An early glimpse

Our new little one at 19 weeks. Already looks like Sammy's profile shot at the same gestational age!

And there they go...

Well, we did it! After months of planning, excitement and apprehension (from me!), my big boys finally took that big step into the world of school today. What a bittersweet moment for me - seems like just yesterday that they'd made my dream of motherhood come true and we were bringing them home from the hospital. They couldn't wait to get into their new classroom and meet up with several classmates from kindergarten, and very happily waved goodbye to Steve and I. Our world will never be the same. Love you, my big schoolboys.

Happy New Year!

Farewell 2009, and welcome 2010! Hope everyone had a great Christmas, and a safe and happy New Year. We're enjoying the sun and sand at Warrnambool again, due to go home tomorrow but would rather stay for the month - it's been beautiful. Big year for us this year.....

The Graduates

Well, kinder days are officially over for my big boys. Their Christmas concert and 'graduation ceremony' was last week, and they had their last day today. The concert was just gorgeous, with Alex and Ben playing reindeer in the play. We didn't know about the caps and gowns until all the children appeared dressed and ready for the presentation. Having held it together during the concert, I lost it completely when I saw them all dressed up - water works. I'm surprised I could hold the camera still long enough to take these photos! So, that's it and it's ever onwards towards school. Their uniforms are neatly folded in the cupboard, ready for 1 February 2010. Whoa, will Mama be a mess THAT day!

All three boys are super-excited about Christmas, and the energy level in our house has been rising by the day. They'll be beside themselves by Christmas Eve. Me, I can't wait for some beach time and no timetables - not long to go now.

Birthday Season

Six down, two to go - birthdays, that is! Mum kicks off Birthday Season in our family in late May, and then Dad closes it in late September - and we all fall in between those dates. Clever, really. Mum, Steve, Alex, Ben and I have had ours, and Sammy turned 2 today - my big little boy. Just Jono and Dad to go, and before we know it, it'll be Christmas.

A few photos from the boys' birthdays - and some cakes. Alex and Ben helped me to make Sam's digger cake, it was very much a team effort. The twins took in in turns to distract Sam whilst the other one helped me in the kitchen - awesome job! Alex in particular is showing huge promise as a food critic - with an emphasis on the criticism: 'That icing looks funny Mama, it's the wrong colour - but it's OK, people will still eat it.' Ah, the beautiful wisdom of a 5-year-old!

Love you boys, you make me feel like the luckiest girl alive. xxx

My 8 Sisters....and some spots

I have just spent the last few days on our annual girls' weekend in Daylesford, and have to say that I think it was our best one ever! Gorgeous house with amazing views, wonderful sunny weather (shame about that cyclone on Saturday night!), great food and most of all, amazing company. When we girls get together, it's a bit like a weekend-long session of laughter therapy! Love my girls, love it all. Sash and I even managed to sneak in a bit of sewing, a bit of shopping, and had THE MOST decadent pastries for lunch on Saturday. I'm still thinking about those, Sash. And if that lamp's still in the shop next year, I'll know that it's meant for me! Bring on Daylesford 2010 - can't wait.

Sunday brought a return to reality, and that meant my little spotty boy - poor darling. He is very uncomfortable and not sleeping much, but still smiling - what a little trooper. Steve did a heroic job of holding down the fort, everyone still in one piece when I got home despite the Pox outbreak. I haven't left the house all week and am starting to get cabin fever, but it's back to work for a few hours tomorrow. Thank goodness for my awesome Mum who has (as always) come to our rescue and made things so much easier for us this week. Love you more, Mum!

K

xx

Go, Diegos, Go!

It was character dress-up day at Pre-school at the end of last term, and after careful consideration, Alex and Ben decided that they both wanted to go as Diego, Dora's cousin from Dora the Explorer. Unfortunately the costume turned out to be very hard to get. Their panic-stricken mother spent many hours online and on the phone to interstate suppliers, only to find two costumes in exactly the right size at the local toy shop. Hurrah!

Here are our two Diegos with their trusty wildcat friend, Jaguar.

Steve and I are off to Tassie tomorrow (sans children, who are beside themselves with excitement at the prospect of a holiday of their own at Grammy and Gramps' house) to celebrate his 40th birthday. It's sure to be nice and cold there......I'm packing my hat and gloves.

K

x