Well our first baby turned five in August. We had a fantastic birthday party at the Queensland Air Museum (
http://www.qam.com.au/). There were about 30 children who we didn't actually see until it was cake time. Brilliant. I think the dads enjoyed it just as much as the children did. Matthew has become completely obsessed with aeroplanes thanks to Dave, our friend Roy who has taken Matthew model aeroplane flying, and Sally and Simon who sent him a RAF Jet Pilot for his birthday. There is no turning back and he is a little disappointed that he can't get involved in any flying things until he is 13!!
The birthday boy
Jai, Matthew, Sam and James
I have to apologise to the world as it seems that Matthew is a little Dave and his mind is already speeding along with Whys and Are you sure Mummy!! Oh and not forgetting those jokes.... His favourite things are aeroplanes and flying, trains, golf, fishing, and swimming. He loves spending as much time as he can with his Dad and his Grandpa. Because of the school year in Australia and the age cut off, Matthew doesn't start school until January 2010. He is currently going to day care two days a week and then three in October. He really enjoying it and has made a few friends who are also going to the same school as he is.
His current favourite phrase at the moment is 'Mummy I will still be your baby even when I'm 42'!
Sophie is turning into our little dancing queen with a mind of her own and her parent's
stubbornness (we're moving out when she hits her teens!). She enjoys her My Little Ponies, dressing up, dancing, coffee and biscuits with
Nanna and dancing. She and Matthew generally play really well together even if they are playing two
separate games in the same room with the same toys! Did I mention the dancing thing!!!? Her other favourite
passtime is 'helping' me in the kitchen, especially when we're baking and there is a bowl to lick. Oh yes, and sucking her thumb.
Drinks like her mother!
Sophie will be starting school in 2011 and is also going to day care two days a week. She and Matthew are in the same centre, and although not in the same class, they still see a lot of each other during the day. Apparently she is a real helper and attaches herself to new classmates and shows them where everything is and makes sure they are ok! She loves her morning coffee and biscuit with Nanna and will change her clothes at least 3 times a day to fit in with where we're going/what she's playing.
We held Sophie's 3rd birthday party in the grounds of a beautiful playgroup in Buderim. Her main man Sam is one day older than Sophie so they had a joint Pirates and Mermaid party... Sophie wasn't interested in dressing up (at that stage) but made the most of the beautiful mermaid cake that Judy made for her.
Sophie's main man Sam. They currently go to day care together and the teacher now has to split them up during the learning sessions because they talk to much. Sophie has only just stopped making Sam's sleep bed for him and fetching his lunch. I think Dave is going to have to have a chat with Sam about his intentions!!!! and I'll need to have a chat with Sophie about this fetch and gather thing!
Since March Dave has only been working three days a week which has been brilliant, not only for him (a changed man), but the children and I. He is still at
Clearmake (
http://www.clearmake.com.au/) but works as a contractor to them. It's been a good change for him and given him more time to spend with me and the bubs but also allowed him to get some 'quiet time' to himself if he needs it. He's enjoying watching his rugby and is currently a man on a mission with his push bike.
In September last year I went back into Oracle HRMS consulting for the first time in 4 years. Pretty scary but thankfully not too much had changed since then. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about being back in that world but I actually really enjoyed it and the ability to use my brain (what little is left!). The contract ended in July with me having spent time in Hong Kong, Beijing, Melbourne and Sydney. I'm now looking around to see what else I can find.
Life still
flies by for both of us and no sooner has the week started than we're making plans for the weekend. We try to catch up with friends as much as possible and thankfully summer is on the way so there will be plenty more time to get together on the beach.
Matthew and Indi
The besties, Sophie and Lola
Fishing for crocodiles!
Sue, Retief and Dave. It was far too cold for me to get in!!
Sophie and Indi
The creek
Our home for the night
Waiting to light the BBQ
We took Sophie out for dinner to her favourite restaurant - Fish on Parkyn
