Happy Halloween

We made it to playcentre this afternoon. It was quite different going in the afternoon compared with the morning.

When you get there, all the kids sit down to lunch and its a mission getting your kid to eat their own food. Not to worry though as all the other kids are cruising round checking out everyone else's lunch box so it all gets eaten. This group is much smaller, I thought that this might make it easier to mingle with the other Mum's but it wasn't :( but that's ok cause all the kids are really friendly ha ha ha ha, they are more interesting anyway. They obviously pick me for being completely mad or as having a good imagination because I'm constantly being inviting me to their tea parties where the theme is sand...sand soup, sand cakes, sand pies, sand spaghetti you name it. While we were out at the Sand pit today, a bunch of school kids were out in the car park and the kids, even the ones who could talk were yelling out to the school kids and saying "Goooooooo Goooooh Gah Gah" and talking baby talk, it was so funny, it was like all of a sudden they went back to being babies instead of the big kids at playcentre.

By the time we got home this afternoon, Zack was so tired and grumpy...he grizzled and moaned at me when he finished his bottle. Poor baby. He had a nice big sleep this afternoon and has woken up in a very playful happy mood. The lollies might be helping though...Its Halloween and of course we have a bowl of lollies for the kids...Unfortunately every time Zack notices it out of the corner of his eye he wants one. We have only had a couple of trick-o-treaters so far and they weren't in costume at all, thought they could at least manage some face paint or something. If any more come without being in costume I will just let Shaydee bark at them instead of inviting them in for treats, HA HA HA HA.

that's all for now, no plans for tomorrow. Looks like the weather is going to be fantastic so will probably spend it outside.
J

Rest and Relaxation

Yesterday Zack stayed home with Mamere in the afternoon while I went to the Parent and Child show with Toni and Maya. While I was glad not to have taken Zack with us because it was so busy, there were lots of fun things there for him to see and do....Next year perhaps. Toni and I had fun getting lots of freebies and everyone kept stopping us to tell us how gorgeous Maya was which we already knew, but was nice! Maya was very good, although she kept trying to sit up in her push chair like a big kid.

Before leaving for Nana and Grandads last night, I gave Zack a bath and packed his bag, as soon as I told him where we were going he got all excited and was saying all their names "Nana", "Grandad", "Aunty", "Baby", "Sam" and "Daddy". As soon as he noticed that the bag was packed he stood at the door saying "Nana, Nana, Nana", "Come on Mum" and waving goodbye to the dogs and Mamere, it was so cute.

He was happy to be there and didn't even notice me leaving, its so nice to know he thinks of it as his home away from home.

While Zack wasn't here, Mum and I made the most of it, we went to the Devonport Markets this morning and got some Paint for Zack's room, a plant, food (fruit and vegies mostly) and I got a bracelet. Mum got some other stuff but I can't remember what they were now. There were lots of people there, a lot of crap stalls but lots of good ones too.

Zack is still at the Bailey's playing outside watching the digger next door. I bet he is loving it. They are going to visit GG (Great Grandma) this afternoon and then Matt will bring him home. So its an afternoon of rest and relaxation until he comes home. I have just finished the housework and lawns "AAaaaah".

Tomorrow afternoon I'm hoping we will get to Playcentre...Fingers crossed.
Bye
J

Still a day behind

So Mum being off work has kept us busy...Well not real busy but occupied (ha ha ha ha makes us sound like a toilet). Anyway, yesterday we went to Manukau for lunch it was yummy. Paid some more money off Zack's Christmas presents Yahoo, I feel so organised. In the afternoon we went to our favourite shop, MORNING GLORY. They had some new simmering bars in and so I got a couple of the strawberry and cream cause they are just so Yummy!

Yesterday Zack didn't have a sleep ALL day. He just about dozed off a couple times in the car but not quite unfortunately. He seemed ok, but I wish that I had at least put him to bed for a break to see if he would drop off cause we had a late night last night as well and this morning Zack is pretty grumpy. As other Mums will know, its so easy to stuff routine up. However I think it good to break that routine every now and again for them to learn to slip back into a routine...But this was unplanned, I was just enjoying spending time with him and let it go. And tonight Zack goes to stay with his Dad at Nana and Grandad Bailey's. I will have to make sure he gets a couple of good sleeps today to make up for it. Shouldn't be too hard, but he does sound overtired now :( Wish me luck.

Yesterday Mum and I worked out that Zack has stopped saying eeee sounds and replaced them with arrrr sounds. For example instead of saying Shaydee he says Shaydar and instead of chipee he says chipar. He used to say eeee sounds but for some reason he has stopped so we are going to make an effort to teach him some new eeee words to rectify the situation.

Last night we went round to Glenn and Greg's. It was fun, they are hilarious. Zack had lots of fun playing with Grace and all their tools they had lying around due to the renovations they are doing. We also taught Zack to throw a handful of leaves in the air and say "Weeeeeeeeeeee" as they floated to the ground, he was in hysterics. Its so nice to see him react to something so simple and to teach him to enjoy his surroundings like that.

Ooh and I got the baby some new PJ's yesterday, they have DIGGERS all over them. Zack loves them he sits there pointing at all the diggers and saying "Digaaaaah, Digaaaaah".

Must dash
Back later
J

Yesterday...

In the afternoon, Zack went to Nana and Grandad Bailey's while Aunty Toni, Maya and I went out to Pukekohe to have casts taken of Maya's hands and feet. My friend Brigette owns a franchise of a company that does moulds of babies/children's hands and feet called Momentoes. It's really neat, Zack was a model for her when she first started (when he was 12 weeks old). I have attached a photo of the one she did for Zack.

Maya squealed and screamed having her feet done but her hands weren't so bad. I can't wait to see what it looks like when its finished.

Zack had fun playing with Wrex at the Bailey's, playing in the sandpit and with the hose. Last night we had a quiet night in, watching TV and then a long bath. It's getting harder and harder to get Zack out of the bath now, he just loves the water. Hard to believe that once upon a time he hated it.

Back later with an update from today.
J

Another beeeoooootiful Day!

Well we are officially enrolled at Playcentre as of today...It was lots of fun this morning, although Zack got VERY messy with the paint, it was all over his hands and face and right through his hair. The other mothers thought it was hilarious. He looked like a punk rocker with a black and pink spiked fringe.

It was another gorgeous day today and after playcentre we came home, had a quick lunch and it was back outside to the paddling pool. Zack finally had a short sleep after that but was keen to get back outside as soon as he woke up.

Tonight we are having another BBQ, I am loving this summer weather.

Till tomorrow,
J

Splish Spash Zack in the bath

Just had to snap these shots...

Oooooh Babies!

So we just got back from visiting Lex and Sahria...She has changed so much in just over a week. She was just falling off to sleep when we got there so we managed a quick cuddle. Here are some pics...



She is such a good baby, Lex is looking really well and very happy. I'm so proud of her, she is a great Mum.

We also went shopping today at St Lukes, scored a light shade for Zack's room from the $2 shop too woop woop.

The weather isn't very nice this afternoon, hope it clears up before place centre tomorrow morning!

that's all from me
J

Catch Up...

So Zack stayed at Nana and Grandad Bailey's last night and slept right through (Yahoo). When I phoned just after 10am, he was already outside with Nana playing in the sandpit and had been for some time apparently. He was very happy but tired when he got home and went to sleep quicker than usual. Aunty Toni tells me that he had lots of fun playing with the hose and Wrex (their dog), I can just imagine him in hysterics.

With my free time this weekend, I chilled out with Mum. We went shopping and walking and got a lot of yard work done...It's amazing what a difference it makes. Mum has the next two days off work so we are hoping the weather will stay fine. Zack was dying to get into his paddling pool again tonight but it was much too cold so fingers crossed for tomorrow.

that's it for me...I'm stuffed. Enough with the babbling and off to bed.
Till Tomorrow
J

Rewind...

Yesterday I didn't get the chance to blog, we were outside all day pretty much. Got LOTS of gardening done through out the day. Zack had a play in his paddling pool for HOURS. Zack went to Nana and Grandad Bailey's in the afternoon and spent the night there. Mum and I went for another walk at Totara Park with the dogs, thats three days in a row now...feeling GREAT!

After our walk we went grocery shopping and then round to Glenn and Greg's, had a few drinks and laughs with them, it was hilarious. By the time we got home I was too tired to even read which is really odd for me...so straight to sleep *aaaah*

Will post more about today later, gotta get back outside to enjoy the sun shine.
Till Then
J

Quiet Day

Well it was a quiet day today, the weather was overcast but it didn't rain hard. We spent most of the day at home, going for a walk at Totara Park in the afternoon. It was nice and Zack particularly enjoyed the bumpy road on the gravel. Mum and I joked that Zack would have gravel legs (like sea legs) by the end of it. He was singing the whole way, he liked the way it changed his voice I think. We got to see some cows up REALLY close which Zack hadn't seen before...He was very quiet and investigative (just like the cows ha ha ha).

For some reason today Zack kept saying "Hemi" we figure it's either an imaginary friend (who we hope is a good influence) or some kind of version of Hammer which he says "Hummer". Zack also started saying "Junior" today, although he forgets how to say it and says "Dooner" instead LOL.

Anyway...Off to bed soon, hopefully to have NO bad dreams unlike last night. Here is a drawing by Dave Allsop.

He is an awesome artist...most of it is quite dark, but I think he is extremely talented. Check him out at http://www.daveallsop.co.uk/

Sweet Dreams
J

Mmmmm Muffins!

Here is a photo of Maya, she is wearing the Princess outfit Zack and I bought for her yesterday. She is growing so fast...She has started laughing - soooooo cute!

Today, Mamere was home from work...She has taken an EXTRA long weekend. We drove through to Auckland this morning to see Uncle Fork, he has gone back to New Plymouth now though. Then we went out to Aunty Nicola's and Zack lots of fun playing with Connor. Connor is just about walking, he is so much bigger than Zack, its hard to believe he is 8 months younger. They have two lambs at their house, they are so cute and very friendly.

When we got home Zack and I did some baking...A batch of banana muffins and a batch of pumpkin muffins. They were really scrummy. Zack kept wanting more but mostly so he could tease the dogs with them.

The weather was really gross today, doesn't look good for the rest of the weekend either. Nana Bailey will be especially disappointed as she is having Zack tomorrow and they like to get outside to play in the sand pit.

I haven't yet got any plans for the weekend, especially if the weather is going to stay wet, Fingers Crossed.

Oh and I bought yet another t-shirt for Zack today...Bad I know, he soooo doesn't need anymore t-shirts. It's so cute though I just couldn't resist.

Well that's me for today...Short and sweet.
Night
J

Little Angel...

We went shopping this morning for some shorts and shoes for Play Center for Zack. When we got to the car park, a lady parked right next to us...As usual it took a while for Zack and I to get our things together, but as soon as we were out of the car she stepped out of her car and was talking to Zack. She told me he was such a sweet little boy and that I must be a wonderful mother. Even though it came from a stranger it made me smile and think about how much fun Zack and I have together and how he really is a little angel. Funny how comments like that from strangers can mean so much even when you hear similar things from your family and friends regularly. I think it was more the fact that it made me stop and think!

Enough of the warm fuzzies LOL...So we went shopping, but ended up at Pumpkin Patch :O so only got one pair of shorts instead of the 2 or 3 I was aiming for. Got some CUTE shoes from Farmers for only $12 on special so I figure that makes up for it. They are too cute for JUST play center shoes, guess we will have to wear them in a bit anyway.

While we were shopping, Zack was pointing out "Ducks" at first I thought that this whole "every bird is a duck" business had developed into something more, but it was pictures of ducks...Thank goodness. He always seems to spot them before I do, must be frustrating for him. Oooh and I also got Zack a shirt with a Digger on it...He was extremely impressed.

Zack and I both had a sleep this afternoon (norty I know) I try really hard not to nap with him in the afternoons, but the weather was REALLY horrible and the housework was all don't and I was soooooo stuffed from last night. I went to bed late late late and didn't sleep well at all (not because of Zack for once).

So not much to report today...For a change. This entry may still look like a novel though, I seem to have developed writing fingers since I have been doing this.

Till next time
J

P.S I haven't had any photos of Zack lately because the boys are borrowing our digital camera, but you would be right to guess that when I get it back this site will be bombarded with them :)

Dining Out

This morning we went to play centre again and we both had a ball. The other mums (and dad) there are so friendly and it was nice to hang out with other parents. Ruby was very happy to see Zack and ran over to give him a cuddle...Zack still isn't impressed. Zack had lots of fun playing on the big kids slide, wasn't at all interested in the little slide. I got a couple of raised eyebrows from nervous mothers about him being on it, but he managed well and I kept a very close eye on him. Today Zack tried something new...a ride on the trolley. The kids do circuits of the grounds on it, it holds up to three kids. I thought Zack would freak out but he loved it and even when there was no one to pull it around the yard, he just sat there waiting for someone to come and pull him. I felt so proud that his fear of new things is slowly diminishing.

After lunch Zack had a massive three and a half hour sleep, so I tidied up and put his paddling pool together (I found the missing piece last night) so hopefully the weather will be nice tomorrow and he can play it in while I do some gardening.

My brother Brett (aka Uncle Fork) came up to Auckland this afternoon, he is working out at Devonport for the rest of the week. Zack was so happy to see him, he always has massive smiles for him. It is really nice to see Zack recognizes him even though we don't see him very often. Mum took us all out to dinner at an Indian Restaurant. Zack was pretty well behaved considering we didn't get home until just after 10pm, two hours after his normal bed time. He made a hell of a mess, but the guys really loved him and wouldn't let us clean any of it up and gave Zack THREE lollypops. We are welcome back there anytime.

Tomorrow we are hoping to visit Lex and Sahria but Lex has her mother staying and it seems she has a tummy bug so will have to wait and see if they are up to it.

Till Tomorrow
J

Another beautiful day...

It's so lovely and hot today. Zack and I have spent most of the day outside in the sun, trying to put his paddling pool together. Unfortunately it turns out we have lots one of the pieces. Zack broke into the box MONTHS ago and found that the poles made a neat noise when you bang them against things. I’m sure it will turn up...but until then it’s a no go!

We were supposed to go and visit Lex and Sahria today but it’s a long hike over there and unfortunately my finances could not stretch to pay the gas (grrrr). Oh well we have made arrangements to go and see them on Thursday no instead.

Tomorrow we have play centre. I'm going to get all our stuff ready to go tonight so we are not too rushed in the morning and can get there at a reasonable time.Zack slept well last night in his own room for the second night running. Still going down for naps during the day too...it’s lovely and cool in there so he had a good sleep too.

Today Zack started saying "Thank You", instead of the usual "Ta" when I gave him drinks and food today. It was so cute, it’s the first time I have heard him say it, but he used it all on his own accord so I have added it to the list.

Better go and get Zack's dinner cooked...till later perhaps
J

Phew!

Well Zack slept really well in his own room last night, didn't wake up even once during the night and even slept in till after 9am. And I survived it too, although I woke up a couple times and worried that he was awake and crying when he wasn't. He also went down as easily as he used to this afternoon and this evening.

I didn't get much housework done today, managed a bit of gardening while Zack was down for a sleep though. This afternoon we made it to the Botanical Gardens, it was such a beautiful day. Zack helpfully pointed out every bird (calling it a duck) and puddle throughout our walk. After that we went shopping with Mum and bought some curtain rods for Zack's room and put them up. While clearing out the spare room I found a heap of denim, the perfect amount for curtains. Its going to look great when they are finished.

Hoping to do some baking tomorrow as I didn't have time today, have some banana's to use up.
Till then
J

A job well done!

Well, I managed to get the spare room emptied out over the weekend...YAHOO! I can't believe its actually done. I have been down once or twice to just stand and stare at it, to make sure I'm not dreaming and its definitely empty. Well it was, untill I moved Zack's bed, heater and drawers in. I put the rug from the lounge in there too as there is no carpet. It's too loungee for his room but it will do for now.

While I was busy cleaning/moving Zack had a wonderful time at Nana and Grandad's spending most of the day outside. He was quick to take me over to show me the sand pit when I got there. It's so cute, over the last few days I have really noticed the expression he is putting into his voice and you can tell very clearly now whether he is excited or disgruntled about something.

So tonight Zack is in his own room and sleeping soundly....Finally! He sang to himself for a good 40 minutes before dropping off to sleep. I am anxious about how tonight will go though, more for me than for him. I will certainly miss him, even though he is only in the next room. I know I will wake to his crying quickly though...Seems that is the only thing that can get me out of bed these days (that and chocolate cake and being a princess...It should be served to me IN bed anyway).

Plans for tomorrow...Sorting out our bedrooms, moving Zack's things out of my room has left a bit of a hole (and mess). Shopping is being delivered before lunch time. Hopefully the weather is nice and we can go up to the botanical gardens in the afternoon.

Till tomorrow
J

Sunny Saturday?

Well the weather is better today than it has been all week, although its still not fabulous - fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Zack had a good night last night and has been busy playing all morning. He played with Mamere and Junior this morning while I mowed the lawns - it was really tiring work.

Zack is now down for a sleep and I have been making the most of it doing our grocery shopping online.

Tonight Zack is going to stay with his Dad at Nana and Grandad's, he stays there most Saturday's and thorougly enjoys it!

Spoke to Lexie this morning and she and Sahria are at home, both are doing very well. Have organised to go and see them on Tuesday, I cant wait.

That's all for now, till next time.
J

Average Friday

We didn't get up to much at all today, just an average day for us. Lots of housework for me and sleeping/playing for Zack. Visited The Bailey's this afternoon and Zack pigged out the whole time we were there. Went to Mum's work to pick her up...Zack loves going there, he gets so much attention and he can see lots of cars, trucks etc from the window (she is on the 10th floor) usually they are all called "Diggers" but today he pointed out a Bus and clearly said "Bus". Other new words from this week are Paper, Puddle, Water and Chips. He says a lot of other words but its only really repeating them after we say them.



I found this picture and thought it was neat. Everyone seems to love Bubbles, obviously even Gargoyles who aren't supposed to move when anyone is watching.

Welcome to the world Sahria

Congratulations to Mike and Alexis, on the birth of their daughter Sahria just before 8 o'clock this morning weighing 8 pounds 11 ounces. Heading into Birth Care shortly will be back with Photos.

Edit <9:14pm>
Ok so we are back, with Photos. Sahria is gorgeous, she looks just like her Dad (Mike). Her skin is very wrinkly, the doctors say this is caused by the fact that she was overdue...more like 2 weeks not the 4 days as per her due date. Alexis are Mike are such proud parents and doing a wonderful job. Well Done Guys!!!

Confessions of a TradeMe Addict...

Most people who know me know that just recently I have developed some what of a problem buying things for Zack, off TradeMe - mostly clothing and mostly at very good prices. Anyone who has kids knows that they can never have too much clothing and the price of everything is always a factor, so most people have been telling me that its not a problem as such and that I shouldn't beat myself up about it. But when you feel compelled to "just have a look" to see what's about and end up buying things you wonder if maybe it is becoming a problem. LOL

Anyway...Attached is a photo of my latest purchase. The Blue one, it's a hanging storage basket, for Zack's bedroom which is currently filled with odds and ends and spare furniture. No room for a boy, his cot and his toys just yet so he bunks in with me. I'm hoping that this latest purchase will inspire me to clear the room out, get Zack in there and create a wonderful little haven for him. Wish me Luck.

Our plans today are getting some housework done this morning, lunch with Mum at Manukau, Sunbed this afternoon and some window shopping for Xmas presents in amongst all of that.

Best get into it then...Write soon.
J

So we made it to Playcentre

It didnt matter that we were half an hour late...thank goodness. I went through almost every excuse not to go in my head this morning and ended up just pushing myself out the door and boy was it worth it. Meeting 20 strangers and their kids can be pretty daunting so Im not going to too hard on myself (for a change).

Zack had such a good time, playing on the jungle gym, the massive sandpit, stepping stones, water table (mostly here), the clay, the paints and the tools. No damage done today, although Amber did booby trap the toy phone - painting it blue. Of course it had to be Zack who picked it up and put it to his ear. Because it was blue paint...even though I cleaned it off straight away it has left a beauty of a bruise like mark on the side of his head. Oh well.

There were lots more older kids there today, one of the little girls Ruby just loved Zack and kept trying to pick him up and give him cuddles. Zack was not impressed and keept hitting her hands away from him and turning his back on her...what a heart breaker. It was very cute though. She was only 3 and slightly taller than Zack.

Zack has just finished lunch and getting over tired now so must dash to get him down for a nap.
J

Dem Teeth...prrrft

Zack is such a monkey...check him out climbing into his hairchair on his own. I especially love the way he stops to pose for the camera!!!

I have had to keep Zack dosed up on Pamol today. Poor baby has more teeth coming through. I checked his mouth and they are popping up all over the place, no wonder he was off his food. The same thing happened last time...he had a whole heap come through all at once.

We popped out today to Zack's Grandparent's house and even though it was a short visit it was a little too long for Zack. He was grumpy the whole way home demanding "chips...chips...chips". It doesnt help that I laugh at him Im sure, but its just so cute.

Tomorrow Im hoping we will get to Playcentre. We havent been to this session before so fingers crossed.

More tomorrow
J

Pup-Pup

Just thought I would quickly post some updated photos of our Puppy...he drives me nuts.

Feeding time at the Zoo

This morning was like every other. Zack teasing the dogs with his breakfast, I'm sure he thinks we give him toast every morning just so he can harass the dogs. He takes after me...I can never manage to do breakfast until around 11am. Anyway this morning it seems he did manage to smear Nutella EVERYWHERE, his poor white pyjamas will need yet another soaking

Cuddles with Mum

Here is a photo of Zack and I when he was about 7 months old!

Zack's Cousin Maya

This is Maya (Zack's Cousin). Zack looks out for her and gets especially concerned when she is crying. He loves to give her kisses and cuddles.

See how Toni put her in a bow on purpose, cause she knows I hate them LOL. Maya still looks gorgeous anyway :)

Getting Started

Okay, so I have been meaning to do this for a while but never seemed to get around to it...here goes.

Today we were supposed to go to Play Centre but Zack woke up late and the weather wasn't any good so we decided to give it a miss. Probably just as well because Zack was still running a temp today so had to keep him dosed up on Pamol.

Zack went down for a few sleeps. Grandad came around to fix the lawnmower, which he did...but I'm such a flake that I still couldn't get it going after they left. Mum got home and started it for me and it looks much better now.

Zack is now in bed and I'm relaxing before bed...Yah for me!

Hopefully we will have a more interesting day tomorrow.

Bye