Merry and Happy

Righto, while I have two hands (the poop machine has lived up to his name and is off with Daddy for a new round of frilly knickers) I have been meaning to pop in to say . . .

Merry Christmas

and a

Happy New Year

to you and your loved ones!

Christmas day seemed to come so fast and be over fast too! If you are kicking up your heels for NYE have a rippa and enjoy some festive bubbly for me. Caleb and Zali will be at Nan & Pop's place and I will no doubt be in bed by 8.30pm (heck, might push it and stay up till 9pm!). Maybe Griff will decide to see in the new year with a midnight celebratory milkshake.

Erm ...

While feeding Griffy in the lounge, the other side of the house was quiet and the 'big 2' were quiet. Obviously up to something.

Getting closer I heard the toilet flush. I hope you are not playing in the toilet, I said.

Noo Muuumm! was the reply.

I did a pooey, said Caleb.

Erm, I need to clean your bottom, said I.

No, Zali did it! he says

Gulp.

Reward

Zali is at kindy today, so it has been a little quieter and I have been able to have a decent sleep. Caleb, Griff and I slept in my room with the air-con and wasted a good 2 or so hours. Nice!

Before Griff wakes up, he still making use of the empty bed and cool room, Caleb and I are going to make some 'reward charts'. One for Caleb and one for Zali. When they are together, obviously this is a lot of the time, they been bouncing off each other and being naughty and not listening and pushing their boundaries. So. Will try a reward chart system that moves with good and not so good behaviour and see where the tally ends up at the end of the day.

Better get started before I hear a small cuddly bloke calling for his Mummy (or more probably her 'equipment'!).

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Smiling Pooper

This is from this morning at the playgroup Christmas party. Heading home he was happy and smiling so I whipped out the camera, it is shaded reddish cause of the red pram and the sun hitting it - he isn't actually a red baby!

Good Bet

Yep, if you would have put a good size wager on the likelihood of Griffy doing a poo when we went out yesterday morning, you would have gone home a rich and happy winner!

Why? Cause we had to dash out quick and I grabbed the wrong bag - the one with *no* Griff nappies and *no* wipes. We were only out for a few minutes . . .

That few minutes changed as communication channels are poor at Grandma's work and they had changed the venue for the training she was attending. Dropped her off (late) and we pulled up under a nice shady tree so Griff could have the second course of his milky breakfast. Happily drinking his liquid gold he opened up his rear end . . . twice . . . the rumble in the jungle was impressive.

Yep. Mostly wind, for sure . . . . pleeeease!

It was a poo-through. Through his nappy, all up his back and touching the front top nappy as well. Soaked through his 'onesie'. How did I find out this? Well, when I picked him up to burp and my hand hit something wet was about the same time as when I looked down at *my* shorts to see huge patches of poo! EW! It was everywhere!

I said 'bugger bugger bugger'. Caleb replies 'why you say bugger Mummy?' 'Griffy did a big poo' and then I started laughing, it was all I could do. Honestly, it was bound to happen at this particular point in unpreparedness.

Ended up cleaning him up with a white cloth nappy and *thankfully* there was a nappy in the car. Zali's nappy. It was tickling his armpits and the sides wrapped a fair way around him, but it did do the job. I put on a tighter fitting onesie to help hold the sucker tight in case of any further explosions.

We were supposed to be going to check the post box next, however our route was via home to change my shorts. Honestly.

Cousin Cuddles

Sheree and David visited one Sunday late in November. We got Campbell and Finn to cuddle Griff for a photo.

Awww aren't they cute! C & F will be great big brothers when their little baby arrives next year.

earrings

Picked up delicious cherries from the markets this morning. They had come up from Young in NSW. I gave the kids some cherry earrings and told them to stand together for a photo. The drama queen didn't want too.

Then they ate their earrings.

The drama queen . . .

preferred to eat than model.

My beautiful boy who is growing big. No earrings for him . . . might've given his ratbag siblings ideas.

Looking Down

Griffy spends quite a bit of time in the baba sling. He likes being snuggled and close. I like him being safe and secure but having a free hand or two. And I like him to be happy.

I adore looking down at my babies and gazing into their eyes and staring at their precious little faces. I have always wanted photos of what my eyes see, what I see looking down at them. It is hard to capture.

Here is my little Griff-ster looking up at me . . .

With Griffy's casts, I was instructed how to remove them and told I could of the morning of our appointment. I was looking forward to this so we could give him a bath. Having to be at the hospital at 7.30am, the morning doesn't really allow the time and his skin irritations from the cast confirmed to us that a bath at that time would be pretty nasty. The poor little bloke has rub marks at the inside top thigh where the cast finishes, as well as nasty little areas behind the ankle and behind the knee. To see this on my wee baby totally breaks my heart. Poor little bloke.

Here is Dad removing the cast. Half of it was off - all that white stuff piled up beside the change mat and the second instalment was in progress.

However another physio-type person has said that they would take it off, so this was the only time we did it at home. The current cast, his fourth, will be his last of this stage of therapy. On Monday he has a new cast which stays on for three weeks. Gasp. Three whole weeks. That runny poo that leaks out the sides and touches the cast will be a real challenge with a three week cast.

Why three weeks? Cause he will have a little procedure to cut his left heel's tendon. Sniff, my poor little bloke.

It should all be complete by Christmas, which is lovely news - water play!! Then we move to the next stage involving special shoes.

Mushy Peas

When I am driving around or sitting feeding Bubby Griff and just thinking, I think of lots of things to say, points to make and general rubbish to talk about. When I have a few minutes of peace and I sit down to write said things to say, my mind goes totally blank and turns into mushy peas. And not the good kind with yummy siblings meat pie and mashed potato.

Hmm, wonder if those kids are still dancing along with Hi-5.

Coming Fast

The days are flying, Christmas is coming up very fast. Taking the kids over for a photo with Santa next week - how freaky is that!

There is a man here fixing up the wooden elements around our bay window after the white ants invited all their friends around for a party and all-you-can-eat buffet. I would rather be sleeping right now, but I am hanging around until he is done.

Recent panadol has not touched my headache. Need a cup of tea. Chicken teriyaki noodles (leftover Noodle Box dinner) for lunch. Better keep working on my to-do list.

Pitter Patter

Some exciting news to share . . . .

Sheree and David will welcome a new baby in June! Bubby will join Campbell (5 next month) and Finn (3 in May) in their wee shack.

Janene and Jim will welcome another baby girl in April! Baby is growing mighty fine and all is healthy after Janene's scan last week. Amy turns 2 in July and will hopefully be a good big sister.

Jill and Greg will welcome their second child in April! Cate is, gee, how old is she now - 9? Jill, help me here. She will definitely be a fantastic big sister and this lucky baby is coming into a wonderful household - actually a brand new, dream home near the water, household!

My cousin Lynda and her husband Andrew (who eloped in August - surprise!) are expecting their first baby together in March, also a boy (but Uncle George does not want to know that).

Babies babies everywhere, can't wait for baby snuggles . . . and since my little one is just waking up, I will go get me some right now . . . .

Check it

Is it wrong to have vanilla ice cream sprinkled with Milo plus two tim-tams for lunch?

I have been up since 4am and don't have the energy for anything else, I am trying to get some things done while Griffy sleeps - I would like to join him for a wee nap before Caleb's school bus gets home.

There are a few photos up at http://rachelrichter.com.au/blog/ of the kids. Check them out, Rachel rocks. To get photos looking this good with my ratbags, she must be brilliant!!

First Cast

While my two youngest angels happen to be asleep at the same time (and I wish I was too!) I am making use of a tiny bit of computer time. And skulling water so I can have a cup of tea soon. I tell myself I can't have too much tea if I ain't drinking water, gee, I am sooo tough on myself!

Here is my precious little man and his first cast (sniff!). He got it last Monday as the first stretch to straighten his foot. It looks a little silly but I specifically placed the water bottle there to give you an idea of size. Babies have such adorable little faces . . . when they are asleep.



He looks like such a little drama queen here. What is the drama? He wanted milk, I wanted photo. Life is tough!



On cue my little pipsqueak is letting out a few sqeaks to say he wants milk . . . again.

Splash

Before Griffy arrived we took a drive up to Caloundra for a little play. It was a very warm day and the water was b.e.a.utiful! Caleb adored running and splashing around. Zali was unsure about the moving sand under her feet but plodded around holding a helping hand for support. They enjoyed themselves and got tired *grin* and got some good quality Vitamin D. Note to self: buy Caleb a new pair of boardies as he has outgrown his old pair, rashie still good.

issewes

that include having one free hand and trouble reaching the keyboard while holding a sleeping boy on my chest, is why an update is taking so long. the husband just came and gave me back said sleeping child cause while holding him he 'couldn't do anything' . . . erm, hello!

Forgot

. . . to introduce another new member of our family . . .

it provides us with heaps of room and loads of seats . . . .



a few nifty additions to our simple life and heaps of room . . .

My wish has finally been granted (after years of dreaming and planning) and we have ourselves a Kia Grand Carnival. Yippee! Not sure if I have mentioned it, but, I *love* all the room!

Love the sliding doors and love that you swoosh your bottom straight into the seat. No more bending to put the kids in their seats, no dropping down to the seat when my tummy is in pain, and room!

Very nice little catch and when we put the carseats back in today, I think I will put the two bigger noisey ones *right* down the back. The windows were tinted just after these photos so we have protection and a little privacy. Overall, very happy little campers.

Ow

8.15pm and I am nearly ready for bed. After my cup of tea I suppose the little man will wake and want his 'baby-cino'. Then I will go to bed.

It is very lucky that you fall deeply and totally in love with your newborn, as some side effects are a little undesirable . . . but I don't mind when I stare at his little precious face (well, don't mind is pushing it, perhaps tolerate, probably cause I have no other choice). I have an infection in my wound which is being sent to the lab to be tested. The cherry on top? I also have mastitis. Basically I am a walking talking 'ow' 'ouch' groan and moan monster popping anti-biotics and pain relief like a junkie. Noice.

Hope you are a bit more bouncy and have a spiffy weekend!

Baby Chloe

My sweet friend Kerry, Damo and 4 year old Riley (Caleb's mate) welcomed

Baby Chloe Grace

in the early evening of Thursday 16 October 2008 weighing 6lb 2oz. It was lovely to meet her and have a wee snuggle. Even though Kerry was a bit crook, she still looked fantastic for giving birth less than 24 hours prior.



I remember having breakfast with Kerry at a little cafe at Cannon Hill in January, discussing the possibility of babies. I wanted an October baby and she agreed it would be a good thing.

Add a month onto that and we were both pregnant - wonder if it was the breakfast? That was pretty exciting. Our first babies (Caleb and Riley) were born under the care of the same obstetrician, Dr Yared, before we even knew each other. Once again we pottered off to him and it was cool for us to be able to discuss our pregnancies and differences and similarities. Although babies can't be predicted, we thought it would be cool to be in hospital at the same time! Sheesh, as if *that* was likely.

Our little snuggle-bunnies were born 33 hours apart. We were in hospital together. However it wasn't as social as perhaps it would have been laying on a deck chair on a glistening beach sipping cocktails.

Congrats and we look forward to many playdates!

Baby Griff!

Welcome to the world Griffin!

Baby Griffin was born Wednesday 15 October 2008 at 9.03am weighing 3570 grams. After a sketchy start to life, he is blooming now and settling into a sleepy routine at home. His mother is *totally* in love with him.

His big brother Caleb and big sister Zali love to cuddle their baby brother and think he is lovely. They also like to sit in his 'square', offer him yoghurt (eek!) and help Mummy burp him.

More photos and stories to come, preferably when my eyes are open and it is not so close to the midnight feed.

Can you hear . . .

Can you hear that . . .

the sound of bliss . . .

the sound of absolute quiet.

Sigh. What a wonderful sound.

School holidays are over and it is back to a normal week. Caleb was in his seat on the bus faster than you could blink and Zali left for kindy with Daddy when he headed off for the train. By 8am I had two eggs boiling for my breakfast (which I didn't have to share) and was on the phone singing my happiness to Sheree. She told her son that it was some crazy lady singing on the phone. Hmpf! Who was she calling lady!?!

I am supposed to be resting. Which I am, just eating some lunch and checking my pooter at the moment. I had a sleep this morning, didn't really have a choice when 9am came around and I was falling asleep reading a blog. Took myself upstairs and spent the morning cuddling my bed - noice!

The plan for the rest of the day: cut and eat my green apple (ok, I do have four pieces of white chocolate left and they are calling my name also), head over to get my hair cut at New Farm, zoom past kindy and pick up the little miss on the way home and then cook a creamy tomato chicken pasta for dinner (plus chicken tortillas for Daddy). If the light is still good when I get home I will set up the tripod for some photos of the 'belly' (it needs ' ' cause it is a being of its own). Not sure how much longer I will last before the little alien opens its zip and greets the world. Enjoy your Monday.

Holy!

Holy Toledo, back for another post already? Cripes! And pictures? Holy! Wanted to share some colour . . .

The delightful Miss Amy sent me some flowers on Tuesday (thanks Mummy and Daddy!) to say thank you for the last few months. Mondays and Tuesdays were our play days. She has grown so much since the beginning, turned into a little girl with confidence and character. My two ratbags are going to miss the play days, they are used to her hanging around. I think Zali will miss having Amy's snack bag to ransack also. Come to think of it, me too - Janene always had new and exciting packed snacks. Oh well, I will just adapt and go and sift through her pantry. Aren't the flowers b.e.a.utiful!



The two ratbags and I out the backyard playing. I, attempting to put my camera to use and shake off the cobwebs, took a few odd photos. Like our shoes. Caleb's adored red shoes (which he keeps asking about cause he left them at Aunty Sheree's house), Zali and her yellow boots cause she can put them on herself. My black mary-jane crocs, cause I thought I really wanted them, but once I had them they aren't that fantastic and are now my backyard shoes. I even used my first Gail's daycare pay to purchase them.

Awwww, how cute! I have started washing baby clothes. They are so small on the line, especially next to the adult clothes. Since a lot of them are from Caleb they have lots of memories attached to them. The load in the machine now ready to start at 5am tomorrow contains a few new items just for Baby G to give some memories to.

Caleb, the nutbag, going for a run so I could photograph him. He would run like a nutter then come check himself out on the viewfinder. Sheesh. I am *positive* the nutbag side comes from his father.

Honestly, the nutbag gene runs deep, again, *positive* it has leaked down from their father. This little nutbag, fresh home from a day of kindy (her kindy shirt being a good advertiser) was asked to give a *nice* smile. Looking at her cheeky face now, I am not sure I should even show this, she looks like a nutter.

Hmm, wonder if it will be third time lucky this month, the new baby *not* being a nutter!

Sick of sick

Waaaaay to warm today! Sleeps weren't entirely pleasant as our upstairs gets v. warm. I think I am going to go digging and find some fans in hidden places. Here comes a fresh toy for the little terrors to play with . . .

Was very sick over the weekend. Wanted a bullet to put me out of my misery. Sore and achey and flu-type feelings, was freezing and then boiling hot, just miserable. I think I was talking to myself (or maybe moaning) to give myself some company. I do that when I am sick. You know, since no one cares (everyone: ). But alas! It is true! I am still the dill making everyone teas and coffees and dinners and I am the one wanting to sit in the corner and die! If Caleb could have expressed himself clearly I am *sure* he would have said 'yeah yeah, get over it'.

Caleb has one week left of school holidays. I am sure we will *all* be yahooing with excitement when his bus pulls up out the front. The husband has two weeks left of work before he starts his holidays. This is when I am hoping my holidays will start too, hmmm. A girl can only dream!

Alrighty, off to take more of my daily pile of assorted medication and read some mag and play sudoku before I fall asleep in a heap. Oh, I washed some baby clothes this afternoon - the clothes line looks funny filled with tiny clothes. Cute though.

Foolish?

Cripes. I am moaning all the time about how there are such loooonnnngggggg weeks ahead waiting for this baby, and the last week has flown by.

We hit the road on Friday and headed up to Toowoomba. Visiting the Telfer family, meeting up with Sheree for a wee shop and a lovely lunch and chat, having a nice birthday dinner for both Teagan and Alex (I am sure there was more dessert and cake than dinner foods) and having an afternoon play with Campbell and Finn at Crows Nest. David made me laugh too much and I was coughing way hard, and Sheree bribed me with another Sudoku book - how could I refuse? There was hail amongst all the thunder and lightning at their place - you know, just before my entire family gets into the car to drive home! It didn't really hail much while driving, but at times the rain was so heavy the road was hard to see. And don't even mention my (devil possessed) daughter screaming like a banshee for 40 minutes cause she was horribly tired but kept waking throughout the drive. She went to sleep mighty fast once she was safely tucked into her own bed.

With the school holidays now upon us, I had Caleb, Zali and Amy at home today. They had a pretty good day I must say, especially the part where they slept up to 2.5 hours! This morning we had a trip to the Royal Children's Hospital for some reviews for Caleb's last lot of Botox and chatting regarding his future appointments - which took up the majority of the morning by the time we dropped Daddy off to work and checked the post box and got nearly a full tank of fuel . . . before realising I had left my credit card at home .... arrrrgggghhhhhhhhhhh.

I walked in like an idiot to alert them to my stupidity (great!) and made arrangements to call in my payment details when I got home - thank the stars we were going straight home. Fool doesn't begin to describe how I felt!

Please, did anyone else to anything foolish lately? C'mon, share your pain to help me feel better!

Thinking of You!

I have nothing interesting to say, like a normal entry I suppose, but felt I had to touch base. I have no idea where the time is going, obviously my creativity and output load is very low. No photography, no scrapping, no keeping in touch with my beautiful family and friends (to let them know I always think of them and want to talk, but don't get organised enough) and generally I am keeping out of trouble.

Belated birthday wishes to my sis-in-law Teagan. We are visiting her and the rest of the family this weekend. Looking forward to it. Note to self: remember to ask Nan to make her deliciously good spring rolls.

Crikey it has warmed up quick. We are all dressing short sleeves and pants now, funny seeing 'skin' again - Caleb's little legs and Zali's chubby knees - v. cute.

This morning I took Zali and Amy in to little school to have morning tea with Caleb's class. The kids and teachers walk over to Stones Corner on Mondays and visit the fruit shop and bakery and bring back food to eat. Caleb was more interested in his vegemite sanger and popper, but Zali and Amy loved their half-sausage roll accompanied by mini blocks of cheese. We got some party pies also, mmm. Caleb was very excited to have us there, he was bouncing off the walls.

We are all going back on Thursday for Cultural Day - more food. Hmm, seems like we are always there for food! They provide different foods from different cultures and it is yummy. I can't wait for Koula's mums greek vanilla slice. Koula is one of Caleb's teachers, she is lovely. The vanilla slice is lovely too, it has a special name but it is hard to remember . . . but v. easy to eat!

Have a great week!

High or Low?

Firstly just a little advice. If you happen to enter a toilet facility in a public place, say a shopping centre, and someone next/near you may have produced something relatively nasty in their cubicle, please keep any comments/heavy breathing to yourself. They may be a little unwell and feeling a little sensitive about said 'nasty' and don't need to hear the public's opinion. Right.

After having a visit with a new doctor at my local medical centre, I booked another two appointments with the said doctor. One for Caleb to get some anti-biotic drops for his eyes and one for me. I have been sick for a while and I am struggling, but nothing is regular and reportable (yah, not making much sense, hence why I decided to cancel my appointment). To give them plenty of notice, I asked Mum to call while I was driving.

Now, in my defence, the lady over the back at home introduced herself a while back and her name is Hong. She said 'like Hong Kong'. I remembered the doctors name was similar. I had a feeling his last name was like Low or Lo or something with an 'o' or a 'w' or . . .

When the medical receptionist asked Mum which doctor I had the appointment with, she asked me and I, obviously feeling the pressure (!) said um, Low, Hung, Hung Low or something. So Mum piped up with 'Hung Low'.

As soon as she repeated it, I started laughing uncontrollably. OMG! How embarassment. You can imagine that we have still been laughing at this. When hubby came home from the airport Thursday evening and we gave him the story, I couldn't actually talk from laughing.

On Friday I managed to get another appointment, this time for hubby as he is unwell also, and he kept asking the real name cause all he was thinking is Dr Hung Low. Doh!

By the way, his name is Dr Kwong Chow. He is a lovely man and is very good dealing with the kids. I will remember his name forever, I think I will tattoo it inside my forehead.

These Days

Doing the normal Saturday morning groceries, I picked up a coffee and heard some chitter chatter amongst the staff. It is similar chat that I hear a lot of Saturdays.

What are you doing tonight? (otherwise, what did you do last night?)

That is when Grandma Gail emerged. My first thought was to get the kids to bed early, play on the computer for a while and head to bed to play sudoku/read before falling asleep with the light on, again. Remember to take some water to bed this time, oh and I think I need to rub cream on my hands and feet.

I am probably middle-aged to those little pip-squeaks, but, alas, I do remember a time when the weekends entertainment was important and a great talking point. These days, well, these days it is hard enough dragging my pudgy butt up the stairs for a rest after doing the normal Saturday groceries!

Green Eye

Cripes. It is the middle of the morning and I could very much appreciate a nap right now. My washing line is chockers cause I have been cleaning/organising/purging (and that feels might fine!) and found so many items of clothes that had been forgotten. Especially some kids stuff. I have storage containers piled high ready to be filled. I have six large green garbage bags filled with clothes to toss in a Lifeline bin, currently taking up my entire boot. There are numerous bags of rubbish and unnecessary stuff. I have a storage container collecting baby things to wash for Baby G's arrival. I want to wash them now cause they are tiny and cute, but still a long way off until he appears, so awaiting I will be.

I had to move our old queen size wooden bed into the spare room, heaps of boxes and bags and rot. My belly hurt *heaps* by the evening, the old muscles letting me know they didn't appreciate the strain. Doh! Don't think today's lot will be as heavy, but I will be taking it easy.

Congratulations JJ, I am *so* thrilled for you and Greg and Catie! That is going to be one lucky, loved and precious little soul.

This morning driving home from the train station I saw this 'dude' driving a car with his hat on sideways and hair sticking out. Gee he looks young, I thought. Number plate was personalised with 3 letters and 91. The car was pretty much brand new. Once I could get my fingers to cooperate and added up the years, I was not overly impressed that a child of 17 has scored a brand new car with personalised number plates. Not that personalised number plates thrill me much, but I have been grovelling for a car for a long time, a brand newie. I am a little older than 17, you know, a year or two. Hmpf. The green eyed monster will sign off here.

Nope.

No. His name is not Jessie.

Jessie

Oh my, what a week. As I said to my friend Janene, can't wait for this one to be over. Well, I am not actually sure when it will be over!

Along with all the other issewes, Zali got a mild case of conjunctivitis. This was shared (how lovely) and Caleb got a go also - however he always suffers from it and got a worse dose. Least he gets the drops in his eyes well - he giggles!

Zali is still not better. Depending on the day and time she can be great taking her medicine, or the devil child. She is cranky and miserable and so over it all. She has lost some bubby fat as she is not eating well - obvious sign of illness!

Caleb hasn't had another problem with his throat/breathing since the first episode (and after taking some sort of steriod medicine to help him), but has a funny voice from a funny throat. He is eating ok, not back to normal, but seems generally in a decent mood. Unless there are fights over the car seats arm rests!

My defective body decided it was time to cave yesterday. Terrible pains in my belly with too much toilet time and later in the day my stomach was in my throat and I was waiting for that too erupt. Erm, hope no one is eating? I felt like total crap. Of course the husband had to work late, so I gave the kids a pathetic 'sink' bath, and struggled with dressing them in jimmies - oh my pains wouldn't leave me. The sink bath is simple - I can't bend well, so I toss them in my ensuite's sink and wash them down while they bask in the glory of watching themselves in the mirror. Meanwhile I get water everywhere, save my back (and/or any other agony I am dealing with) and they have fun making faces and watching the whole experience. I had to drive to the train station to pick him up (no sign of the bike being fixed yet) and it was a struggle!

Anyway, hopefully we will all recover really quickly (please please PLEASE!).

Hey JJ! Baby will be making grand appearance on Wednesday 22 October 2008! After the last scan on Wednesday, where he weighed in like a little Jessie the Elephant, he is doing very well health-wise. Did I mention my little Jessie was doing a top to bottom gymnastics routine while I was moaning in agony with pains and poos and nearly-vomits? I think this kid will emerge needing size 1 and being one metre tall, he takes up too much room!

Anyhoo, off to bed. I have had two naps today, but I am needing more, it is hard work being this sexy, oops, I mean sick.

W.T.S

Hmm, in case that looks like a swear word, I was going to beginning this exciting chapter with . . .

Where To Start . . . . hmmmm . . . .

It has been pretty crazy for the past week. The birthdays went well for both Grandma and Zali, but remember me mentioning Zali was a little unwell. That lasted all week with a very cranky and miserable girl. Yesterday it got worse. Very miserable, hot skin to touch, lethargic and slept lots. After going to bed well, she was awake before 11pm coughing and upset and she was upset being tired and wanting to go to sleep, but feeling sick and couldn't fall asleep.

There is a Caleb issue to add to this, but I shall keep you in suspense!

She was upset from the minute she woke this morning. She lay on me most of the day like a sleepy koala (very unusual for her), her eyes are sad, her face red, her body hot, her throat was hurting from her cough, watery eyes and slight runny nose. Sadly Amy has been sick also, so she stayed home to be with her Mummy. Caleb's issue meant he didn't go to little school - doh! I had two clingy miserable children - poor little things.

I had been keeping an eye on Zali's temp as her skin was so hot. It was up, but ok. Janene called this afternoon to say Amy had a middle ear infection and was commencing antibiotics. I checked Zali's temp again and I got a 39 degree reading. Made a doctor's appointment and sat rocking my lifeless little girl in the GP's room at 6pm waiting out turn.

He noticed her uncomfortable swallowing (she didn't want to open her mouth, she held the big paddle pop stick in her teeth) and said most likely the throat is sore, her chest was rattley and for a short while he wondered if the infection had travelled into her chest (but he did rule out any pneumonia). His temp check revealed she now had a 39.7 problem going on. I took off some of her clothes and I had to cool her down (we have to work hard on getting fluids into her). To combat her bacterial infection I had to commence her dosage of antibiotics straight away and could help relieve her with three hourly doses of Panadol and Nurofen (alternating each time). She also had very red and sore (inside) ears - he said she is very brave cause they would have been causing her a lot of pain.

I dropped her off home with instructions of fluid and a cool cloth for her hot little head. I drove like a lifetime member of the Holden Precision Driving Team to a chemist to get my hands on the medicines needed and hot-footed it home.

I loaded up the syringes with medicine and took in some chopped tinned fruit. Zali has never been keen on medicines, but she took these very well. I have been saying every chance that the medicine will help her feel better, maybe she is listening? She ate some fruit - I think the soft coolness of it was attractive, which is great - the first and only thing she has eaten all day, plus she was keep to have little drinks of her water. I took her in the shower with me and she was asleep shortly after. The doctor said tomorrow would be pretty similar until everything kicks in.

Right, Caleb. He was the (un)fortunate recipient of a nasty tummy bug, complimentary we think of our house guests last week. Finn was up all last Saturday night vomiting. Wednesday night Campbell spent the night vomiting. Saturday night Caleb had his turn. This is only his second ever dose of this type of tummy bug and he was distressed. I stayed with him on the lounge all night, thankfully he got a little sleep. Sunday night (after a pretty decent day) he had one more 'round' and then wanted to spend the night with me on the lounge again. Thank the stars for recliners!

I wanted to him recover properly and consume some food and fluids and get a little energy before heading in to little school, so he stayed home. I think he will be packed and dressed and ready for his bus tomorrow morning before the sun comes up!

This is a little long - is your coffee still hot?

Last Monday and Tuesday with two miserable little Zali and Amy's, it was tough. I had to get on the ground to play and try and keep them happy, but this had a nasty outcome for my left sciatic muscle area. I had trouble walking for a few days and was in pain. It slowly improved and now I am walking much better but need to be very careful.

Saw my Obstetrician Thursday as he was concerned with my rising blood pressure. Well, it had risen more and I had traces of protein in my erm, wee. I had headaches, pins and needles, dizziness and all fun sorts of things. The cause of my probs (other than being a bit of a faulty oven for my bubbies) was my blood pressure. I had to start tablets straight away to reduce it and I have to go back this Thursday for another check. The baby is going really well though, active little guy and likes to make himself known. Today when Zali was resting her head on my belly he gave her a big kick and her head bounced up and down!

Schedule for this week: a slow and cuddly day with my sick little girl on Tuesday, well-being and growth scan for baby on Wednesday, Thursday see my Ob and Friday Caleb and I are off to the Royal Children's Hospital again for therapy.

Ok, I need more panadol so I shall end this exciting chapter here . . . is anyone still reading anyway?

Two Years Old!

I can't believe it has been two years since this little one came into our lives. She was a little perfect bundle and now she is a little girl. Sadly she is unwell with a cold type thing, miserable with runny nose and lethargic and not a good day to be sick!

She got some fun presents to play with including a fun singing and counting pink piggy bank, a train to add to the Thomas collection, the latest Wiggles DVD, a bubble-blowing machine and some black and bling sunnies! I remembered a few minutes ago (oops!) that I had also previously acquired a stunning set of linen for her bed. Doona cover, sheet set plus matching cushion - will have to load it all up tomorrow, can't wait! Mostly she got some dollars to add to the Caleb and Zali and Baby G trampoline fund (which will be purchased at Christmas).

Last night I made large birthday banners for both Zali and Mum, including balloons for Zali (Mum doesn't like them at! all!) which they all found this morning. Cause Mum and I were up early to head out to the markets, and it still being dark, Mum walked through the lounge and into the toy room with her shoes and straight into a row of balloons hanging over the large doorway and nearly shytted herself! Wish I saw that (snigger snigger).

My fingers are crossed that Zali's health improves quickly with Amy here for her usual couple of days and my sister and her family coming to visit for a few nights mid-week. An unwell little girl just doesn't play the same, maybe that new Wiggles DVD will be getting quite a bit of use!

You Rock!

Happy Birthday Mum!

Mum got some lovely presents and we went to Sizzler for breakfast. It was a nice day at home otherwise with her other daughter and family visiting. I am a little birthday cake-d out, but there is one more to go . . .

Another Year

Another year is coming to a close for little Miss Zali. On Sunday she will turn two! Today at kindy we delivered cake and party bags for everyone (her class and a heap of carers). All the kiddies made a card with painted hand prints for her and they stuck a photo of Zali with her cake and candle in the middle. She was looking less than impressed and I said 'oh, she's happy!' That was the best one, the carer said. Oops.

She was coughing a little today and was a bit cranky and tired, fingers crossed she isn't coming down with anything yucky. The carer said she hardly smiled all day, except for when I was taking her home! Must have been one of those days . . .

Troubled Day

Started out with loosing some blood this morning. At SNP bright and early and most of the carparks at Carindale were fenced off to stop commuters and staff parking. What about me, drat it! They got the couple of bottles (ok, tiny viles) they needed and I went and bought an (awful) coffee and (my luck) sat next to a talkative woman on the only bench seat with a back rest.

Between not having the lid on properly and dripping coffee on my shirt and this woman talking endlessly about knitting and buses and driving to Melbourne and that her parents won't let her drive their car and that the man inside the closed doors of Big W polishing the front entrance should have done that last night, I couldn't wait for her to get inside the shop to get her precious new knitting needles.

Got home and realised I left my keys inside the house. Onya! Thankfully Mum was only around the corner so I went and got her keys.

The husband calls. Bike is at Yamaha for a while he says, had an accident he says. Hmmm.

Same as last time, some *tool* come out in front of him and took him out. The bike is unridable but thankfully he wasn't too damaged. Bruises and scrapes and cuts and damaged protective gear (thank the stars for protective clothing!) and quite shaken (understandably). The *tool* helped take the bike off the road and gave the husband a lift to work. It took me and the kids nearly two hours this afternoon to go pick him up and come home again. Fingers crossed the bike won't be out of action for too long, it is going to cause a bit of a mess with commuting.

However (sssh) the good news (I think) is that the husband might get rid of the bike! Yay! It doesn't matter how careful and well he rides, it seems to be the *tools* on the road who don't look and cause all our problems. He already has life long injuries from the previous accident, so we (yes him mainly, but us as a family) don't need anymore injuries or (touch wood) anything worse.

Okey, gotta run, my Mummy needs me.

Old

Very ready for bed. I think I shall wrap up soon, make a nice hot cup of tea and rest my poor old body. Old and had it, that is me today. I have started getting pins and needles in my feet and lower legs that really isn't necessary. Just off to do a little googling on the subject and put my mind at ease.

Hope everyone is keeping well and taking care.

Happy Birthday Riley

Happy 4th Birthday to Riley! Hope you had a rippa at kindy today and had a lovely evening with your family.

Tomorrow is party day for Riley, so it should be a fun afternoon for everyone and a mighty fine reason to put on some nice party clothes. Rock on Riley.

Happy Birthday David!

Happy Birthday David! Hope you had a spiffy birthday.

I would like to point out that we did call to sing Happy Birthday, however I do believe the whole family either deliberately went out or did some answering machine screening to perhaps miss out on this pleasure. Never fear, we sang our joyous song and it is sitting on the answering machine waiting to play . . . . over and over and over! What a treat!

Enjoy your holidays, old man.

Mwah!

End of July

Tried to get some good pics of the kids on Saturday at Amy's party. They were either eating or too busy exploring to listen to their dear old Mother. Work with me, ok.



Janene made pretty cool butterfly cupcakes with chocolate freckles and jelly beans. They were a hit.



The birthday girl with Janene and me. In the only decent preggers shirt I have, so yes, you will see it quite often . . . with the good news that I bought some dangly earrings to match, so I should look *totally* different from now on . . . (work with me people!)

Yep, the nice shot of Mummy with her little angels. Zali was trying to get away, hmm, actually I think they both were. I had to resort to the reliable technique of tickling - they can't get away as easy.

This little bumblebee has a fascination with ice. If she finds the 'drinks bucket' and sees those cold rocks of crystal, she is a happy lass (with cold hands).

Ow! I just burnt my delicate little self with my hot cuppa tea. Nasty little cup of tea.

Can you believe this is the last day of July, wowsers! The month was pretty busy and seemed to fly past, but I foresee August doing the same. Have you started working on your Christmas card list yet? C'mon, you know it is just around the corner!

Tired

If I had any sense I would go to bed now. But sometimes sleep is such a waste of time. It is nice and quiet and I can do the quiet things I want without interruption from little people. However the things I want to do aren't real appealing as I am tired and lack motivation and some get up and go. And obviously I lack the ability to make sense. Good night.

pink

A little girl who turned one, her adoring parents with a cool homemade chocolate cake and pretty balloons all surrounded by family and friends. Nice.

HB A!

Happy Birthday Amy!

Amy turned 1 today and celebrated with a pink and pretty party. She wore navy and red, but everything else was pink and white and pretty. I think her family will sleep well after a big day. Love to you all.

Happy Birthday Caleb!

Sunday afternoon was a great present time. Mel and Brent delivered the kids birthday presents and they rocked! Zali's birthday is less than three weeks, so they did both so they could play together. Blackboard, whiteboard and drawing paper - the contraption was very well designed as I love how the paper sits on the roll and folds over and back to keep it neat. They got chalk and started their artistic desires straight away.

This morning, the kids were straight to them. This photo taken 6.30am, still dark and dressed in jimmies, but had dragged their chairs over and made themselves comfy.


A very big and cuddly happy birthday to my tiny wee first baby, who changed our lives for the better, four years ago. I adore you and always will.

He got a few small presents to start the day which tickled his fancy, then piped up with 'can I have my cake now?' I think that is what he was waiting for, forget presents and cuddles and balloons or anything birthday related, he was hanging out for the cake!

P.S. He didn't get cake at 7am, birthday or not.

Zali, Amy and I headed in to Little School for morning tea. The group had just gotten back from their shopping adventure to Stones Corner and were ready for a feed. Caleb loved having us there said in a very loud voice 'thats MY MUMMY!' After morning tea, it was cake time. The candles were lit, the sparklers were lit (and kept at a safe distance as per Caleb's request) and the singing began. Lynne the teacher knows heaps of birthday songs!

The blowing took a few goes, practice makes perfect.

Caleb got to cut the cake himself. Totally loved that. Wasn't exactly straight, but he took such pride and was complimented heaps.

It was a really nice morning. Zali loved playing with everything - especially the pet rats . . . she kept sticking her fingers in and giggling hysterically if they came near her. She played with the bus, balloons and Caleb took her to the home corner and they made cups of tea. Amy didn't mind hanging out with an assistant so I could be photographer, I think the secret was food!

After morning tea it was playtime. On the shopping adventure they had brought oranges and mandarins. They all juiced an orange and then drank it. The mandarin was to practice peeling. Some ate them, some didn't. Zali loved peeling and eating - sometimes the skin sometimes the fruit. Amy loved sucking the segments to death and kept wanting more, Tiana next to us shared hers generously. I am sure these two girls made the biggest juice mess - both were covered in mandy juice (as was I) and on the floor sat a small puddle. We all had a great time. Caleb loved the attention, but I think mostly loved having his little sister there to show around and play with. It was sweet.





We said goodbye and us three girls went home for some lunch and a sleep. Well, *I* wanted a sleep . . .

End of Birthday

Zali and Amy were having a nap so I could get a photo when Caleb came home. The driver and carer had put up balloons all through the bus. There was a sign near the door saying Happy Birthday - it was really nice to see first up this morning! Caleb is in his new booster seat. He is still adjusting to it cause the seat belt is different.

It was killing him that the girls were sleeping, he kept wanting to go up and wake them so they would play with him outside. Instead he ate lollies and chocolates from his party bag. We blew bubbles and watched Hi-5.

Caleb, Zali, Grandma and I went out to get some cake and Caleb's choice of dinner - Muckdonners (more commonly known as McDonalds). He has a cheeseburger with no pickles and no onion, chips and a chocolate milkshake. Of which he didn't finish as he was too excited about his cake, or the candles, take your pick. Yes, he is too big for a tray, but he found it recently in the toy cupboard and wants to be like Zali. Cause trays are soooo cool.

Four big candles for our big four year old. The cake was half white mud cake and half carrot cake. He blew these candles out quicker than this mornings candles, but he got so close I reckon he nearly singed his lips.

He wanted to cut the cake himself, cause he is a big boy and did it at little school . . . and they said how good he was. Sheesh, he listens when it involves knives but selective hearing appears when I ask him to pack up his toys. Right.

Daddy helped him cause Daddy did choose one of the biggest knives we have.

His birthday concluded with some dancing in front of the mirrored glass to see his 'moves', a nice warm bath, cuddles under the blanket, a call from Nan and a special version of Happy Birthday from Aunty Sheree, Uncle David, Campbell and Finn over the phone. A story and then asleep faster than you could say Happy Birthday. When we asked if he had a good day, he said 'yes!'