Stacie and Kaleb: Our Family Life.

Update June 13th

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 10:50:00 +0000

OMGosh another blog that's been left by the wayside since my life became ten shades of hectic!! My craft blog has also suffered terribly since I've been AWOL :)

Things have been really happening since my last update - when I last posted I think it was just at the beginning of the University semester.... WELL, let me tell you that I've already learnt so much (the rat dissection in our first labratory class was definately an eye-opener LOL). I passed my mid-semester exams and have been really enjoying studying, although I will be honest and say that getting back into the swing of 'school life' hasn't exactly been the easiest transition I've ever had!

Work-wise things are going along nicely. I have 2 clients that I look after each week and they're both extremely flexible which means *hopefully* minimal hassles when it comes to next semester and my timetables (which are likely to change). I still really enjoy the work, physically it's helping build my strength and endurance and I get some 'head space' time to just chill, tune out and think about nothing which is virtually impossible for me at any other time of the day/week.

Kaleb is coming along at a good pace also, thanks to the fantastic help from his ECDP (Early Childhood Development Unit for the uninitiated!) - he's so fascinated by anything and everything to do with animals and nature, but especially lizards/snakes/beetles and bugs .. even birds! It's been wonderful to share in that fascination; we now have stacks of lizard/snake toys, books and even a few DVD's coming (Steve Irwin) that will indulge his special interest. Speech-wise, he's definitely coming out of his shell more, talking in more complete sentences instead of just echoing back but I gotta tell you, his constantly asking 'what does xxxxx do?' just about drives me around the bend some days LOL We've even started attending a local Autism-specific playgroup which has been really nice, I get to meet with some other parents in my situation and compare notes as well as give Kaleb the opportunity to interact with children 'just like him', without having to constantly be on the lookout and explaining to parents why he is the way he is.

We've been in our new home for almost 3 months now and it's going wonderfully -- we've really settled in and I'm absolutely enjoying doing up our very own home, just the way I want. The backyard has been cleaned, trees trimmed (by MYSELF! Very proud DIY moments there :p) and I've even started a small potted vegetable garden :) I'm growing tomato, capsicum, spring onion, garlic chives and basil. I really didn't think it'd be possible, given my history with plants - but it's amazing how much they've grown in a few short weeks! I'm feeling very handy LOL Kaleb enjoys it almost as much as I do, I've shown him how we pot the plants, how to water them every few days and to make sure they get lots of sunshine.. he really enjoys being able to help and I hope it can teach him something at the same time :)

There's not much else that I can think of to update about right now, so I'll finish this awfully long-winded post with some photos :)

My vegetable 'garden'

Kaleb rough-housing with Aunty Demii

Worn out after a big day of exploring

What a wonderful playground!! Kaleb's ECDP Unit

I PROMISE that I won't leave it so long between posts next time!
Til then
Stace xox

Update 2nd March 2009.

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 23:17:00 +0000

Well it sure has been a LONG time between updates! Lots has been happening for us over the last few months ... I've started my Nursing Degree at Griffith University and whilst I love it there is a lot of information I need to digest!!! Thankfully my girlfriend is in the same course and we share notes and ideas.

Big news of course is that on Feb 24th, Kaleb celebrated his THIRD birthday!!! He is such a big boy now, it's amazing to think back to when he was just a tiny newborn babe *sniffle* He got some great gifts from everyone but I think his favourite was the Mr Potato Head that Nan and Pop got him! He loves it and plays with it at every chance he gets :)

Kaleb has started at a new daycare centre who have experience in caring for children with Special Needs and they have been so supportive and really dedicated in bringing out the best in Kaleb. He's learning Makaton, which is a sign language children can use if they are unable to express themselves in other ways. He loves going there each day, in fact he runs to the gate in the morning and can't wait to see 'Snappy the Turtle' and the fish that live in his room.

We've had numerous specialist appointments over the past few weeks also and most recently we saw a wonderful specialist who has given us the indication that we are dealing with more than just a behavioural/attention disorder. In no way does the upcoming diagnosis change who my little boy is, it simply provides us with the means to get the help and support he needs to excel and to move forward and improve as best he can. Of course it's been hard for me to come to terms with everything and I'm still dealing with those feelings of grief and disbelief but that's perfectly normal and it doesn't diminish the love I feel for my special little man - in fact, I love him more than ever (if that's possible!) and I now take a different view of things: he was sent to me as a gift, he chose me as his mother because he knew I would never give up, that I would never stop fighting for him. Our bond is that much stronger now.

Life in general has been a rollercoaster ride and it's not stopped yet!! We're officially on the hunt for a new home and there are some great houses in the area that I think would suit our needs quite well ... they all have enormous backyards which is at the top of my wishlist and I'm really looking forward to our new adventure.

As always, the sharing of some recent photographs:

My University Campus - isn't it gorgeous!

Kaleb enjoying the surf at Burleigh Heads

Having fun with his little cousin Alahni

The Birthday Boy loves his presents!

Update 26th December 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 04:31:00 +0000

I hope you're all enjoying the festive season!!

Kaleb and I stayed at my parents house on Christmas Eve-Day so that we would all be able to open the presents together in the morning. Kaleb slept all the way there as per usual and we had a very relaxing afternoon swimming in the pool and lazing around in the heat.

Christmas morning I got to sleep in until 7am so that was one of many Christmas surprises from Kaleb! It's not often that I wake before he does LOL There were so many presents for him, and considering that I left ALOT separated out for his birthday he still outnumbered everyone else under the tree this year :) It was great though, he had so much fun unwrapping his presents by himself this time around, he loved it so much he started opening other peoples presents too (Whoops!) .. I wasn't able to get any pictures from my own camera - in all the excitement, I had forgotten to charge my camera battery.

I did however get some fantastic photographs of the Christmas lights in our nearby suburbs.

Also, here are some shots this morning of Kaleb playing with his toys.

Today was a very relaxing day - we did go out at one stage to brave the stores in order to get some photos printed off and to get some discounted decorations for next year (why pay full-price when you can shop smart and get them cheaper hehe).

Wishing you all the very best for 2009!

TFL xox

Update 14 December 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:29:00 +0000

It's been a long while since I last updated so I thought I should pull my finger out and let you all in on the good news (for those of you who haven't heard), and also to share some recent photographs.

First things first - I got accepted into my University course! Yippee! I cried when I read my email notification LOL I just couldn't believe that I'd done it! I'd made the first step towards my dream of becoming a Nurse... I start on March 2nd and there are so many things that need to be done prior to this date but I'm taking small steps, planning it all so I don't get too overwhelmed which is COMPLETELY easy to do! I've enrolled in my 1st semester subjects already and have signed up for an introductory 'getting around Uni' course. There are plenty of other pre-semester workshops aimed to help us adapt to Uni life but you don't sign up for them, I have the dates marked on my calendar don't you worry :)

Work is still going great - I'll be taking 2weeks' leave over Christmas to spend time at home preparing for the New Year and to give myself a break, some time to relax and maybe even take a small trip to the coast??? Nothing is set in stone so we'll see what happens on the day. I've finished my class hours for my Certificate III so am now at the stage of being assessed in my client's homes. One more certification to add to my collection!

Kaleb has also started at a new daycare centre during the last 2weeks. His Familydaycarer has gone overseas for a few months and I've decided to keep him in a daycare centre for a few reasons. Mainly because he needs all the space he can get, being as active as he is, and also because there is more structure and focus on social and skill development in a centre than what I found in a domestic environment. He's at daycare 2 days a week at the moment but I've had full-time placement guaranteed for me come the start of school next year. It's such a great centre and it's only a few hundred meters up the road from us. The carers are excellent, so attentive and patient with Kaleb and while he has his moments of separation anxiety (whenever I leave!) he soon settles down and involves himself in the activities of the day.

Kaleb wearing his new daycare centre hat

The weather's been quite hot and humid lately, with plenty of thunderstorms for us to watch. On the weekends we've been taking lots of walks (for the exercise as well as to escape the heat and catch some of the breeze) and it's done us both a lot of good ... I'm starting to get back to my pre-baby weight and I feel so much more energised and fresh. Unfortunately our plans were derailed somewhat last week when we both came down with an awful bout of gastroenteritis. I recovered quite well but it was SO hard to get enough rest when there's a recovering toddler in the house!

Beating the humidity!

Today was another warm day so we packed up early and went to the local pool - we got there when the gates opened at 9am and we had such a wonderful time! For those of you who know me, it's a rare event indeed for me to put on a bathing suit and get into the water but guess what? I swam today!! I even dug out my old bikini and IT STILL FITS! A little snug around the hips but overall not bad ;) I quite like my new shape, very womanly LOL Kaleb and I spent the majority of our time there in the shallow area, with him jumping in from the side of the pool, floating on his back with me, splashing each other and practising our freestyle as best we could. Later, we moved to the deeper area so Kaleb could make use of the waterslide, which he did with a vengeance! There were quite a few people there but we still had a lot of space to play and relax.

Kaleb at the water's edge

Wearing his new hooded towel

I'll update again after Christmas so have a Very Mery Festive Season!

TFL
Stace x

Time for another update:

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:12:00 +0000

Hi all,

It's been quite awhile since I've updated here and there has been so much happening since then!

I've had a really good couple of days thanks to my sister and my niece coming up for more than a weekend! They came up last Tuesday and both Kaleb and I spent last weekend down on the Gold Coast at my parents' where they're staying and we had a lovely time.. I took another of my slices down for them to enjoy and I made sure to have my camera on hand so I could catch Kaleb and his cousin together - Kaleb was a little jealous of Alahni to begin with, that might have had something to do with my holding her at the time!! He loves his Mummy so much that he didn't want to share LOL

Things went downhill somewhat when Kaleb discovered that she had a bellybutton just like he did! He was a little over-eager in his attempts to get at her 'bellybuddin' and Alahni didn't like it one bit! Poor little mite!

Kaleb and Alahni:

Alahni in her Bumbo:

What a contortionist!

We also caught up with them today at a playcentre in Cleveland as they fly out on Saturday morning and I won't be able to catch up again. Kaleb was very gentle with his cousin this time around, he was more concerned with chasing all the other children around in the ride-on-car area! He was really enjoying himself, running up and down the playgym, sliding on his stomach down the slides (the little daredevil!), bouncing around the jumping castle and doing broadsides in one of the ride-on-cars ... it was so funny to watch! We were there for just over 2hrs and when it came time to leave, Kaleb didn't put up much of a fight - he was tuckered out from his big play! We stopped at the supermarket on the way home to pick up a few things and the little man fell asleep in his pram :) He slept for almost 2hrs when we got home soon afterwards so it was quite a long nap.

Enjoying the playcentre ride-on-cars:

Keeping busy in the playcentre:

As far as my adventures go, I'm still at TAFE studying towards my Certificate III in Cleaning Operations - we've almost finished the theory, next comes approximately 6weeks of assessments in clients' homes which I'm really looking forward to! Next education-related milestone for me is (hopefully) my acceptance offer into the Nursing course at Griffith ... class of 2009 here I come! I was talking with my friend 'G' today about it actually, she's currently studying at QU and she said that she'd be very surprised if I didn't get an offer so hopefully she's right!

I've also been getting back into the habit of donating blood every 3 months as my blood type is quite important for the Blood Banks - something to do with it being a universally acceptable donor type. I have my next appointment this coming Monday and as well as doing my part for the community, it will be another chance to pick the nurses' brains about their work LOL It was great last time as the nurse had only recently graduated from her RN degree so was full of useful information and hints/tips for me :)

We've also been cooking up a storm the last few days - Honey Bubble Crunch, Honey Joys, Choc-Chip cookies and all manner of slices and cakes ... it's been quite lovely! My pantry is still well-stocked so I don't need to hit the shops again for a little while to replenish my supplies. The only downside is that I'm wanting to find 'health conscious' recipes as I'm really focussing on getting my health under control and hence beginning a weight-loss/exercise plan. Kaleb and I have been taking an afternoon walk every day this week and it's been a lovely chance for us to have one-on-one time together out in the great outdoors. Our walks have ranged from half an hour to over an hour at a time and we both have huge appetites when we get back home! This afternoon's walk was close to an hour as we went further than we usually do, up to the school and back through a track running behind the houses. Kaleb was happy to hold my hand most of the way, although the poor munchkin got tired on the way home so I picked him up for some of the way - despite it being VERY humid, there was a nice breeze so it wasn't too bad. We had a small sunshower on the way back which helped keep us cool and comfortable :)

As you can see, there has been quite alot happening so at risk of sending you to sleep with more of our adventures, I'll leave it at that!

TFL x

Update Time

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 01:26:00 +0000

Hi bloggers!

I thought it was high time for an update, it's been a while from what I remember and I don't want to keep you waiting too long!

Kaleb and I are doing really well of late - it's Springtime, and with the change of seasons comes a change of pace for the two of us. The sun is out more often, we get the occasional thunderstorm (and a good excuse to cuddle up in Mummy's bed and watch the lightening), but most of all there's something magical about the smell of fresh growing grass, flowers drifting to a resting place having been tugged by the wind from their garden bed home... like I said, magical!

Work has been work - still enjoying it immensely, and towards the end of the year I'm hoping to open my schedule to take on a few more clients. TAFE studies are almost over, which means that my Certificate III isn't too far away!

Kaleb has been his usual self, always cheeky, never sitting still for longer than five seconds, totally in love with his Mummy and I with him :) I can't believe that he's almost 3 years old! Where does the time go I wonder?
There have been a few developments with his behavioural troubles, resulting in a referral to a Paediatrician- my Familydaycare office is assisting with trying to get our name as close to the top of the list as possible - - with reports and their own referrals to add to mine. Fingers crossed for a speedy appointment!

Here are some pictures from our recent travels:

Playing in the spaceship at the park!

Relaxing on the stairs

By the pool with Aunty Demii

Plum tuckered out after a trip to see Nanny and Poppy

TFL

Facelifts and a change in the air ....

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:50:00 +0000

I thought it was time to give the blog a facelift and I am very pleased with the results!! It took me FOREVER to choose a background, there were so many gorgeous examples to choose from!

I've also started another blog - this new one is for scrapping only and I'll obviously leave this blog for personal updates. If you're interested, you can follow the link ----> to Stacie's Scrap-shelf or you can just click HERE

There are a few updates of a personal nature so I might as well get them typed now so as not to keep you waiting any longer for new news!
Kaleb is maturing so much, I can't believe it! He reminds me so much of a mini-gentleman with the way that he walks around, his serious expressions when he's exploring and figuring things out, but mostly when he sees something he likes or if something catches his attention, he'll come running to me with a big smile and wide eyes and grabs my hand, pulling me towards the object of his attention saying "Come on Mummy, come on!" It's gorgeous!

This weeks' pictures are from the weekend - we had a lovely time indoors at home mostly as it was raining for the majority of Saturday and Sunday and although it warmed up occasionally, I wasn't about to let a dirt-loving boy loose in a yard with wet grass and muddy dirt!

TFL
Stace x

Katy Perry: Hot N Cold

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:52:00 +0000

Photography Challenge Week 6: Windows

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:10:00 +0000

Here is my entry for Week 6 of Purplescraps Scrapbooking Photography Challenge. This weeks' theme was 'Windows'

TFL
Stace x

Birthday Countdown and more ...

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:36:00 +0000

Hi all,

Well as my title says, the Birthday Countdown is ON! It's only one more day until I'm officially 'over the hill' at the ripe old age of 27 :)

I'll be taking Kaleb and I to the Gold Coast to have a day of spoiling and celebration with the family - my sister and niece have flown up from Tasmania and they made a quick stop by on their way from the airport yesterday. Kaleb was very cute with the baby, stroking her head and even SHARING his toys with her! He even shared his dummy!! That was amazing as he never gives his dummy to ANYONE LOL.

We were going to head out the park for some afternoon delight but after packing everything into the car I realised I had left the interior fan on all night (Kaleb fell asleep in the car yesterday after our food shop and I turned the fan on while I waited for him to wake up) .... hence a flat battery GRR I had to wait for the RACQ man to come and save us but by that time it was too late to go to the park, and in any case I had to drive around for over an hour to recharge the car! The upside was that I found lots of interesting places that I want to go back and explore in more detail another time.

Kaleb is being his usual self, nothing new to report there. Driving his mother crazy with his constant activity and testing behaviour!

Here are some pictures of our adventures:

Playdough Fun

I can see my Bellybutton.

I'm the bucket monster Grrr!!!

I LOVE my books!

TFL
Stace x

Musings and catchings-up..

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:11:00 +0000

It's been awhile since I've sat down to blog an actual update so here is what's been happening in our world.

I've applied for University! I was waiting on my results score from Tasmania which took a few days to come through and then I had to track down a JP to sign some transcripts but it's all squared away and I'm now waiting with bated breath for the first round of offers -- pity they're not until Jan 2009!

In the meantime, I've been keeping busy with work, TAFE and starting out as a Tupperware demonstrator! My friend Donna talked me into trying Tupperware demonstrating and I have my 'Announcement Party' this Saturday - How exciting!! I hope to place lots of orders and get some party datings :)

My TAFE course is linked with my work - I'm studying for a Certificate III in Asset Maintenance (Cleaning Operations) and I hope to learn lots of valuable skills and knowledge that will help me when Im servicing my clients homes and hopefully adapt some of my own cleaning routines!! When I eventually finish my Nursing Degree (by 2020 LOL) the Certificate will also come in handy -- it'll prove that I know how to 'clean stuff' :)

Kaleb has been doing really well since I last updated. His tantrums are lessening, now I have to work on the spitting and his jumping on my couch (GRRR!) I've learnt alot of great techniques from the EI specialist and they have actually worked so I'm extra stoked about it!

My little boy is no longer a 'baby' (I was using his still being in size 2 as my excuse .. they're in the same area as the baby clothes) -- he's graduated to size 3 in tops AND bottoms! We shop in the Big Boys sections of the store now :) His fascination with cars is never-ending but he's added a new obsession to the fold .. Curious George! We got him a DVD a few weeks ago and since then he loves 'Monkey George' LOL Lots of new words are being deciphered and he can almost count to five all by himself! We just have to work on remembering to start at 'One' instead of 'Two' LOL

Nothing much else has happened in our little world over the past few weeks that immediately comes to mind, so here are some pictures for you.

Caught with his cars!

Peek-A-Boo behind the highchair

Trying Mummy's shoes on for size

TFL

Photography Challenge Week 5: Glamorous

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:09:00 +0000

Here's my entry for the Purplescraps Photography Challenge Week 5..

This one I did just for fun:

Photography Challenge Week 4: Blurred

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:08:00 +0000

My entry for the Purplescraps Photography Challenge..

Photography Challenge Week 3: My Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:55:00 +0000

Here is my entry for Purplescraps Challenge Week 3: Me and my Reflection.

Purplescraps Challenge Week Two: Me and my Shadow

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 03:12:00 +0000

Here is my entry into the Purplscraps Self-Portrait Challenge for Week Two: Me and my Shadow.

Riding my bike .. pedals and everything!

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:25:00 +0000

Photography Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 03:14:00 +0000

On the Purplescraps forum there is a challenge for us to take a photo of ourselves per week for 52 weeks. It's run by the ever-inspiring Emily P and it's been very exciting to participate so far :)

Here is my first weeks' photo 'Creative Me'

I can't wait until next weeks' challenge!

Crikey!

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 10:08:00 +0000

What an amazing day we've had!

It was our first trip to Australia Zoo and it was everything we thought it would be and then some :)

We were there for five and a half hours altogether and it really didn't feel long enough -- we got to see some amazing animals .. Kaleb pet a Koala Bear and roughed up a Kangaroo for good measure!

The zoo is set out over approximately 7hectares and I think I walked almost every step of it :) We saw Otters, Dingo's, Komodo Dragons, Alligators, Crocodiles, Elephants, Lemurs, Koala Bears, Birds, Snakes, Wombats, Kangaroos ... the list is endless!

Here are some pictures of our day -

Getting ready to feed an elephant

A sleepy Koala Bear

Feeding a Kangaroo

A fearsome Crocodile!

I highly recommend taking a trip next time you are in Queensland .. it's well worth it!

Til next time
Stace

Out of the mouths of babes..

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:11:00 +0000

Introducing...

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 02:31:00 +0000

Miss Alahni Joan!

Kaleb met his newest cousin last weekend and surprisingly was oh-so-gentle with her .. very cute! He would float about wherever she was, pointing and giggling "It's a bubby, nice bubby, nice bubby.. Alahni!" What a little gentleman he was :)

Things have been pretty much flat-chat since I last updated. Work is still the same, home is the same, although busier during the weekends now as Kaleb and I are either out visiting Nanny and Poppy, shopping, cooking or cuddling and chasing each other around the yard hehe It's been great, slowing down and taking time out in a stress-free environment, just Kaleb and I... ahh... bliss!

Despite the weather being chillier, the sun still shines through the clouds and gives us a bit of warmth, for which Im eternally greatful :) There's nothing worse than no sun (or little sun) and chilly, icy winds ... it's why we left Tasmania! It's still cool on the breath in the morning but thankfully by the early afternoon things have defrosted enough for us to enjoy what's left of the day.

My mission last week was to beat the lines at the department stores and layby Kaleb's Christmas presents with the 6month layby offers they have at this time of the year... it was absolute madness!! I was there in the mid-afternoon when it was relatively quiet but a workmate had braved the early hours to make it to the stores for morning opening and was standing in line for over 2hours!! Thankfully I have no more shopping to do for Christmas until December when I'll be picking out some things for the rest of the family *phew*

Picture Gallery for the month:

Say Cheese!

It's my turn now.

Aunty Demii and I playing tigers ... Grrr!

Cleaning my car .. Kerchow McQueen!

I love reading my stories!

Thanks for reading
Stacie :)

You're watching me!!

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:13:00 +0000

Now, seeing as how you've all been bugging me to update again, here it is :)

It's been a few weeks since my last update and things are going really well. Life is on the up and up - we couldn't be happier! Well, actually, things COULD be better but nothing is perfect .. our lives are as close to perfect as they need to be and that suits me fine :)

Kaleb and I have been spending some great quality time in the home lately, the cooler weather makes indoors seem that much more appealing! We've been baking up a storm with bread, muffins, slices, biscuits and we have plans to cook our first side of corned silverside tomorrow ....... I'll let you know how it goes!

Kaleb's daycarer has had a few challenges with Kaleb becoming a little more stubborn that he normally is hehe It was unfortunately due to some rather innocent-looking tubs of fruit puree that contained just enough concentrations of preservatives and additives to tip Kaleb over into hyperactivity which never bodes well!! We solved the mystery of his behavioural shift however, and although the list of what I can put in his lunchbox is infinately smaller than before, at least we know what he can and can't tolerate. Otherwise he is happy and healthy, giving me LOADS of "kissy's" -- I love it! He'll kiss the back of his own hand if my face isn't nearby ... completely adorable!

Work is going as well as can expected .. I mean, come on! It's work! I still enjoy the enquiries we get, I only wish there were more of them so I can get some mental stimulation and not spend most of the day sitting at my desk staring off in to space hehe.

Kaleb's vocab has increased TOO much for my liking since I last blogged!!! Now when we sit in traffic, or in a drive-through, anywhere really, he shouts at the top of his lungs "Come ON!!" It would be funny if it wasn't so embarrassing!! We still love to spend chat-time in the morning traffic on the way to our daycarer's house and as always, I look forward to picking him up in the afternoon .. Im always guaranteed a huge smile, a run-to-me-engulf-me-in-his-arms cuddle and lots of excited "Mummy's here! Mummy's here!" He's tucked up in bed as we speak and I've already made more than enough trips to his room to peek in on him :)

As always, some pictures of our adventures..

Do you like my new hat?

Come on, it's funny!! Laugh with me!!

How cute is this face?

TFL

Splish Splash

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:10:00 +0000

Hi bloggers!

Im happy and not-so-happy to say that the winter weather has finally made its' way to Queensland. It is lovely to have a reprieve from the continuous hot weather that we've been having but really! Raining for 3 days straight isn't my idea of fun :)

I've been off work unfortunately for last week due to bronchitis - the Drs firstly passed it off as a head cold, then as a chest infection, then finally diagnosed bronchitis but I was sent for a chest x-ray to make sure I hadn't contracted pneumonia! How scary! Thank goodness the results came back clear or I would have been housebound for longer than a week!

Big news in my household lately is that Kaleb has started toilet training! We got him a cute Roger Armstrong potty shaped like a turtle and he loves to sit on it while he watches TV in the evenings LOL No number 1's or 2's IN the potty yet, but there have been lots of water bottles up-ended in the potty and passed off as No 1's LOL Cheeky little man!

We're going for our yearly portrait session in the next coming weeks too - hopefully we can get some great shots to share with you all :)

There isn't anything else of interest that I can share with you at the moment so here are some photos of our recent photoshoots:

Mr Potty

Do you like my muscles?

Mr Squiggle

TFL

It's an 80's Revival!!

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Sun, 18 May 2008 03:28:00 +0000

Well howdy Blog-fans!

Much excitement around here this weekend. We've been listening to sounds of the 80's thanks to a Video Hits 80's Music Marathon - the ENTIRE weekend!! Many thanks to Fuzzy and Dan for paying tribute to the greats :)

Kaleb and I have also been out and about quite considerably this weekend. I am trying on a new exercise regime and so far it's working - we took a lovely long stroll yesterday and today. This morning was a little different as I wanted to take Kaleb by the park as well but it is being renovated so there wasn't much access. Fine by me, as I think that particular park is too big and hilly for us anyway so I'm on the lookout for another smaller, more level-ground play area!

Work is going great also - I had my first review last week and am travelling fantastically on all accounts. My 'Clerical' and AHT are well below the team average and within the minimum/maximum parameters for the entire centre so that's great to know ;) My competitive streak is satisfied for now hehehe.

Mother's Day was a fabulous day down at Settlement Cove at Redcliffe. We got there early enough to secure ourselves a gazebo, setup and relaxed for the whole day. There were great toddler pools and an adult lagoon-style setup as well as fantastic swings and play equipment for the young ones. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

The countdown is on for my sister's DDay (Delivery Day for those of you who don't know).. my niece is due on the 29th so thats ... what is that ... it's officially 11 days away!!

I am also pleased to say that Kaleb's lovely Aunty Em has found our blog and has chatted with me on a few occasions.. I'm still waiting for that elusive phonecall but I understand :) Em's a busy lady!

As always, our picture gallery:

Fabulous flowers found on our walk..

Kaleb loves putting our money in the moneybox..

Mothers Day play at Settlement Cove..

TFL
Stace

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Sun, 04 May 2008 09:34:00 +0000

Well well well, it HAS been awhile since I last updated!

Life has just been so busy and exciting and full of adventures that I really haven't been able to update until now LOL

Today we went to the Park where Kaleb thoroughly enjoyed feeding the ducks. He was a little alarmed when they came TOO close for his liking but with his own brand of special revenge (chasing the ducks all over the park!) Kaleb stamped his authority as "Lord of the Land".

There were lots of children for Kaleb to play with during our time at the park, although Kaleb prefered to chase after the older kids than the little ones his own age. After much running and chasing and skipping and jumping, Kaleb and I made our way home where he flaked out for just over 2hrs. Bliss! Mummy got to relax a little and recharge her batteries.

Catch me if you can! Kaleb at the duck pond

Taking in the view

Later this afternoon we did a bit of baking. It was great fun - Kaleb loved holding the spoon and stirring the mixture and he was very helpful in cleaning the beaters off for me LOL

Such a busy day and it only gets worse tomorrow LOL

Gigglepot

noreply@blogger.com (Stace) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:21:00 +0000