Cousins

What is Guy Fawkes?

It's when stars of colours
zoom above our heads

It's when I can't sleep
with the Pop! Boom! Zip!
Wizz! Fizzle! Spark!

It's when I sneak a peek
of the starry sky.

by Grace

ow-weh!

It's quite amazing how our children manage to turn one syllable words into two syllable words. Ow becomes ow-weh! No becomes No-weh! This moment of pain was captured just as Rich set up a sweet family shot and Adam discovered a fascination with hair.

Complete 180

Today I woke up feeling tired. Will this boy ever settle down and sleep through?! I was also feeling somewhat bored - the baby/kindy/school routine is getting to me a little. Isn't it great, then, that Adam chose this day to complete his first unassisted rollover? It reminded me of when I was in the hospital when Jane was a baby and all I wanted was to be at home to share these small but amazing milestones. It reminded me that on days like these I need to count my blessings. They are many.

A Little Sponge

Josephine had her first school visit this week, in preparation for starting school next year on her 5th birthday. The school visit program is called "Little Sponges." She was thrilled to wear her uniform and participate at mat time, do some colouring, cutting and pasting, and get her very first reader to bring home and read to the family.

Carmping

We're not sure how this came to be. Charlie and Rich were playing orbit (totem or tether) tennis in the front yard on a beuatiful spring Saturday afternoon....when all of a sudden they beheld a quiet, dignified procession of little girls, blankets and pillows. Without any fuss or conversation they set up their sleeping positions and equipment, then settled in for an afternoon nap. Any chance for our neighbours to consider our family normal has now been lost.

In the Park

Omokoroa Hot Pools

We had a wonderful time at Omokoroa, in the Bay of Plenty. The hot pools were gorgeous and we had them all to ourselves. We played Marco Polo and 'Find the hairband.'

Yum!

Cutting the grass

Mates

Adam and Ted are great mates. Adam tolerates having his feet licked and Ted tolerates having his fur pulled. Both love a good tummy rub.

Move over, Anne Geddes!

This is the result of a couple of days of feeling sick and not getting around to the folding.

Adam update

Adam is growing fast. This week he slept through the night four times! Woohoo! Last night was a different story, though, with lots of chatting from Adam about midnight, then again at 4.30. I had visits from Josephine and Grace in between, both reporting bad dreams. Josie said that she dreamt there was a spider on her pillow, Grace said hers was too horrible to talk about. Just needed to let me know, though.
Adam had a bit of a cold over the last few weeks, but is feeling great again. The nurse said his thighs were 'ideal' when she gave him his immunisation last week. Wouldn't we all appreciate a compliment like that!

A Big Day

Sunday, 7th August was a beautiful day for our family. In the morning Adam received a name and a blessing, and in the afternoon Grace was baptised. Both events were sweet and sacred. We are so thankful for the many kind people around us who helped make this one of our most memorable days ever. Life is good, and we are grateful.

Rich

Grandad

We really enjoyed Grandad. It was so great to have him here, reading stories, coming to kindy, running errands with us and giving the occasional tickle.

No 5

Life is chaotic, but Adam manages to sleep his way through it all. Lovely little grins are peeking out now and then. He is sturdy and sweet.

Aunty Alice

What a lovely visit from A. A. She spoilt everyone and we cried when she left.

Cosy

Grandma is here!

It is so great to have Mum here for 10 days. The children love being with her. She has found a devoted follower in Ted, who follows her around and gazes at her adoringly.