New Years Eve

We acquired a new family member today - Merlyn the cat. Her old Mummy and Daddy are off overseas so she has joined us. Shes a 3 yr old black and white moggy and is very smoochy and friendly.
We saw in the New Years at the Bethams (yes, we are still in Dannevirke). Paula and Amy have just started riding 2 wheeled bikes so after dinner we went for a walk up to the High School fields for the kids to expend a bit of energy. Johnny, Abby and Alex played with the ball. The Betham kids all went to bed and Alex stayed up (being really well behaved!) and tried to see in the New Year. He fell asleep on my shoulder at 11.30pm so there I was at midnight with a child in one hand and a glass of wine in the other! Happy New Year!

The beach!

Drove out to Akito beach today for a picnic so Alex could use his bucket and spade and play in the sea. He wasn't too keen on the water, only just getting his toes wet. Had great fun running all over the beach giggling as I chased him everywhere. Nan built the sandcastles in the end but Alex did destroy her creations. Sand also became an essential mineral in Alexs diet today - suppose I'll be dealing with that in his nappy for the next couple of days. Was a glorious day!

Its all a bit much!!

Alex was sitting quietly in his new camping chair at Nans this morning watching his new Barney DVD on TV. The head started nodding and the eyelids drooping! Out to it!! Poor tired wee man!

I'm off to work tomorrow and Alex is staying with his Nan so I hope he has more energy in the next few days or else Nan will think he is really easy to look after!

Santa has been!!

Alex must have been a good boy!! During the night Santa paid him a visit so the next morning I had him in my bed to open his Santa sack. Kept pulling things out going "oo,oo,oo,oo!!", especially if they had wheels, made noises, had pictures or could be danced too!!

Nan, Alex and I opened our presents that were under the tree before loading up the car with food and heading down to Masterton to have Xmas lunch with Alexs Great Grandma in Masterton. Alex took his Thomas the Train set down to show Grandma - he's already worked out how to make the trains go!! Stopped in to see Jan and Kevin to wish them Merry Xmas before driving back to Dannevirke. Took wine and dessert over to the Bethams and joined them with their 4 excited kids for the close of Xmas day.

Work breakup for Mummy!

Got Nan to come over and babysit Alex on Friday evening so I could go into town and have a couple of wines with my workmates. Had a great night. Alex behaved and so did Mummy. Tee Hee!!

Now Mummy is sick...

Never realised how difficult t is to look after a full on toddler when you are sick yourself. I had the afternoon off and slept which allowed me to get through the evening. Luckily Alex has discovered that if he blows into his Dinky cup (it has a straw), he creates bubbles in his milk. That kept him quiet.

The joys of a small child...

Not sure if it was the candy cane but I now have a sick child...all through his bed. There is a gastro bug going around so thats all it is. He was fine during the day though.

BBQ at the Edmonds and Carols by Candlelight!

Raced back from Dannevirke in time to make Sunday lunch BBQ at the Edmonds house. Was a nice catchup /bon voyage as they are off to the UK to see Pats and Tony for Xmas. Cohen is such a cutie - he shared all his toys with Alex. Alex got to open his Xmas present early and was allowed to eat this first candy cane. What a sticky mess!!

Alex and I then went over to Feilding to Carols by Candlelight with Tracy. Its such a neat Xmassy community thing to go to - Alex was waving his hands around to the musicand walking backwards across the front of the band showing off! He fell asleep half way through which allowed me to go back to the Bandrooms and say Hi to eveyone there - I just parked him up in the corner asleep in his stroller!

Weekend in Dannevirke

Went over to Dannevirke after work on Friday to stay with Nan. On Saturday we went to... you guessed it... our 3RD XMAS PARADE! Went through the Dannevirkes Fantasy Cave where they have moving displays based around fairy stories. Alex loved it! He especially loved the minature train display and tried to climb into the display to grab the engines as they whizzed past. Got our photo taken with Santa.

PORSE Xmas breakup

I met Sharlene and Alex down at the esplanade for the PORSE (thats the organisation we get daycare through) Xams party. The kids got free rides on the train as well as balloons and bubble making stuff! Alex isn't keen on the bouncy castle so we'll leave that for next year. Alex is the last kid in the picture - he went with Sharlene his carer.

The "No" man!!

Its happened - he has an answer for everything and its always "no"!
Alex, would you like a drink? - "No" (takes drink)
Alex, would you like to go outside? - "No" (as he runs to the door)
Alex, do you love mummy? - "No"(as i get a big hug!)

End of year work BBQ

This evening my team at work had a Xmas BBQ at my bosses place. Alex played nicely with their 3 kids and the older two looked after him admirably!! He loved the fact there were lots of cars and things with wheels that made sounds. and they have a dog! Alex spent the evening entertaining with funny walks, dancing, making sure everyone could see the fireworks the neighbours were letting off, and generally being cute!!

Feilding Parade

Decided to compare local Xmas parades and so Alex, Tracy and I went out ot Feilding to watch the band play in the Xmas parade. We met up with Neil and his three kids there too so formed quite a lollypop collection point! Alex was a bit shy at first but warmed up to the event to the extent that he was getting excited about what was coming up!! Went round to the band rooms afterwards where Alex got into an array of percussion gear and did a few wee dances for everyone.

Afterwards we went round to Tracys for dinner. Terry joined us so we all decided to walk around to the local fish and chip shop. Terry gave Alex a shoulder ride the whole way round which Alex thought was neat!!!

1st McDs!

I've done pretty well holding off this long but tonight I just had to go Xmas shopping and Alex wanted feeding! So after work, we went to the Plaza and had our first happy meal of McNuggets (with Sweet and Sour sauce, Pats!). Alex thoroughly enjoyed himself and loved drinking through the straw...even though it was only water.

Present from Santa!

Alex was invited to the Property Brokers kids Xmas party today (the Real Estate Agency who I purchased the house through). Santa arrived and gave out presents - Alex was too scared to take the present off Santa but did give Santa a "high five" when he came around to talk to everyone when his present distributing duties were over! Alex got a spinning top - he thinks its fab as it goes round and round!

Feed me now!!!

I'd removed the tray from the highchair and alex decided it was time to eat. so he swung his knee up onto the footrest of the highchair and pulled himself up to end up sitting in the chair. Is there anything left in the house that he hasn't yet climbed?

Palmie Xmas Parade

Tis the season I suppose so Alex and I braved the crowds down in the square. Was a glorious day so we sunscreened up (much to alexs disgust) to avoid the rays. Alex thought the trucks were neat and spent the entire parade waving. Was very cute so it meant we got lots of sweets! The fire engine blew its siren right beside us and Alexdissolved in tears. It was right at the end so we made a hasty exit...

He can say car!!

I tucked Alex under my arm this morning, locked the door and just started to walk to the driveway when I heard it...
"Car" said Alex and pointed to my "Silver bullet" aka the great Ford Focus.
Finally he is starting to make sense!

NOT to be encouraged!!!

Yet another new party trick! Once he has eaten his fill of food, he finds it hilarious to balance any remaining food on his head and see how long it can stay there!! We are going through a lot of Johnsons baby shampoo...

Afternoon Tea at Rachels

Alex and I hooned over to Feilding today to visit Rachel (one of my work collegues) and see round her new house. Alex got to meet her 2 dogs and 3 cats and spent most of his time climbing under the dining room table trying to follow the cats. He was fascinated!

Evening at Melissa and Bellas -Work Quiz

It was our work quiz tonight and Melissa from work volunteered to look after Alex for a few hours so I could attend. Alex got to have fish and chips with Bella (who's a very gorgeous 4 year old!) and had a wonderful evening playing there. I picked him up just after 8 as the quiz was going a bit late and returned with him to hear the final results. Alex sat on my knee clapping everyone as the prizes were announced!!

I dunno!

Alex mimics me shrugging my shoulders every time I say "I dunno" (I don't know)! Its very cute!

Fun evening at Tracys!

Alex got to go around to Tracys for the evening tonight because I went to Amys ballet recital in the Regent theatre. Alex had a fantastic time! He played on Tracys piano, chased Jamme the cat, got spun round and round on the computer chair and best of all, got taken to the park! I picked him up just after 8 and we briefly stopped in at McDonalds to see Amy, Colin, Paula and Nan before taking a very tired and happy boy home to bed.

Nans back!

Got Nan from the airport today after she has spent the last week down in Nelson with cousin Niki. She stayed the night before being picked up to return to Dannevirke. Alex gave her a good Alex concert this evening! Much tearing down to his bedroom wearing whatever pair of shoes he could get his feet into!

Choo Choo!

"What does the train say, Alex".
"Choo choo!"
"Clever boy!".

Unfortunately in typical Alex style, he humours you for a day and then won't say it again...

Pete and Louise are here at last!

We had some wonderful visitors for lunch today! Pete and Louise have returned from England and will be settling in Wellington! They think Alex has grown alot! Pete and I took off (in their cool new Mazda!!) to get some groceries and left Louise and her sister Sarah to play with Alex. When we arrived back a few minutes after Alex had thrown up on himself! The girls performed admirably and had him out of his soiled clothes and were having a great time dressing him again!! Was nothing serious - when he gets a cold, he sticks his fingers down his throat...delightful boy...

Big trucks from the comfort of the living room!

Alex jumped up and ran to the sliding door pointing this evening acting really excited. I looked out in time to see our neighbour backing his Firestone truck up the driveway. Alex had heard the reversing lights. I opened the door and Alex ltook off over the back lawn yelling out to Matthew. Every time Matthew sees Alex at the window watching his truck, he puts the flashing lights on the top. Alex thinks its wonderful!

To Vegas for the weekend.

Went over to Dannevirke to Mums this weekend. We put Alex in the highchair and gave him his first decent haircut! He really is a wee boy now! I had to cut his hair as Kate was threatening to tie it up with pink hair ties... Had dinner at Kate and Colins and the girls all fought over Alex.

Planes, helicoptors and things that go BOOM!

Tonight was the fireworks display at Manfield Park. We were lucky enough to be in works corporate box so kids were running around everywhere! The kids were given a food and activity pack when they arrived and Alex was the only one that left smeared fairy bread on all the windows... There was a display with fire engines, aerobatic planes and a helicoptor!! Alex found it fascinating and kept pointing at everything going "oooo"! The bonfire was huge and the display was fantastic. Alex was scared of the big booms and turned into a limpet but still was amazed by the lights in the sky. Even the 30 min traffic jam at the end didn't put a dampner on the evening - I've spent longer waiting for a tube to turn up!!

Pricilla, Queen of the Desert!

For some reason, Alex has taken to putting my work shoes on. Unfortunately they have heels... I put it down to the fact that there are no male shoes in the house and if there was, I'm sure he would choose them over my heels!! I do have photographic evidence for his 21st though!

A rare night out!

We went round to Rodger (one of my work collegues) and Sarahs tonight for dinner. Was great fun - they have three kids with Benjamin being 6 months younger than Alex. The house was nice and childproof and Alex had heaps of fun exploring all the toys around the place - expecially the ferris wheel!! Mummy enjoyed a wine and some adult conversation! Rodger read Alex some stories which he thought was pretty neat!

Alex’s Kiwi anniversary.

Well Alex, you have now officially been in New Zealand for 1 whole year!! Congratulations!!

You can't see me!!

If I stand really still against the wall of the living room, mummy can’t see me!!! But giggling does give it away…

Lifes a breeze

We are being buffeted by gale force winds at the moment so Alex was a little unsettled during the night with all the creaks and groans but settled down with lots of mummy cuddles. The house survived well! Nan wasn’t quite so lucky with the wind taking out the big Silver Dollar gum at the back of the house – collected the swing but luckily just missed the house.

Labour Day – does that mean I can put him to work?

Warren and Cathy stopped in for lunch on their way to the airport to fly home so Alex showed them round his new bedroom.
Terry came round with power tools to fix drain pipes etc for me. Alex was fascinated by the tool box! He also followed me into the garage, reached up, grabbed the handle and pushed the lawnmower the length of the garage!! Now he has proven he can do it, Alex is on lawns from next week!!!

Fun in the Masterton Sun

Watched the rugby this morning and went for a walk to the Masterton domain with Nan and Auntie Jan. Fed the ducks, swang on the swing and hurtled him down the slide. We managed to find Alex’s Great-Great-Grandparents grave in the old cemetery. Visited Grandma for the afternoon where Alex helped Uncle Warren take the hearth brush on and off the stand. He also had great delight tipping the pieces out of G-Grandmas game and putting all the pegs back in the holes!

Happy Birthday Great Grandma

Piled everything possible into the car and drove over to Masterton this morning to visit Great Grandma Willis who turned 89 yesterday! Nan was already down there so Alex collected his quota of Nan hugs for the month. Uncle Warren and Auntie Cathy were visiting from Auckland too and lucky Alex got a new book and kiddie mobile phone from them! We had cake and candles for G-Grandma. Stayed the night with Auntie Jan and Uncle Kevin.

Your bedroom next, please!

I’m starting to train him up – Alex now has to put all his Mega blocks away every night instead of leaving them for Mummy to pick up. So far he is being really cooperative and is enjoying making a game out of it – long may that continue!!

Megans New House

We dropped in on Megan this afternoon as she had just moved into her brand new house not far from us. It’s beautiful! Alex had great delight running round and round their lounge suite and down the hallway! Got quite a performance of funny walks out of him too!!

Visit the Cuzzies!

Alex and I went out to my Cousin Kelly’s house in Sanson for afternoon tea today. I’m usually chasing Alex everywhere when we go visiting as I’m worried that he’s going to break something but Kelly says “don’t worry about him – he can’t get out and the yard is kiddie proof!” so, I actually sat back and drank a whole cup of coffee without worrying about where he was!! It was bliss!!! Kelly’s girls Amy and Paige were entertaining him and my Uncle Kevin was busy as official swing pusher.

I love you, you love me!

Was trying to get Alex’s clothes organised this morning and was up in the bedroom. Came out to find Alex had turned the TV on, opened the TV cabinet and turned the DVD player on, started the DVD and changed the TV channel to the DVD channel!! He had Barney playing all by himself!! Amazing what they pick up by watching but I’m sure if I asked him to, he wouldn’t be able to repeat it!!!

Deja Blue!!!

Wore his red pyjamas overnight to support England (apologies to Aussie mates – but he is half English!) and then put on his black jersey and joined me in the watching of the All Black Quarter final against France this morning. He seemed more interested in climbing all over the furniture…I should have taken his lead… Disappointing but not a gutting as 1999 – I suppose deep down I was prepared for it.

Back to jumping on the beanbag...

Hattie

Sad news today – Hattie the wee White West Highland White terrier has been put down this afternoon as she was going into heart failure. She’s now gone to a place where she can’t be tormented by a 15 month old and a plastic trolley…

Safe travels Brenda!!

We said bye to Brenda and Kim today as they head back to Wellington to fly out to Cairns. Brenda got some bubble mixture from the wedding so we have entertained Alex over the last few days by blowing heaps of bubbles for him to chase and pop.
Headed off to Dannevirke after dinner so as to deliver Nan and Hattie back home – stayed the night (Alex must be growing as he is reaching things he never used to be able to reach!!) and driving Alex back to day care in the morning

Auntie B is here!

I drove to Wellington after work last night and collected Brenda and Kim from the airport as they are attending a friends wedding here in Palm Nth tomorrow. Went to the Cobb bar at 2.30am to catch up with the end of the Hens do. Alex thinks his Auntie B is neat!! She’s chased him, spun him around, turned him upside down, thrown him on the beanbag, tickled him, played peek-a-boo, built blocks, played ball… he loves it! Bet she’s tired!! We all went to Aqaba for lunch (even Alex) and ate chips (with tomato sauce of course!). Alex kept trying to escape out the door every time he was out of the highchair but used his grin to full effect to charm the other diners. Auntie B does tend to drive him to drink though...

Full of Beans!

Alex was standing in the middle of the living room today and just started jumping!! Two feet off the ground at the same time! Lands ok and grins his wee head off. There are a few moments of mistiming and it becomes more like a skip and then a fall but in general, he’s bouncing! I think he got it off Baby Bop on Barney…

A bonus Nan day

Alex’s caregiver was away today so Alex had a lovely day with Nan in Dannevirke. Kept saying “chair” and sitting on the wee kiddies chair Nan has from when I was little! Nan and Hattie came back to Palm Nth with us and are going to stay the week because we have important visitors this weekend…

I'm such a bad Mother!

Alex had a big sleep for his morning nap this morning and only woke at 1.15pm. Unfortunately we were supposed to be at my cousins at 2pm for afternoon tea so I quickly gave Alex his solids, packed a bag and bundled him in the car. Went round to Jens and fed him on crackers and water then went for a lovely walk down the river. Got home and that evening Alex started grumping. I said “What’s wrong Alex” and he promptly went over to his mat where he normally has his bottle, and lay down looking very accusingly at me! I’d forgotten to give him his bottle at lunchtime! Clever boy for getting the message across to your silly mother!

Pint Sized Monster!

Went to Plunket here in Palm North and Alex is growing nicely. He now weighs 10.6kg and is 79 cm high. He gets measured against the wall standing up now. He had great fun exploring the Plunket rooms and all the toys!!

Happy birthday Paula!

After work I picked up Alex from day-care and drove to Dannevirke to go to Paula’s 7th birthday dinner. Alex had lots of little playmates as not only was Johnny there, but Reagan also (both 2)!! It was hilarious watching 3 wee boys chasing each other around the place like a conga line. There were a few sharing moments with the bottles as Johnny got a bit concerned that he had his but Alex didn’t have one. We stayed at Nans for the night.

Lazy Sunday afternoons…oops! … mornings…

We had visitors for morning tea today when Grant from work and his fiancée Jenny came round. They brought their wee dog Lilly and Alex, Grant and Lilly had great fun tearing round the lawn with the ball they brought for Alex. Was a lovely sunny Palmy day – neighbours were all out in their yard so we got to meet them all!
Went around to Dave and Glenys’s for a BBQ for dinner and to catch up with Adrienne before she returned to Melbourne. Cohen was there too – Alex and Cohen had great fun on the drumsticks and destroying the toybox!!

Fish and Chips with Tracy

Tracy came round after work tonight and we bundled Alex into his stroller and walked around to the local Kelvin Grove fish and chip shop. the chips would only get a look in if Mummy put a dab of tomato sauce on each one – yes, it was Watties! Alex performed nicely for Tracy that evening on his piano and with his cheekiness.
When I was in the kitchen cleaning up, Alex pulled the chair away from the dining room table, climbed up onto it and sat watching me! Clever boy!! He got told off when he stands on the chair though!

Jumping on the Beanbag!

Beanbags are so much fun!! Alex finds it hilarious to run up to the bean bag and jump onto it. Wasn’t quite so funny when he launched himself with full exuberance and mistimed – result was a spectacular SPLAT onto the carpet! He did pick himself up without a tear!

We also had a wrestling match today with Gus the bear,aided by Mummys new vacuum cleaner!! All while trying to brush his teeth!!

Go the All Blacks!

Had the TV on World cup rugby most of the day today – I’m glad TV3 has the screening rights and not Sky!!
Alex has worked out how to
1) turn the TV on and off
2) flick between TV and video
3) put the volume right up
4) get into the TV cabinet and turn the video on
We did manage to watch a little bit of rugby and I now have my fingers crossed that the TV tube can survive the duration of the world cup with the treatment Alex is giving it!!

We are now officially going it alone!!

That’s a bit scary huh. As of today, Alex is in full time daycare with only his Mummy to look after him. He went to playgroup today with Sharlene and he did me my first painting to go on the fridge. He found the paint felt a bit funny in his fingers. Sharlene finds it quite amusing how well he responds to music at his age.

Bye Bye, Dannevirke!

It was Alex’s last day at daycare in Dannevirke today and his last afternoon with Nan. He got his scrapbook with his profile of all he had been up to over the months he has been going there. Sounds like he has formed an attachment with an older woman as there are lots of mentions of him hanging out with Holly who is 3! I drove to Dannevirke after work. We had dinner at Nans, Alex chased Hattie for the last time and then we drove back to Palm Nth to begin our new life in our new house! How exciting!

Handover Day

Today Alex went to his new daycare in Palmie for the first time as a “break-in” day. He is going into home-based care with Sharlene who live round the corner from us – she has a max of 4 kids at her house so I’m hoping he will have a more relaxed daytime routine. Nan accompanied Alex to Sharlenes house to give her all the good tips on how to deal with the wee fella. He slept well and responded well to Sharlene so that’s a relief!! Back to Dannevirke at the end of the day.

76 Trombones led the big parade!

Alex and I went up to Napier to watch the Central Districts Band competition. We didn’t get to go in to watch any of the concert performances as I couldn’t trust Alex to sit still for that long but we did lots of socialising outside! Watched the Street March and Alex loved it (phew!)! He kept pointing to the bands and found it weird how this 1 big mass that moved down the street then turned into people after the music had stopped! Went shopping with Patsy’s Mum and made purchases at Pumpkin Patch… We then drove back to the new house for the night, picking up Nan from Dannevirke on the way through.

Baby music

Alex went with Nan, Kate and Johnny to his last Dannevirke Baby music today. Music has a bit too much bass for him to give the full on Alex clown performance but he still joins in with some of the actions!!

Sir Edmund H in the making!

Alex and I had the weekend in the new house this weekend. I’ve put a kiddie gate to stop him from getting from the Dining area to the kitchen so I can cook in peace. He’s worked out how to get my attention pretty quickly though.
Let’s twist the knobs on the gas heater… hmm… Mummy tells me off.
Let’s open up the TV cabinet and put out all the DVDs and videos and play with all the buttons in there… hmm… Mummy tells me off.
Let’s climb onto the coffee table and see if I can reach the pull cords for the blinds over the windows… hmm… Mummy tells me off.
Let’s pull the chair away from the dining table, climb onto the chair and THEN climb onto the Dining table! Mummy really tells me off.
Needless to say, dinner took a long time to make tonight…

Right back at ya, Mum!

Maybe I’ve blown a few too many raspberries on Alex’s stomach. He did it to me this morning!!!

Gumboots christened!

At the new house today I took Alex outside with me while I hung the washing out. It had been raining overnight so there were a few puddles on the concrete and the grass was a bit soggy. He was wearing his gumboots and went tearing around exploring the back yard. He found the daffodils, picked up mandarins that had fallen off the tree, got some dirt, slipped in the mud and then he spotted the BIG Puddle!! He stood there with a big grin on his face going Stomp, Stomp, Splash, Splash!! What fun! Then he sat down…in the freezing cold water… Hands could splash too then! I had to give my muddy wee boy a midday bath...

A Real Kiwi Boy!

His first proper word is “Cease” while pointing outside Nans window into the paddock. Translation was a bit slow in coming but we made a break through while watching a kiddie video with “Old Macdonald had a Farm” on it. Alex pointed to the TV screen and said “Cease!!” when the sheep came on!

I can climb!!

My couches must be lower than Nans. Alex an get himself up onto the couch and thinks he's so clever sitting like a grown up. He has also worked out how to climb onto the coffee table and the dining room chairs. I sense a major tumble is on the cards...

Settling well.

Nan and Alex came over to Palmerston North while I was at work and for the first time, it only took me 5 minutes to get home! Tried out the local fish and chip shop...will try somewhere else next time... Alex seems to settle well where ever I put him so thats good!

Goodness me thats quick!

He's running already! I get home from work, open the door to see my wee boy running from the far side of the living area towards me! What a welcome home! He then veers off into the kitchen and stands there pointing to the outside security light that I turned on when pulling up in the car. I missed you too Alex....

Where's Mummys Car Keys?

There was a frantic search before work this morning trying to track down where my car keys left Alexs hand. I remembered that he was in the bathroom with them... Found!! IN THE TOILET!! Luckily it was a fresh bowl and even luckier, the key remote still works!! Thanks son...

A bonus day with Mummy!

I had the day off today to sort out the new house. Did a lot of unpacking, a bit of shopping and also visited two potential Childcare places for Alex. He didn't make choosing any easier for me by giggling and laughing with both ladies!! Back to Dannevirke tonight to stay with Nan and I'll do the weekday commute.

First night in the new house.

Today the truck came and picked up all our stuff. Managed to unload by lunchtime and get the cot all set up but Alex was too excited tearing around in his new surroundings to sleep! He thinks his room is pretty cool though and wanders into it pulling all the toys off the shelf. Many of them find their way into the bath. The house is quite neutrally decorated apart from one feature wall in Alexs room which is bright pink. Don't worry son, Mummy will fix it with a bit of paint. Had a great first night in the house - Alex slept from 8pm to 6am! Yay!

Round and round!

Alexs latest party trick is to stand in 1 spot and spin round and round. He giggles as he gets dizzy then stops, staggers like a drunk man and collapses in a heap in fits of laughter!

New House!

I brought Alex his biggest present ever - his own sandpit in his own back yard! Yes - as of today Alex and I have a house in Palmie and I have a mortgage. We'll slowly transition a move over but it is all really exciting! The first thing to be changed will be the bright pink wall in what will be Alexs room. The house doesn't need too much done to it - low maintenance!!!

I can do action songs!

He's watching and copying - Alex has a DVD with some kids singing action songs and when the music starts, he watches the TV intently and twists his wee hands around in the air trying to mimic their actions.

The Destroyer!!

Nothing is sacred - not even his own nappies...

Two top teeth!

The other top tooth has emerged so he now has an opposing complet set - total of 4. Makes a difference to what he can eat. Loves cheese sticks and honey sandwiches. Mumy is even really nice and cuts the crusts off.

3 Teeth!!

Finally! The top left tooth has broken through! My gummy boy won't be for much longer!

Will it cure him? Probably not...

Alex has a rather stubborn fascination with my stereo and thinks its so much fun to push the buttons. CDs often get stopped in mid flow as Alex decides to push the radio button. Today he twisted the wrong knob and then managed to turn the stereo on AND get CD playing. Full volume!!! Gave him such a fright he tumbled head first into a basket of old newspapers and came up looking like a little startled rabbit! He doesn't learn though - was back pushing buttons mere minutes after...

Whats this?

Well, as all little boys do he's been pulling at it when he doesn't have nappies on for a while now. Today he discovered he could SEE it. Was sitting with naps off staring down between his legs - "is that mine?"

A real little boy

Its really weird walking around now and realising you have a little walking shadow. He follow me into the kitchen, up the hall, walking all the way. He's got a bit of a drunk stagger on but its real cute!! He's started turning around while walking, can pull himself up to standing with no props, can dance while standing and has taken his first couple of steps running. Its lots of fun to launch yourself at the beanbag at full tilt!

Last supper

Thats it! He's 1 now and I don't want to be like that lady practising extreme breastfeeding! We've only been on 1 breastfeed a day for a while now (the first feed in the morning) but as of this morning, I've cut it out too. Maybe I can finally get my body back!!

Emergency!!

We got the phone bill today to discover someone in our household has made a 111 call (911 to those overseas!)! Who could it be? Nan? Mummy? The Dog? It couldn't possibly be Alex - he's far to cute and innocent to be making malicious phonecalls!

Happy birthday Alex!

Well, Alex now has a number by his name to celebrate the fact that not only have I survived 1 year of being a Mum, but he has survived 1 year of having me as a Mum! I let him unwrap his presents this morning - what a spoilt wee boy! At first he thought the wrapping paper was neat but then cottoned onto the idea that he had lots of new things to explore! We had a Birthday lunch / afternoon with relations and friends - worked out perfectly. I made a birthday cake in the shape of a number 1 with blue icing and Winnie the Pooh on it. It was Banana cake and Alex had three slices and covered his face with blue icing! Overall a lovely day. Hasn't time flown.

My cousin, my favourite playmate!

Today Trev, Fra and cousin Nikki flew up from Nelson for the weekend! I took the afternoon off work and picked them up from the Palmerston north airport and drove back to Dannevirke. I then had the pleasure of picking Alex up from daycare for the first time ever! (Nan usually does it). Nan was in her element with her two Grandies staying. Nikki and Alex were so funny pushing each other around in the trolley with huge grins on their faces. And if they were lucky, Uncle Trev pushed them really fast!!!

Walking almost "proper like"!

Alex is getting a bit more confident and walking across the room now! Once he's down he can't get up. He's discovered that there is quite an advantage when carrying things when you are walking that you just can't do when you crawl! He's a demon pushing the trolley too - he aims proposely for the dog and chortles and grins when she has to scarper out the way!

Two teeth!

Now that there is actually something sticking out of his gums, we had our first teeth brushing session tonight! The taste of Junior toothpaste was acceptable and Alex found great enjoyment in sucking on the toothbrush for quite a time after!!

8 steps!

Almost at full on walking - our record is now 8 steps before landing on nappy padded behind!

I love spagetti!

This photo speaks for itself...

Snuggle, snuggle.

I brought a junior pillow yesterday for Alexs cot. He loves it - he snuggles into it when going to sleep. It does tend to be on the receiving end of being biffed out of the cot a fair amount but he does look very cute and loves being a big boy with a pillow!

Toilets are not a toy...

Its a whole new game - crawl fast through the bathroom and over to the toilet - stand up and watch things go "splash!!". The first roll of toilet paper fell victim to a dunking in the toilet thanks to Alex. I just managed to catch his arm before he threw his sock and shoe in as well! Ratbag!

2 halting steps

I missed it - Alex took 2 steps at 5pm and i was on my way home from work. Nan saw though! He was sitting in the middle of the room and got up on his hunches, pushed up to standing without holding onto anything and took 2 steps before falling over! By the time I got home he was too busy giggling to concentrate long enough to do it again!

Cousin Nikis birthday!

Nan, Alex and I flew to Nelson yesterday to celebrate cousin Niki's birthday! Poor wee girl has her arm in a cast after a tumble but she doesn't let that slow her down! Yoko the German Shepherd is like Nikis sister and Niki treats her as such - its very cute. So we blew out the candles and celebrated in style. Alex and Niki took a bath together - Alex isn't as fond of the water as his cousin!!

Don't fence me in!!!

What is the purpose of a playpen? I thought it was to keep small children in one place but Alex now has other ideas. He stands and pushes it around from the inside chasing the dog from one side of the room to the other. He is restricted by doorways and things that playpens won't fit through but if he gets stuck, he moves to another side and pushes in that direction until he takes the playpen around the obstacle!! Very clever! He's managed to barrel the dog up in the corner a few times and then giggles at her distress...hmmmm

Happy Birthday Mummy!

I had my first Mummy birthday and Alex gave me a lovely necklace and a card! Had a quiet day catching up on sleep and went to the neighbours for KFC for dinner. The kids there were really excited to see us. Alex ate small pieces of chicken and hoed into the chips!!

Home again.

Today we finish our wonderful trip to see Brenda. Boo Hoo!! Alex thought Auntie Brenda and her flatmate Kim were pretty cool! Kim taught him how to make Indian noises and Brenda got him making what we can only describe as his "Oooh!" face. Alex is really going to miss the ceiling fans and the stones in Brendas pot plants that kept him entertained for hours! Thanks to Brenda and Kim for looking after us so well!!! Left Cairns and on went the socks - back to 14 deg at Wellington. Alex played up merry hell on the Sydney - Wellington flight. Sleep was not on the agenda and he wiggled and protested for the whole flight - well, nearly the whole flight. He fell asleep 15 min before landing... Arrived just before midnight and drove home to Dannevirke - bed at 4am.

Mothers Day!

I've now had my first Mothers Day - was woken to a gift and card from my lovely son. We then were picked up by Brendas friend Simon and we all headed up to Port Douglas for breakfast. Had yummy Eggs Benedict sitting outside the cafe then went round the Sunday markets - they are really good!! Went and had a look at the beach then drove to the Mossman Gorge for a look - nice - see pic of Alex at the gorge. Was a lovely day rounded off by Brendas yummy cooking for dinner.

Kuranda Historic Rail

Had a daytrip on the train up to Kuranda in the Rainforest about 1.5 hours north of Cairns. Wonderful scenery and Alex was amused the majority of the trip by trying to hang out the window! We walked around the markets then went to the Butterfly Sanctury to see all the tropical butterflies. Really pretty but i had to keep a real close eye on one wee boys hands as any butterflies that landed on him were heading for a squishing!!! We were conscious of keeping up Alexs fluid intake due to the heat / humidity but this kind of backfired a bit. What goes in must go out and even a good quality Huggies had no chance. On the way back on the train the nappy was totally overwhelmed and I ended up soaked!! Lucky i was wearing quick drying Beach Shorts. Thank you to the inventor of wet wipes.

Give me a home among the gumtrees

Today we borrowed a ute from a friend of Brendas - Nan, Alex and I drove north of Cairns to the Cairns Tropical Zoo. We patted Koalas and Kangaroos, saw the crocs being fed, watched the Dingbat, teased the Dingo and laughed at the Kookaburra. A good place to cross all the Australian wildlife off our list! Alex gained a soft toy Kookaburra that has the real sound when you push its belly - Alex thinks its hilarious!!

Happy Birthday Nan

To treat Nan for her Birthday, Brens, Nan Alex and I caught a ferry to Green Island (pic is Brenda and Alex on the ferry) on the Great Barrier Reef. Went on the Glass bottomed boat and saw some amazing fish - I saw Nemo!!! Hung out on the beach for the afternoon and went for a swim in the sea - Alex needed a bit of persuading that it was actually fun. There was a large amount of Japanese tourists on the ferry who found Alexs blonde hair and blue eyes a bit of a novelty- he had them eating out of his hand grinning and waving to hordes of onlookers!

Finally! First tooth!

Got up this morning and Alex has grown a tooth!! A bit late at 10.5 months but better late than never! Its 28 deg outside and had air con on ll night...mmm...nice! Brens took us into town for a look around - nice lagoon in the Esplanade which I think we will be swimming in.

Off to Cairns!

Today we increased the number of stamps in Alexs passport by going and visiting Auntie Brenda in Cairns Australia! Was weird reverting back to our summer clothes. Alex hadn't met Auntie Brenda before so it was really exciting. He was fantastic on the plane - I tired him out at the stopover in Sydney by being one of those crazed mothers chasing a giggling crawling baby up and down the waiting area - it worked - he slept all of the 2nd leg! Brens met us at the airport with a lovely bunch of flowers - she needs to work on her baby holding muscles though as a couple of minutes holding Alex and her arm was tired!

Ta

We have a new game - Alex passes me objects and says "Ta Ta"!! We then pass them back again...and again...

ANZAC Day

Well, Alex and i missed Dawn Parade because we woke up too early and then Alex was sound asleep when we had to go! I couldn't bear waking him. We did make it down to the 9am Civic Service and walked in the parade along the main street. The brass band provided the hymns - we sang. Was quite a good turnout for a small town.

Hi Auntie Shaz!

Alex and I escaped for the day and drove down to Raumati to catch up with Shaz who was over visiting from London. Was fantastic to see her! Alex performed all his party tricks and crawled around after Shazs very cute nephew Thomas (16 months) as though he was his idol. I hope he doesn't get the idea of walking... The girls had great afternoon gossipping and catching up.

PJ boy

Heres Alex wrestling with Gus his big bear in the play pen before bed. Now Daylight savings is over its time for fluffy Garmies. Doesn't he look like a little boy? Where's my baby gone!!

Sleep is over rated.

Alex doesn't want his morning nap this morning - he's standing at the end of the cot and has pulled the curtain back so he can gaze out the window. Every time I go back in to tuck him down he plays peek-a-boo behind the curtain!! He thinks he's hilarious!!!

Stood for 3 whole seconds!

Alex keeps standing up by the coffee table and pulling everything of it. Most of it hits the floor but today he decided he needed two hands to study what he had stolen and just took his other hand away from the table. Stood there for a couple of seconds before getting stage fright and coming crashing down!!! I'm getting a bit concerned with the speed of his mobility...

Bye Bye!!

Alex can now wave goodbye! He does it and so you praise him and then he gets really enthusiastic and waves so hard his hand almost comes off!!!

Happy Easter Everybody!

I let Alex have a little bit of chocolate - he thought it was great! He was just as fascinated by the shiny Easter eggs though!

This does NOT count as his first word!!!

Alex is vocalising and babbling a lot now. Sounds like he is speaking in sentences but it's a pity no-one can understand him. Loves saying "Ba Ba" and "Ga Ga". Problem is he alternates them - "Ba Ga, Baa ga, Bugger". We have tried to swiftly move him off that one and encouraged "Be" and "De". So we often get "Be Ga De Ga" - or "Bigger digger". He's going into construction obviously...

Play ball!

We have lots of fun times with the ball at the moment - I roll it to alex and he picks it up and throws it back to me!! I catch it on the bounce and roll it back again. I'm honing his future cricket skills...

1st night without Mum!!

I got tickets to the Hurricanes / Bulls game (Corporate Box) so Kate and I drove off to Wellington for the weekend and left the kids behind!! Alex was fine- he did play up a bit for Nan in the night and so Nan was really pleased to see me when I got home on Sunday evening! I managed to drink a few (or three..) glasses of wine and see the Hurricanes gain a rare win. Also got a sleep in (1st since 23/6...), a leasurely brunch and some shopping done without having to push a stroller. Great!!

1st night without Mum!!

I got tickets to the Hurricanes / Bulls game (Corporate Box) so Kate and I wdrove off for the weekend and left the kids behind!! Alex was fine- played up a bit for nan in the night and Nan was really pleased to see me when I got home on sunday evening! I managed to drink a few glasses of wine and see the hurricanes gain a rare win. Also got some shopping in without having to push a stroller. Great!!

I didn't do it - it was the dog...

Yeah right...

Brooom Brooom!!

Alex loves Jonno's (the neighbour - 18months) wee trolley! He can pull himself up beside it and push it long, taking steps as he goes! Travels about 5 metres before he hits the wall and has to stop. Isn't he clever!! Beep Beep!!

Off to the doctors

Even the excitment of meeting Cousin Nikki isn't making Alex feel better. Went to the doctors down here in Masterton and Alexs croup has become a throat / ear infection. Here goes the first dose of antibiotics. He does look miserable. I'm real tired too as sleeping and sore throats don't seem to be going together.

Cousin Nikki and Auntie Fra!!

Drove to Masterton last night and stayed at Jan and Kevins. Trevor, Fra and Nikki came up from Nelson and were round at Grandmas so today Alex finally got to meet them!!! He's still feeling a bit under the weather but managed to get some good play in with his adorable cousin! Was rather funny watching two wee heads together, scheming as to how to get into the TV cabinet. They are both really good crawlers and chased each other up the hallway and around the room. There was a couple of healthy tussles over toys...

Poor Sick Bubba!

Bad nght last night - poor wee man started barking like a dog and his breathing was a bit of a struggle. Nothing like a bit of croup huh! Got quite bad about 10pm last night so rang the Plunket healthline so see if there was anything else (besides steamy rooms) we could do to relieve the symptoms. She was recommending an Ambulance to Palmerston North based on what she could hear as there is no after hours doctor in Dannevirke. Hopped in the car and drove to the private medical clinic (during hail / thunder / lightning) where we found out his oxygen was ok but still borderline on going to Palmie. Decided to rough the night out at home. Not much sleep but at least Alex kept breathing the whole night!!! Was a bit better by morning.

Disco Baby!!

He jigs, he bops, he jives! Its like pushing button on a toy. Shove on a CD and Alex will stop what he's doing, look at the stereo, grin and start bopping away to the music! There's an ad on TV for Genesys Energy that features a pukeko with some quite catchy music. Every time it comes on, Alex starts grooving!!!

I scream for icecream!!!

Nan and I had yummy icecreams today and one wee boy was giving me pitiful looks and wimpers cause he didn't have one. So I dished up a baby sized cone and plonked him in the high chair. Alex grabbed it with both hands, jammed it into his mouth and had a very contented next 20 minutes. The bigger the mess, the bigger the grin!

I was rather impressed with the amount that actually made it into his stomach and not the dogs!!!

A real Kiwi kid!

Alex showed a bit too much interest in my toast this morning so I gave him some white toast bread with good old marmite on it. He thought it was great and sat there sucking all the marmite off the toast - well they say NZ marmite is an acquired taste and you have to start them young! I've done my bit for future Sanitarium sales now!!
Still no teeth but I think his gums are a bit lumpier so hopefully not long now!!

Is it teeth?

I think he might be teething - got a mass of dirty nappies and a grumpy boy who won't sleep at night. Not his normal sunny self today...hopefully he has something to show for it tomorrow...

Foxton Beach

Its been a lovely weekend weatherwise so went to Foxton Beach where we played in the surf! Theres a bit of a rip there - a guy (not with us) got in trouble and couldn't get back in but some friends we were with manged to get a boogie board out to him and help him to shore. Lucky! Alex discovered sand for the first time - could wiggle his toes in it and was quite intrigued with the feel in his hands. Didn't take long to gaduate into his mouth, trousers, nappy...

Half horse!

Alex has taken to doing horse impersonations in his cot - Nan went in to check on him this afternoon to find him standing at the end of the cot holding on very tightly...sound asleep! He woke back up just before he fell though!

Nans back!

Nan has just spent the last week down in Nelson visiting her other precious gandchild Nicole for the first time. Alex helped collect nan from Palmerston North airport today and gave her big beaming smiles and lots of hugs - i think he's rather happy to see her!

Abbys Birthday

Alex attended his first birthday dinner this evening - Abby turned 4! So we went over to the neighbours and had KFC for dinner. The clothes peg bucket was quickly overturned by Alex but it kept him nicely entertained!

Lets be friends

Baby prison is so handy - even Hattie is getting brave!!!

Off to school!

To get Alex used to other kids and gain bit of baby free time to do things, I've started Alex at Daycare two days a week. Dropped him off this morning and as I went to go he waved!! He's not yet aware that waving means goodbye but it was very cute! He enjoyed his time there - crawled around outside finding grass and leaves. Not that happy about the noise of the other kids - if they all start up at once, he drops his bottom lip and bawls. Seems to be senistive to the noise.

The news is boring

Nan and I were quietly watching the News the other day and suddenly found ourselves watching another channel...and another!!! I looked at Nan, she looked at me - whats going on? I look down at Alex on th floor to find him pushing buttons on the TV remote...

Baby Prison!!

To save both Nan and the dogs sanity, Ive gone and purchased a baby prison! (aka the playpen). Alex is happy playing in it with his toys and I can go up to the bedroom without worrying about Alex geting into the dogs drinking water! He's alredy pulled himself up to standing in the corner of it. The next step is to work out which toy is the softest to land on.

Clapity Clap Clap

Alex can now clap hands on demand!! Can also do a "low five" so working on the "high five"...

Trying to stand already!

Now crawling has been mastered, he's straight onto the next thing! Pulled himself up onto his knees in the cot the other day and is now crawling up to things and pulling himself onto his feet! He has also learnt to blow out so lies there in the morning making blowing sounds - a brass player in the making I think!

Its show time.

Went to the Dannevirke AMP show today. Saw sheep, cows and horses. No ferris wheel - whats the world coming to!!! Alex helped me taste my icecream!! The show was a lot smaller han I remember it as a kid...

I can crawl fast!

Alex hs now stopped the belly flop thing and does the full on crawl. He's up the hallway, into the kitchen, under the dining table...everywhere!

Swimming at the local pool.

Took Alex down to the local indoor pool for his first taste of chlorine. Went down with Kate and her kids with Nan in a supervisory role. Had him in a float device and he wasn't too sure at first but was enjoying himself by the end. Spent the first half of the swim lying back reclining and the second half kicking and splashing!

Training has commenced!

Alex is not working on his ball retention skills - he crawls around the living room floor after his ball but unfortunately every time he reaches out for it, it rolls away! We aren't on an oval ball yet but that will come...

Baaa!!!

The neighbour was herding his sheep in from the paddock by the house today. Alex showed his true New Zealand male tendancies by being extremely interested in the sheep. He wouldn't tell me which one he thought was the prettiest.
Nan let him pat the dog (very controlled circumstances as Hattie isn't very tolerant) and Alex thought all his Christmases had come at once! He giggled and chortled and looked very pleased with himself!

Plunket nurse visit

Had a visit from the Plunket Nurse today who said Alex is doing wonderfully! He now weighs 8kg (17lb 10oz for all you oldies!). His progression onto solids is going well. Even vegetables are going down! Loves nectarines wrapped in a bit of muslin cloth.
Putting him in the cot is hilarious - every time he goes to bed he kicks off all the covers, rolls onto his tummy, gets on his hands and knees and turns around so he can see the door. Hes often collapsing asleep in this position!

Carpet burn kid

Just come back from a night at Tracys where we christened her brand new BBQ with yummy bbq food! Alex spent a lot of energy chasing Jamme the kitten round the floor. As a consequence, he now has carpet burn on both knees. Toughen up kid!!

On the move!!

Bugger this lying on the ground lark! Time to get moving! With an unorthodox cross between butterfly stroke and crawling, Alex has found his forward gear. We've had a mad scramble and lifted all we can out of reach but unfortunately the dog is feeling a little victimised.

Splish Splash!

Real hot muggy day today so decided to give Alex his first swim! Set the paddling pool up on the lawn (it holds 2 whole buckets of water...) On went the swimming costume and in he went! Splashing is only fun till the water goes in your eye.

Alex has his own room now!

Have moved the cot into the other bedroom so Alex now is sleeping in his own room! He has his toys set up around him, his own chest of drawers (borrowed Nans spare set) and his Winnie the Pooh rug on the floor!
I can finally read before bed again!!

Bye Bye Pats and Tony

Went over to Palmerston North for the afternoon and hung out with Pats and Tony. They fly back to the UK on Wednesday. Was lovely weather even with the wind so enjoyed sitting on the picnic rug in the sun. Alex is getting mobile very quickly. He has been up on his hands and knees since last Wednesday and rocks back and forward with a big grin on his face (its obvious he is thinking "aren't I clever!"). Luckily he hasn't worked out how to go forward so he keeps nose-diving every time he tries!

The house is quiet...

Drove down to Masterton and dropped Grandma off back at her house. Trev left on Tuesday to go South so its all quiet here now. Boo Hoo.

Happy New Year

Well, Alex is going to be 1 this year...