Well its been a couple of days...

We haven't really been doing much the last couple of days other than relaxing and playing with Zack's Christmas gifts. He was so spoilt...they hardly fit into his room.

Yesterday Zack went to Nana and Grandad Bailey's and played with his new train set (Thomas the Tank Engine of course) and his new tool set. They all had lots of fun and he ended up staying the night! I had a nice break although I did have to catch up on lots of housework (which is now all undone that Zack is home again) and shopping.

Zack on the rocking horse from his second cousins Caitlyn and Emma

Junior playing Soccer

Tomorrow is the last day of the year and Zack will be seeing in the new year with Mamere while I go out for a shimmy. Hope everyone has a good time and we will see you next year.
Love
J

Long time no post

Our Xmas...

Xmas Eve
We went to Nana Mearles in the afternoon for a lovely dinner and lots of presents. Zack wasn't really feeling in a partying kind of mood but he did VERY well considering. He enjoyed playing with Emma and Caitlin (mostly stealing their chairs from them). After dinner we headed out to the Nicholson's to meet up with the Christini clan. It was a very happy and festive atmosphere. Although Zack had slept in the car on the way out he settled back to sleep on the air bed after saying a quick hello to everyone. Unfortunately this is where it took a turn for the worst for me...I was in extreme agony and rushed to Botany 24 Hour Care (thanks Aunty Nicola)...turned out to be kidney stones.

Christmas Day
I still wasn’t feeling well in the morning but I did manage to see everyone open their presents, Zack wasn’t really interested in opening presents so I got to do it (YAH). Zack and Connor kept us on our toes trying to keep them separated - they both wanted what the other had and Zack wasn’t very kind about letting Connor know it.

Shortly before lunch, Mum drove us back to Manurewa to the Bailey's by the time we got there I was feeling better...and we had more presents before heading over to GG's for Xmas lunch. The food was FANTASTIC and most of the family was there. Zack had a great time playing with all the toys with Hana and Ella.

Then we headed home to unpack everything and a nap.

Boxing Day
We spent most of the day eating and playing with toys, reading books and trying to clean up. Zack had a couple of big sleeps through out the day, then we went round the Bailey's for dinner it was very relaxing.

I didn’t get many photos of our Xmas as I wasn’t really feeling the best, but there were lots of cameras about so I will update with more later.

Here are a few...

Granny

Nana Mearle and David

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Maya and Granny

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Toni and Maya

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Zack opening presents with Mamere

3 more sleeps

Zack and I have been pretty busy the last couple of days. His cough still hasn't subsided, it did appear to be getting better the other day but it got worse again last night (not much sleep for me) and today he was looking pretty miserable. Kept him dosed up on Pamol and he was happy enough just got grizzly towards the end of the dosage.

Erica (my cousin) came over for a few hours today and played with Zack, they had lots of fun and it kept him busy while I was wrapping up the last of the xmas presents.

Tomorrow Erica is coming over again (we are all looking forward to it), we have to pop through to Manukau to get some last minute gifts and then its home for the rest of the day getting packed for Saturday.

Tonight Nana and Grampa Curchin came to pick up their BBQ, Zack was very excited to see them. They had Keiley with them (Zack's Cousin) she is staying with them over the holidays...I am so jealous! Zack took to Keiley straight away and had her reading books to him, he hasn't seen her in suck a long time but he obviously recognised that she is family. Here are some photos...

Thats all from me, I'm really tired and need my beauty sleep.

Night

J

Monday Blues

The weather is GROSS today and I'm really feeling it. Zack seems to have developed a seal like cough as well (from no where) so needless to say he is miserable today too :( Poor boy, I have been keeping him dosed up on Pamol and keeping him warm so hopefully we can scare it off before Xmas.

The countdown is really on now, everywhere we go there seems to be traffic and shoppers and Xmas specials, I will glad when the day finally arrives and it's all over I think bleeeh, I don't mean that, its just today is so horrible and we went out for lunch and there were just people everywhere pushing and shoving.

Tomorrow I have to go to Playcentre for the big end of year clean up. It's happening all week this week, its a massive job. We have to stock take everything and then cram it into a tiny little shed. I only have to go for a few hours though and it will be nice to see the girls again before the holidays....No Playcentre until the beginning of February (it seems like so far away).

Wednesday we will be catching up with Nana Healy, Thursday I hope to get the last few gifts I need and then Friday Brett arrives in Auckland and we will just be getting the house in order before we go out to Aunty Nicola's.

Better dash, Zack is awake.
Love
J

Our Trip to Tairua

Zack and I had a great stay in Tairua. The drive was fun (not in a girl racer kind of way either), Nana and Grampa were very happy to see Zack. We got taken out to lunch down at the beach, it was Yum. Then Zack showed off on the play ground and then went for a run with Nana on the beach, he had a ball. Although we werent very organised and hadnt taken any sand toys, Zack was eyeing up some other kids toys and was getting very grumpy because we kept stopping him from going to steal them.

We had a lovely dinner and then an awsome Chocolate Fondue for dessert, Zack had lots of fun as you can imagine - he especially liked the grapes!

This morning when we woke up, there were presents for us! Zack got a really neat Hairy Maclary book that BARKS!

Here are some pics

Zack and Nana

Zack opening presents

Zack and Grampa

Zack's photo of Grampa (Zack took this)

Zack and Grampa reading a book

Not long after we got home, I was hanging out the washing when we found a baby bird. Zack and I made a nest for it and put it up high near the tree it fell from. Hopefully its parents will find it and take it back to the nest. I hope it lasts that long, its a brand new baby!

Best be off...shortland street is on.

Love

J

Jingle Bells...

Christmas is getting so close, how exciting. We visited the Bailey's today and their house is really xmasy it was cool. Toni even had some reindeer antlers for Maya, Zack thought they were great and wouldnt stop grinning at himself in the mirror...

And Maya...

We are pretty busy for the rest of the week, playcentre tomorrow and going to Tairua on Thursday to see Zack's Grandparents, hopefully the weather stays nice as they live right near the beach.

Better get a wriggle on, have to get to playcentre meeting soon.

See Ya

J

Zack's Christmas Wish List

I found a cool kids toy website today which allows you to save Wishlists...so guess what I did, that's right, here is the link for those of you interested in what would make excellent Xmas Gifts for Zack;
http://www.iqtoys.co.nz/site/page=wishlistview/wishlist=Zack2005

If you want to leave a comment you will need to use this password 5qy0ae

Zack spent most of the day outside with Junior playing with the hose and making mud puddles, we went through LOTS of changes of clothes and nappies. I'm sure he did it on purpose so that he could be left to run around nude!

I spent the afternoon cleaning the roof and walls in the lounge, it was very tiring and didn't help that I have been feeling coughy and spluttery most of the day.

Zack's Uncle Fork came to Auckland tonight, for work. Zack was so happy to see him and showed off all his books. When we got home he took Brett to show him his new room and big bed, he was impressed!

Tomorrow night I have my first Playcentre meeting, should be fun as it is the last one of the year and sounds like there will be more drinking of wine than anything serious. I will have to be voted in as the new secretary, I hope it isn't too embarrassing...oh no wait I'm thinking of the American Fraternities - well anyway I hope its nothing like that either ha ha ha!

Anyway, I'm off to shower and then to bed.
Buh bye
J

The Playcentre Xmas Party

Just quickly...Spookers was GREAT. It was frightening in a fun way we had lots of laughs.

Zack had a great time at the Bailey's playing in the sandpit, with the water pistols, bubble solution and even visited GG.

Today we had the Playcentre Xmas Party, there was lots of great food, friends and SANTA! It was hard for Zack to wait for his name to be called, especially when everyone around us had BOOKS! Zack absolutely loves books, cant get enough of them so he was very excited - even managed to swipe some nice little boys book off him (poor kid). Zack was a little grumpy this morning though so we werent able to stay for the whole thing, although we caught all the important bits.

Here are some photos;

Zack and Mamere having lunch

Ange dressed up as Santa's helper

This is Zack after getting his present from Santa - not very happy.

He did like the book though!

Must dash, books to read!

J

Cuddly Boy

Zack is being very cute and cuddly today, I have had to read "The little Yellow Digger" to him about 5 times already today. He still has a bit of a runny nose but seems much better.

It's a beautiful hot day today, we have already been outside playing with the hose...the grass will be loving it. Junior however got chased around the back yard with the water and was soaking wet. He ran inside and dried himself on Zack's bed for revenge HA HA HA HA. But its a good excuse for me to try out the other Duvet Cover on Zack's bed so I didn't mind too much.

Tonight Zack is going to the Bailey's for the night, I am going out to Mum's Work Xmas party with her...we are going to "Spookers" it should be fun although it sounds scary.

Better dash, Zack has just finished his lunch.
J

Cough Splutter

Zack still has a bit of a cough, seems to be worse in the mornings and the evenings which is not uncommon. We went to Playcentre yesterday anyway, the weather wasn't that great though so we were in doors most of the day. The girls got crazily messy with paints etc I guess its being confined to a smaller area you just notice it more or something. Zack spent most of the day playing with cars and blocks...ooh and eating play dough (errrr). But we had a good day, it sure is nicer when the weather is fine and we can get outside anyway.

Some new words Zack can say on his own accord - turtle, pig, socks, bed, snake, hang on, dinner, monkey, head and down (that's all I can think of at the moment).

When you ask him the noise a cow makes he moos, a duck he quacks (and its a very impressive quack too, not just saying quack but that noise you make in the back of your throat), a snake and he hisses, a tiger and he growls (again this noise is impressive, sounds like a Raaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwl), a chicken and he bwarks. He seems to be a little confused with Cat though and rather than meowing he calls the cat "Puss Puss Puss". Still its very cute!

We have been teaching him his name and providing that he is the mood for thinking (typical man) he will say "Zack" and when I ask him my name he smiles and says "Mum". He has picked this up very quickly, seems he is learning LOTS at the moment.

Zack and I are off to pay some bills this morning and maybe catch up with Mamere for lunch and stop in to see the Bailey's in the afternoon.


Here is a photo of Zack at Nana and Grandad Christini's attempting to ride the dump truck...it can't have been comfortable as it is not actually meant for riding on!

Till tomorrow
J

Oooooh Flash

Here are some pics of Zack's new curtains...

Zack hasn't noticed yet...but he did notice the mess this morning. I didn't want to start the vacuum so late at night so there were still cottons and little bits of material on the floor this morning. He must have pointed at every piece, saying "ooooh" and "oh ow" it was so cute!

Anyway off now to get the housework done for the day...back later.

Quiet day at home

We had a quiet day at home today, Zack has developed a nasty cough and still has a runny nose so kept him inside most of the day...needless to say he wasn't impressed.

I sewed up the curtains for Zack's room tonight after he went to bed and they look great...will post a photo tomorrow. Just need to find a nice brown mat to go in there now.

Tomorrow we are dropping Mamere off at work so she can get her car serviced and then visiting the Bailey's in the afternoon. Toni made a cake today...I can't wait to try it - although will probably have to go for a run afterward to work it off ha ha ha ha.

Getting really excited about xmas...can't wait to get the xmas tree up - I know it should be up by now but we were too busy on the weekend. Hopefully this weekend.

That's all for me...till tomorrow
J

MCC Xmas Party

Today we went to a vineyard in Mangere for the Manukau City Council Family Xmas Party and a great time was had by all. The weather was fantastic, the food was scrummy, the wine was delicious, the band were outstanding and the company was great. Here are a few pics...

1

Zack, while he was still clean (this didn't last very long) and drinking out a of a cup (woop woop)

2

Mrs Claus, Stinky (the entertainers) and some kid who helped them out with one of their skits.

3

Zack on the bouncy castle - it was hard to keep him off this. He had absolutely no fear, even when the bigger kids were knocking him around.

4

This cute little girl spent about as much time on the bouncy castle as Zack - pitty her Mum dresses her funny (paaaaaaaaaaah ha ha ha ha ha) sorry that was my evil hand that typed that!

5

Zack quickly worked out that the plastic cups weren't as impressive to drink out of as the wine glasses.

6

Zack took this photo of Mamere, pretty good I reckon. She is sooooo purdeeeee!

7

Zack eating an icecream - he did very well too, just about finished it and didn't make too much mess.

8

The Band

The council magazine are running a photo competition offering $50 Camera House Vouchers as prizes, so EVERYONE had their cameras there. I will be very surprised if Zack doesn't end up in the magazine as all day we had people snapping photos of Zack (awwww).

Just quickly...another photo of Zack doing the dishes - Paaaaaah ha ha ha ha, its so cute.

Now just for the record, I would like to say that he wanted to do the dishes and we didn't set this up in any way...you can tell from the look on his face. In fact hes been busy at the sink for about twenty minutes so far...although the dish rack doesn't seem to be filling up.

Till next time

J

Santa!

So we went to the mall today and tried to get a photo done of Zack with Santa. But unlike last year, Zack was quicker on the uptake and got upset as soon as he was put on Santa's knee. He was fine talking to him but not that close to him. Here is a photo of the photo we got (and yes I meant to type it like that. I had to take a photo of the photo as we don't have a scanner at home).



I would just like to mention (for the record) that I am smiling as I had no idea he was about to cry! At least we got a photo...We are going to try again next week, with Toni and Maya. Hopefully if Zack sees that Maya doesn't mind Santa then he will be ok *fingers crossed*

We are off to see a Pantomime tomorrow with Nana, will post afterward to let you know how it went...I'm sure Zack will love it!

Till then
J

Happy Hump Day

It's Wednesday, wow this week has gone fast...I just about forgot we had playcentre this morning. But we made it there on time, had a great time. Zack played mostly on the Jungle Gym today, but also spent a lot of time at the Collage table, drawing and pasting which was good, I was able to add some creative work to his folder. AND...You might like to know that you are reading the posting of the new Playcentre secretary! Not sure if I should be pleased or nervous, they seem very happy to have me do it...Perhaps a little to pleased. I'm not sure if that's because they didn't want to do it because it's a horrible job or pleased because they have another sucker hooked HA HA HA HA, it's a good thing though it will give me something else to do, I'm keen to start a playcentre newsletter, apparently they had one about a year ago so that will be fun to do.

This afternoon Zack had a sleep in his bed - which is going extremely well so far, then he played outside for the rest of the afternoon. It was really hot today so he even got to play in his paddling pool.

Well best be off, I need to work on Zack's scrapbook for playcentre.
Till tomorrow
J

New Bed!

So Zack's new bed arrived today and I even managed to set it all up on my own! Zack wasn't very impressed when I started taking his cot apart, but soon got excited when I asked him to help me build his NEW BIG bed! Here is a photo of him stuffed after jumping on his new bed...Check out the grin on his face!

Tonight we followed the usual routine - bath bottle and then bed...And it went VERY smoothly, he was out for the count in his new bed within 10 minutes! I really thought he would get up but he didn't. I feel so proud of him! Here is photo proof...

Other than putting the bed together and catching up on all the washing from the weekend, Zack and I just chilled at home today, lots of books and playing outside making the most of the sunny weather.

that's me for tonight, back tomorrow

J

Bike Buddies

Some photos of Zack and Aidan riding a bike last weekend when we went to New Plymouth...

Sweet Little Sahria

Here are some photos of Lex and Sahria from last Tuesday...

Princess Maya

Some pics of Maya from last week...

Weekend in Matarangi

Wow, what a great weekend. It was wet most of the weekend but great to get out of Auckland. The drive there wasn't so nice as it was really hilly and steep but once we were there it was great. We stayed in a three bedroom house with all the mod-cons and it was very comfy. We did nothing the most of the weekend it was great just to sit and talk. We had a couple wines in the evenings and had fun playing games, mostly Taboo and Cranium (thanks to the Bailey's). Zack was surprisingly well behaved considering there wasn't really much for him to do, we took Junior as well so they kept each other amused. Zack especially loved jumping on the couches and beds (ooooops), but he was just so cute.

I took a few photos they are attached.

This is the house from the road

The back of the house

The Kitchen and dining room

The Lounge

Sorry no pics of the beach :( the weather wasn't nice enough the day that we went.

And a cute photo of Zack in the make shift bath...

Back soon with more pics.

J

Phew...finally caught up

Ok so the last few days have just been real quick entries. The main reason being is that I didnt really want to blog without Pictures but I figure something is better than nothing so I have just written a REALLY brief summary for each day. Mum keeps taking the memory card reader for the camera to work so I will update with loads of photos this afternoon hopefully.

I got the first layer of colour done on Zack's room last night and Matt is going to do the second over the weekend while he is house sitting. By the time we get back it will be all done and ready for his bed woohooo.

I slept in till just before lunch this morning and I feel great, even though the house is a mess and I need to get it cleaned and our bags packed to go away this afternoon. I'm sure once I get stuck into it, it wont take long. Especially considering Zack isn't here to make a mess behind me. Sounds like he is having a ball with the Bailey's. I talked to Sandy before and I could hear him having lots of fun in the back ground.

I just got his new overalls in the post this morning, they are so cute, I cant wait to try them on him. Will posts pics later!

Well off to pack and clean. Back soon.
J

Thursday

Ran some errands up the road in Papakura, dropped Zack off at the Bailey's. He spent the afternoon and night there so I could get started painting his room.

Took a break from Painting at 7.30pm to attend my first Play centre workshop. I was stuffed from painting but the time flew past. Got home just before 10pm and then started the first coat of colour on Zack's bedroom.

Wednesday

Had a busy morning at Playcentre and then home to catch up on the mess we had made since being home from the weekend.

Tuesday

Zack and I took Lex and Sahria to the Airport to see Lexs mum off, she was going to Vietnam for 4 weeks! Had fun with Zack checking out the airport shops and planes. Went back to Lexs and relaxed in the sun before going to the Bailey's for a beautiful birthday dinner. Toni even made me a YUMMY chocolate cake. They gave me some belgium chocolates and scented simmering bars for my birthday woohooo!

Monday

Very happy to be home, to a clean house (not for long though). Zack still tired from the trip away and a little bit of a runny nose so we didn't go to playcentre today. Spent the day at home just chilling out and catching up with washing. Went out for lunch though to Nana and Grandad's for my birthday, Grandad made the BEST pikelets.

Mum made bacon and eggs for dinner (my favourite), then we went back round to Nana's to meet a cousin of Mums.

For my birthday I got a beautiful bracelet and a book from Mum and Zack!

Sunday

Spent most of the morning at Bretts packing and cleaning getting ready to go home, then spent a few hours with the Christini's. After lunch we headed home, Zack slept for the first few hours and then sung and drew the rest of the way home.

All very happy to be home after a long busy weekend.

Saturday

Went shopping in the morning, Zack fell asleep while we were walking around. Put some things on layby for Xmas at this really neat shop that they had there. Went back to Uncle Johns and watched them putting the posts in for their new deck. Had a yummy dinner and lots of fun playing.

Friday

Zack was very happy, waking up at his usual time. We went to court about 10am with Uncle Fork until about lunch time. Zack was pretty well behaved although he got bored pretty quickly. The best thing for keeping him occupied was giving him the PDA to use as a doodle pad. Had a break from court, went back to Aunty Megan and Uncle Johns for some lunch and a play. Mum and Brett went back to court to find out his final charge while Zack and I stayed and played with Aidan. The boys had fun running around outside playing with the sprinkler and riding the bikes.

Brett got done for Careless driving and had his license suspended for 2 months and no fine. Much better than the 6 months we thought he would get.

Went back to Uncle Forks for a sleep and then back to Uncle Johns for dinner.

Thursday

Spent the day packing and cleaning the house, got lots done even though Zack kept unpacking our bags. Hit the road about 5pm stopped in Otrahonga for Chinese for dinner, it was yummy. Zack stayed awake the entire trip reading books, drawing and singing along with Mamere and I. Got a little grizzly towards the end of the trip saying "Up, Up, Up". Was extremely excited to see Uncle Fork when we finally arrived just after 9pm and spent a long time sussing the house out, opening all the cupboards and climbing the stairs.

Hitting the road

So I have been busy today getting ready to go to New Plymouth for the weekend. Mum and I are both really excited to go down there, to catch up with my brother and the Christini's (Mum's brothers family) and because it is just such a nice place to holiday. There are good shops, beaches and just generally relaxed - I guess most places in New Zealand are compared to Auckland though. Shame it's such a long drive :( about 4 hours! I haven't traveled to New Plymouth with Zack since Xmas time and he is so grown up now and requires a little more stimulation than what he did then, I hope it goes well for him (and for us).

Anyway...Must dash and finish packing. Should still be able to blog from there.
Bye
J

Completely unheard of

So this morning, I am up doing housework while the boy is still in bed. Everyone who knows me well knows that this is completely unheard of...But he is knackered! And we go away tomorrow night, so there is much to be done. Idiot that I am, I also booked an appointment for Zack tomorrow afternoon, like I'm gonna have time *sigh* Above is a photo of Zack all tucked up in MY bed where he has been spending most of his dream time!

No Playcentre for us this morning. Zack and I were up most of the night poor wee man. It's really only his temperature at the moment that is making him so uncomfortable but that is good because it means his body is fighting off the infection. I am disappointed to miss playcenter (not as much as Zack is I'm sure) but its funny how now we both look forward to it.

My cousin Richard is housesitting for us this weekend, looking after Shaydee and the cats. We figured he is really the only one who will be able to stand up to Shaydee and not be intimidated by her. She is such a good guard dog! Junior is going to stay with Gregg and Glen, apparently they are excited. I can just imagine it. I'm sure the novelty will wear off for them pretty quickly when Junior starts chewing all their stuff. Grace (their dog) will love it though. So anyway...Because Richard is coming I not only have to pack but get the housework done, oh well - this is my job so better get going.

Sorry about my babbling and whinging today, I haven't had much sleep and my head is full of snot. I will try and post again this afternoon if it cleared.
Love
Jannine

P.S I have also included a photo of Zack's latest artwork (off my arm). He has taken to drawing on SKIN...maybe this means he might be a tattoo artist - hmmmm