James, Sam, Bonnie & Charlotte.... Lifes is a beach.......

Avoca Beach - November 2008

2008-11-17T14:29:00.009+11:00

Well finally I have got around to posting some photos of our new home in Avoca Beach. It has only taken me 12 months, but better late then never. With a nearly 3 year old, working full time and a business we don't get much time to do things like updating Blogs.

Looking at front of house Pool area

lounge

We have had a busy - but very quick - year. The business is doing well and James is now working full time on it. No more corporate world for James.......bring on business success so that i can join the fun also.

Main bedroom

Charlottes Room

Spare Room

We haven't done anything major to the house in the last 12 months. We have thrown a bit of paint around and put in plantation shutter but that is about it. We do have plans for both the yard and house but haven't had the time or money to do it yet. The house and gardens don't really need any major changes - just a few Raeisims that we want to add, but they can wait.

downstairs family room

Kitchen & Dinning Room

View down the back

Talkingstones head office

View of back of house

Deck off kitchen

Top level of back yard

August - September 2008

2008-09-08T14:52:00.010+10:00

We have reached another mile stone this month.......which is worth recording in the blog. My baby is finally out of nappies - boo hoo

It was quite funny really - we have been trying to seriously since we moved into Avoca Beach (Aug 07). We have had at least 12 months of tantrums - not interested in the toilet what so ever, however very interested in watching toilet training videos - just not interested into putting it into practice. She was more then happy to wear pull ups.....which she was very pleased that she could do herself. What she would do is put a new pull up on, do her wee then change to a new set of pull ups - all by herself. Each time we suggested the toilet she would say "me not like the toilet, me like nappies".

I tried treats if she could do it......stars if she could use the toilet but no luck - then all of a sudden.....

On Monday 1st Sept I said to her 'let try the toilet' and she agreed, she actually did something and I made such a fuss of her (smarties, cuddles everything) that she hasn't gone back.

She has even started to use the toilet at school. The teachers have paired her with a little friend and everytime that friend goes to the toilet she takes Charlotte with her. We only had problems the second day of training - 6 outfit changes - then since then she has been great.

I now have to fight with her to put a nappy on to go to bed......not sure she can get through the night yet without an accident - so that is the only time she is wearing one now. So proud of her.

In August we brought CJ a cubby house as part of the overall Xmas experience - every girl should have a cubby - it is just so cute and like a mini version of our place - same colour and everything. She can spend hrs in there making cups of coffee and ice creams for everyone. We have brought her a little kitchen / laundry for xmas so it can be added to the house.

We also went to a Hi 5 concert - she really loved it - was up dancing and singing. I took Mum with us also and we had a lot of fun (except that we had a fire evacuation half way through which made the whole thing very interesting).

Charlotte's 2nd Birthday

2008-05-06T16:40:00.016+10:00

2nd Birthday

My little girl is now two.....hard to believe how quick the last few years have gone. She is very independant now, doesn't like help and also talks very well. In fact a few people have commented on how well developed her speach is for her age. Actually sometimes I wish she would stop talking....gives me a headache - ha ha ha.

Crazy Hair

HI 5 Bag for School

What could this be?

Check out the Bling

Witches dress up

We had a lovely simple birthday party for Charlotte this year with family and close friends - she was very excited about a cake and candles. She helped me make the cake (Hi 5) the night before. Charlotte put on the sprinkles and icing herself.

Look at all the presents

Happy Birthday to me....

She got clothes, table and chairs, a pop up tent and toys. Her birthday actually fell on the Friday and her party wasn't until Saturday. On the Friday I took her down to the coffee shop and we had a friand with a candle in it. The following week was her first time at the new pre-school (Hillside - Avoca Beach) so I took a cake down and they all sang Happy Birthday to her and she got to blow out candles again. In fact Xmas and her Birthday celebrates seem to go on for weeks with visitor coming all over the holiday period.

Helping to make the cake

Oh wow - a kitchen

The presents just keep coming

Gone shy while we sing..

Dec 2007 Holiday Photos

2008-05-06T15:35:00.012+10:00

Just a few photos taken during the Xmas holiday break 2007.

Bonnie enjoying the beach

Coffee anyone?

large surf Avoca rock pool

Large surf - Avoca Beach

Lilly & Charlotte

crowds on Avoca Beach

Nanny and Charlotte on the beach

Commando crawl along the beach

Making friends on the beach

Xmas 2007

2008-03-26T16:12:00.013+11:00

Rae Xmas 2007

Better late then never - it has taken me months to get the time to sit down and update the blog with photos of Xmas 2007 and beyond. So please read on....

We had a wonderful family Xmas in our new Avoca Beach home. It was Charlotte most interactive Xmas so far. We put up a advent calendar and counted down the days leading up to Xmas day. I made the mistake of putting large chocolates in the pockets and discovered that chocolate makes Charlotte very hyperactive. So I changed a few pockets to hair clips and Xmas decorations/broaches.

Everytime we went to the shopping centre Charlotte would call out "SANTA!!!!" - it was quite funny. She loved watching him (from a distance) but when it actually came to sitting on him lap, she started crying so the whole family had to get involved. For a quick photo I am very happy with how it came out.

She got spoilt rotten this year - we went a bit mad - In the past she has had a lot of hand-me-down baby toys, but it was time to get her some more advanced toys to play with. We brought her puzzles, play-doh, dolls/cradles, lots of dress up clothes (witches, snow white, doctor) a trampoline and a bike. She loves reading so we brought new books - we read three books ever night before bed.

As it was our first Xmas in Avoca we decided to host Xmas this year - as we have a lot more room. We planned to have a pool party type of day, however Xmas day turned out to be cold and raining. We also had a problem with the pool - we are novice pool maintence people and it actually turned green and took until new year to clear. So much for swimming over Xmas holidays.

For the first year I left a sack of presents in her room from Santa - and the rest went under the tree. We couldn't put any presents out early as some kept opening them - she even found the hiding place and I discovered her on the floor with all the presents unwrapped. I had to re-wrap everthing on Xmas eve after she had gone to bed and put everything under the tree and into her sack. Her face in the morning when she saw all the presents under the tree was priceless.

We had a great time - with family and friends - Xmas is getting very special and exciting now.....

Nov / Dec 2007

2007-12-12T13:48:00.000+11:00

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!!!!!!!!

October 2007

2007-10-09T10:58:00.000+10:00

October 2007

We have finally moved and are settled into our new house in Avoca Beach, which is on the Central Coast of NSW. Both James and I have returned to where we grew up as children and hope that Charli has as great a beach life as we did.

Good Bye Lane Cove

My 1st Pony Tails

We moved in on the 17th September and it has taken nearly a month to get somewhat settled and back into a normal life routine. We are both back at work (I am commuting now - 1hr train trip each way) and James is switching between working at home and driving to Sydney. In another 6 months or so James will stop work and concentrate full time on our business Talkingstones.com.au.

Enjoying the beach

Charli is growing everyday - she is now stringing two words together and loves to talk. She is pretty good on the phone and loves a little chat with whoever will listen. When we go down to the village (Avoca Beach) for a walk she says "Hi yah" to everyone that walks past - it is quite funny, because they don't expect it to come out of such a little person. She is very popular, with the coffee shop owner giving her a marshmellow when we visit and others stop to say hello and chat. Very friendly area.......

Fairy Charlotte

Bonnie has finally settled (I think) - being a bigger house she was very nervous for the first few weeks and would follow you for room to room, just to make sure that you don't disappear. She seems a little more relaxed now, and since the doggy door has been put in she is happy to come and go. She loves the beach and gets very excited when we say we are going for a walk. Charli has also been introduced to the beach and has taken to it like a duck to water. In fact I can't keep her out of the stuff - no fear.

Love her dress

I have booked her in for swim lessons again - starting 18th October - so that she is a little more confident around the our pool - I get nervous everytime we are out there that she will fall in and not know what to do. At least if she knows how to swim back to the edge that has to help. I think she will love it - I know she did when we did it at Lane Cove last summer. I will keep you updated on the progress.

how cute do I look

Charli is very confident on her feet now, in fact she doesn't walk anywhere - SHE RUNS!!!!!! I have to constantly tell her to slow down. I have lost count of the number of bruises and scratches on her legs and arms, but it doesn't seem to bother her. We have 3 stairs into the bedroom zone of the house and she is mastering them with no problems now. The flight (12 steps) down to the family room has been zoned off with a gate, just in case. I will wait for her to get a bit bigger before we take that one away. She is big enough now for her 'big red car' (think I had a picture of it in one of the other updates) - having a big concrete drive and carport means she has plenty of room in which to zooming around. She piles up the boot with all her dolls, drink, biscuits (or what ever she has at the time) and drives them around - very cute. She also has an old camera and she comes up to you and puts it to her face and say "smile" - you can't help but do it.......

I have tried to get her into a childcare but all the local ones seem to be fully booked or we need to wait until next year - so fingers crossed I can find her somewhere - I think she really misses the contact with other kids. I have found a local Playgroup that mets on a Friday, so we might try that occasionally - it will be a good way for me to also met other local mothers.

I have started painting the family room (couldn't live with the yellow for long) but didn't realise how hard it would be with a toddler in tow - don't get me wrong she doesn't get into mischief, but the complete opposite - she wan'ts to help. I was shuffling along the floor the other day masking up to start painting the skirting boards and she shuffled along next to me on her bum pulling out the tape - I love the help but boy doesn't it make jobs much longer.......

She has also discovered how to get herself dressed and undressed. James said the other day she has a couple of outfit changes, clothes free and nappy free periods and she has already developed her Mothers love of shoes - changing often during the day. She hasn't worn very many dresses as they tend to get in the way when you are learning to walk and climb stairs, but now she is better she can start wearing them. I put a dress on her the other day to go shopping and she could stop twilling in it...very funny. I might get her a couple more for summer.

James and I are well and truely over Hi Five (childrens entertainers). They have very catchy songs that just get stuck in your head and you find yourself signing them at work - very embarassing. As soon as we wake in the mornings the first thing she says is "Hi" - I have to try and limit the view time or we would all go mad. If I try and change the program to something like Playschool she will pipe up and say "No Hi!" - can't win. But I must admit it does come in very handy when you are working from home or have a teleconference to do - that is when I say "thank god for childrens DVDs".

I will try and get some more photos soon - of both the house and family.

Sam

August 2007

2007-08-05T12:26:00.000+10:00

I can't believe how fast the year is going.....I have started a new job - boy is it hard....but think it will be OK.
Charlotte is saying lots more words and amazes us everyday with new ones......will not be long before she is stringing sentences together.

We went Whale watching this month - it was quite a funny trip - the only ones that didn't get sick were myself and Mum. James was violently ill and Charlotte wasn't much better.

We are also preparing for our move to Avoca Beach - should be great, but lots of hard work ahead.

Charlottes Cousins - she has never met - arrived back from 2 years in Germany (they left when I was about 6 monts pregnant). Charlotte adorse them.....Madelyne is a great big sister and Patrick, well Charlotte just thinks he is silly and laughs (and copies him) all the time.

May - July 2007

2007-08-03T19:19:00.000+10:00

I know, I have been very slack the last few months with the updates.....well I have a good excuse. I have been very busy organising the sale of our house (28a Morrice St, Lane Cove) and buying a new house (Avoca Beach) and it has been an all consuming time period. I have continued to take photos but just haven't had the time to get on and update the blog.

Ok - updates (apart from the sale of our home) - are;

Cool Chick

Pretty as a picture

Charlotte now 18 months old and growing every day. She has a whole heaps of words now, the funniest being "Oh No", if something bad happens or she sees something wrongs she says it. Makes us laugh. I had her weighted and measured today and she is 81cm long and 11.9kg - which is very evident when you try and pick her up. She is very independent, wanting to feed herself, put her own singlet and socks on and helping with the cleaning.

Fairy

Peek-a-boo

Playing with best friend Emily

When we go to the park she is very good at climbing the slide and can come down on her own. She loves the play centre and its climbing frame work and is always very busy running around - great way to make her sleepy.

At the play centre

Happy, smiley Girl

Recently met her cousins, aunties and uncles for the first time. Adam visited from UK with Hayley, Aaron and Stef. Charlotte really connected well with your UK relies, taking to Hayley, Adam and the boys straight away. She is a very social little girl who makes friends very easily. I think they all fell in love with her.

Aaron & Stefan

Adam & Hayley

Reading with Auntie

Cousin Stefan

Uncle Adam

She also met her cousins Maddy, Patrick as well as Max and Sandra - who are back from Germany. We had a family get together (forgot to take my camera) but she had a ball running around chasing Patrick (who she thinks is hilarious - he does silly things). He actually asked once "is there anything we can do, to stop her squealing" - sorry Patrick, while you continue to run and be silly she will squeal.

Cousin Maddy & Pat

Our families are looking forward to our return to the coast. James parents & brothers family will be 10 mins away and my Mum is approx 30 mins away - big difference to the 1.5 hrs drive currently - I know we said we would never go back, but the decision to downshift meant a real change, so back we go. A move to the Coast means we can buy practically outright with the money we made on Lane Cove. I will continue to work in Sydney - only problem is I have to commute well that is the plan anyway. Have just taken a new job with IBM (based in St Leonards) .....so I will travel by train from Woy Woy - about 60 min trip - can't say I am looking forward to that.

Snug as a bug

2nd Cousin Anna

Cool Dude

Only upside is that we will be in a lovely village right near the beach - about a 10 min walk from the house and we are standing on the sand. We will also have a 3 bedroom house with two living spaces, 2 bathrooms and a pool. There is a great shed for the business and room for a work shop. I think we will love it. Will post photos once we move, around end of September.

April 2007

2007-04-22T20:20:00.000+10:00

Update - 30/04/07

Charlotte's first word - I was offering her a Banana last night after dinner and she said her first very clear word - "Nana". I thought it might have been an one off but I was later speaking to Mum on the phone and said "tell nanny what you had for dinner, and she said "Nana". So it is officially noted - we have made our first word.....yeahhhhhh.

Albert Park Beach Playgroud

So much happening, I have been a bit slack with the updates......sorry

Driving the big red car

Crazy Daddy/Bonnie driving the big red car

April - well Charlotte now runs everywhere, full steam ahead, it is exhausting. She goes and goes, then crashes (which is good for us.)

My little girl is now 15 months old, where is time going. She is more beautiful and enjoyable every day - I could eat her up. She is really good at feeding herself now and is fiercely independant. She loves her baby pram and will spend hours pushing it up and down the house and off course she is really good on her little bike. Her hair is much longer now and almost ready for her first pony tail or pig tails. Her words are getting much clearer and she is beginning to be able to communicate much better now. You can ask her if she wants something and she will either say 'No' or 'Yes' and if she hurts herself she can tell you where it hurts and we are able to kiss it better.

Peekaboo in the Park

This month sees her start childcare one day per week. I have started doing 3 days per week in the office and 1 from home, so on a Monday (16/04/07) Charlotte goes to Farran Street Childcare. I have taken her for a number of visits leading up to the first day to get her used to the people and surroundings, but I must admit I was pretty nervous about the first day. Well I should not have worried.

"me dirty?"

Happy after childcare

As soon as we got there she run off to play.....I said 'good bye' and left a list of instructions with the carers. I rang in about 10am to see how things where going and they said she was fine with no tears and was playing happily. I got there early to pick her up and she didn't want to leave. They were having afternoon tea and she decided that she wanted to finish before we went home, so I made myself comfortable on a little chair (well as comfortable as can be on a child that only takes one bum cheek at a time) and we had afternoon tea. When I finally got her to leave I realised how dirty she was......there was sand and dirt everywhere, most of which ended up on our floors when we took her shoes off. So now I am not so worried about next week, fingers crossed it is like this every week.

My New jumper

We have also been for a visit to Melbourne for a day and I managed to catch with my friend Sara and her daughter Millie.....however I forgot to take some photos.

Park Life.....

I did manage however to have coffee in St Kilda with Charlotte and we also took a tram ride (past our old house) and spend some time in a park on the beach at Albert Park. We had a great time exploring our old neighborhood, and it made me a bit home sick for Melbourne. Hopefully next trip we will get more time to visit other friends......

St Kilda - Luna Park

Strange place for a nappy change

playing in the park - Albert Park

On the beach - Albert Park

Watching the world go by on the tram....

Unfortunately Mum is back in hospital again so the last week as been a little unorganised. It is hard to get everything down so we have had a bit of a mixed up week, but we are doing OK. Mum is also doing much better now and hopefully will be out of hospital (and staying with us) in an other week or so. Through all of this Charlotte has been great and has entertained the hospital staff and definitely cheered up her Nanny. The nurses keep making her glove balloons which really entertain her.

This is my favourite age.....I love spending time with her but just wished I had more...time is moving so quickly and I don't want to miss a thing. My baby is now more, but my little girl is adorable.

Adelaide Trip 2007

2007-04-22T20:01:00.000+10:00

Emily enjoying the Concert with Mum

The big red car - Adelaide Shopping Centre

Dancing to RAGGS in concert

A hug for Emily

In the huggies car

Tea for two

We had a great trip to Adelaide in March to visit our friends Samantha, Emily and Pat (friends from Mothers Group) who moved there in January. Emily and Charlotte are great friends and managed to pick up from when they last saw each other. James went down for work and Charlotte and I tagged along and spent two days hanging out with Sam/Em. We went to a RAGGS concert - which was really good - and we visited the set of McLeods Daughters, and generally just hung out together.

Driving her friends around I get a cuddle from Emily

The RAGGS concert was funny, watching the girls amazed faces as these giant life size dogs started jumping around on stage to music. It took them a while but they did get into it. Charlotte was straight up to the front (moosh pit) and danced away.... she loved it. Needless to say they where both pretty tired by the end of the day.

Em ejoying concert bathing buddies

The girls enjoyed playing together, they where bath buddies and Charlotte took Emily for a ride in the bike.

Just bumped heads...

It was a great few days away....we miss our friends and hope to keep in touch and see each others as often as we can.

March 2007

2007-03-13T14:58:00.000+11:00

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

February 2007

2007-02-15T21:22:00.000+11:00

February 25th

Had a nice weekend of no house work or renovations around the house so we went and brought fish & chips and sat in the park.....heaven. We have a real dare devil on our hands, she has discovered how to go down the slide on her tummy. We can't stop her climbing up.....crazy.

February 15th

I took some photos in the park from our last Mothers Group get together (15th Feb 2007). We found a new play arear in Longueville which has new play equipment and a soft foam base which is good for the kids to play on.

Charlotte is the only one of the group who is still crawling so it is nice to have somewhere where she doesn't get covered in dirt. It was a nice cool place under the trees on a hot day.

Charlotte is getting very good at walking with the aid of an object now.....she has a kids shopping trolley that she uses outside, a walker (which converts to a bike) for inside and she also uses the toy baskets to get along with. I just discovered her the other day

Strike a pose....in the park

Beginnings of a surfer dude....in the park

Look at me Mum....in the park

Go baby, go.....

Wearing the outfit Nan brought her from Noumea....very cute

Having lazy Sunday lunch with Daddy......

Marra Holiday Jan 2007

2007-02-15T21:19:00.000+11:00

January 3rd to 5th

We spent a few days at Mackies (friend of James) holiday house on the Hawksbury River. Picked up his boat at Brooklyn and motored over to his house on the river at MarraMarra Creek (about 20 mins). The most beautiful spot right on the water....pull the boat up on the private wharf and you are set.

Gillian....

We spent the first evening enjoying the small beach and drinking wine. The following day we motored in the boat across to Potonga Beach and took a swim and had fish & Chips. We didn't get any fishing in this time round so plan to do it on the next trip.

Private jetty.......

It was Charlotte's first trip on a boat and she took to it like a professional, in fact sleep each trip in the boat. Not sure how she managed it as it was both rough and noisy but she did. Bonnie on the other hand is not an old sea dog. She shook from the minute she got on the boat until the minute she got off. In fact I am sure I saw her kiss the ground when we returned to land. I think with few more trips she would get used to it. She did however love the visit to the beach and the swim which I think more then made up for the other pain.

Nan & Charlotte cruising around.....

Playing on the private beach.....

Playing on the boat on the way to Patonga....

Daddy and Charlotte on the beach

Nan casting a protective eye.....

January 2007 - Beginning of a New Year

2007-02-15T20:46:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year
We started the new year very quietly.....no great New Year celebration, a quite drink with friends in the early evening then a quite family night. I think we were still all recoving from the Christmas period which seem to take it out of us. Catching up with friends and family, going to the beach and of course hitting the Boxing Day sales. We brought a new Xmas tree which is exciting and some new decorations.

First Few Days of the New Year
Spent most of it at home...a few trips out to catch up with friends - especially Sam and Emily, they are moving to Adelaide soon and we will really miss them. The girls get on so well and it would have been nice for them to grow up together, but we hope to keep in contact and visit when we can.

Well a lot has happened since Xmas and a lot of changes have occurred. Charlotte now has 8 teeth (including a molar) her hair is longer (and wild) and she is nearly 10 kilos. We have moved from baby 0 sizes into 1's - my baby is disappearing and my little girl is emerging.

Wearing the Pj's for Xmas from Uncle Adam and Aunty Hayley

Crawl tunnel I got for Xmas

Walking with the walker

Charlotte can now stand very well on her own, but has not attempted to take an unassisted step. She still prefers to crawl, as it is quicker and easier. However, with a walker she is unstoppable. It is quite funny, she will crawl to the middle of a room, stand up, do a little gig, then crawl off again. She has mastered stairs both up and down and can be out the front door and up the drive before you blink.

Having a bath outside on a hot day

Helping Sam celebrate her birthday

Swinging with Mummy

Enjoying a swing

Going the wrong way up a slide

playing in the lounge

Butterfly girl

Playing with my best friend Emily

Her best friend Emily ( and my great friend Sam) had now moved to Adelaide, so Charlotte and i are now on our own with out coffee/playgroup buddies. We are going to Adelaide in March to visit so that is something to look forward to.

She says a few words quite well now, like 'Dog', 'Daddy' and 'Mummy' when she is really sad. She also has a great understanding of other words. When she gets into trouble for something she cries (which is quite funny) but she does understand that she is doing something she shouldn't. She also has a good grasp of comparisons....she got a Dora the explore sofa for Xmas and when she is watching Dora on the TV she will point to the pictures on the sofa, then the TV. She can also spot a Dog a mile away or on the TV/print.

Reading 'Charlotte's Web'

We now eat sandwiches very well (loves - honey, Vegemite, cheese, ham and chicken) and most nights she will have what ever we are having for dinner (which is great). We did go through a period of not eating but I put it down to her teeth as she has her appetite but well and truly now.

Hope you enjoy the photos.....

Pretty as a picture

Charlotte's 1st Birthday 2007

2007-02-15T19:52:00.000+11:00

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY CHARLOTTE

What a wonderful day - with special friends and family.......the most important people in our lives joined us to help celebrate a major milestone - CHARLOTTE'S 1ST BIRTHDAY.

We had a great day with terrific weather. We held the party in Buffalo Creek Reserve, East Lane Cove (Pitt Water Rd). It is a great park set up for kids with an large shelted playground, safe bike track and covered picnic shelters. We set up a shelter for the day with decorations (that Lise and Nicole made) and everyone gathered around it.

I had made a birthday cake (butterfly) - that was the most funniest thing. Mum and I cooked it the night before then got up super early on the day to decorate. I have never laughed so much in a long time. The cake sunk during the baking stage and we concluded that the butterfly was more like road kill that we scraped off our car windscreen - but it tasted good and didn't work out too bad on the day (after hiding the bad bits with heaps of icing). We blew out the candles, and sang Happy Birthday. The family played cricket, we ate and drank and relaxed.

Charlotte received lots of wonderful gifts and had a great day playing with friends and family.

Enjoy the pictures.

Opening presents on birthday morning in Mummy & Daddy's bed.

Happy Family Day

Fairy Bread and hand made biscuits

The Cake

Mummy & birthday girl

Opening presents with Daddy's help

Daddy and Charlotte have fun on the swings

Fearless Charlotte

The Family

Mum, Pat, Maria & Ursula

Playing with best friend Emily

The Rae representitives - Grandma, Damon and Sue

Damon & Sue

Birthday Girl - with her booty

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!!

"Look what I got" - spinning top

Great Grandma Hubbard

The Murray's - Sam, Em & Pat

Playing with her second cousin - Anna

Playing with second cousin - Euan

On the slippery slide

The Murray's and Charlotte

Xmas 2006

2006-12-09T22:24:00.000+11:00

During the count down to Christmas we have made our first trip to see Santa. I have been taking her for the last couple of weeks to the shopping centre and stood next to the Santa Cave watching other frightened children having their photos taken (the things we do to our children). The first time she saw him she appeared fascinated with the decor of the cave but once Santa approached to say 'Hi' she was practically inside my clothes trying to get away. Each subsequent visit got easier and on the big day I had planned to be in the photo myself if necessary.

I was given a piece of advise - "don't let them see Santa....back them up looking at you.....put them on Santa's knee and start taking photos" - this is exactly what I did. No tears (but no great smiles either) so the whole exercise was a total success (and I didn't have to get in the photo - yeah). I think she looks sooooo cute (and apparently Santa was too without the beard......). I now point out everything to do with Santa (ho ho ho) but she still seems more interested in tinsel and Christmas stars.

We have a mountain of presents under our tree already all addressed to Charlotte Rae (nothing for Mummy or Daddy - very sad). I think I might have gone a bit mad. I will update the sight after Xmas with more photos and a list of gifts received.

Xmas Day 2006 - First Christmas

What can I say - what a great day. We woke at around 7am (Me, James, Mum, Bonnie and Charlotte - don't believe that will last for long) and Charlotte opened her eyes to a full sack of presents in her room. We helped her drag it into the lounge where she discovered even more presents around the base of the tree. Of course as we pulled presents out they were all for Charlotte (nothing for us) and she began to become a little overwhelmed with the amount, so we decided to do the day in shifts. She did well actually, ripping open the presents and playing with them. I honestly thought she would be more interested in the paper but she wasn't. She had a genuine interest in how the toy worked.

Mid morning James went to pick up his grandmother and we went into full Christmas day mode. At approximately 11am the tribe arrived. Again another flow of present exchanging and again overwhelmed with quantity. She ended up with so much stuff but surprisenly it wasn't all toys - mainly clothes and books - which is kind of good.

She did well during the day with little sleep and still managing lots of smiles and hugs. I didn't get to spend much time with her as her grandparents (and great grandparents) spent quality time with her, but I had her all to myself on Boxing Day which was nice.

I have started a Xmas diary that I will log all the presents she gets each year and look back on it in years to come and she the different trend her life takes. It was a great day and the start of a new family era. I look forward to more Christmas's together with early mornings, lots rubbish, food and best of all happy smilely family faces.

Update 22 - Greenwich Baths 1/12/2006

2006-12-05T15:41:00.000+11:00

Hot weather on the first day of December 2006 saw us heading to the beach - for some of the babies (from Mother Group) it was their first excusion, however for our Charlotte it is familiar territory. She absolutely loves the beach. I can't keep her out of the water. If you sit her on the sand she will crawl back into the water and literary keep going unless you pick her up - no fear at all. Here are some of the photos from Fridays trip - enjoy.

PS - below are cheeky monkeys from Mothers Group (held at our place) on Thursday 30th November. Charlotte and Sophie getting into something they shouldn't

Update 21 - Melbourne Cup Photos

2006-11-21T14:29:00.000+11:00

Melbourne Cup Princess

"If my horse wins, I will eat my hat"

"come on you good thing". Tension mounts during the big race....

Samantha and Emily

Emily - all dressed up and nowhere to go.....

Wil " I am sure I will work out this technology before the race"

Oliver - ride em cowboy

Michelle and Oliver

Ella - pretty as a daisy

TEST

2006-11-15T20:05:00.000+11:00

THIS IS A TEST

Update 20 - 43 Weeks Old

2006-10-19T19:58:00.000+10:00

It has been a while since I have updated our Blog page and I must apologies for that......I now have very little time and what I do have I am too tired to sit in front of the computer or I am taking the opportunity to lay down on the sofa.

Well we have seen a lot of developments in the last few weeks.....firstly we have 6 teeth now - two bottom centre, two top centre and the teeth on each side of the top ones have also come through (with the eye teeth just starting to poke their way through). I think there is a lot of movement in her mouth as we have had a lot of fingers in mouth action, drooling and pain like crying.

She is also crawling like a trooper now....and have discovered the whole house. She has had a few accidents....firstly a slip in the bathroom and hit her head on the edge of the shower screen and secondly - banged her head on the edge of the cot. She is becoming stronger every day as we don't have as many spills now and she can pull herself up and get back down again without any problems. Keeping up with her is hard though.....She is really strong and pulls herself up on everything and anything....Fridge, table, leg, sofa and the inside of the cot. When you put her down to sleep she stands straight up and looks over the edge, crying. We have had to lower the bed so that she can't climb out. She has also started to jump up and down when you go into her room in the mornings....and plays 'peek-a-boo' between the slates - very cute.

She is also trying to say words....."pretty", "what's that", "plane" and "butterfly" and "bubba", along with the traditional Mumma, Dadda and Nanna. It is not real clear but you can tell that this is what she is trying to say.

I am starting to plan her first birthday party....I have created the invites (look pretty good if I do say so myself) ..I have found the park which should be good - weather holding... so now I just need to post them. Plan to try and get the stamps this week so hopefully will have them sent shortly. Our theme is butterflies....butterfly invites, cake, decorations etc so should be good. I still can't believe that my little baby is only 8 weeks off turning 1 year old. How quickly that time has gone.....I miss my baby, she is now a little girl.

We have been really busy around the house and garden every weekend madly trying to finish off/tart up things so that we can get the house on the market. We did a major Front Yard Blitz on the weekend, and we are tired and sore but I think it was worth it (see before and after pictures). Now for the back yard - that will be an even more of a major job but it needs to be done if we want to see the big dollars when we sell. The more we can squeeze out the better for us. The house/gardens are looking so nice now we don't really want to leave them.

We had concrete laid a couple of weeks ago for a drive way but haven't been able to use it yet as we have a big pile of soil in the middle of the drive.....James is dying to finally be able to bring the car in. We had planned to laying of this drive for weeks and the time had finally arrived BUT.....after months of no rain and drought we finally broke it......it rained like you would not believe for days......James didn't care he wanted that drive way so he laid it in the rain. All turned out OK in the end.

The finished product! All of you must go Ohhh Arhhh when you see it! and for those who arranged for Jamie Jury and backyard Blitz crew to come over an do up our front yard you can call them off.....although we really can use them out the back!!!

We celebrated the Melbourne Cup last week and instead of a fancy function I had the Mother Group over for Champagne and nibbles....we had a sweep (which I won by the way....$2 bet returned me a winnings of $30) and the babies had a hat parade. Charlotte came as a princess (which she is). It was a great afternoon.

Poor old Bonnie needs to put up with a lot now......she can't seem to lay down and snooze anywhere without little hands pulling at her coat. Actually, Charlotte is pretty gentle but gentle for a baby is still pretty rough for a dog. She is generally fairly good with her, we have only had a couple of incidents where Bonnie has had enough and growled at her - of course Charlotte crys but no one is actually hurt. We thought we had lost Bonnie last week, she got ill and was shaking and vomiting so we raced her up to the vets. They couldn't find anything obvious with her and offered to monitor her over night but we decided to take her home and do it ourselves. By the next day she was back to normal. Not sure what it was but luckly it passed. It was scary as I can't imagine her not being around.
Bye

Sam

Update 19 - 38 weeks Old

2006-10-01T09:25:00.000+10:00

My little China Doll

Hi All, we have been on a short holiday (only 3 days) to Brisbane and Noosa. James was there for work so we decided to tag along. Once again Charlotte was amazing on the flights...and not a peep out of her. I actually think she has taken to flying like a frequent flyer....takes it all in her stride - but it helps to flirt like mad to the attendants.

While James was working we did our own thing.... while on holidays you always have to hit the mall and do a little shopping (we are girls of course)...then we did the botanical gardens, southbank and lunch in a nice cafe. When we got to Noosa we dipped our feet in the surf and felt the sand between our toes.

Noosa Beach - QLD

It was a lovely break for the same old, same old. I actually got a chance to sit down and play as there was no washing, cleaning etc to do.

Stroll down South Bank - Brisbane

Charlotte is not only 10 days off 9months old....I can't believe how fast that time has gone. She now has another tooth (top centre/left) which is very cute. She weights 8.65kg (believe me I now notice) and is pulling herself up but has not yet crawled. She will get herself up onto her hands and knees but would rather cry for assistance then try and get herself out of the position. It is amazing the positions she can get her legs into - talk about contortionist.....she will however get on her tummy on the timber floor and push herself back/in circles....which is quite funny.

The next Madame Butterfly

We are very busy finishing off some work in the garden on this long weekend....so best get back to it. enjoy the new photos.

Life is exhausting.....
Sam

Update 18 - 34 Weeks Old - Photos

2006-09-03T13:51:00.000+10:00

Enjoy the photos........

Heres looking at you baby......

Haven't I seen you around here before?.....

Too cute...

I just love this outfit......

Model material.....

Work it baby, work it....

Have you ever seen a prettier face......

Mother night out (without the kids)

I must get this letter finished.....

Hard at work.....

Update 17 - 34 weeks old

2006-09-03T13:14:00.000+10:00

Well another few weeks have past and many changes have occured...... Charlotte is now 8.2kg and is 66.8cm long....no wonder my back hurts. She is also a star fish and doesn't hang on when you carrier her which means that you have to work twice as hard to keep from dropping her. we are now so close to crawling. Charlotte has begun to rock forward onto her hands and knees and a couple of times has taken the weight but usually gets fed up and pushes her legs out to be back onto her belly. She can however pull herself up into the standing position so probably not long before she starts cruising around the furniture. I think she is now getting frustrated with sitting in one spot so I do hope she starts to move around soon....it will see her with a new found freedom.

We have reached another milestone.....Charlotte can now wave hello and goodbye. It is very cute and heart breaking if you actually do have to leave her.....and she waves. Mum has been in hospital for the last 4 weeks so we have spent a lot of time going back and forth....it is quite funny when she waves to the other patients, nurses, doctors and anyone in the lift that will pay her some attention. She is very popular and they don't mind if we happen to hang around a little longer then we should.

I have now started meeting one of the mothers from my Mothers Group each Friday for a swim - she minds Charlotte and her son Wil while I do laps for 25 minutes and visa versa. It was quite funny when I was minding Wil and Charlotte......Charlotte gets quite excited about having someone to play with and her excitments comes out though high pitched screams.....Wil didn't like it at all and cried everytime she did it. I spent the whole 25 mins nursing him so he wouldn't cry.

Its funny at mothers group now as most of the babies are on the move. We meet in the local plaza and put blankets down on the grass - you have to keep your eye on the bubs as they are off and disappear if you are not careful. I have included some photos of Charlotte with Roman on the grass from last week.....very cute.

Grandma Rae returned home from Germany last week and she brought back with her a gift from Madelyne.....a lovely new outfit....Thanks Rae in Germany...have included a photo of her in the new outfit.

Anyway enjoy this weeks photos.....

Sam

Update 16 - 30 weeks - Mother Group (03/08/06)

2006-08-08T10:51:00.000+10:00

The girls playing at mothers group......

Charlotte, Sophie & Emily - learning to share.

I am sure that toy is mine.......

The girls at play.......

Charlotte & Sophie - spending sometime together.....

Charlotte & Sophie - my first hug.....

OK, my turn......

The camera loves me.......

Is this my good side?.......

Update 15 - 30 Weeks - more photos

2006-08-07T19:44:00.000+10:00

I thought that I would add some more photos for your entertainment - I don't know where she gets her good looks from (it is definatley not from her father or mother). She is very photographic and loves to preform for the camera.....enjoy

James - my future babysitter

Aunty Karen loves a cuddle

Yeah! new toys....I was getting bored with the old ones.

hmmmm - what shall we watch (Charli taken over TV viewing)

What a beautiful family moment

Update 14 - 30 Weeks Old

2006-07-21T11:44:00.000+10:00

We have just reached another milestone......Charlotte has got her first teeth (two bottom center)! Yeah!!!!!!!! No dramas with them coming out, they just appeared. I would love to take a photo to show you however you can not get her to open her mouth. Each time you try and look at the tooth she pokes out her tounge. So when she is crying James and I sit looking at her going "there it is!" - I think she thinks we are mad.

James and his Dad have been busy recently building a deck outside, Charlotte has been a complete angel during the construction and has been sleeping sessions of 2 hours plus at a time, so I don't have much to do (which is very strange to me). We have had a fair bit of rain here so the mud everywhere is terrible. So have not been doing too much house work and with a sleeping baby I have finally found some time to send out an email update.

OK where do I start. I am back at work (part time) for at least the next 6 months. I received a phone call from my old boss at IBM who asked if I would be interested in some work - because they were desperate for someone with the knowledge and skill I could ask for whatever I wanted. I managed to get 4 days per week with 3 days working from home and 1 day in the office. James has arranged to work from home 1 day per week to look after Charlotte while I go into the office. So far it is working so will see how things continue. James and I agreed that if things get too tough I will just stop. I am actually enjoying the day out and feel a bit like a grown up again. But I must admit I do miss Charli while I am out.

Speaking of Charli, well our little girl is getting bigger every day. She has now officially moved from her baby capsule and is now in a front facing car seat. She was a little freaked out at first with the traveling forward position but now loves the fact that I can turn around and talk to her and she can see what we are doing in the front. She is now 8 kg and approx 70cm long so not such a little girl anymore - 7 months old. Can't believe how fast that time has gone, it feels like a blur.

She is now sitting up by herself and is eating solid food. She still has her good days and bad but I suppose that is to be expected. She does have a sweet tooth and much prefers the yogurt, fruit, custard and cereal to the vegetables and meat. I have just introduced her to cheese today but not sure if she was all that fussed. She does like the finger food sessions with Rockmelon and Watermelon. It is a very messy episode but highly entertaining. I just put her on a big mat, let her go for it and then take her into the bathroom and hose her off (well not literally). James has decided to do it differently. He actually sits her in the clothes basket on a towel then when she is finished just picks the whole thing up and takes it into the shower. That way he doesn't have to touch a sticky child (only a man would think of that).

Charli hasn't started crawling yet and is still not fussed about being on her stomach. She might be one of these children that just bypasses the crawling stage and goes straight to walking - will have to wait and see. She has however got her first teeth - I was very excited - but it is very hard to show anyone.

We have now been going to swimming lessons for 3 weeks.....she loves it and kicks like a mad man and gets excited when she knows she is going in. I have even heard the instructor saying "everyone do what Charlotte is doing" I think we might have a water baby on our hands and possibly another madame butterfly - 2020 Olympics here we come......

There has been a lot of activity around this place lately. We have made the decision to move - no date decided, maybe sometime in the next 12 months - so James is madly trying to finish all the jobs he has said he was going to do for the last 5 years (yes that is how long we have been in Lane Cove). We have been painting, building decks, tiling - you name it we have done it. In fact the place looks so good now we don't want to leave it. But we have too - we need the extra space now. Another bedroom would be great with possibly as move level yard that can be viewed from the house. We also need extra room for the Talkingstones business as we have out grown the space downstairs. We now have our first gift store order so we need to accommodate a bigger blaster and room for storing rocks. James would love a garage that he can convert into a blast room and office.

On the weekend we went to the Coast and stayed at James parents place - Charli got her first big bath and as you can see from the photos she loved it. She found sucking the face washer very interesting.

I hope you enjoy the new photos Will post another update soon.

Update 13 - 26 Weeks Old

2006-07-14T14:06:00.000+10:00

Hi All, well another week has passed and there have been more changes in the Rae household.

Firstly I am back at work (part-time).......work called me last week to see if I would be interested in working for a couple of months. I will be working from home (expect for one day where James is going to work from home to mind Charli) and I will be taking Thursday off.

Thursdays will now be our learn to swim class day. They start next week and should be a lot of fun. They call them aqua play classes and involve getting babies used to the water. I don't believe there will be a problem for Charli as she already loves it. I actually brought her a blow up seat ring the other day and we went to the pool to try it out. She sits in it and I push her up and down the pool (while I get me exercise) and she loved it. When she is actually in the water she loves putting her face in the water and kicking her feet. We might end up with our own Madame Butterfly.

Secondly, Charli has had her first finger foods.....what a mess but lots of fun. I brought out a big mat, sat her in the middle and handed her a thick slice of Rockmelon. It is first time she has had Rockmelon and the first time she had had finger food and she loved it. She had it every where but I didn't care. When she was finished I just took her into the bathroom and hosed her off. Today she had her first piece of bread roll which resulted in the same situation however in this case Bonnie was left to clean up the mess (thank god for dogs).

I had mothers group at my place last week which was great. A little cozy but good fun. Charlotte was a little overwhelmed by having her play area over run but other babies but I think she still enjoyed it. At one stage a little boy called Ollie took one of her toys, she just let out a massive scream which made everyone stop (as she doesn't ever make much of a noise). I had to laugh. I will have to make sure I teach her to share.

We sit up very well now but no sign of crawling yet. She can hold herself up if you put her hands on the coffee table, so you never know she might walk before she crawls. The new sound is rasberries followed by lots of dribble, messy but adorable. I think I even caught sight of a little tooth earlier just under the skin. Will take a closer look later when she wakes up from her sleep.

Anyway enjoy the food fest photos.........update you again soon.

Sam

Update 12 - 25 weeks old

2006-07-02T15:19:00.000+10:00

Visit from two Great Grandma's

Well today was an exciting day as we have James's family down. We had both the great Grandma's here as well. We had lunch and as is becoming a bit of a tradition we had Ribs and Chicken. Grandpa Rae had a go at making his own special BBQ ribs sauce and it was great.

Great Nanna Rae has got over her replacement hip really well and is getting around easily if not a little slower. Great Grandma Almo was also in good spirit and still continues to slip Bonnie treaties under the table when no one is looking. Needless to say that Bonnie like mummy and daddy love it when great Grandma Almo comes to visit.

Well the count down is on. Grandma Rae will be leaving for Auntie Sandra & Uncle Max's in Franken ferter land in a few weeks.

James

Update 11 - 23 weeks old

2006-06-18T10:11:00.000+10:00

Where is the year going.....I can't believe my little girl is now five and a half months old. I don't want her to grow anymore she is just great the way she is.

We have had a few milestones in the last few weeks....firstly we are now on solids - yeah - and she has taken to it like a champion. I introduced her first to farex (rice cereal) which she liked, then to stewed pears and apples which she loved. She can't get enough of it and performs when I don't load the spoon quick enough. She has even started doing the hmmmm in between mouth fulls - it is so funny. She wants to hold the spoon herself and she opens her mouth and eats it all up no problems at all. I will slowly start to introduce different things over the next few weeks. We did some videoing of her having her first meal and it was messy but very funny. I thought she might pull funny faces at the different taste but she seemed to like it straight away - a bit like her mother with food, will open her mouth to whatever is going. Today she even had pumpkin which she liked, but she is still not keen on potatoe by itself. I have made up some pumpkin/potatoe for us to try tomorrow so hopefully she will like them combined.

Secondly, we are now saying a word and to my horror it was Dad - I was so upset, why couldn't it have been mum, I am the one she spends more time with her, I am the one who feeds, changes, baths and reads to her it should be my NAME SHE SAYS FIRST!!!! Ok calm again, I know that this is generally the case, most babies say Dad before Mum and it has something to do with it being easier to say. It has nothing to do with popularity.

I haven't had her weighted this week, I am trying to spread out the visits to the health clinic to a few more weeks so not sure of her exact weight but will have a visit in the next couple of weeks and will give you an update in my next message.

We have had a lot of visitors in the last week - gail, Ian and Dianne came over (Ian and Dianne haven't seen her before so that was nice) and Maria also came for a visit. She is really good with new people and just smiles heaps. I couldn't ask for a better girl....I can hand her to anyone and she will talk to them. It is great not to have a clingy, crying baby. Speaking of crying girls....I saw a great t-shirt the other day for a baby that says "try crying, it always works for me" I think they sell it at Best and Less if anyone sees it could they please let me know.

We still have Mum staying with us as she recovers from your heart surgery. It has been 3 weeks now and even though she is getting better she still has a long way to go. We have had her back to the doctors today with a bit of irregular heart beats that they are trying to stabilise with medication. I am hoping they do as we don't want her back in hospital again.

Everything else is going well here at the moment, James has been a very busy bee finishing off a lot of odd jobs around the house in preparation for us selling (we are considering it at the moment). We have finally finished the deck with new wires, timber and paint. The tiling in the laundry and landing are finished now only the landscaping work to be done. I have been busy painting the windows in the kitchen and have come to the realisation that I hate painting windows, give me a wall or ceiling any day.

I am still very much enjoying my mothers group each week and look forward to me Thursday get togethers with the girls. It is amazing the information you can gather from others experiences. We share lots of ideas and secrets - it is great. We recently had a weekend get together for the fathers to meet each other however we had to miss it as it was the same day that I brought Mum home from the hospital - never mind we will make the next one in July (the celebration of the babies reaching the 6 month mark).

Well best get back to something constructive.....

Cheery Bye

Sam

Update 10 - 18 weeks old

2006-05-25T14:15:00.000+10:00

Hi All, well it has been a couple of weeks since my last update - not totally though my own laziness but because we have been away on holidays in Fiji.

BULA, BULA, BULA (hello, hello hello)..... that is right we have been to Fiji and loved every single second of it, take me back there now!

Oh the heaven, no cooking, cleaning, washing - what more can you want. We would get up in the morning and go to breakfast - anything you wanted (needless to say I have put on weight) then claim our spot around the pool and spend the day swimming and reading. We would swim to the bar for a cocktail and order food to be delivered. Then in the evenings back to the room for a shower, then decide where to go for dinner - hard life. Charlotte loved it......she took to the water like a fish, kicking her legs and having a great old time. She was very popular in the resort with the local Fijian women and was constantly taken from us and would disappear into the kitchens or back offices. She looked so white against their dark skin, it was so funny. She was great on the flight both ways. On the way out I was on my own with her so had my hands full but we coped really well no hassles at all. On the way back James was with us which was even better. She sleep both ways so I managed to read a book and watch a movie. In fact I finished a whole book on the holidays because she was so good......around the pool she just lazed around with us on her own deck chair under the umbrella - hilarious.

It was hard to come back to Sydney...cold, rainy weather - freezing after 30 degree humid days. James got up the first morning back and said "which way to the buffet breakfast" and I said "bread is on the counter, help yourself" - he he he

James has been on holidays for the last couple of weeks so we have been doing things like going to home shows etc, and he has been busy rebuilding the back deck - looks great - so we have been quick busy.

Mum went into hospital today for her big operation - two new heart valves.....scary. I saw her this morning around 6.30am before she went into surgery and she is not due out for approx 7 hours. I will go back up to the hospital later to see her (she will probably be out of it, but i want to be there). I hope everything is going OK, no news is good news I suppose.

OK baby update - wait for it - she is now 6.54kg - and doesn't my back know it......ooooouch. It is killing.....poor old me - and she is now about 68cm long. The Fijian's keep asking up what we feed her as they thought she was a big baby - I was beginning to worry that she was abnormal, but the midwife assured me she is very normal for her age. She had her 4 month check up and passed with flying colours. They said she was perfect, but I already knew that. Lots of milestones reached. Now rolling onto each side, but not quite going all the way. Holding own weight on legs really well now, only need to hold her hands. We brought her a Jolly Jumper and she absolutely loves it - jumps like a mad man. She is now picking up toys on her own - reach etc and transferring them from hand to hand and shaking rattles. She is also making lots of new noises and sounds. One of which sent me to the doctors with her, but turns out she is fine just experimenting with sounds - bugger. I thought she was having problems breathing. Everything goes in the mouth now, and I mean everything - sleeves, shirts, my shirt, my fingers, my hair toys, pens, lids, the list could go on but apparently that is completely normal. Actually at her check up they gave her a toy and watched for how long it took her to put in her mouth, apparently they should do it straight away, which she did. She follows people round rooms now with her eyes. It is a bit distracting when you are trying to feed her but she is very interested in what is happening in the big wide world. She loves to stand and prefers it to lying on the floor - I think she might bypass crawling and go straight to walking.

I am now waiting on the first teeth to come through - a couple of the babies from Mothers Group already have theirs so should not be long. She has already had a few days of grizzleness and temperatures which is apparently a sign. I check every day but nothing yet.

OK - best get back to something constructive.....another update to follow shortly.

Sam xxx

Update 9 - 15 weeks old

2006-05-01T09:11:00.000+10:00

Firstly let me apologise for the delay in updates......as Charlotte is getting older she is also getting more demanding, sleeping less and as such I have less time to do these updates. I am still enjoying it though...she is just a joy (most of the time).

The last couple of weeks have just flown by with Easter and Anzac Day long weekends. James has taken some time off which was nice and we did absolutely nothing which is a complete contrast to our normal weekends. It has been quite cold here so we hardly even left the house, just sat around watching videos and playing with bub in the warmth of the lounge. We had long sleep ins (all four of us.....) and just recharged the batteries.

Only a few days until we fly to Fiji! - James leaves this week and I leave early next week - I think Charlotte will be very popular with the Fijian woman so it will be interesting. I can't wait for the break - I know I am not working but you still do lots around the house with cleaning, washing, shopping etc that you don't really talks a break. This time away will mean all I have to do is feed and look after a baby - nice.

I have actually been sick last weekend. Must have been a 24 hour type bug because I am better again now - had the vomiting and high temperature/fever which meant I was in no condition to look after Charlotte. It was a real eye opener to James on how much I actually do in one day. He couldn't believe how many times I change a nappy and how hard it is to settle an upset, crying baby. He now has a real respect for mothers.

We went to a parent/baby expo recently - that was fun. It was amazing how may gadgets you can buy for a baby. We did buy a jolly jumper - you attach it to your door way and the baby can jump up and down in it - she loves it. she is a really jumpy baby - even likes to jump on your lap. Both James and I had them when we were kids, so now our baby has one also. At them moment she can only do around 10 mins per day but as her neck gets stronger she will be able to stay in it as long as she is happy to do so. We gots lots of samples at the expo, nappies, creams, bibs etc so we are now working through them. She has worn all sorts of nappies - eco friendly, bambo, German made you name it.

Well she is a really big girl now......6 kg and 60 cm long! which explains the extra strain on my already sore back. She is really starting to become aware of her surroundings. She looks around the room more, can spot someone from a distant (and smile - the most heart melting smile) and she even follows Bonnie around the room. She is starting to hold things better now and putting them in her mouth. Everything goes in the mouth now - books, toys, sleeves, shirts, fingers and fists. There is a lot of drool which I understand is the beginning signs of impending teeth. One of the babies at mothers group already has his first tooth. He is a few weeks older then Charlotte but I know it is not far away.

She has her four month needles this week - OH NO!!!!! - which I am not looking forward to - the two month old ones were bad enough. I know they need to be done but it doesn't make them any easier. I will let you know how it goes...

She has just woken up so must run - take care and speak to you soon.

Sam

Update 8 - 13 weeks old

2006-04-12T10:06:00.000+10:00

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

Update 7 - 11 weeks old

2006-03-31T11:59:00.000+11:00

I am sooooo excited!!!!!!!!!

We have reached another milestone. This morning Charlotte rolled from her tummy onto her back all by herself - not only once but four times. I even captured it on video to watch again and again. I can't believe she has done it - earlier in the week she was still on her tummy and then two days later she does it.

The next thing I know she will start the crawling - how exciting. She is sleeping now like an angel which is why I have the time to do this update.

This week has been quite busy. Yesterday we went to mothers group then into the city to visit my old work colleagues. They all thought she was beautiful, and I have to agree with them, she is (OK I am a bit bias). It has been two weeks since I went to mothers group and I couldn't believe how all the babies have changed especially the boys, it is incredible the changes in such a small period of time.

Mum and I went to the Parenting expo last Friday and it was great. We went to talks on settling and a talk from the baby whisperer on toddlers. I also found out more on sign language for babies and I am going to start with Charlotte. I know it sounds weird but I have heard really positive things about it. Apparently it is meant to help the baby communicate before they can speak with just the basic like hunger, pain, love etc...I look forward to teaching her. I learnt sign language years ago to help me speak to deaf colleagues and it amazed me how much I remember. I even know how to sign "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" (Mum does also.....)

We go for a weighing on Monday so next week I will be able to let you know how big she has grown. She was a little upset yesterday but I think it was because she was out all day and didn't get a good sleep. I ended up putting her to bed about 8pm and she slept through until 6am this morning. She is such an angle - I could eat her up.......

Anyway enjoy the new photos....update you again next week.

Love Sam

Update 6 - 10 weeks old

2006-03-20T14:55:00.000+11:00

Hi All, well firstly let me apologies for the delay in my update - I really don't have any excuse but I will make one up. Have been really busy playing each day and don't get time to do much else. Very slack I know but what can I say - I have a baby.

Anyway, we are all well and thriving. Charlotte is getting bigger by the minute. She is now 5.35kg and is 58.5 cm long. I am having trouble with clothes now as she is starting to get too long for tops and trousers and she has already out grown her beautiful party dress. I can't believe how much she has changed in such a sort time. I really don't want her to grow anymore as I love her just the way she is.

We have reached another milestone this week - last night was the 2nd night of sleeping in her own big bed (cot) in her own room, all by herself (except for mummy coming in ever hour to check that she is still breathing). She has finally out grown the basinette but still looks too tiny for the cot. She has been great with no dramas at all (except from me......worry wart). I even noticed last night that she is now nearly as long as the baby bath when lying on her back. Before I was able to float her back and forth in the bath but now I hit her head if I do it. She will soon have to sit up to be bathed.

I have also noticed a lot of little changes about her like - her hands are not constantly clenched now, and she has a lot more awake time and play. She also pulls her head up and pushes up with her arms more when put on her tummy. I even saw her trying to roll over onto her back from her tummy the other day - she didn't quite make it but with a little more momento I think she will be doing it by herself before too long. It will not be long before I am not able to leave her on the lounge or by herself on the floor.

I brought a new light weight stroller yesterday (to take away on holidays) and I used it for the first time today.....must say not very happy with it. I rang the shop and explained that I was not happy and would like to swap for another model and they told me to bring it in and if they think that it is not scratched they will do so. The problem I have with it is that the brake peddle sticks out further then the wheels so when you go backwards up stairs (which you do all the time with a pram) the wheels constantly lock - very frustrating. I will take it back tomorrow and see what they say - not holding my breath.

Charlotte must be very tired today......she has been asleep for the majority of 11am to 3pm. I actually feel a little lost as she generally doesn't sleep much through the day so I have a little bit more time on my hands today (which is why I have finally got around to doing this update). I had a visit from a friend (Kerry) today which was nice - a lovely grown up conversation and lunch. The official Mothers Group has now finished, but we had our first unofficial gathering last Thursday and will do the same this week. We get together and talk about our experiences and exchange ideas etc - I really look forward to it each week. I have been invited to a tupperware meeting on Wednesday but I don't think I will go or I might spend money (we don't have). Mum is coming down on Friday and we are going to the Parenting show - that should be interesting - they are going to have the Australian Baby Whisperer (I know I didn't believe it either) doing talks which are meant to be really good and I am interested in finding out more about signing for children, might be something I would be interested in teaching Charlotte......we will see.

Anyway - best go, enjoy the new photos.

Sam

Update 5 - 8 weeks old

2006-03-06T07:15:00.000+11:00

Hi All, sorry that I missed a weeks update - was very busy each day.

We are now coming into our 8th week (can you believe it has been 2 months already!) and Charlotte will be getting her first immunisation needles this Wednesday. I am not looking forward to taking her but I know that it is necessary and she will probably not even remember them but I still don't look forward to seeing a big needle go into such a little body.

We had a nice time last week - we had lunch with friends, lunch with our mothers group and a nice time shopping. Having a baby has not slowed me down - I am still out and about. We are hoping to do the same this week, with a catch up with Lise, my last mothers group and midwife checkup etc.

We have seen a lot of changes in the last week - she is now very talkative during awake times - gurgling, giggling and smiles so big they light up her whole face. My Mum was down for the weekend and she said she noticed a big difference in her in only a week. It is really nice to have some interaction and I know it will only get better. I can sit and look at her for hours, she is fascinating.

She went to her first birthday party last weekend - My cousin Sonja's little boy Euan turned one so we put on our party dress and helped celebrate. We also had our first trip to the Vets - not for Charlotte, it was for Bonnie - We needed flea treatment (again not for Charlotte - he he he) and the vet nurses made a right fuss about her - I sometimes don't know who is more popular, Charlotte or Bonnie - either way I don't get a look in.

I have never had so much washing in my life - I thought James went through the clothes, but Charlotte is giving him a good run for his money. The poor washing machine is struggling to keep up with the demand. It actually stopped working last week and as you could imagine I went into panic mode. I ended up opening the back of the machine, fiddled with a couple of wires and thank god, it started working again (to my relief - I couldn't hand wring another thing).

I am hoping to start swimming again this week - the doctor has told me I can start some light swimming from week 8, so pool here I come...... I will leave James in charge for the half hour or so I that I will be gone - he knows how to use a bottle now so he will be fine.

Well, best get going - we are going to have a nice quite day today and catch up with a few jobs around the house. Update you again soon.

Sam

Update 4 - 6 weeks old - 22/02/2006

2006-02-22T14:46:00.000+11:00

I can't believe we are nearly at the end of February - where is this year going.....before I know it I will be organising a 1st birthday.

We have now reached the 6 weeks mark - and had our 6 week check up. She is doing really well, ear are great, eyes are great and heart/lungs great. In two days she has grown 1.5 cm and gained 20 grms. She now weighs 4.85kg and is 57cm long. She has now grown out of the four 0 clothes and has moved into triple 0 clothes. We also reached a milestone, she has out grown the new born nappies and is into the next size (crawlers). My baby is growing up so quickly.

In two weeks (8th March) she has the first of her immunisations - I know she does not expect them and will probably forget, but I am not looking forward to them at all. I was thinking of sending James to the doctor with her so that I am not seen as the bady, but Nicole had a good idea which I think I will take up.....she said, babys do not remember the injections but 2 - 5 year olds do - so I should do the baby injections then send James for the later ones so that he is the bady and not Mummy - excellent idea Nicole, just don't tell James that this is the plan....shhhhhhhhh it is our little secret.

Speaking of James he is in Brisbane for the next 3 days so the 'girls are doing it for themselves'. This will be a real test for me - can I survive not having the evening support - hmmmmmm? At the moment (day 1) we are doing fine, considering she has been asleep since 11.30 ( now 3pm). I have managed to get a few things done which is wonderful. James has already rung us 3 or 4 times, I think he is missing us already.

Have to go now....Charlotte is just waking up and before long will be the crys of "feed me, feed me" - enjoy the new photos.

Sam

Update 3 - First Week On Our Own - 14/02/2006

2006-02-14T10:01:00.000+11:00

Oh my!!!!! - the first week on our own. Mum has now gone home (much to her relief) and Charlotte and I now need to learn to work together with no intervention.

Daddy's Birthday Breakfast 11/02/06

Day 1 was OK - not too many dramas (maybe we can do this!). Mind you she did sleep for most of the day which probably helped. So far Day 2 is shaping up to be OK - we have made it too 10am without too many dramas so feeling quite positive. I have now managed to juggle showering while watching a baby and have found the baby sling very helpful when putting out the washing and vacuuming.

All I can say is thank god for the pacifier - didn't think I would need it but now very grateful to have it. It works a treat. It is like an instant off switch for the crying (not that she does too much of it - thank god again - I am saying that a lot - have I just become suddenly religous?)

Cutest Baby Face

We have just completed a passport application form for Charlotte - she is taking her first international flight in May to Fiji - James will be there for a work conference and we are tagging along. Will be interesting to see how she goes on a 4 hour flight at 4 months old

.....speaking of old she is now 1 month old - can't believe how quick that time has gone. She is growing so quickly - we have now moved to the next size nappies and have gone from the 0000 size into the 000 size. She is now 4.25 kgs and 53 cm long - she is turning into a little rolly girl - I love it.

I booked Charlotte into her first school this week - I know it sounds crazy but you have to or you will not get a place - she is booked into pre-school (3 years old) for 2009......sounds like a life time away but I am sure it will come around really quickly. I am already dreading having to leave her there. I am sure it will be harder on me then her.

Well I better sign off for today - crying baby and all that - going to try and sneak in a walk while it is not raining - and hopefully it will also put her to sleep.

Me & my blanky

Update 2 - 05/02/2006 - Charlotte is 3 Weeks Old

2006-02-05T21:11:00.000+11:00

Well Charlotte is now 3 weeks old (25 days) - we can't believe how quickly the days are going. We have already started to notice changes in her behaviour and alertness. She really studies faces now and we get heaps of smiles (other say it is wind but I know it is a genuine smile). She is awake a lot more now (which is not good for me as I don't get as much sleep) and you can tell she is absorbing her surroundings.

We had our first family road trip last weekend. James had to go to Port Macquarie for work so we decided to tag along. It is a long trip (6 hour drive) but she handled it very well. We only had one stop on the way up - nappy change and feed and the same on the way back and the rest of the trip she slept. We did have a bit of an unsettled period around meal times - I didn't get much breakfast on the first day and James and I played pass the baby during dinner but all the good times make up for the little bit of unsettled periods.

I had my first Mothers Group meeting on Thursday (2nd Feb) which I really enjoyed. It was great to meet other mothers in the same position as me. We are all first timers with no real idea of what to expect and what is normal so it is great to compare notes and ideas - I am sure I will pick up some good hints and tips. We will get together formally every Thursday for 5 weeks at the community health centre, then after that it is up to us if we continue to met - I do hope we continue.

Mum is now ready to go home (she misses her bowls) which is really sad - it has been great having her here. I am a little nervous about finally being on my own especially when James will be at work all day - I hope I can cope......it will be a really big test for me. I am still feeling a little tender from the caesar which means there is still a long way to go until a full recovery - once I have to start doing the house work, driving and washing for myself I think I will notice it even more. I have a little bit of an infection in my scar which I am going to the doctors for tomorrow, but hopefully it can be treated with some antibiotics and I will be OK again. I am sure it is nothing to worry about.

Anyway will sign off for now and will post more updates soon.....Sam (ps. enjoy the new photos)

I can sleep anywhere

Early Pics of Charlotte

2006-01-28T22:24:00.000+11:00

Dr James and Charlotte at about 5 Minutes old.

(I look great in a mask!)

Sam and her new born Baby Girl.

Charlotte was born very pink and arrived crying (which they say is a good sign)

We call this one "Osama-Bin-Charlotte"

(The WMD can be found in her nappies)

One of Charli's first Smiles

(or was it just wind?)

Grandma Rae

Nanny Fowles

That looks like the informous "Rae Worry Frown"

Hobbit Feet

Introducing Charlotte Jane Rae

2006-01-27T22:38:00.000+11:00

Charlotte was born at 10.00pm on 11th January 2006. 9 months in the making and a number of years of trying we are so very proud to finally have her as part of the family. Charlotte was delivered by caesar after what can only be described as one of the most traumatising experiences of my life (James), and it was no walk in the park for Sam either. We think Charlotte would have been happy to spend Easter in Mummies tummy.

Fortunately Charli appears to have her mothers looks and all the best bits of the genetic gene pool including her mums skin and sleeping patterns.

The only noticeable father bits seem to be her ears (James has dangly ear lobes) and his dark long eyelashes. No bright red birth mark which I was quietly hopping for so she can match cousin Madalyne. We are also pleased that Charlotte has no resemblance to her sister Bonnie no tail or paws– Thank God!

Charli spends most of her time eating, sleeping and going to the toilet so for those who haven’t yet had the experience of bringing home a new baby it’s a bit like having a “back-packer” from over seas who doesn’t speak your language staying with you.

We thank our lucky stars that Charlotte sleep about 22 hours a day and is very considerate with only the slightest grissle when she is hungry. Although we are regularly told by those far more experienced than ourselves in the ways of parenting that this will be short lived so - we are making the most of it.

Charli had her first outing at 5 days old with mum and dad taking her to the local shops so I guess that means she might grow up to become a “mall rat” I remember whispering in her ear “get used to the shops Charli because as your mothers daughter you can bet you will be spending a lot of time shopping”.

We will post more updates and photos so do come back and check out what we are doing and how we are/are not coping

Lots of love for now J S B & C