BUSY WEEK FOR RISING STAR...

Where do I start? With so much to tell and so many pictures to share – it’s all too much!

First things first, another weekend goes by, and yet another disappointment for our beloved Eels... Kaitlyn was so distraught by the loss she waved away the camera: “no photos please, I’m too emotional.”

There were however other things to bring about a smile or two.. Over the weekend, Ash invested in a web cam so we could start “skypeing.” To test things out, he filmed Kaitlyn sitting in his lap. Well, she thought this was possibly the best thing ever, and couldn’t take her eyes off herself.

Some would call it vain; I like to think of it as a healthy self interest. I’m not sure she had any idea what she was looking at, as she falls in love with any baby or toddler that she comes across, nonetheless, it was a very amusing moment for the two of us.

Another first, Kaitlyn’s first ride in a shopping trolley..

Dad’s only job at home at the moment is the weekly shop – and somehow he has managed to get a helping hand even with that!

On Sunday she enjoyed her first swimming lesson – well, maybe not at straight away…

Still, the water was quite cold and took some getting use to.

Once she had acclimatised she had a grand old time, kicking and splashing around like mad.

She wasn’t even fazed by having her head dunked in the water.

The swimming instructor thought she was just terrific, and continuously asked Ash if she could use her as the demonstration baby.

Which left him with very little to do…

Best of all this week, Kaitlyn attended the Easter Show with Grandma and Grandad (sorry I cannot take responsibility for the quality of the photos – camera operation proves too difficult for Grandad).

And the biggest surprise of all? Kaitlyn and Grandma appeared on the 6pm news!

While I am yet to get my hands on footage to post on the blog, I do have the photos to prove it.

The news reporter was so taken with Kaitlyn she was determined to get an interview - shame Kaitlyn was so frightened of the baby goats surrounding her, her only response was to scream.

Looks as though Wednesdays spent with Grandma are working out nicely…

The two seem very happy in one another’s company.

And finally, on our mission to introduce solids within the minimum of fuss, we are continuing to increase the variety of flavours we offer our little one, and she is definitely keen to give anything a chance. In true Aussie style, she just loves her Vegemite, either having it on Mum’s finger…

On enjoying a piece of toast…

Unfortunately, next week’s blog will be a little delayed, as our family flies to Queensland for a wedding. But we're only away for the weekend!

In the meantime, enjoy your ANZAC Day.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning.
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.

JUST SOME PICS...

I'm feeling a little lazy this evening and can't quite believe it's blog time again already... So I am taking the easy way out and uploading a photo or two..

In the last week we have commenced baby proofing the house in anticipation of the little one starting to move herself around the place. This has included a fluffy new rug for the lounge room and a nice big basket to collect the mass of toys we are starting to collect.

Dad managed to find another use for the basket...

"Isn't this hilarious?"

"Ta-da!"


And I received a surprise on Monday, with the little Miss having rolled onto her tummy while I was in the kitchen. When I found her she was playing away quite happily - as though she had been doing it for years!

Busted...

"What's the big deal Mum?"



"I'm so very clever aren't I?"

Another important purchase this week was a highchair - and thank you to all my lovely friends who recommended the Ikea chair - it is perfect (especially for a cleaning Nazi like myself)!

She absolutely loves being in there, and is now enjoying three solid meals a day.

I am becoming quite the baby food chef... Or should that be connoisseur - Kaitlyn's current favourite is chickpea, carrot and sweet potato - perhaps a little Vegetarian in our midst?? (I'm sure Nan and Pop Parmenter would be pleased as punch). While I prefer spinach, potato and pea. And for dessert? It's apricot and pear, (we have consensus here).

I had a big bad-mother moment this week, with Kaitlyn falling over on her side while sitting up, through which she ended up hitting her head on her walker. There were some serious tears (and Kaitlyn was quite upset too), so I am never taking away the pillows from around her ever again - too traumatic for the both of us.

Still, seeing her sitting up is exceptional - she is little Miss Independent…

And often engrossed by the tv - this week it's "In the Night Garden."

"Upsy Daisy is so funny Mum"

"But not as funny as you"

Next week – Kaitlyn’s first swimming lesson!

HAPPY EASTER

Happy (Belated) Easter Everyone!

So what has our favourite little blogger been up to this week? Here’s a quick recap…

Our Mother’s group visited a new indoor play centre in Five Dock which provided the babies with lots of fun and plenty of new things to discover. And us Mums were looked after too, thanks to the café lounge area – ensuring we could enjoy a well earned latte or two.

It’s amazing to see the babies already in high chairs and eating lunch together – it really doesn’t seem that long ago that we were four brand new and confused Mum’s trying to work our little creatures out.

With both Ash and I on somewhat of a health kick at the moment (must loose those baby kilos), we enjoyed many a walk over the last week to the local café and back (skim lattes only I assure you!)

And to give her a break from all the coffees – she simply can’t sit still long enough these days.

We visited the local park to try out the swings and slides.

Not sure who had more fun, Kaitlyn or Dad?

Dad is pictured here relishing in the fact he beat his 6 month old daughter at noughts and crosses.

We are getting closer and closer to Kaitlyn sitting up unassisted. At the moment, I am right there behind her to catch her when she slides off to the side.

Dad also serves as a good lean to.

She is increasingly more confident, balancing on her little behind, loving being upright and is now quickly frustrated when lying on her back.

Speaking of which (frustration that is), one of the girls from work mentioned what a happy baby Kaitlyn was - “always smiling” was how she was described. (No, that’s not the frustrating part). It occurred to me that perhaps I was misrepresenting the child somewhat, she does get frustrated and cranky, and when she does, you certainly know about it... So, Kumu, here is Kaitlyn’s grumpy, tantrum face.

She has certainly learnt the art of tantrum throwing. At the moment, we seem to get a good one once she placed in her walker to have something to eat.

This week, we also received a visit from Dylan, who came over to play while his Mum and Dad were at work. As usual, Kaitlyn was spellbound by the little man, while he took no notice what-so-ever, except for the occasional swat away as she reached out to grab him.

While they didn’t manage to play together just yet, Kaitlyn did enjoy playing with Dylan’s toys – luckily he was happy enough to share.

Easter was lovely, with Grandma and Grandad and Jai and Mim coming over for lunch. The weather held out enough for us to be able to enjoy our feast outside…

Kaitlyn enjoyed her food more so than anyone else – having her first prawn and her first mussel. (I’m so glad I dressed her in white!)

And finally, they say history repeats itself…

Another week, another Eels game, another chance to get in some serious napping. (Unfortunately, also another loss to bear)

Another week, another jolly jumper session. Shame Mum is yet to learn that putting anything remotely interesting on Kaitlyn’s feet will cause her to succumb to distraction.

Catch you next week…