March 2007

I am kicking myself for not having my camera handy......Charlotte attended her first political protest on Sunday and I forgot to take my camera to record the event. A local group called Madas (Mothers and Dads against stacks) was calling for support to protest government not filtrating the stacks which have gone in to filter the new Lane Cove tunnel system. We believe in the cause so went along to lend support - lots of local families (kids) so was a subdued affair, no violence.

We have just got a baby seat for my push bike, so we head out when ever we can and on this occasion we rode to the protest with Charlotte on the back of my bike and Bonnie on the back of James. We are waiting to have a tow bar fitted to our car so that we can take the bikes to a local cycle way. (still need to get a photo)

Charlotte is walking much better now, however she still does get lazy and will crawl if she wants to get somewhere in a hurry. I don't think the confidence is great yet. If she is walking beside you, she will reach up to take your hand - I think it is a bit of a security blanket for her.

I am in the process of negotiating a new role at work, which will mean an extra day a week with one extra day in the office. Initially the role will be for 6 mths so I thought we would give it a go. I have managed to find a nice childcare centre that can take Charlotte on Mondays, James has her at home on Tuesday, Mum babysits at home on Wednesday and I would work from home on Thursday. I am quite lucky really that they are letting me work part time and from home in this role as no one else in the team is doing it. So I figure 'make hay while the sun shines'. With our potential move etc coming up in the next few months we could do with the extra cash. My theory is - give it a go.....if it doesn't work I just pack it in.

I found a really nice Childcare centre in Lane Cove - it is a little bit further to get too but I know a couple of mothers who have their kids there and they love it. Charlotte and I went for a visit on Monday (12/03/07) to check it out. When we arrived, one of the babies (Will) from mother group we there (Monday is his day also) and he was really pleased to see Charlotte and I. The people there are really nice, lovely girls.....they were amazed at how Charlotte just went to each of them without any tears (no separation anxiety here)...and she just raced off to play with the climbing equipment. As much as I would be sad not to have that day at home with her, I really think she is now at the age where she needs to have a day with other children outside the home. The outside stimulation would be great for her. Most child cares don't like children going only one day per week (they believe that most children settle better if they are minimum of 2 days per week) but after seeing how Charlotte was (and she was having a grizzly day on Monday) they said they believed she would be fine one day per week (exceptional child......he he he ). The provide them meals, nappies, hats for out doors and sunscreen......the meal spent nice (think it was apricot chicken with rice....). They give them morning tea, lunch afternoon tea and supper (for those who are there late). I am hoping that I can drop her off around 8am in the morning - leave the car at the centre (they said I can leave it in their car park) then walk down and catch the bus to work - then in the arvo catch the bus back , pick her up and drive home. Mondays will be a long day for her but I think she will enjoy playing with the other kids...anyway we can see how it goes.

Charlotte has lots of teeth now.....a real mouth full - catch get close enough to count them exactly but I can manage to see quite a few of the big molars at the back. It is really hard to get a photo with her showing her teeth....14 month old's just don't understand "show Mummy your teeth". However she can point out her toes, feet, hands, mouth, tongue, eye, nose, ears and hair so I think she is doing well. We are now working on elbow and knees. She understands really well 'up and down' and makes a little game out of it. If anyone could see us playing this game of an evening they would think we where mad.

She has become a bit of a 'Paddy Chucker" lately - asserting her independence and testing our authority. We only have to say "Uh Uh" or "No" and she will throw herself down on the floor (on her tummy) and cry - it is quite funny but I am trying not to laugh. She is such an actress, we try to ignore it but not sure how long this period will last. The other night Mum and I where with her when she was having a bath, and when I told her to sit down she dropped really dramatically and splashed the water really hard with her hands and gave me a really shitty look - Mum and I couldn't help a little chuckle. My sweet, good natured girl is turning a corner into the devil child........(no not really, just part of normal behaviour apparently).

I will try and attach some photos soon