree put up. Again, cocoa and carols a MUST! 
-The Big Christmas Clean up, an awesome way to get de-cluttering (you know the saying - one in, one out). Plus, by donating good and in working condition stuff to charities etc, you'll also be paying it forward 'cause you know that other saying, 'One man's trash is another man's treasure!' 
-Christmas PJ's, either a few sets that are worn every night on the lead up to the big day, or a special pair that only gets worn on Christmas Eve. Extra points for the families that wear matching. 
-Special Christmas Decoration, where every year  you either allow your child to chose their own decoration, or you choose one for them, and it gets presented to them at the Tree Trimming. Or, here's an even better one... DIY it!! 

What traditions do you have?? I'd love to hear them. 

Wonder-weeking wonder...

We're wonder-weeking in this house at the moment.... and its completely FASCINATING!!! You may have noticed that I'm a real information hoarder, I love it and research things up to me eyeballs. When I'm interested in something, I've got to have the books. And now the apps. Only problem is finding the time to get through it all. 

At the moment, I have the following next to my bed, all of which at some point or another have been dragged to the lounge, the kitchen, the computer room, and dare I admit, the toilet! as I grab pockets of time to fill my boots with reading.... 

-Blogging for dummies: Not yet opened
-Mom blogging for dummies: Not yet opened
-The baby-led weaning recipe book: on page 15
-The baby-led weaning cook book: Not yet opened
-Baby-lead weaning: Almost onto chapter 6 (of 8 chapters)

-Your self confident baby: More than half way there

-What to expect: The first year: currently on pg 322 of The Fifth month (I've just covered 'Starting the Cup)
-The Wonder Weeks: I've just finished Chapter 6 on Wonder Week 19: The World of Events

But its Wonder-weeking that I'm on at the moment as MiniMr will be 21 weeks on Saturday so he's right in the midst of Wonder Week 19, which can run for anything from one to six weeks. 

Anyhoo, I noticed last week that he's feeding really badly, mostly in the day (how can 2 minutes on the boob possibly be enough??) and that he's pulling his ears again (how many visits to the Dr for potential ear infections can this mommy make??), and that his settling for sleep has got, well, very unsettled. He also reached for both Mr and I on Saturday at different times when he was being held by people he wasn't familiar with, he's become rather demanding of mommy's time, and he adores the 'little boy that lives in the bathroom' aka his reflection in the mirror. And I'm sure he knows who I'm talking about when I mention daddy... he's eyes light up and he becomes super animated. But, I'd been so busy with general day to day stuff like washing, cooking and baby looking after that I hadn't had chance to read where he was at in this 'leap' even though I knew it was on the radar... at the very same time as the notorious '4 month sleep regression'. BTW - a lot of the above I was blaming on teething.... which I understand will get blamed on for everything from now until 3 years old! 

Well, last night, I pulled the wee pink book out and lo and behold... all the very things I'd noticed - and sometimes been worrying about e.g. feeding!! - was all there in black as white as signs that he's experiencing 'The World of events'. And this my friends, is why I love information. I was utterly fascinated by how on track his development was. Not from a 'Wow, he's so clever, watch him go!' perspective (although, if I'm honest, I have those moments too) but from a 'Wow! How about someone has studied this and ALL babies will be going through a range of this at the moment!'. Just frecken FASCINATING!!!! So after this 'leap', our wee little man will really be his own person for the first and no longer think that he's an extension of me or his dad. He'll explore his surroundings with renewed gusto and I'll no longer be his only toy. Basically, he's a man looking for action!  

And the thing I'm most looking forward to from this leap.... when he responds to 'Leo' for the first time. 

PS For all new moms, do yourself a favour and grab a copy of 'The Wonder Weeks' by Hetty van de Rijt and Frans Plooij. You won't regret it.