The Rainbow Babes (2024)

27/11/2023

How are you already 7 months old? When they say the days are long but the years are short they aren’t lying. You are pure joy, our happy little Henny Penny ✨

27/10/2023

FAMILY TIME 🌈✨ Not many people would know that we held off on taking Nic’s parental leave until we finished the house build. Hendrix came early, Nic was straight back to work and as our build got pushed out further and further we could never have imagined it would take nearly 6 MONTHS until Nic could finally clock off for a few weeks. As her long awaited leave dwindled to an end we decided to spontaneously book a little family getaway and spend the last few days of leave at . It was EXACTLY what we needed after a crazy busy time. The kids were obsessed with the beach pool, and we ended up hiring a private charter boat for a couple of hours… which sounds bougie but was actually so affordable (and so worth it) with . We even had free live entertainment when the skipper (self titled ‘Uncool Neil’) jumped on his guitar and belted out some classics for us. Definitely some core memories made on this trip! We are super keen to book in another trip before the end of the year, so send your kid friendly suggestions! 🥰 🏝️

12/10/2023

YES 🖤💛❤️ Women should be consulted on women’s issues. LGBTQIA+ community should be consulted on LGBTQIA+ matters. And our First Nations community should most certainly be consulted on First Nations issues. It’s as simple as that. And it’s a hell YASSSS from this little rainbow fam 🙌

29/09/2023

HARLOW’S BIG BED ✨Someone is just a little bit excited about moving into their big bed! Not many people may know that we spent the last 2+ years sharing a bedroom with Harlow (and then Hendrix) while we waited for our house to be built. With the build being delayed way longer than we could have ever imagined, we’d put a hold on certain things but now we’re settling into our new normal and Harlow is so excited about not only her brand new room and big bed (goodbye porta-cot!), but also starting to tackle toilet training with full force. We’re using Little Boss Pads from to avoid the inevitable late night sheet changes from little accidents and keeping the new mattress pristine with their bamboo and cotton blend waterproof mattress protector. The pads absorb up to 2L of liquid (which comes in handy for our toddler that LOVES her liquids 😅), and are machine washable and easy-dry making them a much more sustainable choice for toilet training. We’re just getting started on this journey so if anyone has any toddler toilet training tips please send them our way!

25/08/2023

The babes ❤️🌈✨

10/08/2023

MT WELLINGTON ✨ Such a lovely time exploring chilly Mt Wellington with the kidlets. Harlow even got to live out her Frozen fantasy and see snow for the first time! Hendrix slept the whole time snuggled into his jacket and mama 😅

09/08/2023

Everywhere the light touches is your kingdom ✨

27/07/2023

NATIONAL PAIN WEEK 2023 - This was me back in May being admitted to hospital with my 14 day old newborn, and despite my self-deprecative goofy grin, this is me in the grips of a crippling pain flare. Unfortunately chronic pain doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care if you’re pregnant, and it sure as hell doesn’t care if you’re two weeks post-partum. It definitely doesn’t care if you haven’t slept in days, or if you’re in the grips of post-natal anxiety. It makes simple tasks feel like the biggest of feats and it can disable your confidence, autonomy and self-worth in one fine swoop. This is the everyday reality of the 3.6 million Australians living in chronic pain today, and why Nic and I work tirelessly to advocate for through our roles at (Kel as a Board member and Nic as President). Every year we run a national survey to chart data on the experience of those living with chronic pain and this years results were harrowing when it came to the emotional and mental toll of this invisible condition.

1 in 2 (yes 50%) of those with chronic pain have experienced suicidal ideation, while worryingly chronic pain disproportionately affects those in the LGBTQIA+ community. In fact a whopping 65% of those in the rainbow community have had thoughts of su***de at some point in their pain journey. This is not okay.

Sometimes talking about these statistics dehumanises the people behind these numbers. Stories about is where we connect and hopefully change hearts and minds. That’s why we’re asking people to show us how strong they are and share their stories for National Pain Week. And if you’re one of the millions struggling and need help please reach out - help is here.

24/07/2023

GOODBYE FOURTH TRIMESTER 🙌 We made it. And what an absolute little legend we have been blessed with. Our super chill little (or not so little 😅) dude loves his boobie, chatting and charming anyone he meets, and bloody ADORES his sister. Hendrix has already graduated to (and nearly from) 00 clothes and is one chunky monkey - and lucky he is so robust with hurricane Harlow around! He loves his big sister's attention (even when it involves being slingshot up and down in his bouncer, or smothered in cuddles) and often when we’re waiting for a cry for help he’ll simply stare up at us with a gaping toothless grin. You have your mama's big blue eyes, and it’s becoming way too obvious to ignore you have some seriously strawberry locks from your mummy’s side 🙈 You have stretched our hearts in ways we never thought possible. You are amazing, our little Henny Penny ❤️🌈✨

17/07/2023

This is T-W-O ✨❤️🌈

29/05/2023

THREE YEARS 💍✨🌈❤️

28/05/2023

❤️🌈✨

23/05/2023

has finally reached the mullet stage and I’m here for it 🙌 💯

17/04/2023

Introducing our little eager beaver, Hendrix Bobby making their way earthside a few weeks earlier than expected ✨🌈❤️ Mamas, bub and Harlow are all doing amazingly, and look forward to sharing more soon xx

11/04/2023

Seems like the Instagram pout is just as strong in this latest little padwan. Rainbow babe # 2 vs Rainbow babe # 1 👄

10/04/2023

Last birthday and weekend away as a family of 3. Happy birthday weekend to our rock and bring on the 3 week countdown to rainbow babe # 2 ❤️🌈✨

22/03/2023

34 WEEKS ✨🤰
Where has the bloody time gone? And how is it that in just over 5 weeks time we’ll have a newborn 😱 Having a toddler occupying us this time has definitely made the time go way faster, and it’s so interesting how different the pregnancy has been this time round. Although I managed to avoid much of the sickness I had the first time round, the last few weeks have posed their own unique challenges. Our growing little human is currently clocking in at 97th percentile for their size, and because of the extra work this is making for my heart I’ve developed a heart arrhythmia of all things. This has meant I’ve had to cut out triggers like coffee (which with a sleepless toddler has been interesting, haha) and try and reduce stress as much as possible (definitely a challenge while we navigate our tumultuous house build). I’ve found exercise actually helps a whole lot, so this time around I’ve been enjoying pregnancy yoga, and ducking out for a swim before work a couple of times a week (I’m the one in the slow lane with the oldies rocking my bad ass kickboard 😂). Despite exercising probably more than I have in YEARS, I’m currently 5 kilos over my birthweight with Harlow, but with over 5 weeks to go (eek). So now I’m finding any excuse to spend my days exclusively wearing my activewear (pretty much the only thing that’s comfortable and fits over my ever growing bump)! Did anyone else experience this with their second bub? Not sure if it’s a thing, or has my aging metabolism has finally given up 😅

Luckily is digging the curves 😘

14/03/2023

PREGNANCY GIVEAWAY ✨ Attention all pregnant mamas and parents to be! I’m giving away one of Australia’s first ever 100% Organic Pregnancy Pillows by sustainable baby brand 🙌

Valued at $149 and made with all-natural materials this is the only pregnancy pillow on the market that is free of endocrine disrupting plastic or polyester that is unhealthy for mum, bub and the planet.

I got to help develop this product alongside my own growing bump and it’s been a lifesaver for my lower back and pelvic pain, so very excited to share it with the world!

TO ENTER:
✨”Like” this post
✨ Tag a preggo friend
✨ Follow +
🙌 Bonus entry: Share this post to your story!

05/03/2023

That babymoon glow 👶✨

We had such an incredible time in beautiful Gubbi Gubbi country on Jinibara land, reconnecting with each other and enjoying some quality time before we welcome our newest little rainbow babe in a few weeks time.

We are so eternally grateful for our “village” who made this possible, taking care of for the weekend (who had the absolute time of her life), and allowing us mum-guilt free bliss.

Looking forward to sharing more soon 😘

28/02/2023

Showing off the lady lumps and baby bumps 😘

I can’t believe we’re less than 10 weeks away from meeting our newest little rainbow babe! As we get closer and closer to the business end we’re actively trying to introduce the idea that Harlow will be a big sister soon, and although she LOVES babies she isn’t overly wrapped with the idea that her mummies will be introducing a new little human into the family and is quick to whip out her latest catch phrase whenever we try to - a swift “no way”. Thanks daycare for that new one 😂 We’ve also been slowly introducing regular sleep overs with her Auntie and cuzzies who will be looking after her during our hospital stay, and while her mamas have struggled she’s been loving it! Go figure 😂 This weekend we’re making the most of some adult time and heading to the Sunshine Coast hinterland for a cheeky little babymoon. Here’s hoping there will be less tears this time (from us that is 🥲). What should we do with ourselves? We’ve definitely forgotten what free, leisurely and child-free time feels like! 😅

15/01/2023

Not even a broken radius and ulna can keep this little champion down 🥲

08/01/2023

More of this 🌞 and less of this 🏥 please, 2023 🙏

We’d thought 2022 brought its fair share of hospital visits to last us a good while, but unfortunately 2023 had other plans for us 😬 On the second day of the new year our cheeky little monkey broke both her radius and her ulna in her wrist 🙈 needless to say it’s been a week of cuddles, book reading and Bluey for us this week. LOTS of Bluey. If you’ve got recommendations on how to keep an energetic toddler entertained (and her cast dry) please send them our way! And maybe some wine for 😅

01/01/2023

BRING IN THE NEW ✨
I think I speak for a lot of us when I say 2022 was a weird year for a lot of us. Coming out of the COVID era and adjusting back to a new normal in itself represented a dichotomy of both excitement and exhaustion, and I guess that’s the lens we reflect back on the last leap around the sun with - a myriad of ups and downs, peaks and troughs, tribulations and triumphs. 2022 was marked with professional progression for both of us. For Kel it was choosing balance and a strictly purpose driven path when it comes to career, while Nic continued to kick goals in her work, the icing on the 2022 cake being an appointment to President of Chronic Pain Australia in Decemeber. Harlow thrived in her gorgeous Montessori daycare community, blossoming into a confident, independent and head strong toddler, and being parents to such an incredible little human has been our greatest gift and joy. But in many ways 2022 was also a year of set backs with some health scares and continued delays and conflicts with our new build. Despite this it was also one for setting some strong foundations for the year ahead. 2023 will be the year we’ll meet our newest little addition to the family, and when (hopefully) we’ll finally get to settle into our family home.

Things we’ve learned and want to bring into 2023:

✨ It’s important to live in the moment and cherish the time we have with family. Time goes way too fast and you can never get it back. I can’t believe how much our little baby has grown in just a short time!

✨Always find time for gratitude. We are so lucky for the life we live, and the family and friends we have. It’s good for the brain banana to remember this and find time to show gratitude every day, even on the low ones.

✨Trust your gut. Mothers intuition is always king. Don’t ever doubt yourself and always fight for what you feel is right.

✨Simplicity wins. This year we took a stronger stand for reducing our environmental impact on this earth, and we will continue to consume less, and more consciously into 2023 and beyond.

✨Continued in comments…

25/12/2022

🎄❤️🌈

25/12/2022

Santa baby 🎅

25/12/2022

Is Chrisbus 🎄🎁

20/12/2022

Our last Christmas as a trio 🥰🎄

Beyond excited to welcome another little rainbow babe, coming April 2023 🌈

05/12/2022

After a a bit of a rough trot as of late, it was nice to get a good reminder over the weekend of what’s truly important. So grateful to spend precious time with our fam bam ❤️

10/11/2022

LOW TOX LIVING 🍃Has anybody else read Low Tox Life by Alexx Stuart and had their minds totally blown?
As consumers Nic and I have long been committed to making more conscious, sustainable and natural choices, but it wasn’t until we started to begin our fertility journey again (and I started my role with sustainable and low tox baby brand Bubnest) that we started truly delving head first into learning about the chemical cocktail we live in, endocrine disrupting toxins and the true harm of plastics on our bodies and the environment. And once you learn these things, it’s very impossible to unlearn them!

We’ve always been committed to sharing sustainable and local brands we love, but after reading this book I now understand how much ‘green washing’ happens, and how many brands flaunt their products as natural or eco with pretty green packaging and organic looking typefaces, only to read on the label that they’re actually packed with so many nasties. It’s blown my mind! Our consumer choices have the opportunity to make a change, not only to our health but the planet, and we’re now even more motivated to only support brands and products that we 100% know are making a positive impact to our health and the planet.
And although it’s completely impractical to change everything at once, we’ve started the slow process of replacing our existing products with low tox versions that are both local and more sustainable. Our personal care products were definitely a priority for us to overhaul (considering you’re literally rubbing these chemicals into your skin), and we were so stoked to discover local brand who are all natural, vegan and a zero waste company. The products are free from all the nasties you should stay well away from - parabens, phthalates, SLS, PEGS, tricolosans, and instead 100% natural and organic ingredients. They also donate a portion of their profits to charity which is always a winner in our books - purpose before profit is something to always celebrate. If you want to give them a go, they have generously given us a discount code of 15% off (just use code ). Way to go guys!

30/10/2022

Fam bam 💚

03/10/2022

Squishy in the middle 🐙🌈

30/09/2022

Running into the long weekend like… 🏃‍♀️

26/09/2022

Sometimes you don’t know how much you needed something until you do ❤️

What a magical few days exploring the Gubbi Gubbi country ☀️ 🏖 🍍 Thanks Albo (and Queenie) for the unexpected public holiday that allowed this to happen 😘

11/09/2022

Cute weekend shenanigans with cuties ✨ 🍃

05/09/2022

Making the most of hospital outpatient appointments, with Southbank adventures with our brave little human ☀️🌈 Thank you to everybody who sent their thoughts and well wishes to and our little family last week. Our little trooper is on the mend and we love and appreciate you all ❤️

01/09/2022

PNEUMOCOCCAL SEPSIS ✨ Without a shred of doubt, the last five days have probably been the some of the scariest as a parent, if not in our whole lives. After a week of what we thought was just teething, a runny nose and a slight daycare cough, everything went from 0 to 100 when Harls’ temperature shot to over 40 and her breathing became laboured and shallow. We didn’t skip a beat calling 13SICK and were so grateful when a doctor arrived within 15 minutes. After a quick examination the doctor validated our concerns and we went straight to the Queensland Children’s Hospital. It was midday on a Saturday in the emergency department, filled to the brim with weekend sports injuries, influenza and gastro, so we knew we’d have a wait in front of us. Three and a half hours in and Harlow was going stir crazy, so we found a little secret outdoor playground tucked away on Raymond Terrace, while Nic slugged it out in the overflowing waiting room (still recovering herself from the last bout of daycare illness) surrounded by coughing, spluttering and children vomiting. Harlow on the other hand was having the time of her life. She may have been febrile but you wouldn’t have known it by looking at her. She laughed as she bounced up and down on the play equipment, and insisted on being escorted up and down the slide. At one point I texted Nic with a photo of Harlow (scroll to the next photo) and asked, ‘Do you think she’s actually fine to go home?’ Luckily being the good healthcare professional she is, Nic insisted we’d come this far and we may as well see it through to the end. And thank f**k we did… [CONTINUED in next post]

25/08/2022

THEY SEE ME ROLLIN’ ✨ 🚙 In Tongan culture, there is extra special importance around celebrating a 1st birthday. So unsurprisingly, Uncle Peni and Auntie Gab went a bit extra when it came to picking Harlow’s birthday present this year. No complaints from this little Motörhead 🙈 🚙

09/08/2022

meets her maker Pt.2 - taken one year apart 🙌 Always a pleasure to catch up with baby maker extraordinaire Dr at the sparkly new HQ ✨ Exciting things to come… 🙈

29/07/2022

NATIONAL PAIN WEEK ✨ Scroll to the next photo. This was me, seven years ago, after my second laparoscopy. It was a mammoth six hour surgery, that intricately removed endometrial tissue that had ravaged its way through my insides, from my bowel to my bladder - all the way up to my kidneys. It was one of the worst cases the specialist had seen, and after this photo came the long period of chronic pain, frustration, and ongoing recovery that any endo sister would know way too well. Scroll to the next photo and a year and a half later (following an endless cycle of appointments with a plethora of health professionals from pelvic physiotherapists to gastroenterologists), I was finally on my road to recovery and as fate would have it I met my future wife - . Nic was a clinical pharmacist who specialised in (wait for it) multidisciplinary pain management and although I kept my diagnosis a secret from her for some time (chronic pain isn’t exactly the sexiest conversation starter) eventually the cat was out of the bag the first time she lay witness to a severe flare that came out of nowhere. I was ashamed, and I was scared, and I dreaded her reaction. Why would someone who spends their day with chronic pain patients, want to go home to one every night? Nic may have even shared this same thought for a split second also, but what ensued was a path of learning and growth for both of us. While Nic educated me on the pathophysiology of pain and set me on a new path of recovery and self-management, this new lived experience enriched Nic’s understanding of her practice and pushed her forward as a practitioner. Flash forward to today, and we both sit on the Board of Chronic Pain Australia - bringing our lived experience as a health consumer and health practitioner and giving visibility to an invisible condition. This week is National Pain Week 2022 and we’re advocating for AAA standards of care - Awareness, Accessibility and Affordability. It’s not everyday you get to try and change the world with the love of your life! 🙌 If you or someone you know lives with Chronic Pain please get in touch or tag them in this post - you are not alone ♥️

25/07/2022

Such a quaint and cute weekend cuddling animals, feeding turtles and basking in cuzzy love 🦙🐢❤️🌈

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