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

Out of Action

So Zack's sniffles have morphed into a full blown cold. We were both up most of the night trying to fend of Zack's fever. Poor baby! By this morning, I too was sick :( but Zack gave me lots of cuddles to make me feel better.

Zack slept and cuddled most of the day his temperature seemed under control earlier on today but is bad again tonight so we have pulled out the big guns ibuprofen. This has worked a treat, he is almost back to his usual self so fingers crossed for a good nights sleep.

Must dash
J

Little Sniffles

Zack is still sniffly today, so no play centre for us :( We popped in to Nana and Grandad Bailey's though which was even better. They had diggers and trucks next door so that was interesting for Zack.

Zack has been sleeping a lot today, due to being unwell I guess. Not eating too well either, I was supposed to take him to get injections this week too, it's going to be a very quiet week this week.
My cousin Erica stopped in this afternoon for a visit and ended up staying most of the night, she has only just left! Zack loved having her here, they played for hours. It was very cute.



Short and Sweet post for me tonight, I'm off to bed.

Till tomorrow
J

Moooooo

I got to sleep in till almost lunch time today, yah! Can't even remember the last time that happened. I picked Zack up just after lunch then we went with Mamere to the Clevedon A&P show. They had a massive area penned of full of animals and you could walk in and just mingle with them all. Zack loved it. There were calves, lambs, goats, pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks, a donkey, a dog, rabbits and newly hatched ducklings and chickens. Here is a photo of Zack with a calf, I think he thought it was a dog. Sorry about the poor quality but we left the digital camera at home and I had to use my phone


We also saw men on lawnmowers playing polo, it was soooo funny. And big bulls, alpacas, tractors, lots of different kinds of dogs and yummy food!

We stayed for a few hours and Zack was happy for it, he isn't very well at the moment :( he has a snotty nose and a weezy chest but he seems happy enough considering. Much like yesterday which just spats of grizzling and wanting cuddles. I dont think we will go to playcentre though if his nose is still running tomorrow, I would hate to spread the bug around there.

Mum is just starting the BBQ (YUMMO) we brought 2 punnets of strawberries at the show, Strawberry Salad and Steam MMMmmmm. Must go and help.
Back tomorrow
J

Peanut Butter Sammies and "Blankie"

This morning I got to sleep in, thanks Mum! And woke to the smell of sizzling bacon YUMMO! Zack had a good night sleep last night considering his teeth have been giving him grief. He slept right through, which I wasn't expecting and woke in a very good mood, singing and dancing around the house. He has a little bit of a runny nose and feels very warm but the thermometer isn't registering it as a high temp. He is pretty happy most of the time but has little spats of grizzling and wanting cuddles which last a few minutes. He has also been dragging his "Blankie" around everywhere with him this morning

Here are some pics of Zack eating lunch with his blankie

Zack is going to Nana and Grandad Bailey's this afternoon, I'm sure he will have a blast. He is having a sleep at the moment so he will be in a great mood this afternoon with any luck. No plans for me tonight, just relaxing without the baby and a sleep in (another one) tomorrow morning YAHOO.

Till then

J

My Cuzzie Connor

Zack had a rough night last night, his eye teeth are coming through and causing him a lot of pain - poor baby. We slept in till ten this morning, then just bummed around the house.

This afternoon we went to Nana and Grandad Christini (my grandparents, Zack's great grandparents). Aunty Nicola (my aunt) and Connor were there. Connor is about 6 months younger than Zack (I think) but he is much bigger AND he has just started walking YAHOO. I took some photos but neither of the boys were being very co-operative.

Connor flicking through the Phone book

The boys claiming each others toys

Not much planned for the weekend, hoping to get Zack's room ready for painting and might even make a start on it. I figure I had better get it done before his bed arrives it will harder to do then.

Off to make dinner now, back tomorrow :)

J

Ooooh a big bed!

So Zack and I met Nana Healy at Manukau this morning to check out the Farmers Card Holder Sale and there were some wicked bargains. Ended up getting a bunk bed and bedding for Zack. Now I know this sounds crazy and NO I'm not planning any more kids but this bunk bed is so cool and its perfect for Zack. You can have the beds as a bunk or separately. Obviously we are going to just just one of the beds to begin with...the top bunk. Being a top bunk it has additional railings all around the sides - yes all around the sides so its the perfect first bed for him because he wont be able to fall out of it...when he's sleeping at least. The bunks were massively reduced to half price. Thanks to Mamere we slapped it on H/P along with a new duvet, pillow, sheets and funky duvet covers ALL for Zack! We don't get the beds for a couple of weeks but its going to be so much fun setting up his new big kids bed. Mum and I had a hard time picking duvet covers...They had to go with the colour theme of the room of course so none of the kids duvet covers were suitable, I know people have criticised me for not letting him get into the kiddy label bashing that seems to go on...but I'm telling you he is REALLY not interested anyway. As close as we get is him pointing out Clifford and I have yet to see Clifford duvet covers. And besides...he doesnt need red in his bedroom. Ha ha ha ha, I will get him a Clifford dinner set perhaps to make up for it.

We also went to Toyworld, found some cool motorised four wheelers for little kids...Zack had a ride on one, Nana and I were pissing ourselves laughing. Zack wasn't even on it before he found the "Go" button and learnt quickly what it did. It was so funny, he would start it, stop it, start it, stop it. He was so focused on stopping and starting it that he wasn't steering it (not that I think he realised the importance of it anyway) and kept crashing (gently) into things. They were only a hundred bucks and I seriously thinking about getting him one for Xmas...will have to wait and see.

Zack is now in bed (his cot) fast asleep, going to visit the Bailey's this afternoon. No plans for tomorrow.
J

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Playcentre was fun this morning, as expected. Although Zack was a little grumpy, he kept getting upset when he couldn't lift things or the lawnmower got stuck on something. Here are some pics...

Zack and Cameron in the Sand Pit

Zack climbing the stairs to the bridge

Claire climbing the stairs to the bridge

Zack - The Paparazzi Shot

Zack Painting

All the kids having morning tea and a sing along

Zack climbing the big kids slide

Zack putting the baby in the Pram

Zack pushing the baby in the Pram

The kids playing with slime

The slime was extremely messy and I have to admit that I was relieved that Zack didn't want to play with it. It was quite interesting actually to see the girls getting stuck in, making an incredible mess but the boys thought it was disgusting.

Zack is now dead the world asleep, while I'm off outside to do some gardening.

More tomorrow.

J

Zack is asleep and its lunch time :( seems his sleeping patterns have gotten a little out of wack. While I'm trying to not panic, we have playcentre tomorrow and I'm really hoping that he won't be too grumpy tomorrow if he sleepy in the morning. What am I talking about...he wont have a choice - he will be playing and running around with the other kids and wont even have a chance to feel tired, until it's time to pack up. Ha ha ha, Mums are just worry warts!

This afternoon we have an appointment with the Occupational Therapists at Middlemore hospital for the burn on Zack's hand. People comment all the time about how good it's looking but to be its horrible. When ever I think about it I feel so guilty...Mostly because I think about him as a man having to carry it around with him everywhere, it just makes me sad. The last time we were at the Doctors he told me that it should be taped up, to help keep the scar smooth so I will talk to them about it today. He doesn't seem to mind having it taped up, he forgets about it quickly so I guess it's just a matter of getting the right product.

Better dash, need to quickly get the washing folded and put away before the boy gets up and unfolds everything (although he does have soooo much fun doing it).
Later
J

Long time no see

Well its amazing how many people read this blog now and expect a daily entry. Unfortunately we were busy all weekend and I didn't get a chance to update it. Sorry to those of you were worried because I hadn't posted.

Saturday, Zack went to the Bailey's around lunch time. Mum and I got stuck in weeding and gardening out the front and back, loading the bin up. It was hard work but we got lots done. Zack had fun at the Bailey's playing for most of the afternoon. In the evening I went back there to celebrate Guy fawkes with them. Zack loved it and really got into the swing of Ooohing and Aaahing and pointing at the sky.

On Sunday I had a bit of a sleep in, worked out the back for a few hours and then collected Zack. He had been having so much fun with Nana and Grandad's and was so tired. He was talking lots while there, we are noticing daily that his use of understandable words is increasing.

Zack fell asleep on the way home in the car and didn't get up until after 4pm which gave Mum and I time to finish up out the back. The bin is now fully packed with rubbish and waiting to be taken away.

Today Zack and I stayed home. We were going to go to Playcentre this afternoon but I have had a sore tummy all day. Needless to say we didn't really get much accomplished. Probably just as well as Zack has been a little off colour today too...I think its just his teeth though. No plans for tomorrow, if its a nice day I was thinking we might try to get up to Botanical Gardens to feed the ducks.

Till then
J

An ache in my head!

Well half of today was lost for me...Due to a migraine. It started last night and was in full swing by this morning. Luckily Mum was able to work from home this morning to look after Zack for me. I'm feeling much better this afternoon although a little hung over from the migraine.

This afternoon we went to Global gifts again and brought their last two strawberries and cream simmering bars...YUM! Paid some more of the Xmas layby and found some more things to put on the next one. We also went to the bookshop and brought some new washable felts for Zack...They also have special nibs on them that he wont be able to push in yahoo. Checked out the music store, met a nice guy in there...That will certainly encourage me to buy more music that's for sure :P

Zack is now back in bed having an afternoon kip. Expecting a big rubbish bin to arrive shortly which will keep us busy over the weekend, clearing out the back yard and garage...errr not looking forward to that but it has to be done!

Received an email this morning from "Tickle" a new online photo processing company. They have some really neat stuff and the xmas cards look fun too!

Just relaxing planned for the rest of the afternoon.
More tomorrow
Love
J

A bit scratchy today

Well yesterday afternoon, Zack was a bit scratchy - I think he has more teeth coming through. He seemed hungry all evening and I think it was just so he could chew. He woke up during the night very upset and then spent the rest of the night in my bed. Needless to say neither of us got much sleep. He was tossing and turning all night. I regret not giving him Pamol as soon as he woke up. This morning I woke up before Zack (this is highly unusual) and it was no wonder, as the time was 10.45am. Most of the day was gone already!!! So we had a quick breakfast and then got ready to go to Manukau for lunch. I paid some more of Zack's Xmas Layby...I think I will put things on layby much more often as it feels so good to be paying something off and have xmas semi under control.

While we were out we got some more bubble solution - what a mission that is to find. We also got a water sprinkler seeing Zack has so much fun with Nana Bailey's one. Zack is now down having a sleep and I'm so stuffed, I'm thinking about having a siesta myself :P

Might pop back later,
J

Out for the Count

We went to playcentre this morning and Zack is now KO'd in bed. Still has paint on his clothes and a grubby face, but he was just so tired. Most of the kids seemed to out of sorts today, with two being taken home by the their mothers as they were misbehaving so much. It seems none of the kids have been sleeping very well lately. Perhaps it is the change in the weather, or maybe its a full moon hee hee hee. Zack had fun, but I could tell he was tired. The other Mum's can't get over what a little monkey he is, climbing all over the jungle gym. I finally got him to go on the rocking horse today but he had trouble keeping his centre of gravity and kept knocking his face on the rocking horse as it came back up...I hope it hasn't put him off too much.

No plans for this afternoon, just catching up on the mess we made this morning as it was a very mad dash to get ready in time for playcentre.

Back later perhaps,
J

Mmmmm Chocolate

After getting the housework done this morning (while Zack slept) we went to visit Nana and Grandad Bailey. It was another beautiful day today so we spent most of the afternoon outside with Nana, Aunty Toni and Maya. While the girls and I were sunbaking we watched Zack playing in his sandpit and running around the sprinkler.

Maya loved watching Zack and got particularly excited at all the noise when Zack was jumping in the puddles. She looked so cute in her sun hat - even if it is Winnie the Pooh (prrrrft)

Aunty Toni REALLY didn't want her photo taken and I'm sure she wont be happy that I have posted these photo's here, but we think she is beautiful!!!

Once it started getting too cool, we went inside and made Chocolate Devil's cake, it was scrumptious. Zack got to lick the bowl and even cried when Nana took the spatula off him - she felt soooo guilty and had to give Zack a cuddle, he quickly forgot about it!

Zack fell asleep on the way home - he woke up again about 7.30 meaning that we were almost 2 hours behind in our dinner, bath, bed routine. But I still managed to get him into bed just after 9, just over an hour later than usual.

We have play centre tomorrow so I hope it doesn't stuff him up too much. I'm sure he will be too busy tomorrow to notice. Fingers crossed for another beautiful day.

Till Then

J

My Life...

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