Hayzey has been moved up a level in swimming lessons. She's now gotten to the point where she spontaneously kicks and paddles when put in the water and she almost intuitively reaches for the side of the pool when she's in strife (ie if I happen to let go of her).
LGR is also coming along nicely. I'll know more next week (because I'm usually in the pool with Hayley when the lessons are on - but now I don't need to get in and they're at different times ...) but it appears as though he can almost swim. Not quite though.
---
Hayzey's command of English is getting better. She strung together a 4 word sentence over the weekend and sometimes calls Mrs G 'Mumma' - but it's still mostly Dadda.
The most command phrases at the moment are "Bye bye. Seeya" and "No".
Curiously Hayzey and LGR both know some Spanish. Hayzey knows it clearly enough for us to pick it up as Spanish and LGR knows it well enough to be able to tell us what the words mean. When we check the words in an English/Spanish dictionary he is always right. LGR is also starting to get the hang of basic maths and is comfortably dressing himself.
---
What have we done recently? On the weekend we ventured into the city to look for some Christmas presents. We didn't buy anything but there was a 4 Wheel drive setup just outside the Motor Show and both kids were very impressed with the 4WD's going around it. LGR wants one now ....
We also went to a 'Sunday Funday' at a riding ranch/show farm near where we live. It was ok - I guess. We went on a pretty good length tractor ride and the kids both went on a horse. There was also a merry go round. The undoubted 'highlight' of the day was when LGR fell over on an old wooden bridge and got a couple of very good length splinters in his hand. He screamed when we took them out - more out of fear than pain he later admitted. One of them broke near the base and we ended up having to dig it out with a needle. He screamed when that happened too ...
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Oh No ...
Earlier this week the hard drive on my home PC crapped out. Completely. I can't boot it at all - even into safe mode.
Why is this bad? Apart from the fact that the PC has a lot of study and techo documents on it is the tiny directory of pictures and videos I have of the kids. Most of which are not backed up ....
It looks a heck of a lot like my hard drive will be going off to a data recovery service for an attempt at retrieval.
On a more positive note I can confirm that LGR's arm is much better - back to normal in fact.
Why is this bad? Apart from the fact that the PC has a lot of study and techo documents on it is the tiny directory of pictures and videos I have of the kids. Most of which are not backed up ....
It looks a heck of a lot like my hard drive will be going off to a data recovery service for an attempt at retrieval.
On a more positive note I can confirm that LGR's arm is much better - back to normal in fact.
Monday, October 23, 2006
It's Always the Left Arm
Our beautiful little LGR has had another issue with his left arm. We initially suspected it was broken again but couldn't figure out how it happened. We now know that he had been bitten (attacked) by mozzies and his arm and hand had swollen like a balloon. Literally. His skin was very tight and quite red.
It turns out that very bad reactions to mozzies are treated by a combination of painkillers, antihistamines and steroids. So my 4 year old boy is on steroids!! They are very expensive but appear to have worked a treat. At the time of writing the swelling has gone quite a lot and there are no more complaints of pain. Mobility has come back and so has the sweet little smile :-)
---
Hayzey took her first tumble out of bed last night. In a bizarre sort of way it was quite sweet. At about 01:00 Mrs G and I both woke up at the sound of a distinct thump. We both raced (literally) into Hayzey's room and found her lying on the floor, next to the bed, quietly whimpering but more or less asleep. I picked her up very gently and held her in my arms while Mrs G remade the bed. I don't think Hayzey even woke up ....
It turns out that very bad reactions to mozzies are treated by a combination of painkillers, antihistamines and steroids. So my 4 year old boy is on steroids!! They are very expensive but appear to have worked a treat. At the time of writing the swelling has gone quite a lot and there are no more complaints of pain. Mobility has come back and so has the sweet little smile :-)
---
Hayzey took her first tumble out of bed last night. In a bizarre sort of way it was quite sweet. At about 01:00 Mrs G and I both woke up at the sound of a distinct thump. We both raced (literally) into Hayzey's room and found her lying on the floor, next to the bed, quietly whimpering but more or less asleep. I picked her up very gently and held her in my arms while Mrs G remade the bed. I don't think Hayzey even woke up ....
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Duo
For the vast majority of the time the kidlets get along magnificently. It's not uncommon for them to give each other a hug and a kiss, or to happily swap toys or food or push each other on the swings. Hayzey thinks LGR is the coolest thing going around and, for his part, LGR is very protective of his little sister.
Brown Eyes
I'm not really sure of the story behind this picture - but aren't they the sweetest little brown eyes you've ever seen?
Guitar
LGR
LGR was given a 3/4 size guitar for his birthday recently. It would be fair to say he liked it.
LGR was given a 3/4 size guitar for his birthday recently. It would be fair to say he liked it.
In The Park
You can't really tell by looking at this picture but LGR and Hayzey had a great time playing a cute little park in a natural setting by the side of a river recently. There was heaps of dirt and pine needles and some swings, a climbing rig and a slippery slide. What else does a kid need?
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Pickles
"Oh pickles"
That's a phrase I've been hearing quite a bit of lately. LGR has decided this is his way of exclaimingn dismay or irritation. It's quite cute and very amusing to hear him blurt it out.
Hayzey is getting along quite nicely in her own bed. She is tending to wake up a couple of times each night but usually it is because she is either cold or has managed to get herself stuck between the mattress and the wall. I'm not sure how she gets in there but it's always amusing - even when she does it 3 times in one night. We haven't had any issues getting her to sleep since we've moved her into the new bed - and are still a bit confused (but pleased) about the apparent ease of her adaption.
---
Change of topic. Mrs G and I were having a chat about LGR a few night's back and we both agree that he seems to have matured somewhat since turning 4. It's almost as though he realised he was a bit older so he decided to act a bit older. He seems to be much more willing to engage in conversation and make considered decisions. There are still more than a few moments of childish petulance (he is a child after all) but his decision making and social adaptation skills seem to have increased exponentially recently.
Hayzey is also growing up - but we gauge this via vocabulary and actions. It's hard to explain without seeing her but of late it's become quite apparent that she is comprehending what is being said to her and she is also making much more of an effort to communicate in a meaningful way with those around her.
That's a phrase I've been hearing quite a bit of lately. LGR has decided this is his way of exclaimingn dismay or irritation. It's quite cute and very amusing to hear him blurt it out.
Hayzey is getting along quite nicely in her own bed. She is tending to wake up a couple of times each night but usually it is because she is either cold or has managed to get herself stuck between the mattress and the wall. I'm not sure how she gets in there but it's always amusing - even when she does it 3 times in one night. We haven't had any issues getting her to sleep since we've moved her into the new bed - and are still a bit confused (but pleased) about the apparent ease of her adaption.
---
Change of topic. Mrs G and I were having a chat about LGR a few night's back and we both agree that he seems to have matured somewhat since turning 4. It's almost as though he realised he was a bit older so he decided to act a bit older. He seems to be much more willing to engage in conversation and make considered decisions. There are still more than a few moments of childish petulance (he is a child after all) but his decision making and social adaptation skills seem to have increased exponentially recently.
Hayzey is also growing up - but we gauge this via vocabulary and actions. It's hard to explain without seeing her but of late it's become quite apparent that she is comprehending what is being said to her and she is also making much more of an effort to communicate in a meaningful way with those around her.
Monday, October 16, 2006
New Bed
Little Hayzey is now sleeping in her bed. We decided to put her in their yesterday. There was an afternoon nap which went beautifully. Last evening we put her in the big bed and she went to sleep straight away. Same thing tonight.
It's a bit sad; but good too. Our little girl is growing up and doing it with style. She's starting to talk in sentences. Some of the pronunciation is not too great but she is able to get her meaning across quite well. What else is new? Hayzey is jumping on the trampoline by herself. She thinks it is great. LGR likes it too. They both get on the tramp and bounce around and giggle.
---
LGR was pretty thrilled with some pictures he received in the mail today. Apparently someone out there had some kangaroos near their house :-)
It's a bit sad; but good too. Our little girl is growing up and doing it with style. She's starting to talk in sentences. Some of the pronunciation is not too great but she is able to get her meaning across quite well. What else is new? Hayzey is jumping on the trampoline by herself. She thinks it is great. LGR likes it too. They both get on the tramp and bounce around and giggle.
---
LGR was pretty thrilled with some pictures he received in the mail today. Apparently someone out there had some kangaroos near their house :-)
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Birthday
Two birthdays in the Jones household. I had the pleasure of turning 31 on Monday and beautiful little LGR turned 4 on Wednesday.
My birthday was good - nice and mellow. The morning was a bit hectic. I had to get the car rego checked and some new tires put on it. We also had to take LGR to the doctors to get some medicine for his eyes. Eye drops. He hates them and we hate putting them in.
Once all this was out of the way we made our way out and about and found a nice park by a river and played some games. LGR and I went for a little bit of a run and Hayzey babbled endlessly about whatever took her fancy.
Lunch was next. We went to a fantastic pizza/pasta place. LGR ate 4 slices of pizza!! He said he liked it. Hayzey ate almost nothing but had a ball jumping up and down on the seats of the booth we were in. She also thought it was great to sit on the table and jump on Mummy.
The afternoon consisted of more games in more parks and some jumping on the trampoline.
Very mellow and very nice.
LGR's birthday was even more low key. Mrs G and myself had to work and the kids went to kindy. We packed a cake for them to take along and that was consumed at kindy with the other kids and happy birthday sung.
When we finally all managed to get home we ordered some dinner (LGR wanted honey prawns) and opened some pressies. Unfortunately it all got rather late and the kids (particularly Hayzey) got very tired and irritable. LGR was highly impressed that every time the phone rang the call was for him :-)
My birthday was good - nice and mellow. The morning was a bit hectic. I had to get the car rego checked and some new tires put on it. We also had to take LGR to the doctors to get some medicine for his eyes. Eye drops. He hates them and we hate putting them in.
Once all this was out of the way we made our way out and about and found a nice park by a river and played some games. LGR and I went for a little bit of a run and Hayzey babbled endlessly about whatever took her fancy.
Lunch was next. We went to a fantastic pizza/pasta place. LGR ate 4 slices of pizza!! He said he liked it. Hayzey ate almost nothing but had a ball jumping up and down on the seats of the booth we were in. She also thought it was great to sit on the table and jump on Mummy.
The afternoon consisted of more games in more parks and some jumping on the trampoline.
Very mellow and very nice.
LGR's birthday was even more low key. Mrs G and myself had to work and the kids went to kindy. We packed a cake for them to take along and that was consumed at kindy with the other kids and happy birthday sung.
When we finally all managed to get home we ordered some dinner (LGR wanted honey prawns) and opened some pressies. Unfortunately it all got rather late and the kids (particularly Hayzey) got very tired and irritable. LGR was highly impressed that every time the phone rang the call was for him :-)
Monday, October 09, 2006
More Parties
We finally recovered from the engagement weekend. Just in time to host our own little get together for LGR's 4th birthday. This was pretty low key - a bunch of LGR's mates and some family thrown in. It was a fairly laid back afternoon tea and it went well. The weather was fantastic and the kids mostly got along like the proverbial house on fire. LGR met one of his friends (a girl I should add) at the front door with a very spontaneous hug. My little boy might have a girlfriend!!
As the afternoon moved on folks started moving off to their various things they had to do or be at or whatever else. But not everybody. A small group stayed behind to assist with the consumption of beer and pizzas, and to maintain a healthy level of conversation, until well into the evening. It felt really late but it wasn't. The kids stayed up and went to bed very easily.
Sunday was nice. We had Grandma staying in the spare room and Aunt LJ and UA sleeping downstairs. LGR and Hayzey thought it was fantastic to have so many people around and were well and truly in their element. LGR was still excited by the previous day and got up at around 06:00 to play with his presents. Hayzey slept till 08:00.
At around 09:30 I bundled the kids into the car and we went off in search of a running shoe shop in Rozelle while Mrs G did some study. I eventually found it - after driving around Balmain and Rozelle in circles because you can't seem to turn in the direction you want when you want ... The shoes were duly purchased and we made our way to a nice little park nearby. Games were had in some very fierce heat and sunlight for a while and then the kids decided they wanted bananas.
So back to the car. Bananas became drinks and sandwiches - and then the request was put out to go home. So we did. While driving home we got caught in the massive southerly change which was coming over and blowing all sorts of crap onto the freeway. At some points the dust clouds were so thick you couldn't see more than 30m in front.
Not much else happened really. We went out for groceries in the afternoon and spent some time playing with the kids, ironing, studying and whatever else. Mrs G and I even tried to watch a movie but only managed to get halfway before deciding sleep was a fantastic alternative to being awake.
As the afternoon moved on folks started moving off to their various things they had to do or be at or whatever else. But not everybody. A small group stayed behind to assist with the consumption of beer and pizzas, and to maintain a healthy level of conversation, until well into the evening. It felt really late but it wasn't. The kids stayed up and went to bed very easily.
Sunday was nice. We had Grandma staying in the spare room and Aunt LJ and UA sleeping downstairs. LGR and Hayzey thought it was fantastic to have so many people around and were well and truly in their element. LGR was still excited by the previous day and got up at around 06:00 to play with his presents. Hayzey slept till 08:00.
At around 09:30 I bundled the kids into the car and we went off in search of a running shoe shop in Rozelle while Mrs G did some study. I eventually found it - after driving around Balmain and Rozelle in circles because you can't seem to turn in the direction you want when you want ... The shoes were duly purchased and we made our way to a nice little park nearby. Games were had in some very fierce heat and sunlight for a while and then the kids decided they wanted bananas.
So back to the car. Bananas became drinks and sandwiches - and then the request was put out to go home. So we did. While driving home we got caught in the massive southerly change which was coming over and blowing all sorts of crap onto the freeway. At some points the dust clouds were so thick you couldn't see more than 30m in front.
Not much else happened really. We went out for groceries in the afternoon and spent some time playing with the kids, ironing, studying and whatever else. Mrs G and I even tried to watch a movie but only managed to get halfway before deciding sleep was a fantastic alternative to being awake.
Where Have We All Been? At an Engagement Party!
It's been a long time since I posted. Much has happened.
If I go right back to the beginning I can start with my sister's engagement party up in the Mountains. This turned into a 3 day festival of fun, food and drink for some of us. My body was reeling by the end of it but it was a shitload of fun.
Day 1 was Saturday. At about 13:00 LGR and I were dropped off at my Mum's place and Mrs G and Hayzey took off to Grandma's. The afternoon was spend preparing foods for the Sunday party, putting up a tent to sleep in (for myself, LGR, Aunt LJ and UA) and purchasing beverages for consumption at whatever time was deemed appropriate.
At about 6:30 we met Mrs G, Hayz and Grandma at the bowl-o for some Chinese. Also joining us were great-Nanna and the cousin clan H from somewhere in the south west of country NSW (I know where they come from but in the interests of privacy I won't say where). We ate and talked and had some fun. In the end we had to leave because the kids were getting a touch tired. My Mum had to drive an unfamiliar car home and a bunch of fun was had watching her get used to it. She did a good job though and we were all delivered home safely.
Next stop was the camping expedition. We lit up a little campfire and toasted some marshmallows. LGR was still going strong. He was refusing to go to sleep until the camping was on - even to the point of making himself stay awake in the car. Impressive stuff from the young man!!
We decided to sleep at about 23:00 and all went well until the camp light went out. LGR started crying. He wanted Mummy and Hayzey to be with us; and he wanted us all to be in our beds at home. It was very sweet and in the end I hugged him to sleep. For me this was the best part of the weekend. Along with the request for a hug at 02:45, the proclamation that enough sleep had been had at 04:30 and his booming announcement to the whole tent at 05:30 that it was daytime and we should start playing :-)
The day of the party itself came and went. It was a good day and a good party. On a personal level it was tarnished a bit by Hayzey's illness - it had developed overnight and Mrs G didn't get any more sleep than I had received. Everyone had fun and was with a deal of sadness that Mrs and I realised we should take the kids home for some much needed sleep in their own beds.
We all had a bit of a sleep in on the Monday public holiday. For me it was up to about 06:00 but everyone was still asleep when I got home from my run. The day was spent doing some chores and groceries and very little. At about 13:00 we found out that Aunt LG and UA were going to pop over with cousin PH to pick up some baby things we didn't need anymore and for a bit more of a catchup. It ended up turning into a very good BBQ dinner with a solid amount of beer and more fun to be had.
It was very sweet to get to bed ....
If I go right back to the beginning I can start with my sister's engagement party up in the Mountains. This turned into a 3 day festival of fun, food and drink for some of us. My body was reeling by the end of it but it was a shitload of fun.
Day 1 was Saturday. At about 13:00 LGR and I were dropped off at my Mum's place and Mrs G and Hayzey took off to Grandma's. The afternoon was spend preparing foods for the Sunday party, putting up a tent to sleep in (for myself, LGR, Aunt LJ and UA) and purchasing beverages for consumption at whatever time was deemed appropriate.
At about 6:30 we met Mrs G, Hayz and Grandma at the bowl-o for some Chinese. Also joining us were great-Nanna and the cousin clan H from somewhere in the south west of country NSW (I know where they come from but in the interests of privacy I won't say where). We ate and talked and had some fun. In the end we had to leave because the kids were getting a touch tired. My Mum had to drive an unfamiliar car home and a bunch of fun was had watching her get used to it. She did a good job though and we were all delivered home safely.
Next stop was the camping expedition. We lit up a little campfire and toasted some marshmallows. LGR was still going strong. He was refusing to go to sleep until the camping was on - even to the point of making himself stay awake in the car. Impressive stuff from the young man!!
We decided to sleep at about 23:00 and all went well until the camp light went out. LGR started crying. He wanted Mummy and Hayzey to be with us; and he wanted us all to be in our beds at home. It was very sweet and in the end I hugged him to sleep. For me this was the best part of the weekend. Along with the request for a hug at 02:45, the proclamation that enough sleep had been had at 04:30 and his booming announcement to the whole tent at 05:30 that it was daytime and we should start playing :-)
The day of the party itself came and went. It was a good day and a good party. On a personal level it was tarnished a bit by Hayzey's illness - it had developed overnight and Mrs G didn't get any more sleep than I had received. Everyone had fun and was with a deal of sadness that Mrs and I realised we should take the kids home for some much needed sleep in their own beds.
We all had a bit of a sleep in on the Monday public holiday. For me it was up to about 06:00 but everyone was still asleep when I got home from my run. The day was spent doing some chores and groceries and very little. At about 13:00 we found out that Aunt LG and UA were going to pop over with cousin PH to pick up some baby things we didn't need anymore and for a bit more of a catchup. It ended up turning into a very good BBQ dinner with a solid amount of beer and more fun to be had.
It was very sweet to get to bed ....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)