Foolish April

I know, I know.

I skipped a monthly post. I only have to do a minimum of 12 of these a year and I didn’t get a chance to get March’s post out. There is however, a very plausible explanation and I think you’ll agree it’s a pretty good one. As a result, I have so much more to update you on.

March is always my favourite but busiest month of the year. Hayden and I celebrate both our anniversaries from when we got together 11 years ago, to our wedding anniversary four years ago. However, this was not the reasoning why I couldn’t write. Add on the Newcastle Show AND the Sydney Royal Easter Show, baby showers, baby classes, baby swimming lessons, beach days, baby milestones – Pips first Easter. You could say it was pretty jam-packed!

The main reason though, I was selected as a finalist for the rural achiever award which is a leadership program and an intensive behind the scenes experience of the Sydney Royal Easter Show – networking, luncheons, forums, cruises, stewarding, personal development sessions, interviews, speeches – the works! I was humbled to have been selected for such a prestigious opportunity and even though it was rough, I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world! I even got to meet some lifelong friends which was the real kicker!

Thankfully, April has quieten down for us so we’re hoping to sneak in a belated anniversary dinner somewhere soon. We’ve had birthdays, catch ups with family and friends, park dates, creating content for small businesses (Pips trying her hand at modelling and absolutely nailing it), and I had the honour of emceeing an event for NSW Farmers – empowering women in farming businesses which truly was inspiring!

Anyways, here’s some cheeky shots to show you a bit into the life of the Pescud clan.

Mummy kisses.

Heritage Gardens Cafe.

Little graduate.

Emcee duties.

Sissy-in-law baby shower.

2024 RAS Rural Achievers.

Kinn Thai dates.

Thank you flowers.

Pips personalised pin.

Government House.

Newcastle Show fireworks display.

Lemon meringue tart.

Kisses,

thefairestofthemhall

February Favourites

You may be wondering why the delay in this month’s post… well, with this day only coming around once every four years, I decided today would be the perfect time to reminisce.

February has been full of my favourite moments and I’m here to recap such a jam-packed month!

January really allowed me to slow right down and take a breath to relax after the busy season, but this month has been a real game changer. Our darling girl started swimming lessons and a baby sensory class to get her out and about and keep mums sanity in tact. We’ve had an abundance of outings to dinner with friends and family – a personal fave was 8 at Trinity.

I received my uniform for the Rural Achiever Award which I’ll wear at the Sydney Royal Easter Show coming up towards the end of next month. I’m excited for this experience, but also very anxious as I know I’ll be away from Pip quite a bit.

Speaking of shows, it was Pips first time at our local Show and she loved seeing all the bright lights and meeting some furry friends in the animal nursery.

Hayden surprised me with the sweetest handmade Valentine’s Day card featuring bubs hands and feet to create a rose – too cute!

Save the best for last, right? Right! I got to see one of my favourite artists and idol, Taylor Swift at her iconic Eras Tour in Sydney. I secured a ticket the night before the show and had nothing to wear… thankfully my wardrobe is full of plenty of clothes to whip up a last minute outfit.

By now, you might be thinking the hype is overrated but I’m here to set the record straight. It is literally the best performance I have ever seen. Taylor pours her heart and soul into every second of the three and a half hour show and I’m still baffled by how she does it with so much enthusiasm and grace. Queen!

My little family.

Valentine’s Day card.

In my era’s era.

Queen T.

Dinner selfies.

Prepping for Sydney Royal.

Bubs first Show.

Feeling fancy at 8 at Trinity.

Kisses,

thefairestofthemhall

Much more in 2024

Happy New Year and welcome to 2024.

With a new year usually gives us a reason to set new goals and resolutions that generally don’t last too long.

I’ve decided to shift my focus a little and try to enjoy what’s to come. Ride the rollercoaster called life and continue to cherish my motherhood journey.

Reflecting on December was a month of ‘firsts’, some I prepared for, and others took me by surprise. Like, Pips first roll from back to belly on Boxing Day while I ducked out. Classic. I had been waiting for what felt like forever to witness this. Lucky, Hayden recorded the whole thing for me!

This month has already been an eventful one. We ended up getting to the HVG Christmas Light Spectacular after all… we just wanted to keep the Christmas spirit a little longer.

We also managed to sneak in a little staycation at VOCO Kirkton Park (where we had our babymoon). It was even more precious as we stayed in the exact same room, and for the first time, bub rolled onto her belly while sleeping, giving her the best nights sleep, but not so much for mum and dad.

We had the most beautiful night away and it was well needed. Feeling extremely blessed. See some snaps below.

Same dress. Same balcony. Baby out.

Snuggles with daddy.

Lovebirds, HVG Christmas Light Spectacular.

Candy cane lane, HVG.

Buffet breakfast, VOCO Kirkton Park.

HVG, Christmas Light Spectacular.

Angelic, HVG Christmas Light Spectacular.

Christmas present tower, HVG.

Do you have any plans for 2024? Maybe you’re planning to travel, or maybe launch a new career? Let me know in the comments! Whatever you decide, I hope you make it your best year yet!

Kisses,

thefairestofthemhall

Delightful December

And just like that, we made it to the final month of the year.

As I reflect on the year that has been, it fills me with so much joy that I could implode. So many wonderful occasions, memories and the best moment that 2023 brought to me was the arrival of my sweet little bubba – who we now get to share a first Christmas with. Mum is so excited!

There’s a reason why they call it the busiest season. As we’re mere days away from the biggest celebration of the year, I hope that you feel organised and are excited to wind down and spend this time with loved ones.

Merry Christmas ya filthy animals. See you in the New Year!

Merry Christmas from the Pescuds.

Mini me.

My little family.

Snoozy Christmas baby.

2023 Family Portrait.

Nom nom bauble, nom.

Another Christmas snap, because why not?

Patiently waiting for Santa to drop off her gifts.

Oh, and if you love the sweet little rompers from Before & Ever that little miss is wearing, you can shop them here:

Romper One

Romper Two

Kisses,

thefairestofthemhall

Nice November

I almost let this one slip through the cracks, but I remembered in the nick of time to get a little post out for my monthly update.

Our littlest love is growing up so quickly and already looks like a completely different baby. It’s such a joy watching her grow and learn, and I feel so lucky to be her mama. I’m also slightly envious of her natural long lashes…

We finished up our baby massage course which was such a beautiful bonding experience, and had a raw photoshoot with @emp_photography_families which I’m dying to see! I’ve had my fair share of coffees and banana bread with plentiful catch ups, and a whole lotta Pip snuggles (can never have too many). She also had her first Santa photos this month and didn’t cry, plus, she got to be a baby model for a beautiful brand @beforeeverkids launching their new baby range, tomorrow at 10 am AEST.

November has been all things nice, and I can only hope we can wrap up the final month of the year on a high.

Dinner with our dear friends at the new Thermidor restaurant.

Baby massage class.

A fabulous read for new mamas ft. scrumptious cookies by Sweet Graze – use code ‘Shanelle’ for 10% off.

Pretty romper by Before & Ever Kids.

First Santa photo.

Post baby massage snuggles.

Scrump-diddly-umptious!

A little selfie.

Another stunning romper by Before & Ever Kids.

Mummy & bubby snuggles ft. Christmas outfit.

Kisses,

thefairestofthemhall

Optimal October

Another month of adventures with my greatest adventure.

Our baby is shaping into her own little person each day and I just adore every precious moment with her.

Pip has met lots of new faces, usually grumble free, just like the social butterfly I anticipated her to be. She had her big girl needles and I cried like a little baby. We started going to a parents group and met so many other little babies.

Pip also attended her first wedding, and who better than the ‘Wild Ones’. We won a sleep package to help with bedtime when she moves to her cot, and her nursery is looking amazing thanks to her fairy godmama’s magic.

We’ve gone on walks by the river and even started an infant massage class, making our bond even stronger. I couldn’t recommend doing this more – it really is special, and she absolutely loves it!

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – it should be illegal to love a tiny human so much.

My precious Pip.

Pips nursery.

Fairy Pip.

Ohana.

Infant massage class ft. one very zen Pip.

Use ‘Shanelle’ for 10% off these delish cookies.

Walks along the riverside.

Sleep pack prize from Baby Bunting.

Daddy’s girl.

Sleepy Pip.

Kisses,

thefairestofthemhall

Sentimental September

These past few weeks have been by far my favourite. I’m in a gooey bubble of love and I don’t want it to ever stop.

I’ve had the privilege of getting to know my little Pip, but I’ve also been grieving as of late because she’s growing up so quickly.

People warn you that it goes by in a flash but you just don’t realise how fast those newborn weeks go, and before you know it the person you once knew, is changing and developing their little personality. This is also a beautiful thing to witness but it still doesn’t make it easier to process.

With the time my husband has had off we have tried to make the most of every moment. From finger painting, to spending time outdoors, to meeting lots of new people, and a day at the bay. Don’t worry, we’ve definitely had our fair share of home days too and they’re some of my most treasured. I can confidently say that I could (and have) watch her for hours on end.

I love my new life as a family of three and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us.

What have been some of your best moments this past month? Let me know in the comments.

Bee paintings for Pips nursery.

Family picnic outings.

Making memories.

Day at the bay with bae.

Family kisses.

T2 and bees, my fave.

Caught this cutie at a ‘wild’ hens.

The centre of our universe.

Cuddles with my little honey.

Bay day.

Kisses,

thefairestofthemhall

In Awe of August

Can you believe we’re in the eighth month of the year? I can almost smell the Christmas glazed ham!

August is now one of my most adored months, because we welcomed our baby girl, Pip into the world. She is the most precious little button, and we couldn’t be more in awe of her (and hence the title for this post!)

Last time I checked in with you all was a couple of days before my birthday, where I was so sure, our little Pip would steal the show. Thankfully she stayed in there a little longer and was quite comfy in there – she refused to come out!

With that, I got to enjoy one last birthday without our little cherub earth side, and it was definitely a day to remember. My husband took some time off work to spend the day with me and we decided to do a day trip to the bay. The morning began with some scrumptious brekky at the Little Nel, followed by a visit to the beach, breathing in the fresh, salty air and feeling the sand between our toes.

There’s nothing quite like a sunny winters day. The warmth on your skin, and the sounds of the ocean, while rummaging through seashells by the seashore. Absolute bliss!

Until next time… here are some happy snaps.

chai latte, the little nel.

the little nel, port stephens.

brekky with the hubby.

beach trip with our littlest love.

38 week bumpdate.

tiny baby feet.

Precious Pip, earth side.

Dad, Mum, Pip.

Last two images taken by the lovely Tori @followingbirth.

Kisses,

thefairestofthemhall

Jam-packed July

So, as I nervously type through every sharp pain I’m currently experiencing, I sit and ponder the impending arrival of our littlest love.

She may not be “due” for another few weeks, but I do worry she could be here any day now…

Her movements have become stronger than ever and her rolls and pushing down on my pelvic floor remind me that she’s prepping us for our ‘meet and greet’.

My birthday is only a couple of days away so that also gives her an incentive to come early. With that, July has been such a wonderful (not just because it’s my bday) and busy month.

From weddings, to babymoons, to circuses, to baby showers, and to me starting my maternity leave, it’s been pretty non-stop.

Anyways, check out some happy snaps below and if you don’t hear from me next month, you’ll know why.

Babymoon views.

Wedding vibes.

Circus Rio with our fave mime.

Baby shower, WOW Flowers.

34 week bumpdate.

Mum and dad selfies in the nursery.

Babymoon lovin’.

Three courses at The Mill Restaurant.

The Hughes’ Wedding.

Baby P showered with love.

Hot chocolate & dessert platter, VOCO HV.

36 week bumpdate.

Baby shower cake made by the MIL.

Balcony views, VOCO HV.

Kisses,

thefairestofthemhall

Hey June

Can you believe we’re already half way through 2023?

The year is passing by so quickly and there’s less than two months until the arrival of my littlest love! I had embraced the new changes of my growing bump with open arms, but the idea of birth still terrified me, that is until I found Tori from @followingbirth.

I recently attended a Hypnobirthing class and I’ve never felt more at peace with what’s to come. It was eye opening and made me see the beauty of birth. I can’t wait for the next class, and maybe some more delicious (and too-pretty-to-eat) cookies!

I’m also happy to report that I finally received my Diploma of Social Media Marketing after months of procrastinating and not thinking I’d ever cross the finish line – phew!

Even though this month has graced me with many blessings, it’s hasn’t been without it’s challenges (pregnancy included). I lost my dearest companion, Betty. She passed peacefully and unexpectedly, but I’m grateful that I had the chance to say my goodbyes. She was a beautiful lady, illuminated by her good spirits. I’m lucky I had the privilege to meet, know, and befriend her. She will forever hold a special place in my heart.

30 Week Bumpdate.

Hypnobirthing Class Day One.

Happy Nell with her Diploma.

32 Week Bumpdate.

Cute cookie.

The ‘Betty’ Rose.

Until next time.

Kisses,

thefairestofthemhall