Nov / Dec 2007

Well Xmas is nearly here and we are all madly preparing. In fact I was so good and did all my Xmas shopping before Dec, spent a whole night madly wrapping only to have Charlotte find them in a cupboard and unwrap them all for me - sweet. We have couple of advent calendars (one home made quilted job, and the other sent to us by Vickie - thanks).

So we have re-wrapped and placed the presents higher in the cupboard. The tree is up (minus the presents underneath - for obvious reasons), and the fairy lights are work in progress. James brought 50 meters of additonal lighting that he plans to string up around the front of the house this weekend. I have this fear that we are going to look like the Avoca Beach Griswals. Charlotte things it is great and gets most excited when we put the light on of a night - and she points to the other houses in the street with flashing lights - it is shapping up to be a great Xmas this year. That is apart from the planned Santa visit.


I have be taking her to the shopping centre every week for the last couple to walk by Santa in preparation for the photo. So far we have only managed a wave from a great distance. The chances of actually getting her to sit on his knee are looking pretty slim. This years photo will most likely have me in it holding a screaming/thrashing child - so watch this space.

We have had our annual Mothers Group Xmas party on the 9th Dec. It was lovely to catch up with everyone - now we have moved I don't see them as often. The kids are still not quite at the age to acknowledge each other or play socailly but it was great to see how they have all changed. One of the fathers (Paul - Wils Dad) dressed up as Santa and handed out the Kris Kringles. It was so funny when the kids saw him walking across the park....some run up to him, others run in the opposite direction (Charlotte being one of those....). Wil was most excited but also a little confused.....he kept saying "Santa! - Daddy!". Kel (his Mum) and I were in stitches laughing. Poor kid was so confused - why couldn't anyone else see it was his Dad?

I am hosting Xmas again this year so am currently in the food buying mode. I still haven't got this down to an art yet so I am bound to forget something. I definately wouldn't make a good caterer. We have been madly trying to finish a few minor jobs around the house in preparation, but I am sure that things will go off smoothly.

I had Charlotte weighed the other day - she is now 13 kg (not sure of height as the measuring chart has fallen down off the wall). Not sure how she has reached this weight as she doesn't eat much at all....we call her a sparrow, surviving on thin air. She seems happy enough and doesn't complain so I just let her be.

We have also started orientation for pre-school next year. The parents had to go to an orientation evening where they talked about all the rules and policies and then Charlotte goes one day a week for about an hour just to get used to the people and kids. She love it and can't get in (and out) of the car quick enough. I brought her an offical 'Hillside Pre-School' hat and she wears it with pride.

Looking forward to Xmas - wishing everyone Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!