Blood Sucking Animals

The story of kindy ended like this.

She had a 30 minute sleep after the Bonjella was applied. Then after some lunch and water, she stayed upset and/or crying. I was called again to say it wasn't going well. I got to Kindy about 12.30pm. She wouldn't let me go and was quite shaken.

We will further discuss our options over the weekend and make the final decision on Monday, but I think we will cease Kindy for Zali for a few months and hopefully down the track things will be better. Only thing is I was *so* looking forward to that day to myself. Sniff.

Caleb had a spectacular day. As usual. For dinner Caleb had a cheeseburger and small chocolate milkshake and Zali had a few hot chippies. We had scrambled eggs on toast. I didn't want to cook.

Today, I had two leeches. They followed me around and wanted attention and cuddles and to play outside, swing, Hi-5, Wiggles, biscuits, swing, Wiggles, water, Milo, swing, colouring, trains, and on and on. They could not do a thing alone, they *needed* me alllllll day. Zali is cranky, not sure whether she is still getting over kindy, is having movement in her gums or is just cranky. She has a runney nose, Caleb has runney nose and cough. That is why he wasn't at Little School today, I didn't want to share the germs with the other kiddies.

Right now they are in bed. Thank. you. My plan is to update this (nearly done) and then scrapbook - wahoo! And have some water. Thirsty.

Okey, will go check on my sweet little leeches and then scrap away. Enjoy your Friday night.

Go Outside and Play

I had a wonderful breakfast yesterday with my gorgeous friend Jill. She was up for a week visiting, she moved to a little coastal town in New South Wales earlier in the year. It was so nice to see her and talk to her and see her beautiful face. I miss her. She rocks.

Zali had a wonderful day at the shops. She was an angel all morning, very happy to stay in her pram. We were home before lunch, she was ready to crawl and play and chat then and wondered around the house happily.

Caleb had a great day at Little School. He is loving the bus, he runs out to it excited to get on. They had a motorcycle policeman visit yesterday. I am excited when the bus arrives in the afternoon, I can't wait to see him again. I wave frantically (the bus driver probably thinks I am a bit of a tool) and love seeing his little face with the bus doors glide open. He sits next to the door, he can easily see us waiting.

We went out the backyard to play. The kids had a swing and then explored the yard. I think Zali ate some grass and/or dirt (as usual) and Caleb drunk his warm Milo.

Beautiful weather at the moment. Nice being outside and just playing.

The kids had mince and teddy bear pasta for dinner. Caleb had a scoop of chocolate icecream and Zali had some strawberries. We had rissoles and salad.

My throat is feeling yucky, fingers crossed I don't get another throat infection. Kids are off at kindy today. Caleb had a bit of a runney nose, but he was so excited to see Riley, I didn't want to keep him home. Just had a call from Zali's teacher. She isn't settling well. She didn't eat morning tea, isn't interested in her water, and won't sleep on her own. She asked if there was anything else she could do. She will try Bonjella on her gums, there has been some movement of toothies lately, and will call again if she doesn't improve.

I hate to think she is upset and crying, but I really need a break. If she needs me, I will be there immediately of course. I wanted to spend today on my own and scrapbook. Just for me. I am organising some photos and doing some prep work at the moment, hoping to create some pages soon. I have cleaned up my scrap area and that feels really good.

Will have a Gloria Jeans Mudslide filter coffee and then get back to it (and wait for a potential kindy call). I think I am officially a member of Liz's Coffee Snob Club. Instant coffee no longer appeals! Hope you have enjoyed your morning coffee's Liz!

Amy's Family

I took some photos on Sunday for the happy little family. Aren't they cute? How happy and proud does Mummy and Daddy look!

Am glad they are happy and enjoying being parents. Amy is a lucky little girl to have them, she has chosen her family wisely.

Tea

Had little crumbed chicken pieces with salad for dinner. I crumbed them. They were yummy. Followed by homemade custard and banana. Now it is time for a cup of tea. But I am putting that off a few minutes, just to say hi.

Hi.

My car was a bit sick this morning. Had to have a man come and fix it. Thankfully only some brushes of some sort, but it is always nasty having to pay an unexpected expense like that. Yuck. I am getting a sore throat now, and yucky cough. Nothing to do with the previous health 'issewe' on Monday. Will gargle salty water before bedtime.

My husband is lapping it up at a big flash conference dinner and staying at Jupiters Casino tonight. Alright for some isn't it.

Now, my cup of tea.

Ew

I very sick today. Yesterday I had a headache which wouldn't budge. Throughout the night it turned into a migraine. I got up just before 6am with Caleb, went downstairs and threw up. Took a bucket with me into the lounge so I could sit with him. I took a couple of tablets to relieve the unbelievable pain I was suffering. And threw up. Caleb sat and watched. Tablets are *so* disgusting, even worse than having to swallow them.

He points in the bucket 'What is that?'
'Vomit' I groaned.

I went straight back to bed and Adrian took over, just as Zali was waking. I thankfully went to sleep after all blinds were closed and minimal light coming from anywhere.

A few hours later I took the bucket downstairs to return to it's rightful place and Caleb came waltzing over. 'Oh, bomip!' he says proudly.

Love Them

These lot. I love them. Very dearly. With all my heart. Because of them I am a better person.

Zali's little face makes me laugh - lord knows what was going on to get that reaction. I love photos, I love memories, I love looking back on photos, I love capturing an instant and being able to go back to that time through the photographs to always remember.

Tonight we had dinner at the Wynnum Tavern for Kerry's birthday. It was nice, had a huge kids playroom which would get crazy at times. I had a well done rib fillet with dianne sauce, fat crunchy chips and caesar salad. I really enjoyed it. I don't eat a lot of steak these days. Sort of gone off it, plus it easy much easier with the kids to eat beef mince or chicken and that stuff. Had myself a lemon, lime and bitters. Nice. Hit the spot. Adrian had a medium rump steak with dianne sauce, fat crunchy chips and caesar salad. And coke.

Why is it pubs and taverns and clubs still have that certain 'smoking' smell inside? There isn't any smoking allowed, but your clothes still smell. What is with that? I remember back in my young years coming home from a night out and my clothes would reek with all the smells they had sucked up. It was great to have a shower and wash all the yucky off.

I am so tired and am thinking the markets in the morning will be a little hard to get up for. Hope it ain't raining. Just let me get my market shopping done, then it can rain all it likes. Actually, I also need a good drying day for the clothes. We have been drying them on racks in the house, but everything takes so long to dry properly.

Have a nice night. I need a drink of water. I love water.

Not On Top

Of my game, that is.

I didn't send out a huge Happy Birthday to my cute, sweet friend Kerry! I sent her text, I thought about her during the day, but Wednesday, 22 August 2007 I should have uploaded this post. My bad.

She is fun. And good at blowing bubbles.


She is honest and supportive and helpful and caring and reliable and nice and very thoughtful and a great mummy. She is a sweet person.

and Caleb loves her too. She plays, she rocks. She can teach Zali how to be a rockin' chick.

Happy Birthday Kerry! Looking forward to dinner.

I Think You Call This a Rant?

I always try to get the kids in their new clothes to make sure they are the best fit before I remove the tags. I would prefer to go up a size and get a bit longer wear if something does not have a little growing room. Zali got some lovely clothes for her birthday, and here she is modelling some.

Firstly down the catwalk (back fence) Zali has on a Bonds denim skirt with back stitching detail. Part of the new 'layering' range from Bonds is this delicately soft and precious long sleeve top. Perfect fit, thank you Janene, Jim and Amy. Lovely choice.

The back view looks so cute (wish I could say that about me!). Yes, huge tags bulging out. You would be happy to know they are now removed.

Next is the lovely spotted pants-suit from Kerry, Damo and Riley. The back view shows more detail like the frilled hem, cross-over back and matching pink spotted belt with white trouser. The little curls just make it all a bit cuter. Again, great fit, thanks guys!

See this little girl above? Do you think she is an overweight, hefty girl with obvious eating problem, who *must* sit around sedentary all day in front of the television watching soaps and eats lollies, chocolates, chips and cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner accompanied by Coke? And have you read/heard from various media outlets about the increase in eating disorders and the like? Keep all this in mind when I say this . . .

(p.s. did I mention I am livid?)

Doctor Fantastic has said she needs to trim down and vary her diet, if she doesn't she will need to visit a dietician. Did I mention she is TWELVE MONTHS OLD!

We need to get on top of it now so she doesn't begin bad habits, he says. Forget the fact she is not walking. Forget the fact that she doesn't eat most fruits and yoghurt due to an intolerance which produces big rashes over her face. Forget the fact that she has consistently been on the top of the scale for growth, which has very much slowed and she is starting to lose some bubby fat. We know, we are the ones who cuddle her!

I am *not* listening to this jacka#%^ called a doctor, he can stick his opinion up his stethescope. She is a cuddley, healthy, happy BREASTFED baby. Yes, she still has heaps of breastmilk, by her own choice, did he consider this chapter in her little story? She has not weaned off her milk and loves it to death. She has half to one weetbix for breakfast, a vegemite sandwich and banana for lunch and dinner is some sort of concoction of meat, vegies and pasta. Snacks include things like arrowroots, bananas, custard, hot chips occasionally, and drinks heaps of water. She is not a huge eater, Caleb ate way more in comparison.

And what does this mean for me? Am I not responsible in her care? Is it the fat mother who overfeeds her child? Can I not be trusted - oh hang on, I already have one healthy trim child, but no, I don't have any idea what I am doing.

I reminded him she doesn't eat much fruit due to her rashes. Have you tried apple and pear, he says. Am I a freakin idiot? How many times have you examined this child? Shoot me now, I need to be put out of my misery.

The fact is, if a twelve month old child is being judged and controlled (before they can even walk!), we live in a very very sad and pathetic society. Give her a chance.

I hope in six months when she is running around and lost all her chubby and is still a loving, happy, healthy girl, I can look back at this and laugh. Right now, I just want to smack him hard and give my little girl a hug.

Summary: when she is walking/running, she will burn off some chubby. Within the next few months she will no longer be drinking the fatty breastmilk. When she handles and tolerates more fruits and yoghurt and whatever else, she will have these included in her menu. This isn't brand spanking new research I am discovering. Any idiot could work that out.

Am I making sense here? Is anyone on my side, or do you all think I am a porky idiot mother who should have child services remove both the children before she can do any more damage.

Tagged

My beautiful friend JustJill sent me this so when she put my name for the person most likely to complete I felt I must take up the challenge. So hear goes!

Two names you go by
1. MMUUUUMMM
2. Spunk-a-rella

Two things you are wearing right now:
1. Snot covered jimmie shirt
2. Red lacey thong (ha! just kidding. it is blue.) snigger snigger.

Two of your favorite things to do:
1. Hangin' with my family
2. Scrapbooking - the order of these can vary

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. a holiday at the beach
2. sleep

Two favourite pets you have had/have:
1. Monkey
2. Poodle. Cause they are stuffed and don't make a mess and don't require much attention. And they keep the kids happy and entertained. Even if Zali bites their noses.

Two people who will fill this out:
1. Ida
2. Kate

Two things you ate today:
1. roast chicken
2. chocolate

Two people you last talked to:
1. Mel
2. Mum

Two things you're doing tomorrow:
1. Waving goodbye to Caleb going to Little School on the bus
2. Putting drops in Zali's eyes to clear up her nasty conjunctivitis

Two longest car rides:
1. Roma to Darwin (not that I can remember that, was only young)
2. Brisbane TO Townsville

Two favourite holidays:
1. Tasmania
2. Caloundra

Two favorite beverages:
1. Coffee
2. Water

Now, here's what you're supposed to do ... And please do not spoil the fun. Copy this into your own blog or email. Delete my answers and type in your own. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, don't forget to include me.

My. House.

Is. A. Mess.

There is so much to do. And I don't want to do it.

I need to vacuum and mop. I need to clean the back sliding door . . . after we drew all over it with coloured pens (they were glass writing pens, don't worry!). I need to unpack the dishwasher. I need to clean the kitchen bench and throw out the junk mail that is resembling the leaning tower of pizza. Now the cot is removed from our room, I need to clean and refresh our room. The study has stuff *everywhere*. Most of it mine and I am running out of space to put something. And my space to put something to remember where I put it? Well, anything in that space-to-put-things-to-remember is getting buried and lost. The lounge and 'play-room' looks like hurrican dean has come through our house heading to the carribean. Walking through you hope your unprotected delicate foot does not hit a nasty little pointy object called a toy.

Better stop talking about it (which is much easier) and do something. Kids are down for a sleep, both tired after getting me up at . . . . wait for it . . . 3.45am. Problem is I won't get to nap to make up for the lost sleep. Grrr. Hang on, better go see if there are actually asleep. If they, I think I might organise some photos to print. Only cause that is quiet and I won't wake the little darlings. And maybe cause I don't want to clean my house.

Catch Up

Hmm, I think I will give an update in point form. Been tired and my get-up-and-go has got-up-and-gone. My brain needs a 'choke' button like the old cars. Something to help the poor thing start to tick over.

• Have I already mentioned that Zali was a little unsettled after her first day of kindy. Sort of like she was worried I would leave her again. Oops. It will happen again sweety.
• Friday Caleb wasn't too keen to hop on the bus to go to school. I thought he had the whole thing sussed and his settling in period was extremely short. Turns out he was up at 4am (thankfully went in to visit Grandma) and by bus time he was really tired. He was upset cause he wanted to sleep, and I was told he went to sleep quickly on the bus. Hmm. He perked up real quick driving up our street, the carer said he definitely knew he was nearly home.
• Thursday night we went over to Baby N Things at Mt Gravatt and picked up Zali's pet. A little pink poodle. Very cute. That reminds me, I need to photograph before it gets worn and dirty. Will show you another day. Caleb has long had 'monkey' and he has 'issews' if Zali so much as breathes on it, so got her own. It is all good now, one each. Caleb brings poodle over for Zali and he has monkey.
• Zali had immunisation on Friday. She had a nap, we had morning tea (she rubbed vegemite all over her nice trousers), she changed her outfit and we headed off to the doctor's. Three needles this time. She did not cry. Yep, you read it right. She did *not* cry. I wanted to squeeze and hug her so tight cause I was so proud of her, even better that I wasn't crying and it was all good. Straight after I stood her up on my legs and she starts bouncing up and down with a big smile. Lordy! I think she has had some after effects over the afternoon and weekend though, quite miserable at times.
• Today we moved her cot. She has lived her entire life in our bedroom (and most of that in our bed). Now she likes her cot and is sleeping in there all the time. I figured it was a good time to keep the change going and moved the kids in together. Caleb was very happy to have Zali moving in. Zali had no idea, so I will just assume she was *very* excited! Because it has been over a year having her close to me, in a sad and pathetic way it feels a little like she has moved out of home. Well, I did say pathetic. When they had gone to bed, I went into my room and . . . turned on my lamp and read two pages of an old magazine. I felt rebellious! I haven't turned on my lamp for so long, I wouldn't want to wake the baby. And a magazine? Well, they are always old cause it takes forever for me to get to read them. I think I might have to return to said bedroom and turn on said lamp and read a few more pages of said magazine. I live on the edge! Fingers crossed the first night goes well.

Not sure if that is a total catchup, I have heaps of photos, but there is always another day. Enjoy your day.

Waddaya think?

Just playing around a little tonight. Again, very tired, can't really concentrate. Really want to be doing some scrapbooking, but haven't got much steam to move to the next table and 'create'. I have added a little piccie up the top . . . what do you think? Does it look a little blurry to you? My eyes are burning, and can't squeeze them together to focus. I am asking you instead. The photos themselves are crystal clear, so it must be the dumb end user (me) who has done something wrong when creating my little masterpiece.

Chow.

First Day Of ...

Kindy! Zali headed off for her first day of kindy at the same child care centre that Caleb attends. She has a new bag, which unintentionally matched her shirt today.



She went ok. They said she played, ate, did normal things. But she got tired, she slept while being nursed . . . but not when she was lowered into the cot. Ooops. I picked her up at 1pm - half day on her first day. She was crying, I think getting overtired, and she had just been put on the ground after a fresh nappy. Uh-oh. Zali went to sleep in the car on the way over to see Janene and Amy. She didn't sleep for a long time but she was definitely brighter when she woke up. What fixed everything was some comfort milk (and/or suck). She was a different child when she had finished. It truly is her most favourite place to be in the whole wide world. At some point it must come to an end. Hmmm.

I got to see Amy's eyes! Egad! She does actually have some! I have only ever seen her sleeping, but I can confirm she does have ownership of two little eyes. Phew.

She is a lovely little package. So tiny. Once your baby has left this newborn stage, it is *so* hard to remember/imagine them being so tiny.

I think her hair is growing. I am thinking she may need a trim by the time she hits one month old. Serious. This girl has some serious hair going on. Can't wait to see a cute little clip in it.

Zali and I headed over to pick up Caleb at kindy. He had a lovely day and was very excited to see us. Zali got a kiss and cuddle. I got a cuddle (ok, I couldn't bend down for a kiss, I am old and brittle remember?!). He was still very cuddley and friendly inside his room, more cuddles and kisses for Zali as I packed up his stuff. It was cute.

We headed across the road and everyone got an icecream at McDonalds. The kids loved them.

Love them? Zali adores them. I think I might only get them cause I love how she looks afterwards. Is this bad of me?

Very tired. We been up since 5am. Better let my head rest on my cushy pillow, it won't be long before 5am rolls around again.

Egad!

I am looking at what we have coming up in the next month. And the next. I realise it is only a few short months until Christmas. Holey toledo, where has the year gone. The days just slip past so fast. This week is more or less a write off with sickness hanging around.

Who likes the word ... budget? Nope? Me, either. It must be done, and I must try to stick to it. Only a few months left until Mel and Brent's wedding. November. That means haircuts, a dress, makeup, shoes, hair styling, accommodation, present, hens and bucks nights, Brent's 30th birthday, as well as Adrian having holidays (if he will put in the holiday form at work, grrr!). Hoping Adrian's suit will be fine, but it would be really nice if we could get away for a few days. Hmm, not sure on that one. Seems like a waste of holidays sitting around home the entire time. I will definitely like some of that, but a week at the beach would be marvellous!

I will be able to suck in one or two breaths and we will hit December. Party month, Christmas shopping, with more hot little dollars slipping through my fingers. I really need to write a Christmas shopping list. I really need to *stick* to my Christmas shopping list.

Back to August. Getting way too ahead of myself. Better tidy up a few papers in front of me and hit the sack. Big day tomorrow. Will report back with photos. Hmm, got you intrigued?

Cherub Part II

The Cherub was very happy to get out of the car and be at home. She was given her present from Grandma - a cool Fairies flip-out sofa. She fits perfectly!


Her loving big brother had arrived home from Little School. He had a great day and was ready to join in with the presents. He gave Cherub a soft pink My Little Pony. Very cute.



Cherub like her My Little Pony very much.

Afternoon tea was caramel slice, citrus tart with hot coffee. We adjourned to the backyard for a few wheelies and burnouts. Only joking! We don't want to dirty the clean white tyres on the first day!

Cherub played High Five with Grandma, and went for a stroll over to the swing.



Cherub *loves* to go high on the swing. The wind picks up her little curls, her eyes light up and the smile is amazing. Pure fun.

Warm home-made lasagne for dinner, followed by a sweet ripe banana. Mummy, Grandma, Caleb and Cherub went for a quick drive to get fuel, check the post box and pick up some hot chippies. Cherub was tired and didn't want to drive. When we got home Aunty Sheree, Uncle David, Campbell and Finn had arrived. Kisses for all, bath time for Cherub.

In our quiet, softly lit bedroom Cherub had some warm sweet milk and a chillout. She nodded off to sleep and enjoyed the familiarity and comfort of her cot.

Goodnight sweet Cherub. We love you dearly.

Princess for a Week

Well, I think it will take about a week to share all the photos from Zali's extended celebrations for her first birthday. I will commence this story on Friday, 10 August 2007. Her actual birthday.

Once upon a time, there lived a sweet little cherub. After a 6am-ish feed, she continuued to sleep until 10am (holy cow batman!). Which was fantastic as her mother could get her brother ready and on the school bus, on time! The mother was extremely proud of her son, who she carried onto the bus, where he sat calmly in his seat, having his seat belt fastened. There was a kiss goodbye and I love you. No tears, no upset-ness. It was all good. Again, very proud of her little boy.

When the little cherub awoke, she joined Mummy and Mel downstairs. Mummy wheeled out her first present. A rockin' cool pink/blue/white trike! Complete with tassles and basket! She loved this from the minute she saw it. Thanks Nan, Pop, Uncle Kelly, Aunty Teagan and Uncle Alex.
A quick breakfast of Weetbix, sipper cup filled with water.
Everyone dressed and ready to go out. Cherub gives Mel a cuddle (awww, how sweet!), and the three ladies head off to Westfield Chermside for a little shopping.
Kikki-K was very nice. *Very* nice. Cherub starts getting restless, wanting some milk, lunch, and maybe a little time out of her chariot.

The Cherub gets her wish, drinks her milk in a private child's area, and adjourns for her main meal to the foodcourt. She sticky-beaks, eats hot chippies, vegemite sandwiches, banana and completes the sitting with room temperature water.
Mummy and Mel continue to browse the shops, and at a stop in Borders (mmm, nice), Cherub decides this to be a good time to nap. After some napping, more browsing, and some sore & tired feet (and bodies - hey, I ain't no spring chicken!), we load up the car and start to head home.
Car ride seems to take forever. You know, coming from the other side of the earth back to civilisation called The South Side. Cherub is getting a little fed up driving, she wants some cuddles, some attention (obviously some more presents!) and to roam free like a lion.
As your eyes start to feel heavy and tired, you see that it is very late. While this story is extremely interesting and exciting, you decide to read the next chapter tomorrow night.

The Big Oh-One

That is right. My tiny little baby has matured into a little girl, who turned one today! Listen to me, matured, hmpf. Though she has changed and grown and developed and is now a real little cheeky character. We had a lovely day. She slept till about 10am, then we shopped and shopped and dropped. Us three girls (our lovely friend Mel included) took an adventure holiday all the way over to the north side and the little corner shop called Westfield Chermside. Holy cow, Batman! As a first time visitor, a little overwhelming.

Anyhoo, just a gorgeous kissey, cuddley birthday wish for my little cutie patootie Zali. Will talk more about her with my post after her small 'do' on Sunday.

Off to bed, big weekend ahead. Love to all.

Is That It?

Is that the bus? Nope, just a car. Caleb was so excited that the bus was coming. We were all ready for little school. We went out to the driveway with the carseat, monkey, new Thomas backpack and the official photographer had her camera.

Wednesday. 8 August 2007. First day on the school bus. Mummy's heart was racing and a little scared. Caleb waited, excitedly.



Caleb got a new Thomas backpack to celebrate this big step. Plus it had the lunchpack hinged to the front, easy to keep together. Can you see how weighted down the huge bag is on his little body? The bag is near empty, his lunchpack is chockas with food.

Anyway, the bus turns up, the close it got up the driveway, the more Caleb started to worry. I helped the driver, lovely lass called Lynette, install the carseat. When it was time for Thomas backpack and monkey to get on the bus, Caleb decided this was a bad idea and turned and headed for the house. Uh-oh.

I carried (he cuddled) him and we got on the bus together. By this stage I realised I was a damn idiot to think I could actually get decent photos of this new adventure. My heart started to melt as I had to hold him in his seat to do up the belt. He was unsure of what was happening, new people were in the bus, hadn't met the driver or carer before, all too much for a little boy. I said I would wait beside the bus and wave and gave him monkey to cuddle. He sat right next to the window and would have had a great view. I love you Caleb, and off I went to wave. Ok, I had to leave because I was about to burst into tears and didn't want him to see me upset. I wanted him to know that this was all good and fun and a new adventure. I stood and waved, tears welling. Bye bye bus. Bye Caleb, have a nice day at little school.

I walked inside, and sobbed so hard. I felt I couldn't cry hard enough for the mixed feelings I had inside. Tears and snot were flowing fast, my body shook and I felt sick. Have I done the right thing. Adrian gave me big hug and said he would be right, he is a big boy. Noooo, he is only threeeeeeee I sobbed.

I had these similar doubts and feelings of guilt and agony, missing my child and wanting to hold him again, when he had his first day of little school. His tears makes it harder for me, my only want is for my children to be happy and loved and safe. It took 2 weeks of little school for my boy to do a 180 and love it. He has started to run inside to see the teachers and his new friends. I think the same will happen with the bus. I need to give it time, for his sake and for mine.

His teacher rang me about 8.45am. They are very nice and very caring, and knew I was feeling a little hesitant and protective and scared. I was given an update: he settled down well on the bus, the carer sat next to him the entire way. When he got to little school, he was happy to see his teacher. They meet downstairs where the bus comes in and the teacher takes them to their class room. He was happy in his room and had a wonderful day. He didn't show any signs of anxiety about returning to the bus. All very nice news to hear.

Zali and I waited on the front lawn for the bus to come home. I was so excited to hear the bus (if I could have taken my own photo of excitedly waiting for the bus, like Caleb was this morning, I woulda!) and waved. The windows are very darkly tinted, however I thought there was little movement from his seat and wondered if he was asleep. Yep. His teacher put him on the bus, and sat with him while they loaded up the other children. He was asleep shortly after the journey began.

He was relieved to see me, but a little cranky cause he was woken up. We sat together and had some cuddles and watched Hi-5.

For the entire day I felt sick and had a killer headache. It is tough being a parent, but I love my job thoroughly.

Tonight when I read Caleb his stories in bed, we talked about the bus trip in the morning to little school. He seemed happy. Fingers crossed it is a smidge bit easier than yesterday. Adrian is away for work, so I will have no soft place to fall when I melt again. I will try and be strong.

RIP

My mother-in-law loves to cook. She loves to make food for our parties. It is wonderful and we really appreciate her time and effort. We will be having a party soon for our little girl. Debbie made little girl biscuits. The plan included me, I was going to decorate the little girls. Debbie arranged a courier to ship our 'fragile' little girls to me in Brisbane.

This is how the little girls turned up this morning at 7.50am at our front door.

Broken.

Heads and arms. Heads. Skirts. Crushed skirts. There were only three little girls, of which Caleb grabbed one and broke in half. Two little girls remained. Uh-oh.

I call Debbie. 'How many little girls did you make?'

'Don't know, it was a double batch'

'Hmm, well, only two little girls are safe and in one piece'

'Oh. I will make more tonight'.

What? She is a woman of *steel* I tell you! I would have said, well, bugger that, not making any more.

The box said Fragile all over it. Adrian said that really means 'Kick Me!'

Rest in Peace you broken little girls.

Jimmies

I spent the entire day in my jimmies. I didn't get much of a chance to have a shower and put some clothes on, or when I did get a mere 30 milliseconds, I was trying to organise our tax return. Eck!

Wasn't real hard, just one of those awful jobs that you delay for as long as possible. I can't delay it any longer though, cause I want to know what our return will be. Have made an appointment to go to the accountant tomorrow afternoon, cause Adrian is away most of the week again for work. Doh!

That means Mummy has to bath the angels! Doh! They laugh too much, they splash too much, they move too much, they enjoy it too much. I am a miserable old grump aren't I! Zali does her ballet practice while waiting for the bath. Holding on to the bathtub, she raises up on her tippies, and down. Up on tippies, and down. In the bath, she holds on to the tap and drops down to crouch, and up. Drops down to crouch, and up. Oh to be young and agile!

Afternoon tea today was mandarin and banana. I cut up the banana into nice bite-size pieces. I skinned the mandarin, removed all white frilly stuff and cut the large slices in half. (*Note: I do not peel grapes!) C and Z each had a bowl. Zali was like a vacuum with the banana, Caleb said 'no banana' and quickly removed all trace of the little yellow delight. Caleb was like a vacuum with the juicy mandarin, Zali had a tiny piece and was red and splotchy in milliseconds. Oops, no nice juicy mandarin for that sensitive little woman.

Need some water, will leave you with this cool photo of Caleb playing in the water at Wellington Point (late May 2007). Chow.

Jumpy

First up I headed over to Taringa to talk to the dressmaker about our bridesmaid's dresses with Mel (the bride) and Sonia (the other bridesmaid). Mum was my taxi driver. Cause Adrian took the kids to a party . . . .

For Mr Riley! He turned three on Wednesday, but we all visited today to help him celebrate. It was a lovely day, Kerry and Damo did a great job. Thanks for having us!
Kerry made his '3' cake as a little race track with cool cars. The cars were *not* edible, but Zali tried anyway.
Here is the happy little family, they are cute.
Guess what? They had a little jumping castle! The kids absolutely loved it. Round and round and jump and jump and round and bang and crash and push and tackles. Trying to get a nice photo of four three year olds? Have a go at that Mission: Impossible, Mr Bond! From left: Oscar, Quinn, Riley and Caleb.

The jumping castle had jumpy on one side, and a slide on the other. Weeeeeeeeeeeee.
We played games. And ate chocolate frogs! Caleb was lucky and scored the first unwrapping and scored a frog . . . which he kindly handed over to his little sister. Awww, how sweet! He must have known what was happening and waited till his turn came around again and scored a Furry Friend!
When going home we were given a little take home box full of goodies. See . . .

(oh, can you also see a little thief coming in to grab a box while I busy taking the shot?)

Right now I am sitting here drinking a hot cup of coffee and eating chocolate frogs. Noice. They go together. Like Steak and Diane, or mince and spaghetti, or Fred and Ginger.

Anyway, after the party this morning, we came home and had a small lunch of vegemite sandwiches and banana. And slept. Caleb, Zali and I had a *big* sleep. It was Grrrrreat!

Have run out of coffee and run out of chocolate frogs. Must be off then, need to play with some scrapping and try and have an early night. Sunday morning means markets and early out of bed! Good night.

The Master Tradesman

This morning while Zali was eating her Weetbix, Caleb was fixing Grandma's esky. By the way, the esky wasn't broke, must have needed a service. Luckily he got a wonderful power tool set for this birthday, and had the equipment for the job. He is very safety conscious and always wears his protective goggles. Even at times when he has no power tool or job to do, just cause.

And seeing him in these goggles makes me laugh.



This one makes me laugh out loud, the crooked goggles makes him look like a little pig. He does try very hard to put them on, adjust or move them with his one hand. I really think goggles are a two handed item, but we will work on that.

Kids do funny things, with such intent and honesty, it is very sweet. Zali looked at him doing his handywork like he was a twit, but she was entertained while consuming her Weeties.

Little School today and Caleb had a very good day. The teacher said he was behaving wonderful and doing everything as per the routine. The poor little bugger would rather get up and play and run around and *do* things, and has been struggling a little with sit-down-quietly-and-sing-a-song-together-time. All good, he is getting used to the quieter times, and probably makes up for it at other play times. He was so knackered, we all were tired on this Friday afternoon. Busy tiring week. Adrian flies back in sometime around 9pm after being away for a few days with work. Big days for him so he will be tired also. Fingers crossed for lots of sleeping in this little house on the prairie tonight.

Buzz

Don't you just *love* when you are buying something new. It scans at the register. It comes up cheaper than what you expected. Do you get a little buzz, like you scored big time?

I wanted to get a new pair of cot sheets for Zali to take to kindy, I wanted basic and cheap. Checked out KMart (was in the vicinity) and found a plain pink set for $17.99. Cool. Should do the trick. Scans at $14.99. Wahoo!

Honestly. My days are exciting aren't they!

Zali has a spot starting next Thursday at kindy in the babies room. It came up very fast, since Caleb is enroled we get preference for an empty spot. It sort of freaked me out. A big step. For both of us. Funny, even though I am used to Caleb going to kindy and little school, this is like starting again. This is Zali. She is always with me, very attached and loves her Mummy. We have one week to prepare ourselves.

Happy Birthday x 2!

Happy Birthday to David!! My brother in law, who was treated to me and Mum singing happy birthday to you at 6.30am this morning. Don't worry, he was already working - but wouldn't that have been charming to wake up too!! He had a nice dinner at his sister's place, and toblerone cheesecake for birthday cake. Sounds pretty flash to me.


Hip-hip hooray and happy birthday to a big three year old, Riley! Riley is Caleb's 'bestie' and he had a wonderful day with family. We are going to help him celebrate his birthday at his party on Saturday. That should rock. Caleb will go crazy going to play at his house, he loves to visit.

And lastly, happy birthday to all horses. Neigh.

Currently working on a little boardbook album about my sister and her family. Cruising through it, loving it. Back to it now, great seeing the little pages complete.

Chow.