Mallin Family Blog

Ella's Party - Finally Blogged!

2009-11-12T00:53:00.000-08:00

FINALLY I'm getting around to blogging the last month of our lives! I'm sorry, I know there were non-facebook people really dying to see these snaps!

Ella's party was FANTASTIC! Busy busy! So much to make (well, for Mummy to make) and see and do! New things scoured from across the globe! And pretty things for a pretty girl!

In reverse order...

The spesh bracelet from Aunty Mich and Uncle Joe (and Luci and Kiran)

Pretty birthday girl (with Daddy's very distracting foot hanging out of her ear!)

Extra spesh real-live-tea set picked by Mummy, given by Ma and Pa.

Very spesh rag doll from Mummy being opened.

Wooden Ladybug skittles

My Little Pony

Eating Cake

The blow!

SPESH PHOTO ALERT...

Ella and her remaining Great-Grandparents

L-R: Great Grandma Mallin, Oma Gembal, Great Grandpa Mallin and Nanna Bottomley.

The food, mostly prepared by the grandmothers. Thanks guys!!!

The Cookie Jar, with Mummy made little mouse for my "little mouse"

The cupcakes painstakingly crafted by the Mummy.

Ella's Ella-phant cup cake

Op Shop sundae vases.

Ella's baby clothes as decorations

Lavender Tea bags for adult take home.

The kid's take home. Soda/Milkshake cups with an array of drawing products...

A long squiggly pencil, some stickers, a note pad, some crayons and a dress up necklace for good measure!

The prizes for the small games the kids played.

A few little touches. The yummy selection of tea bags, the face washer cupcakes for each guest to take home, the adult take home gifts hanging around the room, Ella's baby clothes as decorations, the photo cubes I made, and the tablecloth I made especially for the occasion.

Whew... looking back... I worked VERY hard to make that all come together!!!

Pat on back for Mummy Mallin!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLA-ROSE!

2009-10-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Oh my!

I CANT NOT BELIEVE SHE IS ONE!!! Where did that time go???

Today is a little bittersweet, it's our last first birthday. Something to be extra specially treasured.

Ella is walking, she's starting to talk, a few half words and appropriate nodding/shaking of the head (she's VERY good at that!) She loves food, but only in small amounts- this is why we call her "Mouse" she would rather sit under the boys at the table and munch on their crumbs over having a bowl of food to herself. She's teeny, not small, just small in comparison to most other 1 year olds. She laughs... not like Jacob or Travis, but this full belly giggle, completely original!

Anyway... I'm off to clear the table so we can have cupcakes after breakfast and open the last little present.

More to come today I'm sure, and no I have not forgotten to post the birthday party... this will come soon.

Fun In The Bath

2009-10-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

So, after getting in trouble for not posting enough photos, I figured I should!

Here is a couple of Ella in the bath, she LOVE to splash!

I love to...

2009-10-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

... go through this blog looking at the posts of the previous year and check out what we were all doing at "this time last year" but BOY is this a "this time last year" MONTH, I've been reading though all the things that were going on for us in October last year, how on earth did we survive?

But MAN it was a goodie! Action packed! Good times - Good memories, even if it didn't seem quite so good at the time.

- House being ripped apart, new kitchen going in, Biz name registered, and the birth of the baby girl... among other things I'm sure... I'm off to read more 'October 2008'

P.S. 6 sleeps until Ella's party... 10 sleeps until "Bubby La" turns 1!!!!

Blogger Catch-Up

2009-10-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

Again, I'm sorry!

We have been busy busy with work and life in general.

Jacob has finished his third term of kindergarten and is all set to start the final countdown, a teeny tiny 9 week term left until he finishes and heads over to being a big grade 1 kid- he's most excited! He's been ok, only having a but of a cold this week (which he lovingly shared with Travis who passed it on to Ella)

Travis is also doing ok, he's been sick with this same cold and we took him (and Ella) to the doctor for a check over. Wise decision!!! Turns out our beautiful little Trazzle has a heart murmur. Now before you all go and get worried and whatnot, you need to read what the doctor said.

Firstly, he assumed we already knew. Then, he said that he is pretty sure that it is no of any significance but that a trip to a pediatrician would be in order, just to check it out and 'better safe than sorry'. After we book in to see our local pediatrician, he will either send us home with a pat on the head (most likely) or send us to a pediatric cardiologist at Nepean or Kids Hospital. This may end in a few tests to check out what's going on in there. Following that... well the probability of it needing much more attention is not likely. Fingers crossed. So the trip to the doctor yesterday morning was a good thing!

Ella is well, she's got the cold, and sleeping HORRIDLY with coughing fits during the night and waking with them during the day, but doing ok otherwise. We are all getting very excited about her birthday party and the whole "Turning 1" thing, and grateful that she is sick THIS week over the week of her party. Her personality is emerging endlessly. We are discovering that while she looks like Travis and her facial expressions are often more similar to his than anyone else - and unfortunately possibly his temper too (of which there is not much), she seems to contain much more of Jacob's personality and it seems she is very much "and old soul" or "switched on" which are comments we always received for Jacob. She is getting a lot of attention for being small (as Travis did) I was even asked if she was born prem at the doctor's surgery yesterday.

Here... on the brink of bubba girl being 1, I have taken another chair set (No, I COULD NOT WAIT for the exact same time of the year!!!). It's so lovely to see them grow from year to year. And while their specific "monthly sets" are a little harder to compile now with being so busy all the time, I am CERTAIN that the chair set will be something that continues as long as I have participants willing to be bribed! And no, I will not be printing them all large again, although it was tempting!

October 2008

September 2009

CONGRATULATIONS! (sorry, late I know!)

2009-09-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

A quick shout out to my beautiful friend Kate and her husband Simon, and her two beautiful little boys Zac and Lucas on the arrival of their new little bundle of joy -

Mikayla Jordan

Born 12:13pm on Thursday 17th September

Length: 53cm
Weight: 3.95kg

Uh oh... Neglected! LONG POST

2009-08-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

So sorry all, I've been so busy that I don't feel like I've had time to do most things, so blogging was the thing that suffered. After many a comment that I'd not updated, I'm set to do it now, despite the mammoth mess sitting behind me beckoning to be cleaned.

Seems I've left you all a little in the dark, so here goes...

THESE are the MOST ADORABLE shoes I've seen, they make me laugh every time I see them. My beautiful friend Jessy sent these for our little Ella a few months back and I promised I would post a photo, so it's finally happened!

Thank you lovely Jess and Libby!

THIS is a photo that I took of my three ubblies before Jacob went back to school for 3rd term.

And HERE is a photo I have planned to blow up MASSIVE on my wall... I can't wait to decide where to put it. There will be a few minor changes around here in the next few months, and so I think I will wait until all that happens before deciding on exactly were it will hang once it's printed. It also signifies Jake's first day back to 3rd term with him in his school uniform.

Then there was our beautiful friends/family that came to visit from Perth, we had a lovely time (as I mentioned in last post) so here are a few quick snaps of the many, and the many many many I have yet to edit!

Jacob - Has had a time! He's been a little emotional and tired lately, very happy at school but seeming exhausted by the evening and on weekends. He had a day this week. He was fast asleep on Sunday night (early Monday morning) as were we all, when Mick and I heard a great big *CRACK* and then Jacob screaming. We went into the boys room to find that Jacob had fallen out of his bed... the top bunk! After a good old cry and a kiss better, he wet back to bed and went to sleep. He woke up late (late in our house anyway) and had some breakfast before conning us into letting him go too school, seeing as he had no symptoms (ie, vomiting and the like) and it had been the recommended 6 hours being watched we thought it would be ok. About an hour (give or take) later I got a phone call saying that he was pale and very unwell. I wasn't too worried until they mentioned the word "vomit" at which I called Mick and told him we were going to the hospital. They looked him over and decided that it was just a concussion but that he should have a CT to be sure it wasn't something more serious. But to our dismay, the scanner was broken at Katoomba and we would need to be transferred to Westmead Children's Hospital as it was the closest with a working CT AND neurosurgeon (just in case!). Anyway, after a VERY scary needle which "Stays in your arm and gives you a drink? How silly!", a VERY exciting, and fun trip in an ambulance, and a VERY long wait for a scan, all was deemed good. He was ordered under watch for 24-48 hours, but only needed the 24 as he was just fine to go back to school on Wednesday. Drama drama!

Jake also had his first book parade this week! Last year, this was his first official (I think) transition event, the book parade!
This year he went as The Very Hungry Caterpillar as it's Travis' favorite book at the moment and it sounded pretty easy and inexpensive to make from Mum's perspective! This is Jacob and one of his mates Liam.

Travis has been well. Enjoying the company of his new friends at play groups all over town. Talking lots now and just enjoying pre-preschool life. He will be going to Katoomba North Preschool next year first term. We had an excursion for Jacob's 3rd birthday, we went to The Train Shed down the mountain, and this being Travis' 3rd birthday coming up, we will be going on a quick trip away for him too. He' also been avoiding me and my requests for a nice photo, so I'm sorry, there isn't really a good one to post of him on his own, so here's another "Munch Bunch" photo.

Ella is doing well too, she's popped her 4th tooth, and while I fully believe that the Amber Necklace worked a treat for tooth 1, 2 and 3, it certainly failed for #4! What a time, sleepless nights, fretful days - lucky it was only a week! We are now in the throws (and when I say "we" I mean "me") of planning Ella's 1st birthday, it's a monumental occasion, not only our first ever girly (of course not too girly - fingers crossed) party, but also our *SNIFF* last ever first birthday party *SNIFF* so we hope it's a good one!

Here is me and the cuddly girl - you rarely see me, so suck it in while you can. Thank you also to Amy for the well earned and long awaited haircut!

Off to clean!

Over and out from Mick, Mell and the Munch Bunch.

WHEW!

2009-08-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

A minute to catch my breath!

My... we have been so very very busy!

Just a short note to let you all know that we have not vanished from the face of the earth, we have just been so unbelieveably busy with things that there has been not a second to stop!

Some very very fun things, like school holidays and an EXTRA SPECIAL visit from some of our friends/family in Perth and shopping and some slightly less fun things that just need doing.

So a really super fast update.

Jacob, very glad to be back at school, he enjoyed the holidays, but after day 3 he was set to go back. We had a nice relaxing time while he was off, but he certainly was very excited for term 3!

Travis, a busy beaver all the time, he's been a little off, another bout of some coughing thing, but doing fine at the moment. We will have a doctor's appointment to check a few things out for him soon, so will update more then.

Ella, well I was watching her play, then turned around to see her standing in the midddle of the room alone. Considering there was noone around her and she can only take three teeny steps alone, I am pretty sure she just up and stood by herself! I'm yet to actually see it, but I have found her this way about 6 times since, so I guess she's growing up!

That's it... more soon, when this next step of crazy busy is over!

Early Morning Update

2009-07-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

I thought I would just update you on the new events of this morning...

I was sitting on the floor with Ella on my knee putting her dress on when she, without any assistance or guidance, stood up and took two steps alone!!!

Man alive! Way to keep me on my toes El!

Introducing Our New Mate Kiran

2009-07-07T18:34:00.000-07:00

What a precious bundle!!!

A cutie patootie who looks like a perfect mixture of our little Luci and his daddy Joe! Like our own children, Little Luci and Baby K certainly look related!

So... for those who have been asking, this is what the little gem looks like... PEEEEEEERRRRRRRFECT!

Bloga Bloga Bloga.

2009-07-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

Update time!

Jacob - His black eye is on the mend, it certainly was a shocker, but a week later and we are beginning to look much better, the black is starting to turn yellow and the purple is, well, a little more red now. Jacob received his report late last week and did extraordinarily well. Among receiving the highest marks that his teacher gives, he also got the highest marks in everything for effort also (good to know he's trying and not just resting on his abilities!) and had every "always" ticked in his social skills. As you would know, this is a big relief for Mum as I was very worried about conflicting opinions based on his age. We had our parent/teacher interviews last night, Jacob's teacher recommended that we leave him at home as he was "quite bright and will most certainly understand what it being said about him in comparison." This gave us a good chance to speak with Jacob's teacher without him being around (thanks Pa!). She could only advise that he was "less capable" in the area of extended writing, explaining that it takes him some time to write more than a paragraph but after showing us his work she then said "our year one teacher would be pleased to have some of her students write so capably, sometimes I think because he is so academically able, perhaps I push him too hard"
She then went on to ask us if we had any concerns and we asked how he was doing socially. She told us that all is well in that area also and that he seems to have very many friends and is able to stand up for himself and also respect others. It was nice to hear that. We were certain that sending him to school was the right academic decision, but socially we were a little worried. His general attitude is one of fair maturity (considering he is only just 5) at home and certainly when he is out and about with us and now it seems at school too. It is now clear that he was more than ready for school this year and this was confirmed by talk last night that he may need to be in a comp 1/2 class next year and we should prepare for that despite him being now the youngest in the year.
Finally before leaving, I asked what seemed a valid question of "Are there any things that you are concerned about" to which she replied with a scoffing laugh "oh gosh no!!!" so thumbs up for Jacob! It is at this point that I hope he has a good holiday, you deserve the rest mate!

Travis is doing fine, he has been sick for the last few days, putting him a little off colour, cranky and whinging. We are off to the doctor this afternoon which he is very happy about, he wants her to look in his ears and we will be checking his chest for a horrid bark that he has had the last two nights but seemingly disapears during the day.
He is loving drawing and playing Thomas, he has just started to enjoy watching Dora and frequently asks (yes... finally asks in a SENTENCE!!!) for which DVD he wants. His favorite things to say are Ella-Rose, Tummy-Ache, and Ben 10 and he's enjoying reading "The Hungry Caterpillar" and he loves to read along with "Where Is The Green Sheep" - which is nice as it was one of Jacob's favorites too - Thanks "Anni Mem"

Ella is well, astounding us with her gross motor skills... sit down as you read this...

SHE IS WALKING HOLDING ONTO ONLY ONE HAND!!!

She frequently breaks away from holding on to things to flap her arms about, and is just generally ready to chase after those big brothers! Being only eight and a half months we expect that she will be walking at her 1st birthday (of which naturally is already in the early stages of being planned) and think that she may even win the family early walker trophy, but will see if she beats Jacob. The only problem... finding acceptable coloured, hard sole shoes in a size 2, which is still slightly too big but will do!

So, our tribe (which is starting to feel quite large as we introduce another walker to get keep tabs on) is grand, and all generally doing very well!

XXOO - The Mummy.

Our 5th Bubby Has Arrived!

2009-06-30T01:57:00.000-07:00

As you can see by the title, "our" third baby boy has entered our world!

Congratulations to our "other fam" (Mich, Joe and Luci) on the birth of their second child...

Kiran Bartlam David Mascorella

Born: 6:03pm TODAY!!!

TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED FOR YOU GUYS!!!

Jake's Face Update

2009-06-29T23:29:00.001-07:00

Just a little snippet of the damage today for those who have been asking.

OWWWWWWWCH!

2009-06-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

OUCH! That's all that can be said about this!

Jake was at school this morning (luckily I was still there) and when the bell went there was a mad rush to get to lines. Jake and his mates were coming out of the community room play area, unfortunately for Jacob, there is a big, black, metal safety gate, and in all the rush someone flung it open, and it bounced back and whooped Jake right in the eye. So now he has a nice big fat black eye to take to school tomorrow.

It blew up twice this size at school and the four of us piled back into the car after calling Daddy. We picked him up half way to work (he'd already run half way there after I called him to tell him we were picking him up and heading to the hospital) we dashed over to the hospital (praise God that the distance between home, Mick's work, school and the hospital is no longer than a 3 or 4 minute drive!) with a silent, and drowsy Jacob. The nurse saw him almost right up, sent us back out to wait and then got us some panadol. About an hour after that (still waiting in the waiting room - so we figured that they thought he was ok) we saw the doctor, and by now the panadol was in full force and he was bored, and asking to go back to school. The doctor checked him out and she said that he seems ok, but if the bump gets any bigger or he gets drowsy again or vomits, we should bring him right back up again. The biggest problem for Jake... hearing the doctor say he couldn't go back to school today.

He seems ok now, playing. He's disgusted that he can't go back to school, but some nice warm 2 minute noodles for lunch, and the promise of school tomorrow has pacified him for now.

Poor little buddy!

Gone Diggin'!

2009-06-23T15:06:00.001-07:00

I found it, it was just past our yard early this morning... the end of the rainbow!

If I've got time today, I'm going lookin' for that pot of gold!!!

Footprints Of Angels

2009-06-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

A link to an inspirtational woman's inspirational new blog to be.

My beautiful friend Sarah!

http://footprintsofangels.blogspot.com/

Jay Jay Jay!

2009-06-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

It DOES seem that we blog about Jacob continuously lately, but he's just growing up into such a grand human being (not that the other two are not, but you know)

Among having his 5th birthday this week, he also had promised that he would eat vegies when he turned 5... well... let me tell you how proud we are that he has followed through with his promise! For anyone who knows Jacob, he's anti-vegie, and the past two days have actually been fairly smooth sailing, we are just too happy!

^ Then there was the sharing his very extra special birthday gift with his little brother when it was only minutes out of the box

Monday saw a very scary looking letter come via the post man from Jake's school, we opened it to find a "Happy Letter" (that's actually what it was called!) It was signed by the principal and Jacob's teacher and said...

"Dear Mr and Mrs Mallin

Katoomba North is proud to inform you of the wonderful effort and attitude of Jacob. He always tries to do the right thing at school and has fantastic work in reading.

Jacob and his family deserve to feel proud of his excellent efforts.

Keep up the great work"

So that was a lovely affirmation for him and for us!!!

Thursday (seems I'm never there when it happens!) Jacob brought home yet another certificate, this one was a library merit certificate and was for "outstanding manners in the library"

THEN...

Yesterday Jacob came home with yet another "caught you being good" gift, this is a system the school has in place where parents, children and teachers can put notes into a box if they see a student doing good deeds, the child's name is then called out in morning assembly and they go with the principal and choose a gift from a box of age related goodies - last time Jake picked a stencil with dinosaurs and animals on it, this time it was bubbles!

What a week for our precious Jake! So proud of you mate!

Who Doesn't...

2009-06-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

Love a wide angle selfie? Nice!

I LOVE the distorted view of my world, and I love even more, that this particular one is the first snap of my baby's first tooth!

Far Out!

2009-06-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

Boy oh boy! I'm thinking you all need an update with more than one sentence in it!

Ok, so the kids are good, we are all just getting over this nasty flu type thing, and thankfully we are the back end of it finally, it put a lot of us out of order for the week!

Jacob, Had a BLAST at his birthday party and was just chuffed with the whole day. The Sunday following he started to get gunky eyes, which lasted all of 5 or 6 hours, but then came the horrid. Then on Tuesday he said he was fine to go to school, but the cold was too much and I had a call just before 11 to come pick up a very sick little boy with an ear ache from sick bay. After getting him home out of the cold, I rang every doctor's surgery in the Katoomba/Leura area and nowhere could fit him in for an emergency appointment... hmmm... Anyway! So, after having Wednesday off and going back to school on the Thursday (for a very special P.J. day!!!) he was ok until the weekend, and after skipping swimming, I took all the kids to the doctor on Saturday morning.

Turns out the boys needed antibiotics and poor little El needed conjunctivitis drops. Finally now (after Mum and Dad getting it too) we are all on the way up!

Travis is doing fine, just being a very big chatterbox (if you are the right person) all the time now. He's proud of his first ever toilet venture and just glad to be getting big I think!

Jake's birthday was a good day. He had a lovely time with his friends and his lollipop cake, whick with a class of only 15, lasted quite a few days as you would imagine! He had a lovely morning, a bit of a sleep in and his favorite - pancakes for breakfast before a LOVELY gift from all of us and being infatuated with that for the rest of the morning. After school we went to visit Ma and Pa for a special afternoon tea and then came home, cleaned up, went to pick up Dad from work and picked up the birthday boy's request of PIZZA for dinner, then onto a chocolate bavarian and a bath and bed! What a day!!!

Ella has popped a tooth, and is about to crack one more, giving her 2 bottom chompers. She's just growing up too quick!

The Big Oh - Five

2009-06-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACOB!

Jacob is VERY excited about going to school today, it's the very first ever day that he has been away from home for his birthday (*sniff* says Mummy) and he is just SOOOOOOOOOO chuffed that he gets to celebrate with his friends at school.

Hope the lollipop cake is a hit!

I LOVE YOU MY *LITTLE* BUBBLY JUBBLY!

She's Cracked It!

2009-06-15T01:01:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we noticed that Ella has cracked her first tooth!!!

Congrats big girl!!!

Munchie, Munchie, Munchie

2009-06-09T02:21:00.000-07:00

The June photos, this month, CLOSE UP!

Show Off!

2009-06-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Ella's ability to stand alone is expanding in the time department, she just went over 5 second this morning, just standing alone. She's pulling up on anything and everything as of just this weekend, and she can get down from standing and fall (as in land on the cushy rear end part of her)reasonably well. She can even stand only holding on with only one hand while she flails her other arm around, usually with a toy in it. And as of this morning....

SHE'S CRUISING!

No rest for the wicked!

I cant believe she's only 7 and a bit months! Far out! Where did that baby go? She amazes me!

ETA - Showing off those big eyes too!

Just A Few Pickles

2009-06-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

Just a few photos of the party on the weekend.

What an exhausting event for the poor Mummy and Daddy!

The cake was AWESOME - Thanks to the LOVELY LOUISE MOFFIT, fab job mate!!!

The top hat take home bags worked a treat and the juggling balls and glitter wand making was good fun too!

Jake got SOOOOOOO many COMPLETELY AWESOME gifts, like a Ben 10 jacket, wrist view finder, board game and PJs, some really great books, hot wheels, some totally rad Thomas stuff, and a really cool real live wood working kit with lathe and some other very manly woodworking tools (of which Mummy cant even remember the names of) along with some other great stuff. What a lucky little fella! Soon it will be his 5th birthday, and what a fun day that will be, he is VERY excited about going to school that day!

We also had some exciting news! A good friend of Jacob's from Kindy who was invited to the Circus party came with him Mum, who announced/questioned in amazement "you live here?" to which she added "I own the block next door, we are going to build there!!!" so that was all a bit special, Jake will have a friend to walk to school with when they are older, and to catch the bus to high school with once that time comes around... AWESOME!

That Update I Promised

2009-05-30T23:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's no less busy, but I thought I should give you the update I promised!

Jacob is doing fine, still going great guns at school. His teacher explained to me that his assessment places him at reading level 8, this is where they are meant to be by the end of the year, she expects him to be reading around level 20 by the time he finishes the year, needless to say, we are very proud! We will see what his mid year report card says, he may be getting a little pressie for being such a fantastic student! Excited to see where the rest of his schooling takes him, but for now we are just glad he is doing so well. His birthday and party are coming up in the next few weeks and he is just so excited! I have been doing lots and LOTS of making, stitching and tidying, and will be doing lots of decorating this week in preparation and we are excited to see what will unfold!

Travis is doing well, as I always say, he is coming along with his talking, stringing together a fair few words now, but only really understandable by those of us who are around him often, but he is doing well and starting to pronounce words much better! He's loving swimming and the park after picking up Jake is a big draw card for keeping his lunch time sleep under control... Most days. He is becoming more and more ready for toilet training, and we plan to start *seriously* after Jacob's birthday when things have slowed down and are a little more normal.

Ella has probably done the most growing up. She's gone from commando crawling to almost proper crawling in a few short weeks, and of course there is the pulling up, standing up and then the standing alone for long enough to click off 2 or 3 photos... not really very long, but what do you want? She's only just 7 months old! She is feeling a little off, Travis and her both have snotty noses, and we are expecting pegs to pop through very soon, although I did predict about 2 months ago that we would have 2 or 3 in a month... so who really knows! She's happy in cloth nappies, but we still revert to disposable most of the time, but it's good for her bum to take a breath now and then, and to use all those funky nappies we have!

To Take A Phrase From Jacob and Travis...

2009-05-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

TA DAA!!!

Man, she's moving too fast!

While I was taking this photo, she even managed two teeny tiny fumbled steps... I think she'll even beat Jacob's 9 month steps! She sure is in a rush!

More updates on a less busy day!

Jacob's Blog

2009-05-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Just been updated with 4 new photos, Aunty Dee asked if Jacob would put them on his blog and he replied... "YUP!"

So here they are!

http://jacobsphotoblog.blogspot.com/

Happy Mother's Day... And A Little Giggle

2009-05-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MUMMY DAY TO ALL... ESPECIALLY

Ma
Granny
Oma
Great Nanna and
Great Grandma

Also a spesh shout out to...

Mummy Michi... Soon to be mummy of a pigeon!
Mumma Lusi... This year the mother of a massive FOUR beautiful kiddies!
Mummy Jem... Her first EVER Mother's Day EVER!!!
Mummy Sar... With her three strapping pre-teen boys running around the house defending her when loud noises arrise at night... well... in a few years!

Happy Mother's Day from our kitchen to yours!!!

TOAST!

2009-05-08T03:08:00.000-07:00

OK, OK I get it...

2009-05-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

She's growing up.

Amber Update

2009-04-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

Well, today was a turning point I think!

Coincidence or Amber?

Last night Ella was in a bit of pain, injections or teeth, we are not sure, I imagine injections as you do the night after. She had two lots of Nurofen, once early in the evening, and once early in the morning, around 2am.

This morning we dashed out the door to do our weekly shop and then came home unpacked, wondered why Ella was so cranky, had breakfast, dropped Jake at school, went to visit Ma and wondered why Ella was so grumpy and sleepy, just putting it down to the shots yesterday, as you would!

Then when I got home, I noticed that Ella didnt have her necklace on, so I put it on her (still feeling somewhat skeptical) and about 30-40 minutes later... a much happier Ella, not all better of course, but certainly able to be put down so I could dash to the loo.

So...

???

Today We Love...

2009-04-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

ERGO

Ok, everyday we love ergo, but it was particularly handy today with a little bubby boo who just wasn't doing real well.

Ella had a bit of a shocker last night (as you do when you're injected with stuff) and this morning was no better, it wasn't until just after lunch time that she started to pick up... but more on that up there ^ in the next post.

Anyway, we love Ergo because it's a cuddle while Mummy still has two hands for little Traz.

Did I mention we love Ergo?

Stuff And What-Not

2009-04-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's been a busy ol' day here today!

Today was Jacob's first ever first day of second term (say that 3 times fast!) He was so ecstatic to go, I even threatened to keep him home if he didn't go straight to sleep - he went right off! His teacher was very pleased to see him and was thrilled with how much further he had come on holidays.

Travis is doing wonderfully, glad to have the house (and his mummy) all to himself again (well, practically) although they did have such fun playing together on the holidays.

Ella is struggling a little today, she was rudely pulled from the car in a sound sleep to go see the doctor and have her 4 month needles (yes we are running a little behind) The gushing of our docter over "the baby with the most perfectly shaped head - not like my grandson's" and the attention of all 4 immunisation nurses at once, soon fixed that up, although it all went backwards when two sharp stabs were felt. She was very brave and after a couple of tears and a hug from Mum all was fine, however she has been a little unsettled and only wants cuddles this afternoon-fair enough I say!

The end of this week will be very exciting also - SWIMMING IS BACK - not one, but TWO little boys will be back at lessons on Friday afternoon, something little Jake is very excited about seeing as he had to skip last term due to school.

Amber Update

2009-04-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's been a week. We have had a bit of Bongela, but nothing else so far. I think we are far from the breaking of skin though, I cant even see those little white bits yet. I've been noticing very bad sleeping at night (I can only assume it's teething pain) waking very many times. It's hard, she cant wear it at night while sleeping, so we take it off at bath time and it stays off until morning. Perhaps it IS working???

Fun Fun Fun

2009-04-23T00:06:00.000-07:00

Jake and El playing today, it was a beautiful sight to see, and boy dont they love each other! Ella's got the right idea though, she's caught on quick... cover his mouth so he cant talk! Wish I'd have thought of that one!!! *WINK*

Kiddy Update

2009-04-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

2009-04-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

So, I think it's about time for a new update.

Jacob is doing well, enjoying the holidays and socialising with his friend Seth, they had some play time at Seth's a few days ago, it was good for him, and it was WONDERFUL for me! Thanks Holly! He's getting itchy though, needing to be back at school and asking each day how many days until it's Wednesday. Lucky we got his some extra sight words before he went on holidays. The teacher said that she gave him the last ones she had and that she didn't have any more, he's chewed them up and we still have a week left to go! So I went up and got him some activity books that I didn't know were too easy... ooops! So I think he's really looking forward to school going back.

Travis is wonderful! He came to me yesterday and said "dirt" which is his word for dirty, and I said "oh, your hands are dirty?" (the normal reason he comes to me saying dirt) and he said "no, La" and I said... "uh... Ella's dirty?" and he said "yeah" (all in that cute monotoned just learning to talk voice) so we went to take a look and here, out of the corner of her mouth was a teeny tiny little bit of chuck... so sweet that he's using his new power of speech for good!

And Ella, well, I think she took up enough blog space yesterday, but she's well too.

3 In One Day

2009-04-21T01:11:00.000-07:00

Today Ella had her FIRST EVER HALF JAR OF FOOD!

It feels like a success! It only took three of us to get it into her, Travis and Jacob entertaining at just the right angle and me slowly and surely getting it in. It took 30 minutes and despite me being a fastidiously clean feeder she looked like a "messy mat" (in joke) by the end, but she got there!

Lets hope it's a relationship that will flourish!

More Photos Of Ella

2009-04-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

Just too pretty!

A Whole...

2009-04-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

Half year old!!!

Well our beautiful baby Ella is having her "half birthday" today.

I cant believe that she's a full 6 months old! How odd!

She's starting to crawl, been worming forward for a good few days and quickly getting good at it. She's into rusks and STARTING to enjoy the odd bit of baby food, but it's still a massive drama getting it into her. She's LOVING her solid feeder (you know the ones that you put the food in the mesh bag thingy) and she is very happy to chomp on a piece of fruit in that.

She's a lovely little thing and now that she's here, I dont think her brothers could live without her!

Fun Day Out

2009-04-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

So yesterday we had a lovely day out with a beautiful friend of mine who we have not seen for quite some time.

We went to The Train Shed (http://www.thetrainshed.com.au/) with My Katie and her beautiful little boys Zac and Lucas - who appaulingly I have never laid eyes on barring some super cute photos. We had such fun riding on all the Thomas trains, they even got good ol' Mavis out at the end - boy was that a treat!

Here are a few piccies. My Mum + Dad and Kate's Mum also came - what a blast!!!

Will It Work?

2009-04-17T12:54:00.001-07:00

I've set myself a challenge - Only formally after our catch up Big Lus'!

This baby - Baby Ella - is my last, and I am determine to try as many things as I possibly can with this "last time" baby - Sorry Hun!

So Ella and I (and the rest of us) are taking the "Amber Necklace Challenge" (ha ha... I say that like there are other people involved) Anyway, about 2 years back a good friend of mine - Mummy Michi - had a little necklace for her daughter, an Amber one. I put it in memory bank, as Travis was "the last... absolutely no more" and pushed it to the back. Now that Ella has started teething, it popped back into my brain, and we decided to grab one for little El. I checked with Mummy Michi and she said that they are BRILLIANT and worked for our little Luci (much hardness just then little Luci not to call you 'baby')

So here we are at the beginning of the "Amber Necklace Challenge" it arrived in the post yesterday and I put it on her as soon as she woke.

So, I will give you mini "Amber Necklace Challenge" updates along the way... fingers crossed it works!

Catch you on the flip side!

Mell.

We didn't get ours from here, but there are a few good testimonies here... http://www.amberbebe.com/Amberbebe-Testimonials-sp-10.html

Happy Easter!

2009-04-10T02:17:00.000-07:00

Figured it was about time for another family shot, it's been a while!

Happy Holidays Peeps!

Easter Hat Parade

2009-04-09T01:40:00.000-07:00

Today was Jake's last day of Kindy for the term. This 1/4 of the year culminated in an EASTER HAT PARADE!!!

We were all set to go, convincing Jake he should wear his Fireman hat after a nasty run in with not being able to find the precious clown wig.

Then Mickle checked the the note that said that the hat should be MADE... EEEPS!

So Jake and I chopped up some material and made a bunny beanie early this morning!!! He was very proud to be able to tell everyone that he had made it himself... *with a little help from Mummy*

This is Jake and one of his good friends Seth.

It's been a good term, hopefully the rest will be the same!

CONGRATS BABY!

2009-04-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Baby Ella - how fast do you grow!!!

Congratulations Jacob for making it through your first term of Kindy with flying colours!

Congratulations Travis for just being so darn cute and for that amazing Thomas track you made all on your own!!!

Again... W.O.W!!! Watch out world!

Watch Out World!!!

2009-04-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

Here they come... beautiful, bright and talented!

We are just so super proud of our kids at the moment.

Jacob is just fantastic! Still doing great at school, perhaps better than last post! He's recieved another award just yesterday for his yearning to learn. He was given it in assembly, I was told by three different mothers that he was very shy and blushed a little when he had to go up and get it. I didn't know it was on, so I'm a bit upset we missed it, but cant change it! He's just been placed in the highest reading group in his class and we are just so proud!

Travis is doing wonderfully too, he's a little treasure (mostly) he's cutting his molers now which makes him a little off, but he's doing great at swimming and going great guns at communicating what he needs and wants, most of the time.

Ella - well, she's lovely! Growing way too fast! She's rolling and wiggling across the room, just too quick! And beauty... well she's got that too!

WATCH OUT WORLD FOR OUR FABBO KIDS!!!

Ohhh ho ho ho ho ho! I'm horrified!

2009-03-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

Oh dear! I was horrified to walk around the corner from cooking dinner to find this!!!

As you can see by the left hand corner of the photo where her dolls lay, this is where I put her down. The right hand top is where we found her...

:( My baby's growing up.

*SNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNIFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF*

From the Sky

2009-03-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

Two snaps from the jump yesterday, there are quite a few, but I just chose two though to save on download time!

Mickle landing

Dee about to land

Both had a blast and are already planning another trip!

We also got to spend some time at the water - Travis' first time for actual play! The boys had a ball!

Ella got a special treat too! Her first ride in the car with the car seat facing the front! Then there was the treat of lemonade, but we won't talk about that.. SHHHHH!

Ooops! Again!

2009-03-14T23:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry all!

We have just been so super busy around here with bits and/or pieces that I am completely forgetting to update... Sorry!

Jake is still doing fine! Having a ball at school and thankfully adjusting to weekend exhaustion, we are glad it only took 6 weeks! He's driving us bonkers with constant learning, but it's wonderful to see that it comes so easily to him, even his teacher often comments on that! Parcels have started rolling in this week for "The Extravaganza" and although it's WAY too early to send them out, one package even contained the invitations!!! We said that this year that he could have all his friends from school for his birthday, but he's been planning this party since before Christmas and... well, like I said... a mini extravaganza, so we've limited it to family and a few friends with the promise of a "full class party" next year. If you have spoken to him, you'd know he's a tad on the excited side! I hope it's not a disappointment!

Travis is great! He was sick for all of last week, gradually becoming more and more ill and refusing any medication, but he beat it on his own and is now fighting fit again, and glad I'm sure to get back to swimming lessons. Granny said he's doing great!

Ella, well... "the kissy monster" - aka Travis - gave Ella an even worse cold/flu than he had himself, she battled temp after temp, vomiting and a massively runny nose all last week too but is fine and dandy and back to grinny old Ella! She had her first taste of the Jolly Jumper last night and enjoyed it no end! She's also able to spend more time in the walker, legs dangling, and playing with toys - I know! When did she get big enough for toys???

We have a fun week coming up, Mick worked this weekend, so we are treated to Monday and Tuesday off and next weekend is (ba ba ba bum!!!) the big jump!

Just So Proud!

2009-03-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems of late, we are spending a lot of time talking about Jacob. It's a little hard when he's just glowing in almost every aspect of his life right now. He's doing wonderfully in class, his teacher (as I already explained) gave him an early mark a few weeks ago, and then we got a lovely little blue piece of paper that he was very proud to explain was an award that he received in little assembly. Today his teacher gave me a nod of approval with eyebrows raise and a gushing big smile as she passed him down the steps to me when I picked him up.

Then I unpacked his bag from today to find lots of little pieces of paper, amongst them was this week's school newsletter, and plastered on the front page were a couple of photos from the school's "Clean Up Australia Day" which was Friday... guess who managed a look in?!?! Yup... our little Jubble!

So he's got some exciting things coming up for the rest of this term, some of which are, School Photos, a Walk-a-thon and an Easter Hat Parade!

Busy busy boy!

HAPPY 30th MICKLE!!!

2009-03-01T00:29:00.000-08:00

Man, that does make you OLD!!!

We love you dearly, you are a treasured member of our big family and we hope you have FABBO day!!!

Love,

Melly, Jubbly Bubbly, Traz and La.

P.S. Enjoy your presents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Photos

2009-02-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

So, I've been thinking that you all need some sort of photo update as you are probably thinking they have all grown horrid looking and I've stopped taking photos... well clearly that just isn't the case, they are all still 120% adorable! I've just been saving all our photos for myself! Greedy I know... sorry!

Jacob is exceptional! He's doing splendidly at kindy! We are both very glad that we took the very huge step of sending him early! Hopefully the rest of the year will continue on this wonderful path. He's coming leaps and bounds with anything and everything socially (as far as we can see) and especially academically. He had an early mark the week before last for astounding Mrs Brawn with his abilities, he was privileged enough to be the first this year to receive this honor... even if it was only a few minutes early! He also had his first award presented to him in assembly last week (Wednesday I think) Wooooo Jake!!!

Travis... our baby boy! He hands out very soft kisses and cuddles to Ella that border on obsessive frequently through the day. He's a WONDERFUL big brother and is talking more and more each day, although is a much more quiet child than Jacob ever was, it certainly is pleasant! Granny says he's doing "swimmingly" at lessons, even reporting back that he has been doing some swimming on his own the past two weeks! Go Traz you good thing!!

Ella-Rose is beautiful! She's been a little off with her sleeping now a days, but certainly nothing like the boys appauling efforts at this age. She's had her first taste of solid food, not really too excited about it, so we have put it on the back burner for a few more weeks, we'll continue to try on and off, but she just doesn't seem interested like the boys were. She's IN LOVE with her brothers, giggling at their antics usually while chewing up a storm on her bunny... we think teething may be rearing it's ugly head soon!

Getting BIG!

2009-02-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

How on earth did our little baby girl get big enough to sit in the walker? Granted she's not big enough to touch the ground, but she's VERY happy to sit in it and play with her toys... especially her bunny, it's a favorite!

Ooops, Neglected again!

2009-02-09T19:28:00.000-08:00

Sorry again!

Kiddy Update -

Jacob - doing FINE FINE FINE at kindy! He's just so stoked to be there and coming along mighty wonderfully! Each day he comes home with special school work to put in his folder that we have made of memories. Each night he's telling us all about his day and what he did and what he learnt. He's absolutely WASTED on the weekend and this weekend took a chance on not having a nap... I think he's starting to see that as a silly decision, but next weekend I've promised to take him somewhere so he can waste more space on my computer with his MAGNIFICENT (for 4 and a half) photos if he promises to have a sleep.

Travis - A little gem! Had a lovely play with his new friend Lara this morning and only started to not share towards the end of the visit. He's coming off toilet training again, although did manage to take his FULL nappy off at Granny's on Sunday, lucky there was no mess!

Ok, gotta dash to get Jake!

Mell.

Ella - Not much to update on, he's getting closer and closer to "hipping it" and so, it's a bit sad for me! She's starting to outgrow her smaller 000's and wriggling up a storm when put down to roll around. We now have real giggles and she smiles often... happy little munchie!

Skyway!

2009-01-30T17:46:00.000-08:00

Thought we would go see a good friend of mine today ("Aunty Linda") at the skyway... seems she was on holidays, but we got to have a ride on all the rides anyway, thanks to my good friend Colleen.

Seems the see-through floor was a winner!

More photos from the talented Jacob here...

http://jacobsphotoblog.blogspot.com/

La La

2009-01-30T01:31:00.000-08:00

A quick snap of little La.

Quick Pics

2009-01-28T17:52:00.000-08:00

For those of you who just cant wait. Those who are about to call and ask me to post photos, and those who have called already!

Yes, it was good!

He asked ALL morning when we were going to leave, he was so excited we thought he was going to burst out of his skin, he was brave when he met his teacher, shy (yes Jacob... shy!!!) when the teacher took him to meet some kids, and happy to see his friend Seth and they were playing nicely when we left!

I hope he's having a nice day!

And guess what!!!

I DIDNT EVEN CRY!!!!!

Bittersweet, Bittersweet, Bittersweet.

2009-01-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

So, today is Jake's last day of "preschoolness" *SNIFF* we went to pick up his uniform, they had the jackets and cap but the tshirts are still to come. So (lucky me!) I get to take 2 "first school day" photos! One official one without his tshirt uniform, and in a few weeks, one with!

My little Jubbly *sniff sniff* is VERY excited about going to Kindy and simply cant wait for tomorrow to come!

Travis (as I type) is in a pull-up, and I assume will be toilet training himself in the coming weeks. Thank goodness I was able to put it off until today! He pulled off his nappy this morning and proclaimed "NICK!" so I assume the end of an era is drawing near! He also told us last night "Bob stuck!" while he was playing with his click bricks, so good to see/hear his chattering is coming along too.

Since yesterday's event of rolling around on the floor, I figured, in the bouncer on the kitchen counter wasn't such a safe place for a little munchkin to spend awake time, so I got out the good ol' playpen (did anyone hear it was MINE!?!) and now our little tiger has a cage for the natives to observe her goings on!

Mostly it's for her own protection, Travis certainly is a loving big brother and generally pretty gentle with her, but I dont quite trust him 100% and a Mummy's gotta pee at some stage during the day!

So a bittersweet day! The people around here are growing up WAY too fast!

Sad Mummy!

*SNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIF*

Oh Yes She Did!

2009-01-26T23:35:00.000-08:00

Indeed she has! It's been in the works for a while but little Ella is on the move!!!

This afternoon Daddy put her on her back and then looked back to see this!

I grabbed the camera quickly to make sure we could share with you all!

Kiddie Catch-Up

2009-01-19T17:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I've had some cranky people on my back about when I will return to my poor neglected blog! Oooops, sorry guys!

So here I am with an update about out little munchies!

Jacob - Gearing up for (Eeeps!) Kindergarten in a few days! The 29th is his first day, 10am! Unless of course there is a teacher's strike, then it will be the Monday of the following week (and so the unpredictable life of schooling begins)

He is so very very excited! We went shopping with his Christmas money and he picked out a new big bag, a lunch box and cooler. Some school shoes, school sneakers and brand new "wonder how long they will stay that way" white school socks! I don't know if he fully understood why he couldn't use his Christmas money for toys, but with kindy comes a multitude of different responsibilities. Plus... did you see their haul from Christmas!?!?

Travis - What a beautiful little baby boy! He's sure going to miss Jake when he goes to school, but he's growing to be his own little individual. He's still a very naughty little munchie, but he's going MUCH better with playing quietly and nicely with Jacob (Jacob has been VERY tolerant of him for the last 6 months or so). He's RIGHT into watching Hi-5 (like his big brother always did at that age) and so, this is driving me 100% mad, I'm ready to rip my ears off! Ewww!

He's speech is coming along nicely, vocab is increasing and the words are FINALLY being finished! He's even, in the last two days, started saying two word sentences! Things only I could probably understand, even Michael often calls me over to interpret, but he's getting there! I think Jacob being at school all week will only help him with that!

He's also decided that he wants to wear "Nick" (knickers) and is starting to not want a bar of nappies, frustrating for some (MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE) but good in parts, it's nice to know he is starting to train himself like Jake did, making life much less stressful! I just kinda hoped that it would be another few weeks before he'd fully thrust himself into it... maybe there is still hope if I can distract him until Jake goes to school! Poor little thing, I distracted him once before, before Ella was born, and he completely forgot!

Swimming is still happening for him, Granny will be taking him at the regular old time of Friday morning, he really enjoys it and has come such a long way, in just a term he went from 100% fear, not even wanting to go in, to really having a blast at his "swim" with "gr-nee"

Ella - Bubby El is certainly getting big! She will be 3 months old TOMORROW! She's beginning to want to "hip sit" (yes... at 3 months) She has unbelieveable head control and back strength and loves sitting in the bumbo, is starting to play with and look at toys and loves "lap surfing" (yes, the leg strength of her brothers!)

Her 2 month shots went well, she was groggy for a few hours after the shots and had a mammoth sleep but then woke up in the afternoon and screamed for a good 4 hours. Luckily, then it was bed time and she had a great night sleep and woke up in the morning like nothing had happened! What an angel!

We are starting to think about and plan the festivities for Jacob's birthday this year (yes, I am aware it's not until June, but believe me, Jake's ideas this year are going to need lots of planning!) Then we have even discussed having a bigger-ish half birthday for Travis mid-year and then just going out for dinner on his actual birthday after Christmas.... just tossing up the idea... we'll see!

So, the next few months will prove to be very VERY exciting for the whole family. I will be back with updates and photos if time permits! But if you're lucky you will hear all our goss from other avenues.

Kisses.

Mell and Crew.

Ella-Rose

2009-01-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

A great big smile to brighten your day!

Travis Turns Two!

2008-12-27T13:52:00.000-08:00

Pirate Pizza Party at the Park!

More Photos
<------------------------------------------

Boxing Day

2008-12-27T13:36:00.000-08:00

In the morning we went to see Granny and Gramps and have a spa, a cuppa tea and (yes... again) another water fight!

Then home for another rest and back in the evening for a visit and some dinner. It was fun, Aunty Mem, Aunty Dee and Gaz came from Sydney. Cousins Ben and Jessica and Uncle Jonathan and Aunty Sharon, and also the lovely Great Nanna!

Another nice day with lots more lovely, wonderful and useful gifts!

Christmas Day

2008-12-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

Quite a few water fights, lucky it was a nice hot day!

The day started with lots and LOTS of wonderful presents from Mummy and Daddy. Then it was off to Church and then to Gramp's for a cuppa. After that it was off to Ma's for lunch. Then home for a quick rest and nap and back to Ma and Pa's for dinner with Oma and some presents!

A fun day!

Christmas Eve!

2008-12-27T12:27:00.000-08:00

Just too much fun!

Afternoon tea at Ma and Pa's with Anne, Clinton, Baby Beth, Aunty Cheryl and Uncle Billy, Aunty Mem and Oma. Then off to our house for dinner, a chat, baby cuddles, a few pressies and a special gift from Pa!

2/3 Of My Babies

2008-12-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

Both just being so absoloutly adorable I couldn't not show! Cute little Munchies! Cant believe Ella is only 8 weeks, looks like we've got another live one on our hands!

Jacob's Last Lesson

2008-12-18T19:15:00.000-08:00

We are very sad to say goodbye for now to swimming lessons for Jacob. We all decided that next year (at least the beginning) will be hectic and very tiring. So today was Jake's last official swimming lesson. He has graduated into the next class but he'll have to sit on that, at least for a few months before he can go back. It's a shame, he's come a long way and is really having a nice time. Fingers crossed he will adjust to School life easily and by the middle of next year he might even be able to go back. We shall see!

I took some photos for Jake also, unfortunatly he spent most of his lesson under the water like a dolphin, so couldn't get too many of his face! Busy boy!

Travis' Last Lesson Of The Year

2008-12-18T17:13:00.000-08:00

Last swimming lesson with Granny this morning, it was a treat! I went too (naturally taking some photos!) He's come so far, 8 weeks ago he wouldn't even sit on the edge of the pool and dangle his legs, not even WITH Granny. This end of the term, he's happy to go off on his own, blow bubbles, kick legs AND jump in the deep end! Granny had told me, but I didn't believe it until today!

CONGRATS TRAZ!

Grinning Chubby Bubby!

2008-12-15T17:50:00.000-08:00

So, I'm yet to catch a really good smile on film from our little "La" but this is the best grin I've caught to date! Not quite sure what she's smiling at, but none the less!

The Wall I've Been Waiting For

2008-12-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

Each of the kids have their hands and feet done, now hanging in the hall where I walk past them every day. Seeing as I had framed a special newborn outfit from both the boys, I figured it was Ella's turn!

I went out and picked out a special dress to wear out and then eventually frame, but once it was time, I was comparing it to the other and I just couldn't go past it. The little red checked one that I always so loved (as you will have seen in many of the photos!) and in fact was the first dress she'd even worn.

It's a 000 and in another month or two, she will outgrow it, so I wanted to frame it before it was ruined. I've finally got the wall I've been waiting almost 8 weeks for! It's finished!

What An AMAZING Afternoon!

2008-12-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

We had SUCH a wonderful time at the Circus!

Those people are so talented!

I was sure the website said that you couldn't take photos, but that you could take snaps outside the big top so I chucked the itty bitty camera to save lugging around the big one just to take some memories. Turns out that it was ok to take some photos providing you didn't use flash when someone was doing something dangerous. I contemplated popping home to get the big camera, but was glad I didn't because it was such a wonderful performance that I was glad not to have my eye in a camera - plus, I was holding Ella!

Jacob and Travis were completely glued the entire time and they even raise a chuckle from Michael! The boys were glad to have a run around at intermission, but very glad to get back in and watch the rest!

Jacob's favorite part was the globe with the motorcycles inside - glad it didn't disappoint! He'd been waiting for it since I explained what the big ball with the motorcycles inside sitting on the highway was. At intermission he said "it's so fun Mummy, but when is the big ball with the motorcycles inside going to be on?"

Jacob's second favorite part was the Ringmaster who did tricks on the trampoline, but kept falling off.

Travis loved the clown with the dog dressed in a tiger suit.

We've been SO excited all week to be going, and were VERY glad that it exceeded our expectations. Daddy and I decided that we will certainly be going again, and making it a special outing each and every time we have the opportunity to go.

Jacob has now decided that we will have a Circus of our own. He will be the somersault guy, Daddy the clown (how very fitting!) and "seeing as you can juggle Mummy... you can be the juggler!"

COMPLETELY COMPLETELY AWESOME!

2008-12-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

^ The third cyclist going into the "globe of death"

^ Three cyclist in the globe of death going 80 km in that tiny space!!!

^ Three very much alive cyclists

^ Check out all those talented people!

2008-12-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

^ Mummy, Daddy, two big boys and an arm at the Circus

^ Ma and Pa at the Circus with Jake and Travis

^ Travis, not so sure about his new friend the Ring Master

^ Ring Master - "Oh holy cow... 5 minutes 'til I'm on... better run!"

WOW! What a Morning!!!

2008-12-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

So... it's been Mammoth!

It started with an early wake up call from Travis - 5:10am... Thanks mate!

Then a pop into Kmart to switch Jake's shoes for the bigger size. Here we got some mega special bargains, they were throwing stuff out! Daddy got himself a brand new "Huffy" 21 speed bike to complement his current "health kick" (saves him riding the bike I got for my 17th birthday, I told him pink and purple weren't SUCH feminine colours - ha ha)... How could we pass it up for an exceptional 14 bucks!!! Saves him walking all that way on his evening walk now, it will be much quicker to ride!!!

And some extra special kiddie gifts that were marked down from $85 to $7!!!

The Mummy had some time out and had a haircut... all on her own! Then picked up the ticket's she'd so lazily left at the ticket box for the whole week, tisk tisk!

After that it was off to Ma and Pa's for some yummy lunch and then home for a sleep before our VERY EXCITING afternoon out, Jacob's been ON AND ON about it since I told him we had "ringside seats" (man, that's been one LONG conversation!) I'll give you a hint....

Aunty Mem is also popping in on her way out to visit a friend before we go, but if munchkins are not awake, they may just miss out. Ahhh well, more time with the Mummy- YAY!

I'm sure there will be another post after our super exciting outing!

This Week

2008-12-11T22:12:00.000-08:00

This week was pretty ordinary. Ella had her check up on Monday, she's now 56cm long (50cm born) right on average- exactly 50%. She's 4.5kg (3.5 born) again, spot on 50% and her head circumference is 38cm (34cm born), again right on the average line of 50%. All on track and following her line on that pesky chart that saw turmoil for poor little Travis.

I thought she had her shots at the 6 week checkup (I think I made the same mistake with Travis) but it seems that it's two months - der mummy, after 3 kids, you'd think I would know!

Jacob had his final transition for school - but you've already been reading about that! I got his school shoes for next year - must have been a while since I went shopping for shoes for him, because last time I looked he was a 7, so I got a 9 thinking it would have a million miles (well, as much extra space you can have in a kids shoe) and they were too tight (I guess that's what happens when you stock up on shoes when they are 4 bucks a pair!) So now I have to brave the shops again to get a bigger size - Boooo!

Travis seems to have shot up like a vine, he's getting bigger, and trying to communicate more.. I find him butting in when Jacob is chattering away, thank goodness he's finally standing up for himself in "talking time"

Ella's check up made me think to weigh the boys, Jacob is coming in at a steady 16kg (lucky I don't have to pick him up anymore!) and Travis... well Travis is a puzzling 10.5kg, which seems a little light to me (and so says that pesky chart) ah well, I'm not telling anyone!!!

So, an ordinary week... I wonder what the weekend will bring... We have Mick's work Christmas party on Sunday night - that should be fun! It was going to be a full day/night affair at the park around the corner, but now we will have dinner out at the Chinese place in Katoomba, YUM!!! I imagine there will be photos!

Watch this space!!!

Little Grinny Ella

2008-12-09T16:36:00.000-08:00

Ella-Rose and Pa

2008-12-08T19:46:00.000-08:00

Last Transition

2008-12-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

So, today was the scary last transition day.

Michael and I went with Jacob and took Ella (Travis stayed and played with Mum)

We dropped Jake off at the kindy room and he stayed to do art and craft and have kindy room time with his teachers for next year and the kids who will be in year 1 next year (this year's current kindy class).

Then Michael and I went off to the library to learn all the things we need to about the curriculum, the teachers, the uniform and the learning policies of the school. From all this info I am very glad we picked this school, it's a wonderful community around it too. Apparently there is even a gentleman who, for 7 years, has provided toast and milo for for the kids for breakfast each and every school day!

I'm about to order and pay for Jake's uniform and finish reading the pack we were given with all the info we need for next year. Then I'm off to help Jacob read the special booklet he was given with all the teachers photos and a special story about school next year.

^ Jake's Christmas art and craft from the kindy room

Our "Munchies"

2008-12-07T21:23:00.000-08:00

Water Fight!

2008-12-07T21:10:00.000-08:00

New water pistols for summer play at Ma and Pa's house!

Baby Girl

2008-12-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

Once again, leftovers from a shoot, but... well, she's just a little bit cute!

Pondering The Year Gone - get a cuppa... it's LOOOONG!

2008-12-04T16:34:00.000-08:00

I thought I would write my thoughts about this year now, rather than closer to New Year. Having a birthday after Christmas but before New Year certainly makes that week fly by!

It's been a HUGE one for us! Several people have even asked me how on earth we will top this year! It certainly will be one to remember!

The very end of last year finished with a special baby boy's first birthday, the decision to have one last 'honest to goodness final' bubby, and a half finished extension, which we very much wanted done before Christmas and Travis' first birthday, but unfortunately, things didn't go according to our timeline. We were however able to use the extension area for our parties anyway, despite having no windows or doors!

Mere days (well, roughly 2 weeks) into the New Year, our windows and doors arrived and I did a joyous dance in the car as we pulled up to windows and doors scattered throughout the yard! And so kicked off the most exceptional and jam packed year we could ever imagine!

The guys from Hi-Craft finished our extension and we cleaned it out, aired it out and set to work that very weekend pulling out our old sliding door and half the kitchen window and moving our beloved new table into our new "lots-a-space" We were kindly given a perfect lounge by our very good friends Mich and Joe, and an even more perfect storage unit for all the boys crap... uh... toys.

Mid February saw "Uncle Joe's" birthday party, I only recall it so vividly because Michael marinaded our meat for the BBQ in the afternoon, it was so badly smelling... no-one else could smell it... hmmm!?!?

Cue the "Ella drama"

I personly figured we wouldn't be announcing the birth of our precious 3rd baby until well into next year, I counted on somewhere between March and June or July... God had other plans! February saw many pregnancy tests (just to be sure!) and a trip to our GP, which ended in an ultrasound and a great many tears. Our doctor assumed, based on a home pregnancy test, that I had another Blighted Ovum, and the pregnancy was most probably doomed. We went for the ultrasound and the sonographer could only give us half joy "your uterus looks pregnant, but I don't see a baby yet, come back in a week"

Boy, that was a LOOONG week!

We returned and were lucky enough to get the same sonographer (she sure was lovely) who took another look... still nothing but a "pregnant looking uterus." At this, I was a massive mess! Continually increasing hormones and nasty morning sickness seemed an awful reminder to me that things were not going to happen. My hopes were lightened though when we had blood test after blood test and the hormone levels were going up... YAHOO.. there was still hope!

A week and a half after the second ultrasound we were back for the "final say"... this was D day... it was either a baby... or it wasn't, this ultrasound would tell! The very same sonographer took us in for the ultrasound. I couldn't look, Michael was watching me and the technician turned the screen, I was SO scared, I was crying and I couldn't stop praying that God would bring me through the ordeal I feared most. The sonographer asked me about my blood tests "have your hormone levels been going up?" of course they had... silly woman (that's all I could think... stop stalling and tell me if there's a baby!) "Best take a look at the screen then and meet your new baby!" she said... then... I couldn't stop crying and thanking God!

Finally all was on track again! WHAT A MONTH!!!

The next few months consisted of routine ultrasounds and trying to tell Jacob that it may not be a girl... no preperation could convince him that there was a chance, more than 50% chance of it being a boy! "Oh no... it's a girl" he would say!

March/April saw a half decision to send Jacob to kindy in 2009, this meant it was best for him to move preschools, to one closer to the school he would be going to. So he started KU Preschool, on the grounds of Katoomba North Public, his intended primary school. I picked him up the first day and the teacher mentioned "he's fitting in well, it's like he's always been here!" One more hurdle conquered!

May/June was Michael's time to shine... "I'm outta there!" he proclaimed as he finished off his 7 year stint at Fairmont and began working for FAT (Fantasic Aussie Tours) in the CFT (Christian Fellowship Tours) section. What a blast it is to work there, such a joy for him and all of us too, we finally get to see him... a massive improvement from cruddy Fairmont and only 5 minutes walk from home... WOO HOO! GOD IS GOOD!

Winter was the "kitchen season" we had a few quotes to replace the kitchen and found the lovely people at Banksia Joinery to be the most helpful! The month to put it in landed right on baby delivering time, "oh well, at least we have a few weeks to readjust before the baby comes!" we said.

Jacob's party came a went, he had a blast at his "Yellow Party" with some of his friends and family. A mammoth event, I think I peaked too early... what's in store when he turns 5?

Winter was also the season to find out the baby's sex. I was certain it was a boy one day, then certain a girl the next, but considering it was our last, I kinda hoped we would get to experience a girl. We took Jacob to the ultrasound but it was too early to see all the bits and bobs that needed to be checked, so we needed to go again in two weeks, the doctor gave us a hint about the sex though... we'd have to wait to see for sure if he was right!

Two weeks went by and we went for the last ultrasound - 20 weeks, our baby was perfectly healthy, everything was growing in the right direction! PRAISE GOD! The umbilical cord however, was right over the vitals for checking the sex... he could only be 90% sure it wasn't a boy... what does that mean?

We progressed through the rest of the year assuming she was a she... preparing with shopping for pink clothes, and having a pink baby shower.

Then came the gear up...

It was time to rip out the kitchen, and put in the new one. And just to through some more chaos into the ring, why don't we renovate the bedrooms in our house too!

So the kitchen was readjusted to fit the impending kitchen and we found out the date of the new kitchen's arrival... THE DATE OF THE C-SECTION... EEEEEEPS!!!!

Our lovely builder John finished work on the bedrooms the week before the arrival, and our wonderful friends and family came that weekend to pull out the old kitchen, paint and do electrical work so it was all almost finished before baby's arrival.

Suddenly it was October 21st, the kitchen was arriving today, and so was our much awaited "missing in action" baby!

She popped out (or perhaps pulled is a more accurate description) at 12:07pm weighing 3.5kg (that's 7lb 14oz), and measuring 50cm. Ella-Rose Mia Mallin. And yes, we are now 100% sure she is a she! We were lucky enough to have the same midwife care for us, our dear dear Annie, while we were in hospital, the same midwife that delivered Jacob and scooped Travis away to visit my mum after he was born (so very VERY special) and while she could not be at the birth of Ella, we were very honored that she took special interest in us while we were there... *sniff*

We had Ella on Tuesday, Thursday lunchtime I was home... to more chaos! The kitchen was in, but what a mess they'd left!

Mid October until now has pretty much been settling into what seems like a brand spanking new life and house. We are so very blessed that things this year were just beautiful and almost perfect!

Travis and Jacob are both infatuated with our new "La-la" and are having a ball exploring our "new" house.

Michael is partying on at FAT and having a ball working for them... once again, such a joy for us all! Here's to another year.

I (while thinking about it for roughly two years now) have registered my business name "Mell Mallin Photography" in planning for next year.

Jacob finishes preschool in two weeks and will be scarily starting kindergarten next year.

Travis... beautiful Travis will celebrate his 2nd birthday in just a few weeks, he loves Jacob's preschool but I'm glad he doesn't understand it's still a WHOLE YEAR before he can go himself.

And Ella, she has learnt a lot in the last 6 weeks, but will continue to grow and learn massive amounts more in the coming year!

Special mentions of people who have been continually and unfalteringly supporting us throughout this wonderful and mammoth year are...

Rose and Paul (my dearest Mummy and Daddy)
Greg and Daylle (Michael's dear Mum and Dad)
Special Memmy (what would I do without you?)
The wonderful Aunty Michi and Uncle Joe (and "baby" Luci)
"Big Lusi"
My special Kate

Anyone else I've forgotten, you know who you are!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year even though I'm sure I'll tell you all again!

Glad They Are Back!

2008-12-03T23:55:00.000-08:00

Who else is glad that Care Bears are back on the scene!?!

I had about 4 Care Bears when I was little, and took great pleasure in picking up one for each of the boys today! Seems they love them too!

Today... A Quiet One!

2008-12-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

5th last day of preschool and then playing with his new Hulk hands mummy picked up for $2 from "extra special Katoomba Kmart"

Building trains from big blocks for Travis

Chilling with Mummy while she makes Jacob's favorite lasagna for dinner for Ella

Three In A Row!

2008-12-03T23:25:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd show you our hands and feet on the wall! Cute as!

I also tested out my new toy that arrived this afternoon on this photo... smashing! I love it! Thanks Mickle!

Happy 6 Weeks!

2008-12-02T21:02:00.000-08:00

So we've made it through the "worst part" the first 6 weeks, I'm not sure that theory can be applied to our little lady, she seems to be fairly straight forward - if that was the "hard" part, the rest should be a snap!

She still has those trademark chubby cheeks that I have only just noticed all our newborns had and her long newborn locks are growing into what looks like a mullet! (hence me occasionaly calling her little miss mullet)

Boys are still infatuated with her, kisses often and they always ask where she is when she's not around.

She can give us little grins here and there and hold a rattle... she's coming up in the world!

Shots next Monday with Dr Oki... wish us luck!

Two Special Visits in Two Days

2008-12-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

My my! Two special visits from two special Aunties in the same week!

Today it was a visit from Aunty Mem, it was nice for Mummy and Aunty Mem to hang out a little, but I think she enjoyed the "Munchies" even more than remembering old times with Mummy.

Jacob even got to show her around when we went to pick him up from preschool!

Didn't Think!

2008-12-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

This morning I didn't think that I'd have time or opportunity today to even get my camera out of the bag... Seems I was wrong! A visit from Aunty Dee today provided a few special happy snaps!

Kisses...

2008-11-30T22:44:00.000-08:00

For Aunty Mem and Aunty Dee!!!

Picked it up!

2008-11-30T18:53:00.000-08:00

We popped down to Penrith on the weekend and picked up Ella's hands and feet. There was a bit of a boo boo however! When we had the boys frames made we ordered one hand and one foot. I guess we were a little on the distracted side at the appointment as we ended up with two hands and two feet for Ella. I didn't even notice it at all until we picked it up 4 weeks later and Mick looked at it and said "dont the boys only have one hand and one foot each?"

Uh... DOY Mummy and Daddy!

Anyways, it turned out beautiful, and I gather it will hang between the boys frames now so it doesn't look odd.

Jacob's was done at 3 and a half weeks, Travis 9 and a half, and Ella-Rose was 1 and a half.

Attitude Already!

2008-11-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

Can you see it?

"Like... WHATEVER MUM!"

Our little Grinny Girl

2008-11-27T21:08:00.000-08:00

Sweet Dreams

2008-11-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's Happies

2008-11-27T13:35:00.001-08:00

Just a couple of happies from today!

^ Pretty impressive seeing as the black backdrop is my shirt

^ Travis giving Ella a kiss that I'm not so sure she wanted!

^ Ella's most favorite place to sleep, perhaps she will be a chef!

^ Showing off my new tiles

^ Well used toys, we got these toys for Jacob for his 2nd Birthday, now, on the brink of Travis turning 2, it's really lovely to see them both still enjoying them!

It was another Transition Day yesterday, the second last one of the year (that I had completely forgotten about since Mondeo ate my calendar) Jacob went well, he wasn't keen on the singing and dancing in the hall, but did really enjoy the group time. The amount of kids are increasing, there were more this time around, possibly close to 12 or 15, I imagine there will be more by the time next year starts! He's going to love it, although did mention that he will miss his preschool teachers.

So all in all, a busy but good day!

"Oh Dear ME... She Looks JUST Like A Doll"

2008-11-25T22:04:00.000-08:00

Is what most people say when they see Ella... but this it the Ella we have come to know and love...

GRUMPY ELLA!!!

Sleepy Girl

2008-11-24T21:26:00.000-08:00

Shoe Shoot Turns Children

2008-11-23T11:03:00.000-08:00

So, I found a hole in my favorite funky shoes yesterday, and planned to take a photo before they fell apart. I got one shot in before a little munchkin found them very interesting, and before long, I was shooting the little boy, then after a few more shots, along came the big one wanting in on the action, and they were just being too super cute that I couldn't resist!

At least I finally have some nice photos of the boys together! Why do shoots never end up how you expect!?!?!

2008-11-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

2008-11-23T10:57:00.000-08:00

2008-11-23T10:56:00.000-08:00

Mallin Family Blog

Ella's Party - Finally Blogged!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLA-ROSE!

Fun In The Bath

I love to...

Blogger Catch-Up

CONGRATULATIONS! (sorry, late I know!)

Uh oh... Neglected! *LONG POST*

WHEW!

Early Morning Update

Introducing Our New Mate Kiran

Bloga Bloga Bloga.

Our 5th Bubby Has Arrived!

Jake's Face Update

OWWWWWWWCH!

Gone Diggin'!

Footprints Of Angels

Jay Jay Jay!

Who Doesn't...

Far Out!

The Big Oh - Five

She's Cracked It!

Munchie, Munchie, Munchie

Show Off!

Just A Few Pickles

That Update I Promised

To Take A Phrase From Jacob and Travis...

Jacob's Blog

Happy Mother's Day... And A Little Giggle

TOAST!

OK, OK I get it...

Amber Update

Today We Love...

Stuff And What-Not

Amber Update

Fun Fun Fun

Kiddy Update

3 In One Day

More Photos Of Ella

A Whole...

Fun Day Out

Will It Work?

Happy Easter!

Easter Hat Parade

CONGRATS BABY!

Watch Out World!!!

Ohhh ho ho ho ho ho! I'm horrified!

From the Sky

Ooops! Again!

Just So Proud!

HAPPY 30th MICKLE!!!

Photos

Getting BIG!

Ooops, Neglected again!

Skyway!

La La

Quick Pics

Bittersweet, Bittersweet, Bittersweet.

Oh Yes She Did!

Kiddie Catch-Up

Ella-Rose

Travis Turns Two!

Boxing Day

Christmas Day

Christmas Eve!

2/3 Of My Babies

Jacob's Last Lesson

Travis' Last Lesson Of The Year

Grinning Chubby Bubby!

The Wall I've Been Waiting For

What An AMAZING Afternoon!

WOW! What a Morning!!!

This Week

Little Grinny Ella

Ella-Rose and Pa

Last Transition

Our "Munchies"

Water Fight!

Baby Girl

Pondering The Year Gone - get a cuppa... it's LOOOONG!

Uh oh... Neglected! LONG POST