OLYMPIC CHAMPION | ENTREPRENEUR | MUM
WELCOME to my site – a place to share and reflect on the life experiences I’ve had as a professional athlete, mum, wife and business owner. A place to share my journey and the amazing people who have helped me get the best out of myself. It’s also a place for random snippets relating to food, family, travel and gear I can’t seem to do without. Enjoy!
CYPRIOT GRAIN SALAD
I have been eating so much of this Cypriot Grain Salad lately. It’s so delicious, nutrient dense and filling. There’s a few variations out there but this one I stole from my Aunty Androulla and I think it’s one of the best around!
Pregnancy Diary 36 weeks – Birthday Week!
Our bub is the length of a large cos lettuce!
Just when I thought the weeks were slipping by too fast, they seem to have sped up even more as I near the end of my pregnancy. I’m a little late with this post and the 36th week zoomed by in a flash! It was my Birthday week – so I guess that’s a good excuse!
The week kicked off with Kai’s first sessions in occasional care. Given he’s about to start 3-years old kindergarten and has never been in childcare, I thought it would be a good idea to get him started in some kind of day care where he gets to play in a more organised way. Day 1 started off ok and Kai was so excited to have a backpack and a packed lunch, but as soon as we got there, he decided he didn’t want me to go and turned on the waterworks. I peeled myself away from him (horrible feeling) and left him in the wonderful hands of the teachers. I’m fairly certain he continued to cry until I picked him up as his eyes were swollen and red…poor little darling. He went again the next day and although he didn’t want me to leave again, he didn’t cry when I left and I picked him up happy painting and playing with the other kids. As a special prize for his good behaviour I bought him a new bus to add to his excessive automobile collection. Who know what goes through their little minds. Did he think I wasn’t coming back?
Pregnancy Diary 35 weeks – Cruise control
Our bub weighs as much as a honeydew melon!
I had a pretty cruisey week this week and I’m really struggling to recall what I actually did! Maybe it’s the pregnancy hormones:)
We had my grandmother’s funeral on Wednesday followed by her wake which was in Melbourne. As expected, it was difficult to say goodbye as I have so many great memories spent with her. I had the pleasure of delivering the eulogy which was a collaboration of all her grandchildrens’ memories and it was a nice way for me to pay tribute to a beautiful soul that taught me many life lessons. Somehow there’s comfort knowing that the circle of life continues with myself and my sister-in-law heavily pregnant and ready to bring new lives into the world.
Pregnancy Diary Week 34 – Saying Goodbye
Our bub is the size of a rock melon!
My 34th week of pregnancy has come and gone and I really feel I’m on the home stretch now. This week was a mixed bag. The festivities with friends and family continued as we brought in the New Year and said goodbye to 2014. So much happened in 2014 and a variety at that! From competing at my 4th Winter Olympics to a second baby and new house plans on the way. It couldn’t have more contrast! I guess that keeps life interesting though.
Pregnancy Diary 33 weeks – Christmas Cheer
Our bub weighs as much as a pineapple!
I love Christmas! Whether in the snow or the sun, it doesn’t matter. I love that the family gets together, I love preparing a delicious feast and I love giving (and receiving) special gifts. This week was lovely and fairly stress free. We’re settled into our house in Lorne and given Christmas for our family is spent in Lorne anyway, made it super easy for us. We stocked up on food in Melbourne got back to Lorne to started the preps for the family to arrive. Kai was excited to see the mound of presents piling up under the tree. We played some Finnish Christmas DVD’s sent by his Finnish grandparents and got the Christmas carols and candles going creating the perfect Christmas cheer.
