So much to make up for...

Before I even get to Christmas, (yes I have a LOT of blogging to make up for), I thought it was important to review some key events leading up to the end of an extremely busy year.

To begin with, beyond all expectations, Parra made the grand final – and so, Kaitlyn enjoyed her first grand final experience, despite not coming away with the win.

At least she had a brush with fame, meeting Eels legend, Ray Price.

She certainly seemed to soak up the amazing atmosphere.

Then, we had THE birthday.

Our little girl put on her best birthday fairy wings and got into the party spirit with ten or so little friends, crammed into our soon-to-be-too-moved-out-of house.

At least there was plenty of food to keep the guests happy – mind you we were eating the leftovers for the rest of the week!

And with Ash in charge of entertainment, we had everything under control.

Only a baby this wonderful deserves two cakes – one homemade, the other absolutely spectacular!

Not sure what Kaitlyn wished for, but Mum and Dad were hoping next year, the party would be outsourced!

It was also a wonderful time to catch up with our Mothers’ Group and some very grown up babies!

Now that I am back at work, her days at gymbaroo are long gone – so, I couldn’t believe my luck when she managed to climb through the tunnel that had evaded her for the last six months, on our last day.

It seems to me, that overnight she has grown six milk teeth and has two coming through at the back – touch wood; she hasn’t been overly bothered by these, choosing instead to turn to food for comfort.

And easily amused by a tickle from Nanna.

And as I hinted to earlier, we have bought a new home and are in the middle of packing - an absolute delight let me tell you with a 15 month-old running around...

And well, I was going to wait, but I figure why not boast now? SHE IS WALKING!! Her first steps were at school –lucky for me during her Christmas party, so that not only did I see them, but so did Nanna.

It took a few days, but by Christmas she was walking all about the place – and now I am chasing her around, she moves quicker than I can blink.

We have caught the walk on camera, so as soon as I get a chance, will download the video here.

Whilst I continue to struggle to find the time to complete a 'real' post, I have been working on my own reflection of the last twelve months - this is one in pictures, considering I have taken about six thousand since Kaitlyn as born.

As I write she is cutting through her top two teeth, and the ones on either side are not far away . Apart from catching just about every bug there is since starting day care, she seems to be enjoying the change - perhaps I was boring her after all. Judging from the first four weeks, she will be as strong as an Ox once her immune system recovers. She hasn't let her illness keep her down though, she is as smiley and chatty as ever!

I must warn you, this runs for seven minutes! (I told you there were a LOT of photos)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A year of memories..

Ash put this together for Kaitlyn's Birthday Party - I still can't watch it without tearing up!

KAITLYN ON THE MOVE...

Some new videos of Kaitlyn as she begins turning into a toddler, and I wonder just where my baby has gone...

Showing off the latest trick Grandma has taught me.

Demonstrating both my crawling styles - the one leg first, version was inherited from Mum!

Loving my new couch, which Mum and Dad spend too much time on!

Mum catching me mid-nap in what looks like a very uncomfortable position...

Ok, so Mum has a birthday blow out to plan and organise, as well as returning to work next week, so the next blog may be a few weeks off - sorry Carol!

11 MONTHS TODAY...

11 months down and we are just weeks away from the big first birthday. Fittingly, we helped a lovely friend celebrate her birthday today – Livinia Holt turned three years old this weekend, and Kaitlyn, never one to shy away from a party, was there to join in the festivities.

She is pictured here with Livinia and her sister Elyssia – this was the shot taken prior to Kaitlyn deciding to have a chew on the pebbles lining the courtyard, and consequently crying her little heart out.

Livinia’s Mum, Margaret did an amazing job on the event, and may have given me a few ideas for the very near future – thanks for a great day Margaret!

This weekend also gave us cause for a celebration of a different kind, the Eels final home game for the season – secured with a very convincing win over the Panthers. Kaitlyn and Dad were having a grand old time…

So much so, that one of our key players, Fui Fui Moi Moi, joining us for a glimpse of the action.

By the end of the night Kaitlyn has hi-fiving the crowd around us – they all just love her and as we sit on the aisle, every second person stops to say hello.

With the amazing weather we have been enjoying lately, Kaitlyn and I took the opportunity to get out and about and see more of Sydney. On Thursday our usual Mother’s Group was reduced to just two of us, so we took the ferry across to Watson’s Bay for some lunch. Kaitlyn and Charlie loved the trip across the harbour…

And it’s an image like this that reminds you how lucky we are to live in this glorious city…

As usual, Kaitlyn was more interested in the swarms of people around us, than any of the sites there were to see.

Still, nothing beats a ferry ride –

Even if you have your Mum tagging along with you!

And try as I might, I think it’s about time to give up catching up with girlfriends at café’s – there is a very short time limit during which Kaitlyn can be entertained. So, one of my last such catch ups, was with Elysia and the beautiful Olivia who are in trip preparation mode, about to head off to the US for a month! All in time for Olivia to crawl around and explore the place –

Olivia at least seemed keen to enjoy a coffee and a chat –

Scouring the menu for something resembling puree –

The shot taken after Kaitlyn pulled the water bottle out of Olivia’s hands (thank goodness she has a good temperament!)

And finally, this week we tried out another homemade game – water and plastic containers (it doesn’t get more creative than that). This one was definitely reserved for OUTSIDE…

Just look at that face, you know there is going to be trouble.

When all else fails, drinking the water seems like the only right thing to do…

Is someone feeling a little wet?

Or just thirsty?

Perhaps Nanna will have better this luck this week with her homemade play doh?

THE DANGERS OF "COASTING"

Oh sure, crawling is a great and exciting time, and having your little one pull herself up onto anything she can find is amazing – until that is, the inevitable falls occur and with them, the bruises.

Exhibit one – a result of a nasty fall from the change table. Kaitlyn was attempting to mount the table and slipped right through my hands. Kaitlyn cried for about 30 seconds. I had recovered myself about eight hours later.

Exhibit two – a result of attempting to bang one’s head on the table talking to grandma on the phone. She was in my arms at this point, but has a recent interest in head banging (yes, I know, weird), and it is taking a little longer than I would like for her to realise the sport is fraught with danger.

Now that is off my chest, I can sleep a little easier.

VIDEO FOR CAROL xxx

OUT-TAKES

In an effort to create a simply fabulous first birthday invitation, Ash and I tried in vain to capture a lovely photo of the little one this Sunday - enjoying a cupcake in the park no less! It all ended in, well tears to be honest, and we remain invitation photo challenged - still these out-takes are quite funny...

It looked like it was going to be easy...


But someone had other ideas...


The cupcake seemed to hit the right note...


However our little Miss was just stringing us along...


Dad soon get's fed up, and then, we finally get a smile! Too bad Dad's in the shot!


Such tiring work this model stuff...

AND SO SHE CRAWLS...

She is indeed crawling – although not with any great speed she has FINALLY mastered the skill, and is taking it to the next level with pulling herself up onto furniture (or whatever she can find) too.


The need to complete the baby proofing has been made all the more immediate with Kaitlyn also feeling the need to take a trip or two upstairs.

Hope to have a video of the crawling in action up on the blog very shortly – so in the meantime, Hooray for Kaitlyn! We celebrated by building a cubby – which she consequently destroyed to play peek-a-boo!

Another month passes us by, and we find ourselves in August, with now only weeks left until I am back at work and the best year of my life draws to a close.

We had a play date with Laura and William at a play centre near home.

William was full of hugs and kisses for Kaitlyn, but had me in hysterics as his fascination with vacuums had him chasing around one of the workers who was busily trying cleaning up after a party.

As I work my way through the “one last times”, I have found another way to keep my idle (!) hands busy; we are now in birthday planning mode. I almost feel as though the party should be for Ash and I – congratulations, you made it through your first year of parenting and Kaitlyn has all her fingers and toes in tact!

Despite the fact I revel in party coordination, my fun is being limited to a budget (thanks to Ash), so not only do I need to plan a great old time, but I have to do so “cheaply” – where’s the fun in that? We have agreed that the party will be a small one – just a few babies and Mums, which I guess is fine, as Kaitlyn will have absolutely no idea what’s going on, and isn’t the best of sharers when it comes to toys, or attention!

With all the talk of birthdays, it’s important we recognise a couple of celebrations we have enjoyed lately. Happy Birthday to Tim, who turned 30 last weekend. Our little family had a fabulous time (well Ash had more fun than anybody judging by his snoring that night).

And Kaitlyn always enjoys time with Dylan – despite the fact he runs in the opposite directon.

I chose a beautiful blue dress for Kaitlyn to wear for the occasion which she quickly turned black showing off her crawling skills. So, note to self, white tights and pretty dresses are a thing of the past.

Our good friend Judy also celebrated her birthday last week, and being a working Mum enjoyed a quiet little celebration with her family. We caught up with the wonderful girl for a play date this week, which meant hooray, we also spent some time with the lovely Lucas.

And finally we have started new swimming lessons at the local pool (with a much less hairy and scary instructor).

Kaitlyn may be the smallest one there, but she is certainly one of the most confident, happy to get her had wet and have a kick with Dad.

And last pic for the evening - teaching Kaitlyn to feed herself - a VERY messy experience.