An extra tooth!

Isobel and Alexa have recently been to the dental nurse - an adventure that saw us arrive at the local school during play time which both girls found fascinating.  We discovered that Isobel has one extra tooth!  Instead of having four front bottom teeth, she has 5!  She is still waiting on her eye teeth, but between these are 5 front teeth.  We're not sure what this additional tooth means, or whether it will stay, but the nurse didn't seem concerned and said for us to just watch to ensure there was enough room for the rest of the teeth to grow. 

Face painting

It's the day of our holiday and I am frantically trying to complete all chores and pack in time for departure later this evening.  Gran is arriving any time soon to take charge for 2 weeks.  Alexa is quite excited by this and although I doubt she comprehends how long 2 weeks really is, understands that we are going away and she will be looked after by Gran, go to the farm and have an Easter egg hunt - at which time we will return. 

Grazyna, our nanny, got creative the other day and tried this artwork on Alexa.  She loved it!

View from our deck.

I'm not sure if I mentioned that we have moved to the Shore! Yes returning to David's roots.  After almost 3 months I am very very happy with the decision we made (but how painful is the whole process of buying, selling and then moving!).  We love the constantly changing view that we can see from our kitchen, dining and living room all of which are open plan and open out onto a deck (with BBQ and table).  Below is a small lawn and then this flows onto a steep slope with bushlike trees.  So we have a lovely feeling of isolation in the middle of the city - a pity we can still hear the neighbours splashing into their pool on humid still days with temps in the high 20s.  : )  

Now there are two

Two Pooh Bear's! Yes back up Pooh has been spotted and now both Bear's are present in Alexa's life.  After a month sleeping with both, she has of late decided on a favourite and Isobel gets offered the other one.  

Pooh is still her essential sleeping bear - I get called out in middle of night if he falls out of bed!  However she is happy to leave him behind when I explain that he doesn't belong at the zoo, beach, kindy, etc.   He has been getting lots of attention most recently due to the play medical kit she got for her birthday - Pooh bear often seems to be very sick!

Here she is sporty her first proper haircut, her new PJ's (chosen by her, and no I didn't influence her with her choice of colour or the fact that it was from the boys section of farmers!) and of course the two Poohs.

Carley Withers

Boo Hoo we have had to say goodbye to Carley, Alexa's best friend.  These two curly head cuties have, despite my surprise, become close friends.  As they are both quite strong minded individuals I would have thought there would've been more tensions, but they've really enjoyed catching up with each other - Alexa has even been known to bring along Pooh Bear no.2 for Carley.  

We said farewell to Carley and her family a few weeks ago by going to North Head on a windy day for a picnic.  The girls loved the freedom to run madly about screaming at the top of their lungs.   The Withers' have driven south to set up camp in Wellington - which means we will have a trip there later this year.  I will miss Libby as had enjoyed our catch ups in Auckland.

Isobel

What a stunner she is!  Isobel is the more social of our two girls with a cheesy smile at the ready for any and everyone.  She also loves the act of waving and blowing kisses.  "Bye" she waves at complete strangers as she is being wheeled around the supermarket.  

As at March she can now walk - a recent triumph, can say between 10 - 15 words including up, down, duck, mum, dad, Pooh etc.  Saying the word 'Alexa' has not yet been identified.  

It is great to watch the interplay between these two -  generally Alexa is very kind and loving, responding to Isobel's crying, ensuring she gets her fair share of treats etc however she does seem to want some distance in the afternoons.  I often see Alexa sitting on the couch watching TV with Isobel circling reaching out to tap Alexa on the knee and enjoying the howl of outrage and the expressive "I don't like that Isobel".   It's very amusing, but of course does not create a harmonious afternoon so we have to find 

distractions for Isobel.  

Isobel is a great eater - as Alexa was at this age.  Alexa has somewhat deteriorated - I think she's just being picky, but unfort for her dinner is what is put in front of her so if she doesn't like dinner she gets down without any.  Breakfast has always been the best meal of the day!

Jamie and Alexa

Christmas at the Henderson's this year was held on my parents farm in Pukehina.  This is a lovely shot taken while there.   We had a very relaxing day centred around eating Xmas dinner at lunchtime, then Xmas dessert for dinner.  A great way of spacing out the day - we then had attempts at distinguishing the 4 whiskey's in Dad's collection so he could demonstrate the difference between each.  I'm not sure I could tell what the difference is, but did discover that the taste is certainly more enjoyable the higher the price tag! : )

Alexa was much more fun this Christmas and could be put to task handing out all the pressies to everyone.  Alexa and Isobel don't really seem to care or distinguish what is mine vs what is yours.  They are happy to play with either - except when it comes to Pooh bear of course!  Isobel has learned very quickly that he is Alexa's and although she enjoys playing with him will very quickly hand him over if Alexa is present.  Interestingly 'Pooh' is one of the 10 - 15 words (in March 09) that she can say!