ICTTYWYLT

Yoghurt 1, 2, 3!!

2011-10-27T19:41:00.002+10:00

1 - Check the spoon skills...

2 - Over using the spoon now guys...

3 - Must get the last of it and make a mess...

Babymoon

2011-10-03T13:59:00.005+10:00

So we headed off on our Babymoon = last weekend away as a family of 3!

We went to Sea World and had a massive weekend.

First thing to do was get Cookie Monster...a must when you have the hat!

Cookie Monster did not leave the boys hands for the entire weekend!

Its actually a little back pack and surprisingly enough he loved having it on his back.

We got so many comments on how cute he looked....awwwwwww!

Who needs the actual sharks when you have rocks and water.

Oh and a ledge to get you a little closer to the water...

We did make it to the penguins though and Aidan loved them!

And not just because there was a headless one!

And the polar bear, he was pretty awesome too and we actually saw him playing and eating.

Aidan isn't really into rides....well he wasn't the last time we went but we thought we would try the Trucks this time as he is obsessed!

We were first in line and waited patiently for the ride to open.

As soon as I saw the operator I got a feeling.

Lets just say thank goodness she wasn't operating the roller coaster and words were exchanged.

Poor Aidan fell asleep while we were waiting.....

Aidan and Justin went on the sky rail.

Just because I didn't realise it was Justin waving to me without using the zoom on the camera doesn't mean anything.

I waved back eventually :)

After a big day a buffet dinner was in order....and this is my before dinner pic ;)

I love this photo, he looks so different.

A big day and a big dinner = Justin is ready for bed!

Aidan was more taken with looking for helicopters then big bird.

We, along with Cookie Monster were going to go swimming but it was sooo cold with all the wind....brrrrrrr!

Lollypops

2011-09-29T19:14:00.004+10:00

Petal and I took Aidan and Georgia to Lollypops the other weekend.

The first play centre I went to was when G visited us in Townsville.

The centre was great as it was brand new.

The one we went to just recently was the second one we have been to in Brisbane.

They don't measure up to the Townsville one.

The word I would use to describe them - 'dirty'.

But the kids had fun and that is what matters right?

Roma Street Parklands

2011-09-28T19:13:00.003+10:00

On a Saturday or Sunday morning we usually hit up Southbank but we changed things up and went to the Roma Street Parklands.

I have been to the Parklands once before we left Brisbane so maybe 5 years go and I don't remember them being like this!

Aidan had a blast!

Mainly throwing rocks into the water.

As you all know I fear birds....

Lets now add giant woman eating lizards to the list!

Aidan wasn't worried, I guess they don't eat little boys!

As we were walking along the paths through the gardens every time I heard the leaves move I would jump. J it's not funny :(

The gardens were pretty awesome, despite the animals and J was in his element!

J cooked breakfast while I chased after Aidan.

He can't stay in one spot for too long and with the parklands being so hilly...I was one tired Mum Mum.....

Summer Hair Cuts + Yum Yum!

2011-09-24T19:15:00.003+10:00

Its been a while since Aka has had a winter coat and now that it heating up...

Time for a buzz cut!

His body looks so tiny.

And Aidan was well over due for a hair cut also.

He has been sporting some serious bed hair in the mornings!

Bed hair be gone!

Milo.

Its been a while!

A friend has work has mentioned Milo a few times lately....

I wouldn't say I was craving it but I had to get some.

Old time childhood favourite that's for sure!

Catch up!

2011-09-14T19:21:00.006+10:00

Hand, foot and mouth, sandpaper eye and chest infection over and down with I can update the blog!

We celebrated Father's Day with a BBQ breakfast at Southbank and then went to the Baby and Toddler Expo at the Convention Centre.

Aidan made this for Dad Dad at school.

J ready for a big day out.

We wanted Aidan to walk around at the expo however he had other ideas when he remembered we had his trike!
Thankfully it wasn't very busy and people thought he was cute so he got away with it.

Aidan was in heaven playing with all the toys!

After a big morning there was only one thing to do on the way home...zzz...

Funny that the 'New Mother' Bounty bag comes with condoms...a little too late me thinks!!

This past weekend I caught up with my friend Raw for high tea.
We went to the Forget Me Not Tea Room at Graceville.
It wasn't spectacular.
One wet chair and one ick pastry thing...it was just OK.

Here are some comparison pregnancy pics.

29 weeks with firecracker number 2.

30 weeks with Aidan.

I think I look bigger with Aidan.
Or is it the bare skin?
Hm!!

Weekend Rain...Joy!

2011-08-31T19:20:00.005+10:00

Its no secret, the weather this past weekend was shitty - this makes for interesting times with Aidan!

J was away Saturday night getting his run back on - first event back in the game was the Tomewin 1/2 Marathon at Currumbin which is code for HILLS, HILLS and more HILLS.

I missed being the cheer squad but hey things are different now!

Saturday morning we went to the 'Mum's Big Day Out' Baby and Kids Market at the RNA.

This is a great place for getting some super cheap second hand toys!
The pick of the day was a $2 Thomas the Tank Engine.

Saturday afternoon we went to Ikea.....
Never again....I thought by going late in the afternoon we would be fine.

Hell No!

The car park was crazy and inside...too many people for me.
Scratch that one off the Things to do in shitty weather list!

Sunday Aidan was itching to go outside.
One word - MUD!

He was happily playing with his cars in the mud, that is until I put some washing on the line....

Grubby hands in the air we decide to run through the towels!

Our house guest for the weekend - Petal found this totally hilarious...

I am taking up the towels and then all of a sudden he starts throwing the mud at the sheets...OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is not my child!!!

A bath and one awesome nappy change

And I am driven to this...

On a brighter note I made a kick ass fried rice!

If you like local Markets, head to the Valley Laneway Markets this weekend (Winn Street - 9am-3pm) and check out Vintage Grace.

The blog is back!

2011-08-22T19:21:00.003+10:00

Finally!

I have had a good break and hopefully will get back into the blog business for the next how ever long.

I enjoy reading back over old posts every now and then and I think that has pulled me out of my blog funk...here is hoping anyhow!

We spent Saturday afternoon eating fish and chips and parking it at Wynnum and Lota.
In TSV our local fish and chip was was awesome, this not so much.
Funny that we are taking Aidan to these places as we used to go there as kids.

He spent a good 5 minutes trying to pick up the rock!

Yup - the sand came home to hook up with the day care sand pit we seem to have at home!

I am sure my bike will go down the slide!

Awwwwww!

2011-03-28T19:16:00.000+10:00

Big Day Out!

2011-03-16T11:43:00.003+10:00

We attempted to catch the train into the city for our BDO.

A 37 minute wait and a weekly pay later...
we got back in the car and drove.

A 20 minute drive and a free park...why wouldn't you?

We walked through Southbank and were in shock to see the massive poster of J still in the piazza!

It has to be 4+ years old now!

Off to the museum...
What a bore!

This photo is to show I am beating my fear of birds...go me!
Who cares that they are stuffed and in a glass cabinet!

Then for some real fun we headed to the science centre.

And this is a first, the boy....
FELL.ASLEEP.IN.THE.PRAM!

Swimming....Oi

2011-03-04T09:49:00.002+10:00

We had our first swimming lesson yesterday.

Aidan loves to splash A LOT so he should be fine right?

hm.

Before the class started in was in shallow water with J having a ball.

Class starts and so to do the tears.

When it was time for the kick boards he cheered up and he was clinging on tight and did not want to let go!

He can only get better right??

Next weeks goal = no tears.

The classes are at Runcorn pool which is only a few years old. Its a small pool but the complex is nice. The pool where the lessons are is totally undercover which is great.

A Cat 5 type of send off...

2011-03-02T10:13:00.003+10:00

Oh thats right...I have a blog.
Between cyclones and moving its hard to keep up!

The cyclone seems like a lifetime ago now but I must blog about it as it was the last bit of excitement in our Townsville adventure.

We secured the house (and of course the garden! oh and the animals to, they had to stay at home) and got the hell out of there!

Thanks to Michelle and Mark (Emma's Mum & Dad FYI!) who took us in.

I can't remember when I took these two pictures and they dont really show too much.

To be honest I was in a bit of shock and hardly took any!

On the drive home and when we did a little sight seeing (tsk tsk) I didn't even get the camera out.

The house, animals and garden were fine.
We did go without power for a few days....boy we take that for granted!!

This is one experience I never want to go through again.

I must say it was a little exciting (for lack of a better word) going through this with Michelle who is a BOM fanatic and was 36 weeks pregnant at the time!!

And on that note we say good bye Townsville!

Floods January 2011

2011-01-18T19:44:00.005+10:00

I was in two minds about this post.

It must be done...what my family...my MUM has gone through is just unbelievable...

Looking at the pictures I am still in shock!!

This is the start of my Mum's street...

The front of Mum's house...

The back of the house...

Once the water had receded...

The lounge room...

The dining room...

This is the photo that gets me every time...

After the house had been cleaned and guttered...

Our Bubba boy and his cloth bum sums up our family after surviving this disaster!

Fiji and A

2011-01-10T11:43:00.003+10:00

Aidan made some (= a million!) new friends!

This guy was crazy!

We were worried this one was going to kidnap him!

This was his baby sitter.

I do not know how she got the flower there but it stayed for about an hour!

Aidan was held by so many people!
It didn't matter if he was strapped to J or asleep!
They wanted to hold him, pinch him and squeeze him.
Thankfully no tears were shed however no matter how hard they tried he very rarely cracked a smile!
Not that it mattered, they were happy to see the big white boy!

Fiji and J

2011-01-10T11:32:00.002+10:00

Its all about the gardens...

And Bunnings ;)xox

Fiji and Me.

2011-01-10T11:21:00.004+10:00

There was only one logical thing to do in Fiji...

And then for something different, have your photo taken with 'man in skirt'

Happy First Birthday Bubba Boy!!

2010-12-30T11:57:00.004+10:00

We celebrated Aidan's first birthday before we went on holidays.

We enjoyed his cake!

He mashed it up, had a taste and threw it on the floor then happily ate a banana.

A little unsure of the Buzz couch!

Aidan celebrated the day in Fiji.
We went out to dinner where he had cake and the restaurant staff sang happy birthday.

He isn't too good with people being loud and making a big song and dance but thankfully he didn't cry.
Phew...!

Rain Rain Rain!

2010-12-28T13:30:00.004+10:00

Cabin fever....awesome!

This was pretty much Christmas Day at our place!

We did head out on Boxing Day...we needed to get out of the house.
On the way home a roadblock was being set up to close off one of the bridges we cross.

The boys quite clearly over it!

We did some rearranging and moved some play equipment inside.
I think Aidan had more fun during the clean and construction!

Cake!

2010-11-15T12:55:00.002+10:00

I got a number 1 cake tin the other day so I can make Aidan's first birthday cake.

It was a lot bigger then what I was expecting so I thought a practice cake was a good idea...

What a good wifey I am!

Sunday Fun!

2010-11-14T10:36:00.002+10:00

The wet weather has been driving me up the wall and Aidan has hardly had any outside time.
I was hoping for a nice sunny day as we were off to the Markets and to Cyclone Sunday.

Too many clouds and no sun....grrr!

After the markets we went and had a coffee....
and Ahem, yes Aidan had his first babycino!
(Yes Daddy, you read that right ;)

Not happy...I want more!!

After the markets we went to the strand and the clouds were getting worse and the wind was picking up.

I was so hopeful!

I really wanted to stay at the strand longer because only my favourite radio station in the world were broadcasting there from 10am.

Aidan was getting antsy just sitting in the pram and he couldn't go down on the ground for a crawl because it was wet.

He had fun looking around and he got a balloon!
This is a big step for me...kids and balloons are a huge FEAR...

Loaded up with all of his goodies :)

A big day out and ready for bed.

Fluffy Butt

2010-11-13T20:15:00.006+10:00

Today we did cloth....all day.

And we're going for the night as well!

This is one of the nappies and the boosters that can be added.

Aidan doesn't have all of the boosters in during the day because he gets changed regularly...however they are in for the night
Hello Man sized wee!
Lets hope he wakes up dry!!

No more photos Mum!!

Getting ready for bed!

Even with all the layers his big butt still fits into his jimjams.

We seem to have a bit of an animal print happening.
It didn't happen on purpose...I am waiting for some new prints...soon!

I'm selling my bike....

2010-11-08T16:15:00.003+10:00

If I blog about it then I have to commit right?

I love my bike but since my car accident I haven't been able to ride it much.

So it is for sale :(

On the bright side I will be getting a mountain bike which will be easier on my back and more family friendly.

Fig, Pecan and Ginger Cookies

2010-11-07T11:12:00.003+10:00

Miner Marto is off tomorrow so I made him something for the trip out.
I dont like ginger so I thought this would be perfect in that I wouldn't be tempted.
Ha!
Oh they are sooo nice and crunchy...YUM!

Ingredients
85g (1/2 cup) figs roughly chopped (I used semi dried)
200g (1 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar (this is more then what I world normally use, however the first time I make something I follow the recipe exactly then tweak)
125ml (1/2 cup) olive oil
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
115g (3/4 cup) self-raising flour (I always use wholemeal)
115g (3/4 cup) plain flour (wholemeal)
2 tsp ground ginger
70g (1/2 cup) pecans

Method:
Preheat oven to 180°C. Line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper.
Combine sugar, oil, egg and vanilla in a large bowl.
Add flours and ground ginger and stir until combined.
Add pecans and figs and stir to combine.
Roll mixture into 24 portions and place on lined trays about 5cm apart. Press each cookie to flatten slightly. Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and place on rack to cool.

Clearly I didn't make 24!!

Christmas Movies - Do you love them?

2010-10-31T17:19:00.009+10:00

Aidan was born December 16 and I was in hospital for a week.

A weeks worth of indulging in day time TV - cheesy Christmas movies...bliss.

Now that Aidan is here.....things can only get better come Christmas time!

And Christmas has begun in the form of ....

Handy Manny -
A very Handy Holiday!

Thanks to Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Porter Novelli and Aussie Mummy Bloggers we were able to indulge...
in October!!

Aidan is probably a little too young for this, however he had an upset tummy and all he wanted was Mummy cuddles so it was the perfect time to watch and it kept his attention.

Clearly it rates as its about Christmas but is also promotes team work...and talking tools? Too cute!!

The DVD will be available November 3rd!

I have a copy of Disney Christmas Favourites to
give away....

Leave a comment and tell me what your favourite Christmas movie is and it could be yours!
Dont forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if your the winner :)

Cooking frenzy!

2010-10-31T16:32:00.002+10:00

I cooked!
OMG!

When J is away I cook for Aidan and that is as far as I go.
Cheese and vegemite sandwiches are perfectly acceptable for dinner for a hard working mother ;)
This weekend I made a chocolate cake....ohh the oooozing icing!
Followed by a baked risotto.

The risotto ingredients just looked so fresh and has made me want to have better dinners when J is away.

Usually I do not 'do' Creamed Corn....however J loves it and this recipe is supposed to be a hit with the kids....the sacrifices I make for my boys!
J, are you reading this?

Ingredients:
4tbs butter (I used one)
100g diced bacon
1/2c chopped shallots
2 cloves of garlic - crushed
1c arborio rice
500g chicken thigh fillets, trimmed and coarsely chopped (I used breast)
1/2c red capsicum - diced
2c hot chicken stock
400g creamed corn (ICTAI)
1/2c grated parmesan

Method:
Preheat over - 200degrees
Place butter, bacon, shallots, garlic, rice, chicken, capsicum and in larger casserole dish and stir
Cover and bake for 20 minutes
Remove from over and stir in corn
Cover and bake for another 20 minutes
Stir in cheese.
YUM!

Aidan goes Cloth!

2010-10-31T16:14:00.003+10:00

Cloth Nappies?

Well I never!

We are giving them a try on a part time basis and if I like then we will switch full time.

These fancy cloth nappies, its a whole new world.

We got 2 different ones to try, he looks pretty smart I must say.

I needed to wash them a few times before we could use them so I was pretty excited when we could put them on....and well wouldn't you know....5 minutes into the first one and hello no2. So we only got to see a swirly little butt for a short time!

Splish Splash

2010-10-29T15:14:00.006+10:00

Today we went for a swim, Aidan's first.

Coffee, banana bread and milk first, under the shade of the massive trees at Riverway.

Aidan was not impressed with his hat. But he did really well and kept it on.
No hat no swim!

Getting used to the water with Daddy.

This swimming business is hard work - ready for a snooze.

And just a random photo for this post.
This is in our front garden, there were 4 frogs but one jumped away just before J took the photo.

Reef HQ

2010-10-23T14:17:00.002+10:00

Gran is in town so we went out to the aquarium.

I was a little disappointed in there not being too many displays that were more eye catching to the littlies.
I know Aidan is still a bit young for this...but still!! And the interactive area for kids...hmm not so hot.
It was still nice to take him out and we had a good time looking at the fish and coral.

Aidan Vs. Turtle.

Photo of the day:)

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeal.

2010-10-18T14:36:00.002+10:00

With what seems like the weeks of sickness Aidan lost his squeal.
Its back.
In a BIG way.
Listen to this, then imagine it with a crying and cranky teething baby.
In Coles!

Dorothy the Dinosaur - Romp-Bomp-A-Chomp!

2010-10-17T15:14:00.010+10:00

If I didn't listen to ABC radio we would have missed out!!!

Getting his wiggle on!

The show was at Riverway. We have never been to the performance centre, so it was nice to see what that was like.
This is the main pool and our view as we lined up.

Aidan was clearly a little unsure about what was going on!

The star herself!

Wags

Dorothy and the fairies

I really wished I could have taken some better photos of him during the performance.
He was in awe and a bit stunned.
We were in the second row so he could see everything clearly.

Just a little something to get through the rest of the show!

Go Captain Feather Sword!

Henry and John the Cook.

Happy Boy!

He was such a trooper!
We were in our seats at about 12:15pm ready for a 12:30pm start. I thought they would start on time given its a kids performance.
9 minutes late...not huge but for a lot of kids in one place thats a LONG time.
He had a great time and watched the entire show, no tears or crankyness which I was very impressed with as he has just cut a new tooth.
Go Bubba Boy!! xx.

Yes Daddy, we had to buy something ;)

Pari Proof

2010-10-15T15:40:00.003+10:00

Pari snuck in the laundry door as I was bringing the clothes in only to be faced with this:

It took him about 5 attempts of trying to squeeze through to realise that it wasn't going to work and that the only way was to go over.

Wakey Wakey!

2010-10-10T10:54:00.005+10:00

Its no secret.
Aidan asleep in the cot during the day....ha!
When pigs fly.

Well times are changing.

Today we have had both day sleeps in the cot and I am just a little bit happy about this!
OK...A LOT happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He was so exhausted this afternoon that he slept and slept and slept.

At 4:30 it was time to wake him up.

Never under estimate the power of the wrap either.
He seems to have a better afternoon sleep when wrapped. Its been a long time since we have wrapped him but when he was sick it helped calm him down so I am sticking with it.

And he went to bed at 8pm and slept through till 5:30am!

Hand, Foot and Mouth

2010-10-06T11:30:00.004+10:00

The last few days have been horrible!

Saturday afternoon Aidan started to get a temperature and then on Sunday we woke to this:

Hand

Foot

Mouth

Over the next 48 hours it became whole body disease!

He also had a lot of blisters on his tongue and in his mouth, my poor bubba!

He is finally on the mend and slept last night...just in time for Justin's return home. It has been a long three weeks this time!

Water and Sand

2010-09-25T19:22:00.007+10:00

Since the weather has started to warm up I have wanted to get out of the house and have some water play with Aidan.
However with the weeks of sickness we had to put it off until now.

It was such a beautiful day today so we headed outside for some fun!

What better way to start then with a biscuit:

And out come the masses!
1:

3:

Let the fun begin:

Aidan's play thingie has a connection for the hose so it sprays water.

Not sure what to make of this:

I am sure I can eat this:

This is my favourite photo from the afternoon:

Later in the afternoon we went to the beach.

This was Aidan's first time on the sand.

Next time we will go a bit earlier and he can have a real play.

I love this photo also:

Garden

2010-09-24T11:08:00.003+10:00

I haven't posted much on the back garden so its about time.

This is the back fence.
When we moved in there was nothing here, the grass went straight to the fence.

The next three photos are of the back corner.
Again there was nothing here, only the garden boarder and bark.
I can't find any before photos.
This in one of my favourite parts of the garden by far!

For Marto - xox.

2010-09-22T18:58:00.003+10:00

Tough Crowd

2010-09-19T10:00:00.002+10:00

With all the sickness that we have experienced over the last few weeks Aidan has become a 'tough crowd'
His new nickname is TC.
In order to get a few minutes here and there we have discovered a mixing bowl and a door that opens and shuts will keep him from wanting cuddles for all of about 10 minutes!

Ready to assemble

2010-09-11T09:28:00.002+10:00

Its been a crazy few weeks with pharyngitis and bronchitis.
Poor bubba!
Despite the sicknesses he has started to crawl and soon will want to start pulling himself up.
So to get him ready for that we got him this:

The trusty foremen ready to assist:

Done!

Awwww:

Thanks Dad!:

Getting into the groove

2010-09-11T09:14:00.002+10:00

I have done a bit more scrap booking and I'm am a bit happier with these, so slowly getting there.

I will never be Miner Martin!!

2010-09-03T10:54:00.002+10:00

Justin is home and enjoying the simple pleasures of:

A flushing toilet.
A bed that is bigger then him.
Electricity.
A shower with 4 walls and a roof.
TV.

This was his home for the first night:

Then he stepped it up a notch:

Donga living:

I do not know how he managed to sleep/live here for a few weeks. The bed looks oh so spacious and inviting!

Bath time fun

2010-08-31T18:54:00.003+10:00

Tonight Aidan had his first bath in the bath.
I dont even think he realised.
All he cared about was putting the washer and toys in his mouth.

Scrap that!

2010-08-29T14:56:00.005+10:00

I have started scrap booking. Not many people know that I do this actually. Mind you it has been a while and now is a good time to start some Aidan albums.

It takes me a while to get into the groove so I am never really happy with my first few pages.

Once I get going I will post some more.

My new loves

2010-08-29T14:45:00.003+10:00

I love a good label.
Animals & Aidan, beware!

One of my most hated chores comes in the form of a mop and bucket.
No more!
Hello steam mop!!

Spot the cat!

2010-08-25T17:27:00.002+10:00

He loves his jolly jumper and I am making sure I get enough use out of it before he ahem..cracks 10kgs.

Some non Aidan posts should come soon....

Yummy Yummy Kiwi Fruit

2010-08-21T14:41:00.002+10:00

Oh my...

2010-08-20T15:44:00.001+10:00

Its day time.
He's asleep.
In his cot.
OMG!

Its in the bag...

2010-08-19T08:50:00.001+10:00

Our blackboard wall comes into good use again....
So much stuff to pack for such a little (well not really) person

I love banana bread!

2010-08-19T08:36:00.005+10:00

One of the easiest things to bake is banana bread.
Usually if I bake something I need to do a special shopping trip...but with this easy recipe I always have the ingredients on hand.
This one came out a little burnt though...doh!

Ingredients:

1 cup (150g) plain flour (I use wholemeal)
1/2 cup (75g) self-raising flour (Again, wholemeal)
1 cup brown sugar (you can halve this, I dont. We dont eat too much rubbish so I go with the whole cup)
125g butter, melted, cooled
2 eggs, whisked
3 ripe bananas, mashed
Walnuts
Cinnamon
Nutmeg

Mix it all up and bake....

The best way to eat this is to:
Grab a coffee (Mocha with marshmallows)
Go to a park and
Put a few slices on the BBQ to crisp it up!
YUM YUM YUM!

I have a new banana bread recipe to try also, so stay tuned.

He who doesn't sleep....

2010-08-18T19:23:00.002+10:00

has his moments....

This was taken a few weeks ago when we worked out he was thrilled to sit in the trolley.
This particular day it was all too much.

Dirty!

2010-08-07T19:54:00.005+10:00

All I can say is - ICTAI!! :

Aidan not understanding what the big deal is and wanting to head out:

Ready to hit the pavement:

It was such a beautiful day today. After we disposed of the specimen we went to The Strand and had a coffee.

Pasta!

2010-08-06T19:57:00.003+10:00

Today we tried pasta sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

Watching and waiting patiently:

Dig in!:

A new taste and texture:

Not so bad after all:

It was 28 degrees here today hence the singlet.
Loving his rolly polly arms!

P.S Day 3 of day care, sleep = 15 mins <--Thats the Aidan we know!

Day 2

2010-08-04T19:31:00.003+10:00

Day 2 of Day Care -
He had 2 sleeps but neither were as long as yesterday.
So when we went for our afternoon walk he crashed.
He will soon realise that when we go to day care he won't be seeing me for a while.

We're back...!!

2010-08-04T13:05:00.003+10:00

We're back!!

Aidan is growing too quick
This photo was taken before his first day of day care.
The drop off was quick which meant there were no tears from either of us.
He did well and had 2 sleeps. 2 sleeps at home - ha non existant!

Taking a Break

2010-03-29T16:11:00.003+10:00

Hi -
I am taking a bit of a break from blogging. My back is playing up so I am having a bit of a rest from the computer.

62 - Happy 18 Years

2010-03-23T13:49:00.006+10:00

Its our wedding anniversary today.

Aidan and I are in TSV and J is in Bris.

We have been together for a while but married for 2 <--feels like a long time so we say 18 years.

We got married at sunrise on the beach at Palm Cove.

So when we eventually move to Cairns we will be able to go back to the same spot and celebrate.

61 - Curled Toes

2010-03-18T13:21:00.002+10:00

I have a foot phobia.

I hate looking at feet, I hate people looking at my feet, I hate dirty feet, I hate my feet being touched.

Have I passed this on to Aidan?

The little humbug curls his toes when I put socks on him.
Its cute but very frustrating!

60 - A little bit of sickly sweet

2010-03-18T13:12:00.001+10:00

I need to have at least one of these when they hit the shops each year.

I don't think I ate them when I was a child but now I just can't help myself.

59 - Real Estate

2010-03-17T10:42:00.002+10:00

More Cairns real estate.

These photos are from one house.
I don't even know where to begin.
Perhaps in the last pic with the glass sliding door into the ensuite?

58 - Sunday Walkies

2010-03-15T10:41:00.001+10:00

How cute are my boys?

The stripey pants that Aidan has on were retired without being worn but it was cool on Sunday morning so out they came.

57 - I am awesome

2010-03-13T10:17:00.002+10:00

Even if I do say so myself.

Here I was 2 years ago.

And here I am today.

56 - Garden

2010-03-12T10:13:00.002+10:00

We have been at our house for 2 years now which is hard to believe.

J has done a lot of work on the garden with many trips to Bunnings. I think J gets quite antsy when I go with him so he flies solo on these outings.

This photo was taken before we moved in.

I took the following photos this morning....what a change!

J also painted the side fences and has left our 'mark' for when we move.

I will do the backyard update soon.

55 - Eye Bath

2010-03-12T10:06:00.003+10:00

My poor eye!

I was cleaning the fans and got dust in my eye and no matter what it would not come out.
I went to the chemist and got an eye bath and some saline to flush through it.
I hate anything to do with eyes so this was not a pleasant experience.

54 - Mr Independant

2010-03-10T09:57:00.004+10:00

J feeds the little man an expressed bottle each morning.
Apparently he can do it on his own now.

53 - What the animals have instore for them.....

2010-03-08T11:45:00.004+10:00

I received an email today with pictures of dogs in various costumes.
Perhaps I have even dressed up our animals.
I imagine Aidan will be able to blame me if this were to happen when he is a little older.....

This picture was included in the email, I have seen it before but it always makes me smile!

52 - Thank you Aunty Chris!

2010-03-04T09:59:00.004+10:00

Mail.
Again...so soon?

Thankfully I love opening mail and he needs me to do this for him.

These bonds panties (yes thats what WE call them, even his nappies get called panties - poor baby) are the best!

They are perfect for the hot climate but are so hard to find!

I am not a fan of just a nappy when out so they are excellent 'panties' :)

51 - Aidan gets mail

2010-03-02T13:26:00.004+10:00

Aidan got his first letter in the mail today!
His hospital certificate.

I was happy my name was before J's (who did all the hard work?) - yes its always a competition!

50 - Tummy time

2010-02-28T13:23:00.003+10:00

The Little Man is getting a lot stronger!

He can now push up when he is on his tummy and can hold himself in position for quite a while.

I love the little rolls on his arms in this photo!

49 - Fruit Salad - Yummy Yummy

2010-02-27T05:25:00.003+10:00

My new favourite CD!

When Aidan has day sleeps we listen to Christmas carols and I am done with them!

J bought some CDs for him on ebay and they arrived this week.
The Wiggles are so much fun!
The songs are catchy and good for dancing.
Aidan likes a bit of heavy rocking and patting when going to sleep so this works a treat!

48 - New bed covers

2010-02-26T16:37:00.004+10:00

The dogs love their beds but they are due for new covers.

To an extent they like sleeping on the old ones in the 'hole' but it is time to replace them.

Aka will wear out both beds but Starzy would rather sleep on a wooden chair then go on his bed.

Little humbug!

47 - Not so red velvet

2010-02-25T06:36:00.003+10:00

This morning I made some cupcakes FF style.
They are supposed to be red velvet but I wasn't sure how much red colouring to add - I guess I will know to use more next time.
No picture of the icing as it is a little lumpy - most of my kitchen is packed ready for the move so I make do.
I used a cream cheese icing...Yum!

46 - Sitting up

2010-02-24T15:09:00.004+10:00

I took this video after feeding the Little Man. I wanted to capture him when he is 'milk drunk' but he wasn't having any of that this morning.

Over the past week he has been trying to sit up..more of a force his body forward - he tends to do this when he is strapped into the pram or car seat but this morning it came out of nowhere.

He is lying in my lap on a pillow so he isn't completely flat on his back and he is holding himself up for a good amount of time so I am still proud :)

P.S Chubby cheeks anyone?

45 - Daily Breakfast

2010-02-24T14:28:00.005+10:00

This entry is inspired by Elise and her recent breakfast post.

This is my daily breakfast. I had this when I was in hospital and I still have it now. Mind you, in hospital I also had a little bread roll smothered in crunchy peanut butter afterwards.

I actually enjoyed the hospital food...I must be the only person to admit this! But it was nice and also knowing that after you eat someone will come and collect the dishes is a plus.

And it was fun filling out the menu card each day also. <-- I think J enjoyed this more then me!

I am sure I will get sick of this soon enough and move onto one of my old faithfuls.

44 - Crawler

2010-02-24T06:26:00.002+10:00

Crawler already?
Our 'new born' nappies are running out and given that he was over 5kgs when he was last weighed we thought no more new born nappies for him.
But crawler?
Where has my baby gone!!

43 - To market to market

2010-02-22T12:00:00.002+10:00

We went to the markets today.
We didn't buy anything aside from a coconut drink thingy for J - he loves these things. I forgot the camera so will have to get a pic of him next time.

After the markets we went and got a coffee...talk about an animal farm at McDonalds....yes I like McCafe coffee. Kids going crazy and just being disgusting in general.

Here we are before we headed out.

And the Little Man...note the shoes - his third pair!
They are very cute and the photo doesn't show but on the white stripe down the front is silver stars.
One more pair to go.

42 - Saturday Dinner

2010-02-21T12:34:00.002+10:00

I made my first creamy pasta and it was a success!
Another recipe care of Josie.
Yes i sprinkled on a lot of parmesan but it was one of the cheeses I couldn't have when I was pregnant.

41 - Shoes 2.0

2010-02-19T13:34:00.005+10:00

Here is the Little Man rocking another pair of shoes!

Showing off the super cool soles!

When we're at home he only wears a nappy and singlet, its too hot for anything else so it is nice to put clothes on him. They make him look at lot bigger to!

Here he is sporting a Bonds T (this is actually part of a pyjama set), a pair of shorts from cousin G and shoes from Gran.

There are so many cute baby clothes out there but some can be so expensive - this outfit is a combo of Big W, Best and Less and hand me downs.

40 - Rain Rain Rain

2010-02-19T13:26:00.003+10:00

It rained most of Thursday. When I watched the news it said that the highway was blocked off 25kms south of Townsville because of flood water. Because I am on maternity leave and J works from home we live in our own bubble most of the time and see the rain and think big deal and dont really know the extent of things....I should read the newspaper I think.

This photo is looking out from our lounge room.

Chicken in a can - ICTAI

2010-02-18T11:09:00.003+10:00

Have you seen this being advertised?

I have seen the cans at the supermarket and it just seems wrong. I do eat canned tuna but the canned poultry thing doesn't seem right.

Will you eat this?
I don't even think I could bring myself to try it!

Check it out here

39 - Wednesday Coffee

2010-02-18T10:15:00.004+10:00

Decaff that is!

On Wednesday's I head out with the Little Man for a few hours. I grab a magazine or take my lap top and enjoy guilt free air con.

He has a big feed before we go and will usually fall asleep in the car. Once we arrive at our destination I transfer him to the Baby Bjorn. He will stir a little but goes back to sleep pretty much straight away or I will go for a quick walk which does the trick.

After coffee we went for a walk to the Strand, not the best day but I am drawn to this place. I like the view and being near the water is calming.

He is in such a deep sleep he didn't wake when it was time to go home.

And still sleeping when we get home.
..zzZZZzz...

38 - 9 Weeks

2010-02-17T10:29:00.004+10:00

The Little Man is 9 weeks today - how time flies!
[when your tired]

This is one of the few pictures we have of him wearing a 'hat'. Clearly he wasn't a fan, but he was so tiny back then.

One of his tiny tiny suits, was he really that small?
Look at those chubba cheeks.

Awwwwww.
This is just before Aidan's first outing with shoes on. Dunlop Volleys care of uncle Phil (Phil who has worn Volleys for as long as anyone can remember!)
Quote from Phil" "remember a pair of volleys is a pair of shoes for life!!!!"

And another Awwwwwwwwww!

So what has changed in 9 weeks??

*He is a lot more alert, when the little peepers are open, they are OPEN!
*His eyes are starting to change shape and are becoming a lot more rounded.
*TMI but his no 2's are turning into explosive no 3's
*He has better sleep patterns and is moving into the cot for day time sleeps. We like this. However the CD that we use for day time sleeps is becoming very old very quickly! Its Christmas Carols...it does the trick tho!
*Every now and then his cry has a super high pitch squeal - not cool.
*He loves his baths
*When feeding his arm has gone from a clenched fist that you couldn't open to a windscreen wiper that goes over my chest, very funny!
*Still getting used to the pram

37 - The Man Child

2010-02-15T14:17:00.002+10:00

I picked J up from the airport last night and we intended to have takeaway down by the strand for dinner. Someone else wasn't too keen on that idea, the Little Man only had one sleep so had his cranky pants on so we came home instead. Next time.

Here is J in his getup for a dinner he had while away...spunky. I only just noticed the painting on the wall.

Over the weekend I was looking through our photos and came across this one and thought it was worth posting. One of our many hospital trips. When he phoned to tell me about coming off the bike he assured me he was ok because there was no blood. Uh huh.

What I learnt while J was away

*Anything can be done one handed.
*Getting sprayed with pee when changing nappies really is an experience - normally J is the one to cop the spray! The funniest thing is I notice Aidan smiling before I see and feel the wee...humbug!
*I am sure I paced at least a marathon
*How to be more organised. I always thought I was but this week proved my skills needed brushing up when its just me
*I can still shower and wash my hair and feel human
*Its ok to let the Little Man cry, even if it does break my heart
*The animals still got their fair share of attention - I only nearly forgot to feed Pari once
*I can still cook and bake
*Getting out of the house is important, really important.
*I was awesome when we got our needles, Aidan was too I suppose.
*The biggest thing, I like driving again, thanks Suby. Its been nearly 2 years since the accident so to be to get in the car and enjoy the drive.....nice.

36 - Valentines and Birthdays!

2010-02-14T11:52:00.002+10:00

Valentines Day is when we celebrate Aka and Pari's Birthdays. We don't know their exact date of births but Pari was a Valentines present and we got Aka in April so counting back the weeks he would have been born in February. Aka is 6 and Pari is 5 - I can't talk about it! It doesn't feel like we have had them that long. J says that Pari will be our only cat but we think out of spite he will live forever!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDS!

J comes home tonight so I made him some brownies. The recipe is from our friend Josie. They aren't as good as yours Josie but I have to start somewhere!
YUM!

35 - Day 6 - Groceries and Real Estate

2010-02-13T15:02:00.006+10:00

The Little Man and I headed out to get groceries this morning. Here he is wearing his first 000 outfit - shorts care of cousin Georgie. I will need to retire some of his NB and 0000 clothes as they are too tight.

We walk past this house a few times a week depending on the route we take in our afternoon/morning walks. The house is ugly! They have a great view over the ocean and to Magnetic Island and they build this - FAIL!

The next 2 pictures we came across when looking at Cairns real estate - honestly how can you not love it??

Every time I drive past this house I get goose bumps. Its perched on the side of Castle Hill, I am not sure how much of the house is actually built on land but there is no way I could live there!

Why are my black and white pictures down the side not even, some look like they have been cut off...why?!?

34 - Day 5 - Getting close!

2010-02-13T09:51:00.002+10:00

The Little Man had his cranky pants on today, no doubt the end of feeling his needles. He was so tired but didn't have a morning sleep and I was getting cranky to say the least. We needed to get out of the house and I needed something to cheer me up.

Every time J goes away I always say this will be the time that I will get my mint ice cream, he is not a fan. Today seemed like the day, yum yum yum. Given that I am hoping to be back to my pre-pregnancy weight lets see how I go on mint choc ice cream rations...

The Box

2010-02-12T19:06:00.004+10:00

I am the first to admit it, I have become a bit of a TV junkie these days and was excited for the new shows to start. Pre baby I went to bed early and we didn't have a recorder so I missed out on a lot. We now have a recorder and can tape two shows at once....oh my! Some of my favourite shows are NCIS, Green Homes, Grand Designs, Law and Order, Scrubs, Family Guy and of course reality TV!

I was looking forward to Cougar Town when I first heard about it, but Channel 7 plugged it like there was no tomorrow and to be honest I really didn't think much of it. I will give it one more shot and then decide.

The Good Wife...this was worth the wait, I really enjoyed the first episode and can't wait for the next. Mr Big didn't have such a big part in this ep and he didn't come across as Mr Big which I was worried about.

My Kitchen Rules, not a fan but I will keep watching it, I love a food show and Manu - ahh the accent, the other chef, Pete - where is your personality?

The Biggest Loser, a love hate relationship but how good is it that AJ is not the host, I guess it really was time to cut the fat! I think Haley is doing a good job.

And every now and then you may find me watching a childhood favourite on 72, Full House.

33 - Day 4 - Half Way!

2010-02-11T16:39:00.005+10:00

I was worried that we were going to have a bad sleep last night as a result of the needles but the Little Man did well. He was fighting sleep after the 2am feed, lots of kicking and pulling ears during the feed but eventually gave in with no tears so we had a good night.

As a result we were up early and the only thing to do was bake. Blueberry and cream cheese muffins.

I use a basic recipe of wholemeal SR flour, rolled oats, eggs and natural yoghurt. I then add in different ingredients, spices and flavours depending on what I feel like.

Someone fell asleep before we could sample the finished product..awww...

After lunch we went to K-Mart to for a few bits and pieces. They had some baby clothes on sale and for $25 picked up 3 shirts, a pair of shorts, a shirt/short set and a pj set. I got them in size 0 and 00. My favourite is the pj set, so cute.

As he is starting to grab at things I got some toys to clip onto his car seats.

32 - Bath time

2010-02-11T06:51:00.008+10:00

We are starting to enjoy our baths a lot more! Smiles beforehand and lots of kicking and less screaming the house down. Last nights bath really helped settle him down after his needles.

He is now 59cm so it wont be long before he outgrows his little bath.
.

31 - Day 3 - Needles

2010-02-10T14:28:00.005+10:00

Washing, vacuuming, mopping, folding and cleaning all done before 5:30am....super organised or dead tired??

Aidan had his 8 week needles done today, I also had a whooping cough needle. I went first, he cried for me...awwwww. He was a trooper for his 2 needles, screamed and went red but he calmed down really quickly so that was good. I wonder why he got the character band aids and I didn't ?? He passed out when we got home.

Here he is playing in his cot at 3am. So the answer to the above is dead tired.

30 Day 2 - Supermum!

2010-02-10T14:10:00.004+10:00

I felt like superwoman today! First of all we headed out to Target. I think Target is on the list of 'to do's' for new Mum's - its up there with Medicare. Then it was to the Chemist to get some infant Penadol, best to have some just in case. Then it was grocery shopping...ahhh.

Aidan was still asleep after all that so I made a stir fry with my favourite noodles:

The little man was still sleeping so I thought I should have some Pari time. Since Aidan came along Pari isn't allowed in the house during the day. He felt pretty special and fell asleep on my hand, not bad for a cat that needs no one. Then he remembered there is a pantry that has treats....

I had time to flip through a magazine and came across this, made me laugh given that I express and also that at my work there were signs up on the fridge asking people to not touch milk that doesn't belong to them!

This shows why J is that man behind our couple shots....good work Mummy!

I also managed to walk the dog and wash and dry my hair...what a day....!

30 - Day 1!

2010-02-09T14:06:00.003+10:00

Day one of no J! He is away for work and will be for 7 days. Lets see how Aidan and I handle things...well how I handle him, plus the animals!

We dropped J at the airport at 5:30am. J drove there in the 'big car' and I drove home. My first time driving it...lets just say my baby car will get a rest this week. I am in love Subaru! :) The only issue that may arise is parking. Drive through parks please.

Aidan and I had a pretty chilled day catching up on TV and playing. Even though J isn't here we still continued with the night time routine which starts off with a walk in the afternoon. We took out Phil & Ted for something different. Aidan is still getting used to the pram, the trick is to have a big feed before we go to avoid 45 mins of crying. A neighbour commented that 'he's not crying today'. Thanks, I hadn't noticed!

29 - Cake Anyone?

2010-02-08T19:30:00.005+10:00

I have always thought nappy cakes were a great gift idea and secretly always wanted one....thank you Josie!! :)

28 - Plane Outfit

2010-02-08T19:16:00.003+10:00

The plane outfit is very important...yes, even for a baby! We headed off to Brisbane and Aidan was a trooper for his first trip.

Day 27

2010-01-14T12:09:00.003+10:00

So clearly I am unable to do this on a daily basis...I will still make 365 days but the posts wont coincide with calendar days and will therefore take a *little* longer then a year.

This is Aidan wanting to go home with Gran...awwwww.

26 22 12 2009

2009-12-23T14:05:00.002+10:00

This is a pretty random post I admit but when I first saw this 'truck' on the road I honestly thought it was part of a trailor that had come loose from the back of a truck! I was thrilled when we saw it the other day and I had my camera.

It looks like one of those trucks you see at the airport where the cabin moves down to be level with the tray. The driver must have thought I was weird taking a photo but he was smiling!

25 21 12 2009

2009-12-22T10:31:00.003+10:00

First car trip - heading home from hospital.

At the hospital he wore their singlets and shirts and when we dressed him for the trip home he looked so different. Here he is sporting a 'Baby Patch' outfit.

We didn't hear a peep out of him in the car so we'll take that as a good sign.

24 20 12 2009

2009-12-22T10:29:00.001+10:00

Snooze time with Dad...awwwww.

23 19 12 2009

2009-12-22T10:27:00.002+10:00

This sign is on all of the cots at the hospital. I would have thought the last point was a given....but I guess not....

22 18 12 2009

2009-12-22T10:23:00.002+10:00

Snug as a bug in a rug. The swaddle...a very important skill. It was really cold in the hospital so he was always wrapped up. Doesn't seem to matter how he is wrapped the little front paws always seem to find their way out.

21 17 12 2009

2009-12-22T10:21:00.001+10:00

Aidan's first bath. He wasn't really a fan but hopefully that will change.

20 16 12 2009

2009-12-22T10:17:00.002+10:00

7:27pm - Welcome Aidan Anthony Martin!!!

3.3Kgs
50cm long
and cute to boot!