I got my . . .

The week totally got away from me. I feel pretty slack about my lack of posts, but I am sure it will improve! I hardly touched my photos and plan on finding a few nice ones to show you this weekend. Really.

Guess what? I got my first Christmas card today! Holy Santa! I was pretty impressed that I know where my blank Christmas cards are, that I have thought about starting a Christmas card list, that I thought about going to the Post Office to get some card stamps. I think next year, my goal will be to get out my cards before Karla! I will have to write it down for October I think.

Janene and Amy visited this morning. Amy is over four months now - wow, how fast has that gone! Janene is ever so calm, happy and loving being a Mummy. She is a very loving Mummy indeed.

I had better make some plans to see Baby Quincy before Christmas, otherwise she will be hitting four months and I won't recognise her!

I have, a few minutes ago, had news of another impending baby for 2008. I am so happy for them, can't wait to meet that little bundle. Congratulations again!

Maybe all these babies will quench my thirst for a while, so I can just cuddle and return. After the past holidays with my two, erm, angels, I am not quite so sure about further additions.

Cripes. When I post my catchup news, I think it will be long. Maybe I will have to do it in instalments. You know, with a cliffhanger each night. Except my life isn't that dramatic or exciting. Oh well.

Toodle.

Back

This is what has kept me busy . . .
Mel and Brent married on Saturday! Yippeeee!

I will give you the full details and photos this week, just wanted to pop in and say hi.

We arrived home on Monday after our two weeks at the beach. Then the whole past week was 'Wedding Week'. Everything was fantastic, but now, things will calm down and resume to our regular programming. First task is the unpacking from our holiday. I am tired of tripping over the big suitcase at the end of my bed!

Sincerely hope everyone has had a fabulous last few weeks. Crikey - how close is Christmas! That is freaky. Man, the shops are already starting to get busier.

Chow.

Sun Tan?

I apologise for my slackness in updating. This past week been very busy again. Will just throw a few dot points around as I don't have much time.

We are in Caloundra at the moment. Came up yesterday for a beach holiday. Adrian is up for one week, then Grandma comes up for one week. That way there is someone home to look after the animals and house etc. Me and the kids are here for two weeks - that is very cool. If I don't kill them, that is.

Zali has a huge swollen lump on her lower gum causing some grief, plus a back biggie that is only half through. Hence, she is a little miserable. Caleb, my little tanty boy, is well, having a few tanty's. Forget the terrible two's, don't know who thought of that! It is definitely the Terrible Three's! If he makes it to four with both of us still sane, I think we both deserve a big present!

We headed off to play in the sand first up this morning. He did *not* want to wear his rashie. 'I want annunie shirt!' (another shirt). Over and over he said that, and over and over we said he must wear the swim shirt to be able to play in the sand and water. Eventually I said to try it this morning and if he still didn't like it, he wouldn't have to wear it again. Fast forward to this afternoon and when we finished a swim in the pool, he didn't want to take the rashie off! Remind me, is it the woman's prerogative to change her mind, or a three year olds?

Anyway, busy week preparing for Mel's Hens Night last Saturday, 3 November. I made ribbon lanyards for name tags and take-out boxes personalised for each lady for them to take home. Took me q.u.i.t.e a while for that. Was a lovely evening and I think we all had a great time. I picked up a diamante tiara for the Bride-To-Be who happily wore it all night. I got some photos (haven't seen them yet) which hopefully will turn out well, but not sure when I will get to download them. Most importantly Mel looked happy and was surrounded by lovely ladies to help her celebrate her upcoming nuptials.

I had my first bridesmaid fitting on Saturday morning. Went well and I have another when I get back to Brissie in a few weeks. Can't wait to see the real one, it will be so pretty - the first calico version was a little dull (ha ha).

Um, I don't know what else to mention. I am pretty tired, catching up from a few bad nights and busy days. No doubt I will remember when I don't have internet connection again. Oh, I don't really have internet at the moment, so chat from me will be minimal.

Kerry, catch up when we back. Caleb will be very happy to see Riley in a few weeks, I think he will miss the 'action' of kindy and little school.

Ida, thanks for checking on me. Sorry I been slack with updating! Did you end up getting a trike for Macey?

Janene, Jim and Amy came over for dinner last week, which was lovely. Meant I had two lots of cuddles that week, and I can totally say that Amy will be SO excited to have more cuddles in a few weeks. She likes me. Or it might be that I have a funny freaky type of strange face. I can make her laugh, giggle, smile and look a bundle of happy. It is beautiful. I believe she normally does it for only Mummy and Daddy, and maybe once for Nanna (need to confirm this, J, forgive me if I have written wrong).

Ok, Zali is a bit cross, she has now woken up twice since bedtime, my fingers are crossed for a big sleep tonight. Take care and will chat soon. Our lives return to our normal in December after our holidays and after the wedding.

Love to all.

Self

Well, I have been a little self absorbed this week. I have forgotten to blog a few things. My mind just seemed to be flitting between Zali becoming a Mad Cow and Caleb's day at hospital.

Happy Birthday Macey!

Macey turned one on Monday. Macey's Mummy told me they ate plenty of cake. That is the way it should be!

Happy Birthday Jared!

Jared turned one on Wednesday. He has cute eyes, he will be a winner with the girls!

I can't believe how fast the year has gone, unbelievable.

Thursday was a remarkable day in the Jeffrey household. Little Ben started to walk independently. What a fantastic achievement. Very happy and proud for you! Won't be any stopping you now, kiddo!

My thoughts are with Loretta and hubby. They have a big challenge ahead, but in the end Kobie will feel better. In the end. Between now and then though, my thoughts are with them all. I wish for them to get some sleep, I wish for Kobie to fill up his belly, I wish for wonderful things.

Some times we get caught up in our own little world. Which, of course, is very important. I think it is nice to also think about others. They may be going through a rough patch, they may be struggling due to a variety of reasons, maybe they are having a miserable day. Knowing that someone else is thinking of you, getting a smile, a hug, knowing someone cares . . . all beautiful things that cost us nothing. Now *that* is priceless.

Guess what? It is only four weeks until Mel and Brent's wedding! Aaarrgghh! It is coming so fast! Next week we celebrate with the Hen's and Buck's nights, will be lovely to go out and have some great company and an enjoyable evening. Between now and then I will have to work out some conversation starters that don't involve my children (you know, cause that is my entire life and the main thing I talk about!) and enjoy some 'adult time'. Cripes.

Mel had her measurements taken for her dress! Aaarrgghh! How exciting! I am going to have the first fitting for my dress next week. Eeek! Things are happening!

Baby Amy is three months old already! Cripes. Time goes so fast. Haven't seen her for a few weeks so I am guessing she is *desperate* for some Aunty Gail cuddles.

Monday I am heading over to meeting Baby Quincy! Can't wait. Better make sure I have charged batteries in the camera. She is three weeks old on Monday. Surely she has her Mummy and Daddy wrapped firmly around her tiny finger by now.

Have a lovely weekend.

P.S Hospital went well. Long day. Tiring day. Starving day. Caleb did great for a while, then got tired and hungry. Mummy got tired and hungry too. Procedure went well, waiting now for the toxin to work it's magic. Physiotherapy starts in a few weeks. Between now and the middle of December we need to go back to the RCH for a hip x-ray, a chat with the Occupational Therapist about his arm, the post-botox follow up with the paediatrician and a fitting (and taking) of his new 'boot'.

Through in a holiday at the beach, a wedding and all that hospital excitement, well, we are going to have a crazy two months.

25.10.07

I am so tired but can't bring myself to go to bed. My insides are churning. I am a little numb and that is the only thing to stop me from bawling my eyes out. I feel so conflicted inside I am making myself ill. I am gearing myself up for a very hard, emotional and long day tomorrow. However, I need to be strong and confident and happy and loving and a million other attributes tomorrow to be supportive for my son.

Until I walk away from him in theatre, and cry like a baby.

He is older this time, he understands more. He knows what he likes and doesn't like. I don't think he is going to like being couped up in a hospital all day. Especially when he cannot eat or drink. My heart feels sad that the poor little boy has to go through occasions like this. I wish I could take it all away from him.

Mad Cow?

The week has certainly had more downs than ups!

Zali has caught the hand, foot and mouth disease from Kindy. She isn't too bad, just a few dots on her hands and feet, a little blister on the front of her tongue and some dots on her legs. It sounds very awful, but now I have seen it, it ain't too bad. Thankfully they don't get sick, just dotty. It is very contagious, which is why I had to pick her up from Kindy - she blew up on Tuesday and we went to the doctor. She won't be going tomorrow either, she needs time to let it pass. That is all you can do, there isn't a treatment other than time.

My main fear is Caleb catching it. The doctor said he may have had it previously (unknown to us!) which would render him immune. Our fingers are so crossed for this the bone is nearly poking from the skin. Why? Caleb has his next round of Botox on Friday at the Royal Children's Hospital and he needs to be well. If he is sick they will not do it, as he is totally asleep with a General. It would take months to get another appointment, but at the end of the day his health and well-being out way any delay in the procedure.

He hasn't come up in any spots yet, and it has been a few days since he would have been exposed to it, which is great.

But. Back to Tuesday afternoon, and he is quiet and still and lethargic. I start to worry. He doesn't eat, he is sooky, then proceeds to throw up a small piece of food (on the carpet- ew!). Fantastic, he must have something other bug. Things are ok from then on, he sleeps well through the night and wakes up this morning quite bright. He heads off to Kindy and has a decent day. His communication book detailed he was 'not his usual out-going self', as I had indicated to them.

At the moment is seems fine and has eaten afternoon tea and dinner. All promising.

Would you please cross your fingers that Caleb stays mostly well for Friday. And keep us in your thoughts as Caleb and I spend the *entire* day at the hospital. First appointment is 8.30am.

Sore

This idiot, who is supposed to be resting and taking care of her back, spent a while crouched on the ground tidying up the study. But, it is nice to have some of my stuff (crap) sorted and tidy. I picked up two 2-drawer storage cabinets in clear plastic that fit under my tables today. I will be able to fill them up during the next few days and my area will be looking spiffy!

My goal then is to organise all my scrapbooking stuff. I have let it pile up. There isn't much of one table left and it has dribbled over to the computer table. Problem is I like to look at it. Sometimes I do more looking that scrapping, it still makes me feel good though!

Just checking in. Not a great deal happening. Miss Zali has a cold and (or because of) is teething. She is suffering, sore and grumpy, not impressed with food and just miserable. It sort of comes and goes depending on if the Panadol is due. When it does come, it really comes. She is crying and letting everyone know she is in pain. Poor little thing, it must really hurt. I tried to explain to Caleb today that Zali cries because she doesn't have any other way to communicate. That was fine, he understood that Zali was sick. It wasn't a problem until he was asking for an ice cream cone for dessert and I couldn't hear him over Zali's crying. He was cross at her and said 'Shoosh!'

Caleb, Zali and I went to Quinn's third birthday party yesterday. Nice day, quite warm by the end though. Got a few photos on the camera, but you should have seen the birthday cake! It could have fed 100 people! Quinn's dad is a baker and made a *humongous* mud cake with a fondant icing and drawn-on full body rockin' Buzz Lightyear! It was a lovely morning. Riley and Oscar were there so it was all systems go. Zali had a few issues with her balance, and walking, as the grass was sloping. It was quite amusing at times, but I figured I shouldn't laugh as I didn't know many of the people (there was their family there as well).

Alright. Time to read my magazine in bed and head off to sleep. Last night Zali was awake a few times with being unwell. Hopefully tonight is better, we are used to a good nights' sleep now.

Chow!

Sheesh

Sheesh! Where did that week go? Will do a quick recap.

Been living like a bit of an invalid with my back. It is improving but I am *supposed* to be taking it easy and being gentle on it. Would someone please tell my kids?

The kids saw their great-Grandma and Grandpa on Sunday, which was nice. As well as Nannie and Pop and the family. I missed out due to my back. I will have to wait until next year.

Normal kindy and little school stuff. Zali is heaps better with kindy. It is great. I put a request in today to change her to Wednesday instead of Tuesday. Caleb gets a little itchy without her on Tuesday and I will get a few hours peace on Wednesday.

I have got a bit of new scrap stuff. I am in heaven. I have the stuff all around me so I can see it, this excites me very much. However the room is a mess. I sort of don't know where to start to organise things. Hmpf, it can wait, no rush.

Erm. Buttons had her teeth cleaned. Adrian is away for work again this week. I have had a lot of headaches (but hang on, he isn't here? he he. I can get away with comments like that cause he doesn't read this!). Yep. That basically wraps up a quiet period, hopefully things will improve more over the next few days.

In the words of Rove ..... say hi to your mother for me.

Ow!

I have injured my back. First I lifted lounge chairs (looking for Caleb's arm), vacuumed, mopped and played on the floor with Caleb. After a few days of that stuff, my back gave in. I have sprained a ligament in my lower back. It is painful. I am on Voltaren Rapid tablets, I am currently strapped up and regularly have the heat pack working its magic. The physio said not to lift anything for a week. Oh. My. Gawd. With a one year old and three year old I think I would have a better chance winning the lotto.

Mum helped me out today. Adrian flew to far north Queensland, that is how far he runs when asked for help! Joking! He had to go away for work, but the timing is *just* great. Tomorrow both cherubs are at kindy, thankfully, and I am having a total rest day. It will annoy me that I can't sit at the computer and scrapbook my day away, but I need to recover from this injury. If I don't give myself time to heal properly, the physio said it would become a recurring problem. That is a problem I do not need.

Okey, off to rest again. Maybe I should say off to try and sleep and not be woken up a trillion times with pain.

P.S. Caleb back at little school today and he was happy. He was asking when the bus would come from, roughly, 5am.

Brand New

Welcome to the world baby Quincy!

Sharon and Rob had a baby girl this afternoon at 3.52pm. She was 53cm long and 3.3kg. Wonderful. Third girl!

When Rob rang me with the news he sounded so happy, proud, amazed, dazed - all the feelings of a new Dad. Nice.

Dying to visit and meet Q, but I will give Sharon a few days recovery before I go bouncing in. That means I *must* go shopping for something pink and cute. Poor me, the things I have to do.