Birth-Day

Well today has been a bit of a blur but it went well...here are some photos

Looking very stunned!

Woohoo, Bob the Builder Workshop

Here it is, many many minutes later after Mummy finally got it put together

Painting at Playcentre

Serious Painting

At the water table

Up the ladder

Down the slide

"Happy Birthday to Zack"

Poor Zack was quite upset when we took the cake away to cut it up

And straight back home to the sandpit!

Back later when I have a chance to write more and upload some more photos!

J

Tomorrow is the big day!

We have had a busy week this week.

Wednesday, Playcentre was full on but really good.

Today we have been at the Bailey's decorating Zack's birthday cake for Playcentre. I also started shopping for Zack's party on Sunday.

Tonight Mum and Sean set up Zack's sandpit, he loved it. I know he is going to spend hours out there playing in it.

Tomorrow morning we have Playcentre, then lunch with Mum and then to the Bailey's for presents. The Bailey's are having Zack for the night so that should give me a chance to get the last few things ready for the party.

Here are some photos...

Zack's Birthday Cake for Playcentre

Zack, Mum and Sean testing out the awesome new sandpit!

Zack destroying a sand castle

Junior, having a dig

that's all for now, back tomorrow

J

Monday-Itis

Zack is much better today. We spent the weekend at home, just keeping indoors and relaxing.

Zack spent the entire night in his bed last night, he had been getting into bed with me early hours of the morning - but this morning he didn't come in until just before 8 YAH.

This morning he is grumpy with Junior for some reason. Not sure what Junior has done but the poor puppy keeps getting told off.

We are just waiting for the shopping to be delivered, then off to playcentre to get some things ready for the kids on Wednesday, then visiting Margs and the boys. Zack is looking forward to seeing Connor, he goes on and on and on about him as soon as I mention his name.

Here are some photos from over the weekend...

Zack engrossed in Disney channel and trying hard to ignore me

Just HAD to crack a smile, but still refusing to look at the camera HAH!

I know this is horrible, but he got in there himself and then couldn't get out...I thought it was funny!

And Gorgeous little Maya, almost too big for her carseat now!

Back Later

J

Zack's first tummy bug

We had a truly horrible night last night, Zack has experienced his first tummy bug. Although it was quite a kind bug, with no vomiting at all - just lots of nappy changes. We saw the Doctor this afternoon who gave us some really gross stuff that Zack has to drink and some acidophilus tablets to help his tummy. I was pleased to not have been given Anti-biotics but I guess if this stuff doesn't help then we wont have much choice. But Zack is much better tonight, still obviously not his usual self. He still has some catching up on sleep to do as well (we both do).

No playcentre for us tomorrow, which is a bit disappointing as we were hosting an Open Day - a pain to miss out, but there will be others I'm sure.

Here is a photo from the other night when Mum and Sean watched Zack for me...This is an early birthday present (a dragon costume), I didn't actually get to see it in person so they took photos to show me.

Tomorrow will be more wall paper stripping if Zack is feeling better that I don't have to hold him all the time like I did today. Not much planned for the weekend either, I guess it depends on how things pan out with Zack's upset tummy...Fingers crossed!

J

Sick again :(

Zack woke with a temperature this morning and a bright green snotty nose, pamol seems to be keeping it under control so far but its not nice.

We did half a session at Playcentre this morning. I was responsible to taking in paperwork for the kids activities today so we didn't really have a choice.

The session went pretty well considering, Zack got in a good few hours of play. The theme today was "Space", the kids had Astronauts, Planets and Space ships to colour in....the boys were particularly impressed. Then Tracie and I helped them to make space mobiles with carboard stars, suns, moons and with UFO's made out of two old cd's stuck together with milk bottle lids for the middle. They looked pretty cool if I do say so myself.

Zack has been asleep since we got home, he just woke up and is about to have some lunch.

Must dash
J

The weekend is over!

Our weekend was good, nice and relaxing. We went out the Nicholson's on Saturday afternoon, Zack and Connor had so much fun playing together. After dinner the boys had a bath while Aunty Nicola and Uncle Craig snuck out to the party. The boys were very good, although Zack did get a little jealous when Connor and I were cuddling on the couch reading a book, but we found room for him and he got over it. Both boys settled well and had a good night sleep for lots of playing on Sunday.

I took the camera with me but forgot the memory stick so no photos unfortunately. The animals are all much bigger now, except for the new baby chickens of course. They were very cute, looked like they were wearing flares the way their leg feathers sit on their ankles. Zack didn't like the sheep too much as they were quite pushy for pats but he really loved the pig.

Zack and Connor played very well together, although Zack did get timed out a couple times for snatching and pulling...he seems to be getting the hang of time out and there is a noticeable improvement in his behavior when he comes back from it so I think it's working.

On Sunday afternoon Zack went to the Bailey's for the night. As always there were over the moon to see him and Zack had a good sleep before going there so he was in a particularly good mood. Still no fussing when I leave which is great, makes me feel that much better about leaving him. I really needed the break, although I missed him I had a nice relaxing time reading and even watched a few movies.

Tomorrow we are home for the day, hoping it is fine to get some bedding washed and our duvets aired.

Take Care
J

End of the week

Playcentre was good today, not as busy as it usally is there which was nice. The group seemed smaller today, must have been a few kids still off sick. The majority of the ones there had running noses...YUCK.

We visited Fletcher, Taylor and Ashlee today. Ashlee turned one year old today, she is go gorgeous, very quiet - not shy just laid back.

Margaret, Connor and Jack came to visit while we were there too. And I remembered to get a photo of Jack...although the lighting wasn't really that good.

Also found someone (Gareth) to install a head deck in my car....FINALLY. Its been months now of no stereo and I'm getting pretty sick of Zack's requests for "Twinkle Twinkle" and "Incy Wincy".

Tomorrow we have afternoon tea at Fletcher's and then heading out to Aunty Nicola's for the night, we are watching Connor while they go out to a house warming. Will be nice to have a good catch up with them all.

And finally a photo of Fletch, Taylor and Ashlee!

Love

J

Almost the end of the week

We didn't visit Lex today. Zack and I were both still coughing this morning and the last thing I wanted to do was pass our bug on to the baby. Not entirely sure why its taking so long for us to get over this cold, must be a particularly nasty one, although I am feeling much better than last week.

We dropped quickly to the Parson's today (Margaret, Connor and Jack) to drop off some shoes and clothes. Tania, Alyse and Campbell (the new baby) were there. The kids had a play in the paddling pool, probably not the best idea with Zack being sick but it was really hot there! Here are some pics....

Hope to get some photos tomorrow at Playcentre, fingers crossed!

Love

J

Dog tired!

Oh to be a dog....Actually rather a cat, to lie around in the sun all day.

And check this one out...What a dork!

Playcentre was good this morning, it was quiet as a large number of kids were away today but still nice!

Zack has been in bed asleep since about 12.30 so its given me a chance to fold the washing and do some vacuuming Yah. I finished Zacks birthday invitations yesterday, so have lots of visiting in the next few days to get them delivered.

The boys leave for Wellington tomorrow (Greg and Glen). Although I haven't known them very long it will be sad to see them go as they are both so awesome. Really genuine and a good laugh. We are going round to say a last good bye tonight...I wish I had made the most of having them so close (around the corner), but if you could see into the future like that you would do things a whole lot different.

That's it for me...Tomorrow we are visiting Lex and Sahria and I will be sure to take more photos this time.

J

Spider Mania

We didn't go to playcentre today as Zack and I are still sick and I didnt want to pass the germs around the other kids. We went to Manukau to have lunch with Mum instead...we just HAD to get out of the house.

Zack is still Spider Mad, so today we went shopping and Mum and I found him a toy spider. Its soft and squishy and looks real. It says on the box that it even feels real, if that's the way a tarantula feels its not what I expected. The only problem with Zack's new spider, is that Junior is in love with it too and keeps trying to take it out the back yard to either destroy or bury, so Zack can only really play with it when Junior is not around. Perhaps it will be a good "take in the car toy".



Tonight I started teaching Zack "Incy Wincy Spider" and of course he kept requesting it "again" and "again" and "again". My throat was sore before we even started so I only did about 5 rounds rather than the usual 10. He has been trying to sing it himself too...It goes something like this "Spider spider spider, wash" its really cute. He even tries to do all the hand actions...he is especially good at the "down comes the rain" action but that's about it. His rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle" is coming along more and more every day....I hope when he finally does get it that it is still as cute as his attempts now.

Anyway...Footballers Wives will be on soon, quick pick up of toys around the house and a coffee for me!

Later
J

Stuck inside

This morning, when I asked Zack if he wanted toast for breakfast, he told me "No...Sauce" Paaaah ha ha ha!

We spent the day inside today, the cold Zack and I had been sitting on for the last few days hit us in full force. Zack was on Pamol most of the day and tonight as he struggled like a wild animal, I managed to get a final dose in before bed time. He is usually pretty good with taking Pamol but I guess he had just had enough of it. Trying to bribe him with lollies didn't work either as all he heard was "Lollies" and couldn't understand why instead I was trying to shove a spoon full of pamol down his throat...Needless to say I felt terrible.

Playcentre tomorrow is looking highly unlikely, best bet would be to stay indoors and keep warm rather than spread this horrible bug even further....My only hope is that we haven't already passed it on to anyone else. Here is a cute photo I took of Zack and Junior today...They were desperate to get outside and play with the neighbour-hood kids but we couldn't.

Later

J

101 blithering posts

Wow, this is my 101st post...freaky! When I started this blog I never imagined that it would become what it has. As we are doing stuff through out the day I find myself thinking "I must remember to blog this" Paaaaaaaaaah ha ha ha, what a freak! Anyway it has been worth while, even for myself, just to look back on and reminisce. And of course it has been a treasure trove for friends and family.

We made it to playcentre today, even though Zack still wasn't in the best of moods (due to his cold). The weather was slack too, which meant we were inside for most of it. The bad weather always makes the kids a little crazier than usual too.

Zack has been doing a lot of drawing lately, well pulling all the pens out and asking me to draw for him; he is right into spiders at the moment! He has even started drawing them himself; he has the legs down pact and still attempting to master the body. I must take some photos of them next time.

We are missing Uncle Fork like crazy, he went home yesterday. It so nice just having the company. Oh well, we have been planning to take a trip down there soon anyway - will have to get into gear I guess.

I found some photos of Zack that Brett took while he was here...

I'm not entirely sure if Zack is posing for this photo or running away from Uncle Fork :)

This isn't a very good shot, but it shows how silly they are together. I think this might have been a joint effort photo.

That’s all for me
J

P.S For the first night in almost a week, Zack didn't get up out of bed after I put him down for the night...NOT once good aye. He has been getting up and I have to take him back to bed. Nothing major but still a bit of a pain. Anyway tonight he didnt. Here a pic....

Hey wait a minute...where is the baby?

The little ratbag!!! He must have gotten straight up and into my bed cause he even thought to take his bottle, which he didn't finish!

Long Weekend

It seems as though it has been a long weekend for us, as my brother Brett (Uncle Fork) turned up on Friday night and is here till this afternoon (sad face).

Friday we had Playcentre in the morning, then Aunty Nicola and Connor surprised us with a visit. It had been almost 6 weeks since we last saw them, although apart from both the boys getting bigger nothing much had changed of course. Connor is getting really good at stopping Zack from snatching toys off him which is great, less work for me! Zack was cute saying "Connor" and trying to get Connor to do things like ride the rocking horse. After they left Zack kept going on and on about Connor, especially when I was putting all the toys away Zack was saying "Connor...Mess" when in actual fact is was Zack who had pulled all the toys out to show Connor.

Zack and Connor with the Trainset

Connor with some de-railed trains.

Zack stayed at the Bailey's on Friday night and most of Saturday, he was a very good boy as usual and they had lots of fun painting and playing with play dough. He came home counting...well the even numbers anyway - all the way up to 10.

Saturday night Mum and Sean invited us over for a BBQ at their place, it was yum! Zack
had lots of fun showing off to everyone.

Sunday Zack came down with a cold, was sneezing most of the day and had a runny nose and eyes...kept him dosed up on Pamol.

Yesterday Zack was well and truely down and out with a cold...slept lots, cuddled lots but still laughed lots too which was nice. Specially good that Uncle Fork was here to help out as Zack had kept me up most of Sunday night.

Zack and Gabby drawing with Chalk

Gabby lives over the road from us. She is 6 months older than Zack and talks LOTS. She has a photo of Zack on her bedroom wall, she loves him! Quite often the two of them will be yelling across the street to one another it goes something like this "Zack", "Gabby", "Hi", "Hi", "Zack", "Gabby", "Dogs Out" (Gabby is petrified of our dogs). This morning the calling out to Gabby started at 8am...I don't even think Gabby was out of the house.

Zack playing on the fence...being very cheeky!

Zack in Uncle Fork's Car...beeping the horn!

I can tell by that look on his face that he is going to have a thing for cars!

that's all for now, off to bed for Zack and I. Fingers crossed we are well enough for playcentre tomorrow.

J

Munch and Crunch

Well Playcentre was full on this morning...Another messy day as usual. Zack did loads of artwork, it seemed everytime I put a clean piece of paper up for the next kid he decided to paint again. Perhaps that's what he thinks painting is about...Get rid of the white! We also made a birthday card for Kyle as it is his birthday tomorrow. The kids had a special morning tea to celebrate, Birthday Cake Woohooo!

After Zack had his lunch, I was changing him into a clean shirt ready for bed, when I noticed this on his leg...

Yes that's a bite mark!

Nana Bailey told me that I should explain to Zack that it was naughty to bite and I told him that if anyone ever bites him to come and tell Mummy. I kissed it and he said "Better" Awwwwww.

Not much planned for the weekend, although I do plan to catch up on the housework while Zack is with the Bailey's. Lots to do for playcentre too as I have decided today to put out a newsletter, silly girl!

Anyway I'm off for a coffee

J

So Organised...NOT

This morning Zack got up earlier than me. Usually he comes into my bed and naps for a while till I wake up, but for the last few mornings he has gotten up and watched T.V before coming in to get me. This morning I awoke to his little angelic face saying "Mummy, Mummy, Egg, Egg" with a massive grin on his face. I just assumed it was something he had seen on TV (the disney channel) but sadly it wasn't. My darling boy had attempted to make me breakfast in bed, on the kitchen floor were half a dozen broken eggs, behind me I hear "Oh No, Mess". It was so cute, I had to laugh. Needless to say, the first thing we did after leaving the house was go to the baby factory for a latch for the fridge. Poor Zack, no more snacking on cheese slices or fingering all the yoghurts while Mums not looking.

For lunch we went to Manukau, checked out the sales on toys as Zack's birthday is coming up and picked up Mum's birthday pressie for this Sunday. Zack was stuffed by the time we got home and slept from 1pm till 4pm, that's 4 days running now - he must be having a growth spurt.

Tomorrow we have a hell day at Playcentre. Friday is the busiest day with the largest number of kids on session and the most keen Mums, its always MESSY. This weekend Zack is going to stay at Grandad and Nana Baileys on Saturday night.

Must dash and get the notices done for playcentre tomorrow.
Love
J

Playcentre

We had playcentre this morning and I was mother help...we take turns each week - it was my first time. I had to make sandwiches and cut fruit for the kids for morning tea and get everything organised, then clean up afterwards. This meant that I was only really free to spend time with Zack for very short periods of time. I had been a little anxious about how this would go...being shut off from him I expected him to hang around the kitchen grizzling like half the other kids do when its their mothers turn. But guess what, he didnt! He was off happily playing for the most of it, although he did come back regularly to check I was still where he left me and that I was doing ok. So cute!

It was a busy day at Playcentre (nothing unusual). We made slime again for the kids to play in and had the hose going on the slip 'n slide. Zack actually got involved this time and had lots of fun, he got really messy! We are home now, for lunch and then a nap.

Back later
J