Update 8 - 13 weeks old

Well what a week we have had so far.....it was my birthday on Sunday (9th April) and as James was away (on business in country NSW) I was destined to spend my first birthday as a mother on my own - Mum to the rescue - she saved me from a boring day of house work. We had a lovely time out wandering around the shops, collecting my prize from Ikea (tupperware type containers) then we had a nice coffee and cake went home to watch Harry Potter on DVD. On Tuesday Charlotte took her first flight. We went to Melbourne for the day (yes that is right for the day only) to visit friends.

The day started early with me getting up at 5am to get organised, showered and dressed. I woke up Charlotte around 6.15am and got her feed, changed and ready to leave. We left the house around 7am for the drive to the airport, park the car and check in the pram for an 8.30am flight. I wasn't sure how she would take flying (some babies ears can be effected) but I had been advised to feed her during take off and landing (apparently the sucking helps to ensure the ears pop).

I flew to Melbourne business class (first time ever - and believe me it was hard going back to economy after that experience). James couldn't believe that they let a baby in business class with all the morning business community - men in suits, but I figured that I had paid my money so was entitled to it. Anyway, we got lots of fussing from the flight attendants, they gave us pillows, drinks, warm towels and that was before we had even taken off the ground. I got myself into feeding position for take off and made sure she was totally focused - not a whimper......when we arrived in Melbourne she was asleep so I didn't bother to wake her and she managed to sleep through the whole thing. Coming home was even better - she was asleep before the plane left the terminal and didn't wake up until we arrived back at home (11pm). It was a really big day - we were meant to get home around 9.45pm however the pram didn't make our flight and ended up on another plane which we had to await its arrival - so it ment an hour of standing around in the baggage collection area with a sleeping baby in my arms who was a dead weight. Needless to say my arms are pretty sore today.

I have totally mastered doing things with one hand now.....checking in at the airport, boarding a plan and eating bacon and eggs for breakfast - who needs two arms.

We had a great day catching up with Sara and Millie and also our old neighbours from Melbourne, Tony and Margaret. Sara gave us a whole heap of baby clothes for Charlotte for winter...and Tony and Margaret gave Charlotte and very cute St Kilda bear (I love it! and have called him Riewoldt after my favorite player - Go the Saints!)

Boy do I miss Melb - it is such a lovely place and we had great weather (27 degrees) - I even SMS's James and said I wouldn't be coming home......he he he.

The only thing that I regret is that I didn't get a picture of Charlotte on her first flight (bit hard when you are on your own, and I forgot to get a picture of our visit with Aunty Margaret and Uncle Tony - bummer.....oh well I will just need to take another trip down there soon.......what a shame.)

We are so tired today.....and am planning a very quite one - in fact Charli has already had two sleeps today and it is only 10.30am. Bless her, she is such a good girl.

Well enjoy the pictures for this week.......lots of love

Sam