Chappy Zone

Karangahake gorge

2012-02-11T01:46:00.003Z

A biking adventure! We met Gran and Grandad and biked the Karangahake gorge which is between Paeroa and Waihi. It is an old railway line that has been turned into a walking and biking track. It runs along a beautiful river inside a deep gorge. The whole track is 7km long and includes a couple of bridges across the river and a 1km tunnel! We started at Karangahake with a very good coffee and muffins at the little cafe. A place I would highly recommend! The biking was pretty easy, a flat wide path that only gradually went uphill - maybe next time we would do the trip in the reverse. We had lots of stops for food and lollies as Bell was running low on energy having just started morning kindy and off the back of a nasty bug. Camryn also didn't quite make the end of the trail falling asleep in her bike seat. It was a lovely day and we finished it off with a picnic at Waikino.

Christmas Letter 2011 - Part two

2011-12-15T09:06:00.005Z

Family holiday – Pukerua Bay and then Turangi
A holiday at Pukerua Bay – which is the place of my family’s vacations for generations. This was very special to me & to Dad (Hamish) who came down to join us. We walked out to Wairaka with the kids – Alexa exclaiming as we arrived that it was “great to be alive”. Lots of exploring rock pools, an extended family BBQ, as well as a 2 hour run for David and I that took us over the hill to Plimmerton and then around the coastal path and rocks back to Pukerua Bay. I think upon reflection this would be a nicer day trip!
We then had a week in Turangi. This is a place that is fast becoming a family favourite and we cemented this early in the year by buying a section. We hope in years to come this will turn into a bach for family retreats with fishing, swimming, biking, trail walking, hot pools & of course skiing among the many activities.

David and I
I couldn’t resist this memory – the Rugby World Cup. Visiting Eden Park for the opening ceremony was fabulous, watching the final was hideous but will always be memorable.

Christmas letter 2011 - Part One

2011-12-15T09:04:00.003Z

Not a lot of opportunity for quiet reflection but life is full of fun, noise and general chaos (think herding sheep through a narrow gate). Here are a few highlights.

Alexa goes to school, Camryn loses her finger tip & Isobel turns 4.
Our first major milestone was Alexa’s 5th birthday and her beginning school. She was definitely ready and has fitted in well earning many certificates – including one for leadership! She has had a busy year also doing music, increasing her biking skills, growing in confidence with swimming and starting gymnastics, which has improved her strength.
She is a fit and strong girl – much like all our kids. And like all of them sits comfortably at the 50th percentile for height! No tall poppies here. She is incredibly good with Camryn and patient with an aggressive and annoying Isobel who vies for attention.
Camryn creates chaos! She is such a fun kid to watch and very confident with strangers opting in many cases to go for the stranger than mum (suits me!). She gave us all a scare when she put her pinky into the corner of a slowly shutting door and got the tip cut cleanly off. She was very brave (is this possible for under 2??) and after the initial bought of screaming was relatively calm throughout reattaching (just stick the tip on the top) and subsequent redressings. We were lucky to seek the counsel of a hand specialist early on who advised to disturb as little as possible and we were amazed to see the tip reattach so well we can’t really see the join!
Isobel has grown up a lot in the last 12 months. She started Kindergarten and has developed her own group of friends. She has excelled at swimming and this has become a special time for her and I to spend together without the others. She took to biking with out training wheels very quickly, having seen Alexa do it. She considers herself to be Alexa’s physical equal so attempts most of what she tries. She is very strong willed – her favourite word “never” as a response to a request to do something. She alternates between being the boisterous energetic positive girl to being the tormentor of her sisters (and parents).

Holiday in Wanaka/David’s marathon
Our first holiday was in Wanaka, a destination chosen due to David signing up for an off road & ultra hilly marathon – he does nothing by halves that boy! He ran with a group of friends calling themselves the old men’s shuffling club (yeah right!). Despite neither training nor planning on running together they ended up pulling each other along through out the race and finishing together just over 5 hours. Immediately following this there was strong agreement not to ever do this again, but I have recently heard them all expressing a desire to run the Great Barrier marathon next year! Apparently this may be our next vacation destination!

David gets a short break to fish
David has had ups and downs with work but in the main my memory has been of him working very hard, very late and being very worn out. He has had the odd occasion to have a break away from work and family and this was the result. It made a fabulous trout pate.

Isobel's 4th Birthday

2011-11-24T09:11:00.004Z

A day packed full of fun and excitement, Isobel relished the attention of her 4th birthday. She was surprisingly considerate, and shared her new scooter with Alexa, who was allowed to scoot to school that morning. Check out new scooter and cool new dress that coincidentally matches the scooter colour - thanks Annie. A big hit also the jewellery with clip on ear rings, two new nighties (already been borrowed by Alexa) and a neat sticker book that you can make girls faces with. First face she made in picture. Cake was lovingly made by Dad and Mum, cones decorated by Alexa, and had another tier for earlier party.

We Love Swimming

2011-11-24T08:59:00.006Z

Alexa and Isobel have been having swimming lessons for the last two terms. It is great fun to watch their enthusiasm and confidence grow in the water. I am looking forward to the summer fun we will have at the beach. Recently I decided I would buy a new pair of goggles for Alexa and she was involved in the purchase for the first time. She chose (of course) a pink pair and was very very excited. So much so that that evening she wore them to bed. Here is the shot David took at about 9pm - she is fast asleep and didn't even wake when he pulled them off her noting that the suction was pretty tight!

Camryn follows with avid interest any of her big sisters activities. Come swimming time today she got the 'hat' and goggles and insisted she put them on and wear them around the house prior to our departure. Reckon she is a natural!

A Turangi holiday

2011-11-02T09:31:00.004Z

Running running running and splat! What a considerate older sister.

Camryn in true sibling sporting rivalry has in her limited vocabulary. "Get set" "Go".
Her language has been slow to progress but she is quickly adding on with recent additions of "Lekka" and "Bell".

Ouch my finger!

2011-08-03T08:25:00.003+01:00

We have had our first major accident with Camryn jamming her finger (left pinky) into a closing door and having the tip of it severed. It was pretty upsetting to see and for the initial bandaging (they put the tip back onto the finger after we highlighted the fact that we weren't carrying a cup of frozen peas around for fun!). Then it was tapped down and she hasn't really complained about it since! She does milk it though and will hold her finger up for a kiss if we talk about it. Today it was seen by a specialist who is more relaxed about it than we were - in his words doesn't look as bad as he was expecting after our description. He will review it after 3 weeks when any skin that has not taken has gone black and fallen off. Kids have very good regenerative abilities.

Here is photo of the girls complete with bandaged hand. It hasn't really slowed her down at all - except for limiting her water activities.

Our girls

2011-07-03T09:43:00.003+01:00

Our girls are growing so quickly! Alexa had her first school disco on Friday! Very excited and loved busting her moves on the dance floor along with Dad! Isobel is doing exceptionally well at swimming class and at kindy. She has found it a little harder integrating into kindy and the idea of how to play with other friends is still something to be worked on. She often comes home saying she played by herself (quite happily). Camryn is a terror! The smallest but the LOUDEST. She is cheeky, very social, bold and completely reckless on the playground. Like Isobel before her, she also believes that what her big sister can do, she should very well be able to do too. It is a busy time for me now - but I can see that there is trouble ahead with these headstrong ladies.
This earlier shot was taken March 2010.

I love my Gran!

2011-05-12T11:06:00.000+01:00

Camryn absolutely loved being on the farm. She walked over to the cowshed most days - which is a big walk for a 14 month old! Her favourite is Gran as seen by this photo - but she also loves Zac! He seems quite happy with the attention. Her language is slower than the other girls to progress. Not surprising being no. 3, but she is loud! She has no problems making people understand her requests/demands. It is endearing the first time you see this, but can quickly become tiresome.

Easter eggs

2011-05-12T11:03:00.000+01:00

A wet easter meant lots of colouring in. The 2 big girls each sat down and drew an easter egg on the white board. I love the difference between 5 yr old and 3 yr old art!

Camryn is walking

2011-04-18T02:26:00.002+01:00

Camryn has taken her first steps around 1, and after Wanaka is now proficient at walking like a very drunken reveller with wild changes of direction as she staggers about. She loves being mobile - especially at the school pick ups where she can wander over to the many little dogs that have been walked into the playground. "Doh, doh" she exclaims with excitement.

She isn't really talking much other then mum, dad and hiya - but she can sing! If you have heard the chorus from Taio Cruz & Kylie Minoque's single Higher you should know she can copy this with the same rise in notes. She has yet to master the other pop songs her siblings like - Katy Perry Fireworks, Rihanna or Lady Gaga (OMG where are the positive role models for girls???)

She communicates exceptionally well without her language - which is not surprising given she is 3rd child. She is emphatic in her expression of her desires with a loud 'huh, huh' getting louder and more urgent until her wish is granted (or she has been distracted). Strong minded and willful you wonder - yes sirree.

She is very social and will happily wander up to complete strangers and offer her arms up 'huh huh' indicating they should immediately pick her up. Not surprisingly most do (who could resist!), and in some cases when I come over to take her back she cuddles into the stranger and away from me indicating she would rather stay with them! I'm not sure what this will translate to when she reaches teenagerdom but am a little concerned. Still it is great that she can be easily consoled by others as it is hard to give all 3 kids the attention they want.

Dougal and Emma you may recognise the Tshirt she is wearing - courtesy of Egypt. It is lovely thankyou.

Potential Career?

2011-04-18T02:19:00.005+01:00

On the return flight from Chch to AK the girls were asked to hand out the Air NZ lollies. They were stoked! And who wouldn't want a lolly from this princess? The tiara was worn pretty much daily during our holiday and did get many comments.

Wanaka holiday

2011-04-18T02:09:00.003+01:00

We had a marvellous week in Wanaka - what a picturesque place. It was a great base to explore the surrounding area from as well as having lots to keep the kids entertained in the town. We visited the playground with dinosaur slide daily as well as the Wanaka A&P show, nearby vineyards and lots of walks around the lake. Camryn loved it as the house we stayed in had lots of couches to practice her steps walking unsteadily from place to place. By the end of the week she had improved out of sight! Here are a few shots from the week.

Wanaka marathon

2011-04-18T02:03:00.004+01:00

David completed his first offroad marathon in March this year. The old mens shufflers club - a group of 5 guys signed up to do it and 4 of them completed it (one had a convenient invite to a wedding on same weekend!). They ran from Wanaka to Arrowtown crossing Shania Twain's property. A picturesque route but with a lot of steeply undulating hills to cross. They did it in 5hrs 15 and were welcomed into Arrowtown by a big group of supporters including our whole family and Anne and John who had joined us for part of the holiday. A few days later David and I climbed Mt Roy - near Wanaka perhaps not the best recovery plan but too good an opportunity to miss out on a day together with A&J looking after the kids. It was a stunning morning with fabulous views that quickly clouded over so we got there just in time!

Last day at kindy

2011-03-09T05:34:00.004Z

Today was Alexa's last day at Kindy! They have a lovely ceremony where the birthday girl gets to make her own crown and sit at the chair at the front, they review her portfolio and she picks her favourite bits and then they read out some farewell comments from the teachers. Alexa was described as kind and caring, always willing to try activities, creative (loved her art) and always arrived with a smile! Very nice attributes that we hope she will retain throughout life!

She has had two school visits - both went well and she is keen to start school. She will be joining some of her kindy mates which will make the transition a little easier.

Alexa is 5 (and Dougal a bit older!)

2011-02-24T19:55:00.003Z

It was Alexa's birthday yesterday - the same day as Uncle Dougal. He spent his on night shift in Mali, Alexa spent most of hers shopping and spending time with Annie and Jojo. She loved all her gifts - the denim mini skirt an immediate hit and was promptly put on (see photo) but was later ousted for an Annie purchase (but Alexa choice) of a girly pink dress complete with pink petticoat underneath. What is it with girls and pink?!!! The next shot shows Alexa with Annie & Jojo gifts of pink dress, shoes and the mini vacuum. What a housewife! I think we can cancel Karen our cleaner.

I always give a lot of thought to the right birthday cake. Alexa has had a Pooh Bear, a Tiger and a Butterfly. This time she had requested a unicorn, which I contemplated but talking to Anne Sweeney she mentioned her girls wanting the Barbie for many years running and so I looked at this. A Christmas Barbie was stripped of clothes and legs to be placed atop the cake and I then iced the bodice and skirt. All done late Wednesday night (while David was home working!). Both girls loved it! Alexa enjoyed licking the iced bodice from the barbie before eating her slice of cake.

The day was not only special for Alexa. Isobel had her first day at Kindy, which she has been anticipating for many weeks since turning 3. It is a new kindy and she was very very excited by the idea of making her own friends. She had a great day painting, singing & playing in the large leafy covered playground outside. Half way through the time she told me I could leave which I immediately agreed to and returned to collect her (something which she has been watching me do with Alexa for 2 years now). She will now have Kindy 3 afternoons a week from 1 - 3:30.

Camryn's first birthday

2011-02-19T01:50:00.004Z

Sunday saw us celebrating the first birthday of our littlest girl, Camryn. I insisted on a family shot with our girls - which unfort has not worked out too well in the bright sunlight. The two big girls watched in mock horror mixed with excitement as Camryn when presented with her cake immediately stuck her fingers into it and grabbed a handful. They loved that she was allowed to do this, unchecked.

Summer at Omaha

2011-02-19T01:45:00.004Z

For anyone wondering if Alexa has relaxed her reliance on her favourite bear - Pooh, you will see from this photo that this isn't the case. Both Alexa and Isobel have one each - and it is obvious to them who is who's (if not immediately obvious to us). I think Alexa has had maybe two nights without her Pooh bear, and he is her number one! Isobel on the other hand, I think, just copies Alexa in her reliance. She appears more relaxed and will often not take her Pooh bear to bed with her.

These two are doing well sharing a room and are best friends, most of the time. With Alexa starting school in 4 weeks and Isobel starting Kindy next week there are some big changes ahead and Isobel will really miss Alexa.

Splish splash

2010-12-31T04:06:00.002Z

Santa bought these girls a wonderful swimming pool. They played in it for about 5 mins before the games turned to splashing each other! After playing in the pool, at Omaha, what better thing to do than give Annie a big wet cuddle!

We had a great Xmas followed by a few days at Omaha. It was just sunny enough for a swim for all, a game of beach cricket with the Taylor kids from next door, and a fishing trip for John and David. I got treated to a few sleep ins which was bliss.

Alexa has had her bike trainer wheels removed and is learning to get her balance. Isobel (little miss no) is busy as usual keeping up with her big sister on her smaller bike. No obstacle gets in the way of Bell! Camryn is mastering the art of standing and will do so at every opportunity. She has suffered a virus in last few days with high temps followed by a nasty red rash over her body and is MISERABLE!!!

So today I am home with Camryn and will stay here until she starts to show some improvement. David has gone to Turangi with the big girls and then a trip to the farm. We are all looking forward to the milestones of what next year will bring - Alexa starting school, David's off road marathon, Bell starting Kindy, Camryn turning 1, and me getting fit! We'll see you next year!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T04:02:00.003Z

Happy New Year from David, Kirsten and our three girls; Alexa, Isobel & Camryn.

Annual Christmas Picnic lunch - in November

2010-11-10T02:00:00.005Z

This year we had to be super organised to arrange our picnic get together with the 5 families as Jane and Kevin are expecting their third child early Jan; and Naomi and Mark and getting married mid Dec so we decided to do an early Nov catch up. We picked a particularly auspicious occasion - Christine and Andrea's birthday! The weather was kind and shined brightly making our picnic easy to host outside at Okahu bay. I made a cake to celebrate - a wise owl (no connection to the age of the girls of course!). The kids played well enjoying the flying fox which always had a queue outside of. Camryn, Noah and Molly are seen here playing on the mat, they were born within a month of each other. It will be fun to see them grow up together and we have kind of agreed to mark each year with photos of them. As for organising a photo of all the kiddies - well that was just too much planning for any of us to do on the day. Top shot shows the three 8-9month old kiddies with Naomi in charge! Next photo has me holding Camryn, Naomi with Noah, Christine and Tom, and Andrea and Molly. Some of the Dads - Kevin, Simon and David, with Christine cutting her cake. The cake.

Cousin Jamie's first birthday

2010-11-10T01:50:00.004Z

Lisa's little boy is one! We were all invited to celebrate the occasion at Lisa's. David was unable to go having signed up for an 18k mountain goat type run along the west coast (Speights West Coaster) from Bethells beach in the midday sun! CRAZY. The rest of us arrived at a little after 1 having fed the girls in a rush (where I discovered it is impossible to speed feed a 9 month old!) to discover a glorious spread of BBQ sausies, platters of seafood, sausage rolls, lollies etc. So the girls got stuck into their second lunch acting like they hadn't only just been fed! It was a beautiful afternoon, exceptionally well organised by Lisa and a good chance to meet some of her good friends.

Isobel got a chance to improve her tennis skills and got serious with the stick and ball! Her wind up was very impressive!

Summer's arrived

2010-11-01T07:01:00.004Z

We have just spent a fabulous week down in Turangi. Normally a winter destination, or one for D to go with his fishing rods this time we ventured out in early summer with all the troops.

David and I thought we would make the most of an early start to lift kids from beds into car and get on the road and underway before they truly woke up. We got up around 5am and were putting the last items in the car when two very excited little girls ran out of their rooms, both carrying their Pooh bears asking "are we going to Turangi?" This was shortly followed by squeaks coming from Camryn's room. By the time we had loaded everyone into the car everyone was wide awake and very excited about the trip. Even Alexa, who the day before was trying to convince us to "cancel" (her words) the trip so she could attend a birthday party the following weekend!

We had a great time, biking around the town every day, visiting the hot pools, taking the girls for bush walks and also getting out ourselves to do some runs. We even saw a Morepork on the bush track up to lake Rotopounamu. The girls loved the bush walk, despite the steady climb up, up and up. They kept up a game of looking for the gruffalo and running away. We even saw a tree shaped like an alligator that we had to escape. We met up with David who had run ahead and right around the lake. It took us an hour to walk up to the lake edge, so we only had a short 5 mins 'fishing' with the kids pretend fishing rods & a reward of a carob covered marshmallow mushroom (yummy!), before it was time to head back down the hill, having running races with Dad while Mum jogged gently behind carrying Camryn in the backpack. Camryn had a perpetual lean to one side to look around Mum's head and keep her eyes on her 2 big sisters.

The sun was out for most of the week and we had fun in the back yard of our rental getting out the carwash slide. Everyone had to have a go (everyone except Camryn), including a reluctant Mum. Isobel struggled with understanding how to propel yourself along. Her efforts generally ended up landing flat, but she got some help from dad. Alexa quickly worked out how to run up and jump on keeping herself sliding to the very end. She loved it!

Flying's easy

2010-11-01T06:58:00.003Z

For David's birthday I bought him a trial flight. On the basis, of course, that he doesn't take it any further! Hmmmm we'll see.
We headed with the whole crew out to Ardmore - and I'm not sure who was more excited about the flight. Dad or his girls! Certainly they were skipping in their anticipation. Unfort it was too windy to go up, but the bonus was a land flight for Alexa and Bell! We will be heading out again for David's flight in November.

How many on a bike?

2010-11-01T06:56:00.002Z

On a recent trip to the farm the girls got a ride with G'dad on the farm bike. Zac didn't want to miss out on the fun!

A day out

2010-09-27T03:55:00.004+01:00

On Sunday we caught up with Kim and Mos and went for a walk to a nearby playground. It was fabulous to have a sunny day after a few weeks of blustery and showery weather. It really does feel like spring is near! Alexa was fairly self contained swinging herself on the big swing, Bell enjoyed pushing Camryn who just loved both the swing and having big sis push her. She giggled away showing off her two new bottom teeth. She is wearing a t-shirt that reads - My parents are exhausted, which is very true as she has been suffering from Bronchialitus which leaves her very unsettled at night and wanting to sleep upright on someone's chest. Meanwhile, Mos was very patient looking on from a nearby tree. The girls loved walking back, playing hide and seek behind trees and watching Mos racing around on the grass.

Birthday boy

2010-09-27T03:46:00.005+01:00

David's birthday was particularly fun this year as the girls could be involved in making the cake, decorating and making his presents. They were very excited by the secrecy of it all - altho some of them couldn't quite keep it all a secret as Isobel had to whisper to Dad - "you've got a cake" the day before. The girls found it very hard decorating with marshmellows and choc buttons without getting to eat them, but they did very very well.
The surprise and delight of the artwork was almost ruined by me as I had purchased a green acrylic non washable paint. This went on well to the canvas but also proved to adhere very well to the black stools the girls were sitting on. Oh well!!!
The left side was a pencil drawing of a dolphin with a sun top left corner, this was then artfully painted over by Isobel. Alexa's artwork the very bright and cheery pink flower. Then each girl had her hand painted for the middle art - A for Alexa, B for Bell and C for Camryn (who was fascinated by the paint on her hand).

The bottom photo, taken a few days later, shows our eldest two girls looking so grown up! All dressed ready for Annie to take them to a "show" - Bad Jelly the Witch. They were in their good clothes, and I had convinced them to do their hair for the outing! Please note the butterfly sewn on Bell's red dress - that is covering a hole sewn by Lesley who had to sew up a fresh cut made by Bell who was enjoying having the use of some new child friendly scissors. Anne then added the butterfly as extra strengthening as we love this dress and hope it will do by Bell & Camryn.

Lunch out

2010-09-27T03:42:00.002+01:00

What an exciting change - lunch sans kids! We Uni friends caught up for an adults lunch and a chat, chat chat at NSP in Parnell. It was a fabulous lunch and a great chance to catch up and actually finish a sentence for once! Camryn did come along, but was a very good little girl and sat there under the table contentedly before falling asleep in buggy!

Fish eyes

2010-09-12T04:33:00.003+01:00

Last weekend we did a day trip to Omaha. David got the rare chance to head out on a boat to do a spot of fishing with cousin (and new dad) Jon CS. They did alright with a few good fish. Back home the fillet table was set up and in the background you can see the boys filleting their catch. The girls love seeing the fish come back in - in particularly they love poking the fish in the eyes. So Jon helped this fascination by cutting out a fish eye for them to get really close to. They bought it inside for us all to see (thanks girls), and them given the discussion about eating them, they were put into the freezer for later. Luckily we can rely on the forgetfulness of little girls so we didn't have to cook up the fish eyes later (or take them home!). Here are a few shots of them each getting the eye, and Alexa is pretending to eat it.

Faces painted

2010-09-12T04:30:00.004+01:00

A caterpillar and a flower.

Time on the farm

2010-09-12T04:23:00.002+01:00

We recently spent a few weeks on the farm. At calving time there is always lots of things for the kids to be excited about. Daily they walk down to the milking shed, watching the cows feeding on the cow pad. They marvelled that the cows were eating kiwifruit (just like us). But wondered how they took the stickers off?? Then on, over the bridge, to the calf shed where each day they could count the new calves (how many white faces, how many all black and how many black and white). Initially, although happy to go into the pen, they were hesitant to be sucked on by the calves, but eventually learnt to stick their fingers out. Alexa has grown in confidence around the calves - perhaps because she is a bit bigger now. Isobel, probably with the security of having Alexa with her, has always been a bit more confident around the calves. However, both girls are very very wary of the cows. They love watching them but the sheer size of them is too much, particularly for Isobel who doesn't even like being close with a fence in between. Returning home for lunch, then back out past the shed and down to the mailbox to get the mail and paper which arrives mid afternoon. All up I reckon they walked 3 kms a day. This meant that it was usually very easy to get them off to bed at 7pm, but did make the evening meal a bit difficult if energy levels were too low.

Camryn - first tooth through

2010-09-12T04:10:00.004+01:00

Camryn is changing as she grows. Sometimes I can see Alexa in her, sometimes Isobel. But always, she has her own look too. She is now sitting up, bouncing in the jumping seat and responding loudly to anyone who cares to talk to her. She loves her food (as the others did too), but prefers the sweet veges (parsnip, pumpkin, kumara, carrot) to apple and pear). She is captivated by her big sisters and will always look out for them if she can hear them.

Camryn moves to a big cot

2010-07-25T02:33:00.004+01:00

We have made some changes to our living arrangements of late. Isobel has moved into Alexa's room and both are in twin beds. We made the change soon after a week spent on the farm where the girls shared a room there. They seemed excited about the idea (particularly Alexa), but I am surprised that there has been very little chatting at bedtime. Instead, we have early mornings where we can hear Isobel asking Alexa - "are you awake?", soon followed by the door closing and light being switched on. All this irrespective of a response from Alexa. Recently we had this exchange occurring at 4am much to our, and Alexa's dismay. Isobel was dead set on reading books and it took repeated trips to her room and loss of temper before she finally conceded to lying down and back to sleep.

Camryn has had no problems moving into her own room and Bell's cot. She loved the new addition of her name in large letters spelt out above the bed. This we have followed a tradition from first being given lovely sown A L E X A letters by friends of my parents, and then Isobel's name from Mum. An art session with the two big girls had them painting CAMRYN letters and we pinned them up on a ribbon above her bed. The first few mornings we woke up to discover all three girls in Camryn's cot, the older two with books at their side reading and Camryn looking right chuffed to have her sisters' there.

As you can imagine, Camryn absolutely loves her big sisters and can be entertained no problem by just watching their antics. Today we heard "can't read my, can't read my, can't read my PO-KER FACE" sung repeatedly and at full volume by both of the girls. Needless to say, Lady Gaga is a hit in our family. For those of you not so familiar with the latest pop sensation, we are also exposing them used to Itsy Bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini! (2 3 4 tell the people what she wore!). This photo, taken near Milford, with Camryn in a sling and in the background the older two with shoes off throwing sand into the water ... in mid winter of course!

Who does Isobel look like?

2010-07-25T02:32:00.002+01:00

This photo taken by Alexa was surprising for me to view. I thought Isobel looked a lot like David, but in this shot I can see where she gets her eyes!

Day out with Dad

2010-07-25T02:20:00.006+01:00

After a few weeks in UK, David was keen to catch up and spend quality time with his two big girls. Day out with Dad would have to include a 'treat' - ice cream in the Auckland domain. No wonder the girls are always keen to go with Dad!

We are lucky enough to be near a fabulous waterfront walk. Alexa loves the challenge of rock hopping, and Isobel is never one to let Alexa do anything without her. Here they are just out from Milford on a sunny winter afternoon.

Lately David has been making bread - something I am all for encouraging. He is starting to become more experimental - pistachio nuts, wholemeal flour etc. The girls love helping out and 'nudging' the bread (Alexa's explanation to Jojo instead of kneading).

Alexa'a artwork

2010-07-17T04:59:00.004+01:00

Alexa's artwork is improving. She is now doing drawings with people in them, and loves 'writing'.

Of course each piece gets signed by the artist - Alexa spelt backwards, which is how she writes.

New hairdos

2010-07-17T04:57:00.001+01:00

Both girls have had recent hair makeovers - what do you think?

Flying away

2010-06-15T03:45:00.004+01:00

David left last Thurs for 2 and half weeks in northern hemisphere (how nice for him as the weather gets colder and wetter!). We all were able to travel out with David and play at the airport. The helicopters kept the girls occupied for a fair while, then when David went through to airside, we went up to the lookout and watched planes land and takeoff. The girls loved the space with wide windows and bars for swinging on (we ignored the don't play on the bars notice) and were happy playing up there for a good half hour before I tired of carrying a sleeping Camryn in my arms and we headed off home.

Camryn writes..

2010-06-15T03:36:00.003+01:00

This last weekend we all went up to Omaha for a weekend with Annie and Jojo. My folks are impressed with my latest trick - I can roll from front to back.
My big sister Isobel was her usual rascally self waking early and then 'whispering' at full volume "I can't hear you Annie!", all this before the sun had come up on Sat morning.
Alexa had bought her bike up and she and Mum went for a quick blat around the block in between showers.

I kept a low profile inside mostly, here are a few photos of me - at the head of the table at Omaha ... how happy am I! I kept the rest of the table entertained with my chatter. If I imitate Isobel and talk at full volume I notice I get the most reaction. It was a cold night on Saturday so while the oldies were watching the AB's play Ireland Alexa and I lay in front of the fire and read books.

A new haircut

2010-06-02T09:37:00.003+01:00

It is easy to be brought very quickly down to earth by your loved little ones. A couple of days ago I got my hair cut and coloured - a common thing for new mother who is still a dress size bigger that original and wearing her preggie jeans! Anyway, have gone for a short bob with a fringe which is a first for me. Alexa, upon seeing the new look for the first time immediately said - Willy Wonka! For those that have seen the Tim Burton version of Charlie and the Choco Factory you may recall the slightly copper and very straight wig that Johnny Depp wore - apparently a close comparison to my new do and not at all what I was trying for! Both kids love this movie which we have recorded and often request time watching it - Isobel's favourite is the squirrels and the idea of a little girl that gets what she wants, while Alexa has many many questions about all of it.

Alexa is growing up and starting to develop a sharp mind. She has learned that I do not appreciate the comment at dinner time "oh yuck", so instead will say "Mummy I like your other dinners better". She has lovely new red boots that she is very keen on, but initially I was reluctant for her to wear them to kindy. Ok she said, I am too tired to go to Kindy today, I need to stay at home and do what you are doing wearing my boots. Hmm not so sure about that one!

Camryn at three months

2010-05-24T10:47:00.007+01:00

Camryn has just found her voice in the last week and now her attempts to communicate sound like a strangled cat. She does so at full volume, having learned that to compete with her sisters she needs to do so loudly. Meanwhile her strength is improving so it is not so scary to watch her being bounced vigorously in the bouncer by an eager sister. Here is a photo of her tucked up into Bell's bed - Bell was looking after her and her other babies by singing and talking to them. Note Bell's attire which is a very short summer dress that she insists on wearing sans pants or other warmer jerseys, and all this in early winter.

She has also started to gaze in wonder at her hands, and has on odd occasions found her feet which, when lying on her back, are often found in the air.

In the second photo she is wearing her Newcastle United kit - something that Aunty Caro bought for Alexa when in UK and has been passed to each girl. Caro we think Camryn looks a bit like Alexa - seeing her in this outfit may bring back some memories for you!

Personalities

2010-05-12T03:25:00.005+01:00

Watching the girls develop is fascinating as they are very different. Having Camryn has been challenging as my time with the older two is significantly reduced. I seem to spend the day either feeding and caring for Camryn or housekeeping. This means less time to play with the older two, who mostly occupy themselves well with the occasional fight or screaming match.

Alexa has morning kindy 5 times a week now which she loves - but she is not a chatty child and I very rarely hear much about what she did. My questions usually elicit a one word answer, maybe three at best. However I know she loves it and plays well with her friends. She has found the development of Isobel more of a challenge than the addition of Camryn. Isobel now competes with her at everything, but particularly verbally. So she finds she's constantly interrupted and it is hard getting out a full sentence, especially as she's not quick at putting her sentences together. She has been trying new strategies on me, trying to get me to change my decisions by either saying "a nice mummy would let me ..." or holding her hand up and saying "stop you are not listening to me". I have yet to get through to her that listening and agreeing are two different things. She is fascinated by scary things now and every night will request a monster song, or something scary and delights in the thrill of suspense. It is, however, challenging on my mental power late at night to come up with something original and scary.

Isobel is very different - she is louder, more outgoing and energetic and more chatty. On a trip to Te Puke recently while Alexa will sit in the car for an hour looking out the window and being silent, Isobel on another occasion talked non stop for an hour - and I do mean non stop! I got a few questions, but most of the chat was to herself or singing. It was tiring just being in the car! I think she has developed some imaginary friends out of the need to have someone to talk to - and also as for the first time she is having to play by herself without Alexa who is off at Kindy. She is a rascal and hard work at times. She doesn't seem to listen, but goes about whatever she has decided to do. Talking louder or yelling doesn't get her attention, I oftern have to come down to her level and touch her to get her attention. Where Alexa is a negotiator and will discuss and end up coming to a compromise with things, Isobel holds her ground and demands her position. I can often receive an adamant and loud "no" as a response to my questions/direction e.g. Time to go now. Where Alexa will ask if she can get down from the table at dinner, Isobel will make the decision that she has finished and hop down with out asking.

What will Camryn be like I wonder?

Belated Easter post

2010-05-12T03:20:00.003+01:00

These photos were taken during Easter when we were visited by Carly, Tom & Libby up from Wellington. I had read about decorating a cupcake as an Easter chick so attempted to try this with the girls. They covered the cupcake with pink icing (obviously their choice of colour!) then sprinkled it with toasted coconut and had an almond for the beak, raisins for eyes and jelly beans for the feet. These photos show the outcome. The decorating was really just a distraction from eating their morning tea and the chicks did not last long!

Bike-a-thon

2010-05-11T04:24:00.006+01:00

Alexa and Isobel attended their first bike-a-thon recently to raise money for the Milford Kindergarten. I had forgotten until just before the event that you were supposed to decorate your bike, so at the last minute David headed with girls and bikes in tow to the shops and purchased lots of balloons. It was held at Cambells Bay School - the school Alexa is likely to attend and only 10 minutes walk away. So David and the older girls went by car, while I walked up with buggy and Camryn. The first photo shows us all arriving at the bikeathon.

The girls had to cycle around a netball court marked out with cones. Alexa looked superb in her big bike and was the envy of some of her friends. Isobel also got a chance to bike around the course, although she had to put down her sausage and bread first. Alexa popped hers into her basket and was able to munch as she went.

There was a sausage sizzle, cup cakes and thankfully a the coffee guy for us adults! It was a blustery day so you will see in the background to Alexa's photo me holding a well wrapped Camryn who enjoyed being out in the wind and watching all the mayhem.

One photo shows Alexa with her two best friends Sophie and Olivia.

Camryn's mates

2010-04-16T21:02:00.003+01:00

We had a visit from Andrea Moore with Molly and Naomi Cervin with Noah this week. Both kids are born within a month in age from Camryn. It was a great visit, altho by the time I thought about taking a photo Camryn was ready for bed and displaying her rage at being kept awake with her usual gusto.

It is interesting to me that when I am out with all three girls, I often get comments from strangers about how busy I am, or questions asking are they all mine! I didn't think having three kids each 2 years apart was so unusual, the age gaps are exactly the same as myself, Dougal and Jamie, and I bet Mum didn't get these questions. Still, I don't mind the help as I try to juggle the girls while supermarket shopping. You can only get so much into the trolley when you have a capsule with Camryn in there too!

Visit to the farm

2010-04-16T20:44:00.004+01:00

We four girls recently had a trip to the farm for a week. The girls were very excited about going to the farm, such that they weren't interested in a break during the trip to play at the Matamata playground, but preferred to keep driving. Alexa has grown in confidence and was happy to wander up the drive and across a paddock to watch the cows eating at the feed pad. Isobel found them a bit 'scary' and was not at all keen when they made a noise. She much preferred to point out the cows in far distant paddocks. It was picking time for the kiwifruit so a couple of days there was much action as gangs of pickers and 6 little tractors with trailers to carry the bins raced around the orchard. Alexa, as usual, was fascinated by the action and keen to watch. It was even more fun when they had all gone home and left the two loaders for the girls to play on. They were off to school apparently.

Alexa and Isobel got to share a room with twin beds for the first time. Luckily the girls were so tired each night after busy days that there was no talking until all hours. In the morning, early in the morning, Gran could hear Isobel calling out to Alexa and then talking non stop to herself. Grandad would get up about 6ish, get the girls ready and cook them some porridge for breakfast. This is a special ritual at every visit that both girls get a real treat out of.

Alexa would occupy herself with biking around the courtyard, reading or Ballerining (the act of dancing like a ballerina) during times when Isobel (and sometimes Gran, Grandad & myself) had midday naps. Isobel was her usual talkative self - she seems to go from waking until sleep talking through most of the day. For example when asked what she would like on her toast, she would list all the things she doesn't like "I don't like marmite, I don't like marmalade...etc." On a trip into town we heard from the back "I can, I can, I can't see the moon"

It was Camryn's first visit to the farm - initially although she could focus on people, she didn't appear very interested in her surrounds. But after a week we noticed a distinct change in her looking around more, tracking people and perhaps even noticing Zac the little Jack Russell who had been dutifully following her around when she was crying. At one point when I had her in her tub for a bath, Zac, who had been watching closely decided that the change mat was an ideal place for to lie down. We were lucky in that he didn't ever hop into her basket which was often at his level on the ground as she slept.

2010-03-31T23:27:00.002+01:00

While in Wellington we were given some hand me down clothes from Heather. Despite them being a bit too big for Alexa, she was very very excited by them and here is a photo of her in some of the clothes.

Heather our cousin in Wellington

2010-03-31T23:22:00.005+01:00

David, Camryn and I had to travel to Wellington for a day to attend my Uncle Richard's funeral.

We stayed with my cousin Catherine, husband Scott and their children Heather (7) and Angus (5). Heather was very taken with Camryn and was an excellent car companion keeping a running commentary about what was happening in great detail e.g. Camryn's eyes open, yawning etc. She was great holding her - unfortunately we were leaving when this photo was taken and Camryn was hungry hence the unfortunate expression.

Out and about

2010-03-16T01:39:00.003Z

It's amazing the difference between your first and your third born. I think with Alexa I was only just leaving the house at 4 weeks (admittedly it was snowing!), but with Camryn it's a different story. At 4 weeks she has already been on her first flight to Queenstown, up to Omaha for a holiday, cafes, kindy runs, music and dance class, accompanying bike rides, farm visits etc. Quite a lot really for someone just new to it all.

She is adjusting well though, and despite having some rough days mostly her nights involve long sleeps and brief waking for a drink - a perfect routine for this age.

Born awesome

2010-03-16T01:37:00.004Z

Camryn at 4 weeks is doing very well. Drinking strongly, she now weighs in at almost 5kg which moves her into the next weight category from NB to 0-3 months. David says she is starting to look like a person now!

Here she is reclining at Omaha - thanks to Sarah for the T-shirt.

Birthday fairies

2010-02-28T04:35:00.005Z

These were the party fairies - Raphaelle.

Morgane

Sophie

Mia

Olivia

Gran and Isobel

2010-02-28T04:01:00.004Z

We have been treated to a week with Gran this past week. It has been fabulous for me as she has taken the older two to all their music, dance and swimming classes leaving me to focus on Camryn. She is also very good at calming Camryn.

She was particularly helpful in preparing for the fairy party - it may not have been the smartest idea to do this only 2 weeks after a new born and it made for one late night baking cupcakes for the party. Still it was worth it as you can see from the earlier post.

Gran left after the party and tomorrow David is off to work leaving me and the three girls to begin to adjust our schedules around each other. Am I daunted - hell yes!

4th birthday face painting

2010-02-28T03:58:00.004Z

Here are the painted girls - Alexa the fish bowl (after her birthday lunch!) and Isobel a butterfly.

Alexa's 4th birthday party - Fairies

2010-02-28T03:40:00.005Z

Alexa had her first birthday party this weekend to celebrate her 4th birthday with her friends from Milford Kindy. They are mostly all here in the top photo - Mia at back being helped into place, then left to right Sophie, Alexa, Olivia, Isobel and Morgane at back. Missing is Raphaelle.

A friend, Tanya, bought along face paint and they all had their faces painted. Alexa was first up and chose the fish bowl, the others butterflies.

They loved this and all looked fabulous. Gran had planned a fairy treasure hunt that went down a treat - their eyes light up at each clue and they loved racing off to find the next one. The final clue had them discovering butterfly rings for each of them in the fairy castle on the deck.

Olivia and Alexa seem to be very close friends - I love this shot of them playing together with one of Alexa's new gifts. They play well together, which is just as well as they live only 2 doors away so there are plenty of opportunities for play dates.

Our girls

2010-02-28T03:35:00.003Z

The girls are starting to get to know each other.

As I predicted, Alexa is showing a wonderful caring nature and has quickly worked out how to pacify Camryn with a finger in her mouth. This works a treat on drives as Alexa sits in the middle of our car and can keep Camryn quiet and calm her. Camryn is a very 'sucky' baby and often needs quieting with either her hand/finger in her mouth or someone else's. I am resisting the dummy options as I would prefer her to work out how to do it herself.

Isobel is doing well too - not to be left out of course! I think Camryn is getting used to Bell's volume (she only operates at full volume!) and seems to mostly ignore the screeching unless caught up close and unawares.

Camryn is very quickly learning to

focus and track movement so appears much more aware. She sleeps well at night, but has long awake times during the day when we think she is struggling with wind.

Camryn - close ups

2010-02-17T21:38:00.003Z

Here are some close ups of Camryn for those of you who like to see who she resembles (Henderson vs Chapman-Smith). So far we have had comments that she looks like Bell or Alexa - and she probably has the CS nose. However, she just looks like a baby to me so I'll let you draw your own conclusions from these photos.

She is still a little puffy around the eyes, but her head is not too misshapen from the birth trip.

In comparison with her sisters:

Alexa birth weight 3.24 kg, height 50cm

Isobel birth weight 3.61 kg, height 52 cm

Camryn birth weight 3.85 kg, height 52 cm.

Sisters meet

2010-02-17T01:32:00.004Z

Here are some early shots of Alexa and Isobel's first encounter with Camryn. They were so excited, jumping around and talking loudly I'm sure the whole floor knew they had arrived.

Camryn Ella Chapman-Smith

2010-02-17T01:26:00.002Z

After much waiting Camryn Ella Chapman-Smith arrived, 16 days over due on Saturday 13th February at 12:18pm. She weighed 8pds 6oz (3.8kgs) and is a healthy little girl, with a large pair of lungs.

Alexa and Isobel are very excited to finally meet their new sister and are very helpful with nappy changes and advising all when Camryn opens her eyes.

I spent three nights at birthcare trying to get as much sleep as possible, and am now home with rest of the family.

Still no baby

2010-02-09T01:11:00.003Z

For those of you that use this site for updates no we haven't been distracted by a new born - instead today baby is 12 days overdue! Alexa claims it could be because 'we' are too noisy - which in Isobel's case I can quite understand as she seems to insist on yelling everything, thereby including all neighbours in any discussion she has. There were a couple of key dates I was hoping for - 3.2.10 would have been nice, or 5.2.10 (ie 5x2=10), but now I am really just happy for an arrival!

We had a check up with Lee, our midwife, yesterday and baby is content, there is plenty of fluid, and all is well so as far as she is concerned so there is no need to speed things along. This works for me too as I understand inducing can be less than pleasant and after 2 relatively good births I am loathe to change the pattern! So we wait.

In the meantime Isobel still insists on doing things "mine self" and pestering Alexa - particularly at meal times where they are best separated. However, it is quite amusing to hear Alexa (and not me) having to deal with repeated why questions from Isobel.

Alexa has got the measure of her Daddy. During a recent breakfast where he was teasing me Alexa jumped to my defence arguing back, then interjected with a "Daddy, focus on your breakfast". I wonder where she got that??

Alexa photo art

2010-01-25T06:42:00.002Z

This photo taken by Alexa on Friday 22nd with one week to go!

One week to due date!

2010-01-21T04:54:00.003Z

Yes it is already one week until due date - which means any time is possible. The cot is set up, bag kind of packed and we are ready, as we can be. I keep on getting the comment from strangers about how busy I will be - so am making the most of the 'quiet' time now.

The girls have no concept of time so are not showing any signs of interest - Alexa just knows the baby will arrive before her birthday (end Feb). However, through the pregnancy both have been interested in the baby inside my belly and Isobel in particular gives my belly cuddles.

With both girls having been born after due date (5 and 3 days after) I am half resigned to the idea that number 3 could well be late too, however I would welcome an earlier arrival. The weather has turned really hot and muggy of late which means I would be happy to lose the extra weight sooner!

A visit from a friend

2009-12-23T07:43:00.002Z

Carly and Alexa love catching up with each other. Carly lives in Wellington and we visited earlier this year. This photo was from their most recent visit north in December. They play so well together creating make believe stories - looking after their babies, shopping, looking after animals at the animal hospital.

Farewell to Grazyna

2009-12-23T07:38:00.004Z

Today we had a leaving party for Grazyna who has been the girls' nanny for a year. She has been part of their lives for a minimum of 3 days every week since Jan of this year. They will really miss her!

We had a lovely leaving do with fairy bread, twisties, sausage and bread, salad and Christmas mallowpuffs - guess who decided on the menu! : )

Guess who insisted on there being some salad too!!

Our girls

2009-12-23T07:35:00.001Z

I chose this picture as it shows our two girls in December 09. My first thought when I saw it was how much Alexa looks like me!

Isobel's 2nd birthdayci

2009-12-23T07:29:00.003Z

Our quiet, calm, relaxed little baby has turned two and turned into a vivacious, precocious, loud, determined little girl! Isobel is dynamite! She is so much fun to watch as she tries to match herself and her abilities to big sis!

Here she is - the birthday princess.

We had a lovely day with Great Granny (CS) and Grandpa & Jenny (Parsons) joining us along with grandparents, Lisa, Ethan & Jamie, my brother Jamie & Tash.

Advent calendar

2009-12-23T07:27:00.004Z

This year Gran made the girls a wonderful advent calendar with little pockets for each gift. She bought some small gifts with the idea that this would be better than choccies. Sounds good but it has meant the purchase of 24 'little' gifts in the lead up to Xmas! They have been very good about it though and it has reinforced the idea of taking turns as each girl gets an alternate day.

Family update

2009-11-13T01:04:00.003Z

A cultural moment for non Kiwis - Isobel giving her Dad a hongi. In the other picture you may notice a slight swell in my tummy. We are expecting number 3 to arrive late Jan/early Feb 2010.

The girls are both very excited about 'piglet' (Alexa's name for the baby). They won't volunteer any predictions about gender and we don't know either.

At the moment David is flat out at work with a sudden flood of activity prior to Christmas. I'm hoping that will mean it is quiet in the early new year! I have increased my working hours to 3 and half days due to a new more senior position. This I will finish up with around Christmas with the plan to relax in the weeks preceding baby's arrival.

Superheros

2009-11-13T01:03:00.002Z

Little miss A and little miss I our resident superheros. They had great fun getting their faces painted however I did discover at 6pm that night that the black paint if very difficult to get off without scrubbing!

Bath buddies

2009-11-13T00:54:00.003Z

I know I know it has been a long time since the last blog. It is very hard to find the time these days for extraneous activities and so I have been a bit lax at this.

All is going well with the family and the girls are growing up quickly. They are the best mates and play exceptionally well together. Isobel is fiercely independent and headstrong and refuses to accept that being 2 years younger means she is any less capable. She insists on getting herself dressed, undressed with a very insistent "I do it!" Her language is great and she absorbs new words readily.

Alexa is now at Kindy 3 afternoons a week so has begun her social development with peers. She is incredible patient and a loving big sister. This year we focused her activities around dance and music which both girls love. She's not really a natural performer but has heaps of enthusiasm to get involved.

The whole gang

2009-04-19T05:20:00.002+01:00

Wedding shots

2009-04-19T05:19:00.000+01:00

I love this shot of John and Anne with Mark and Caro.

Mark & Caroline's Wedding

2009-04-19T05:05:00.003+01:00

David and I were recently lucky enough to be able to travel to the UK to attend David's brother Mark's wedding to Caroline. It was a spectacular and very special occasion. The wedding was in a lovely church in Newcastle, then we were bussed out (drinking Sloe Whisky) to Brancepeth Castle about 40 minutes away. The Sloe Whisky helped numb very cold people as the wind was bitingly cold.

The first photo here is Caroline followed by Mark following Cameron Mackay who piped them into their wedding breakfast. Caroline - as you can see looked absolutely stunning! Mark, his best man, ushers and father were all dressed in dark grey pinstripe trousers and morning suits - they were an awesome team.

Inside the castle we were all pleasantly warm, despite outside temps. Here are a few family shots of those attending the wedding. In one you will see Chris and Liz the mother and father of the Caroline. Chris in family tartan, Liz in a stunning silver dress and hat. Inside are me, John, Lisa, Anne, John, Kate, Anne, Sam, Sera in one photo, with a smaller subset of this group in the second. I would write more but the kids are bored and driving me nuts to I better go and find them something to do before they get into mischief.

An extra tooth!

2009-03-26T00:48:00.003Z

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

2009-03-26T00:44:00.002Z

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.

2009-03-08T08:47:00.002Z

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

2009-03-08T08:41:00.003Z

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

2009-03-08T08:36:00.003Z

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

2009-03-08T08:25:00.002Z

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

2009-03-08T08:16:00.003Z

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!

3rd Birthday Party

2009-02-25T08:24:00.005Z

Alexa's third birthday passed with much more attention and appreciation this year. She understands how old she is, the month and the expected number of candles she should have on her candle (even though she kept insisting on 5 candles). I racked my brains to decide on a new cake and came up with a Tiger - her favourite animal. The usual transpired with me up late the evening before cooking and then up at 6.30 to decorate, but all worth it when you see the excitement on her face. She was a very lucky little girl and enjoyed all the attention and being the focus of the Happy Birthday song!

During the evening a few comments from her kept us chuckling - her response to JoJo saying you've got ants in your pants (this at 8.30pm) was "you can check" and later to Dad saying her would count to 20 to give her enough time for a quick hug to all and then he would take her to bed "Katie hold me tight". Her language is growing so quickly it is very easy to be amazed at the mental connections she makes.

Here is a shot of the three CS great grandkids. Ethan is 9, Alexa 3 and Isobel 1.

Alexa turns 3

2009-02-24T02:06:00.002Z

I know I know I have been extremely remiss in the last 6 months. I can only say that buying, selling, Christmas, working and playing takes an inordinate amount of time and energy leaving none to do blog updates. You have missed - Isobel turning 1, our new house in Castor Bay, Christmas & summer in New Zealand. I will try and add a few pics over next few days/weeks.

In the interim here is a photo of our 3 year old daughter who wants to grow into these shoes one day!

Tigers can wink!

2008-11-13T09:03:00.003Z

Alexa showing me her latest trick. She loves Tigers and Lions at the moment due to some songs/stories that David and I make up at bed time.

Tom the Tiger loses his stripes

Tom the Tiger loses his stripes cos he ran too fast in the forest. As a result he looses his roar and can only miaow like a cat! He enlists the help of the other animals in the forest - the Elephant can only shower him in water from his trunk, the Zebra won't lend him his stipes cos that would only make him Neigh, but the tall giraffe looks over the trees to see his stripes lying beside a rock. There Alexa and Pooh bear help Tom the Tiger by gluing his stripes back on using hands (Alexa's as Tom only has paws) and super glue! Then miraculously he gets his roar back!

Tom the Tiger loses his voice (do you notice the pattern?)

Tom the Tiger meets Leo the Lion (I know I was tired and couldn't be creative or even handed with the sex). They have a standoff trying to show each other who has the best roar. They roar all day and night until they lose their voices at the same time, both can make only a squeak. Their voices are hoarse (Alexa liked that one!) They recover over night after having a lemon and honey drink and get their roar's back.

Maybe in a quiet moment (who knows when!) I will put pen to paper and write these up as children's books. But then again not sure when this quiet moment will happen.

Isobel giggles

2008-11-13T08:25:00.003Z

It's fascinating watching the difference between the two girls. Alexa always had a preference for her left hand. Isobel on the other hand is showing an early preference for right handedness. So far this is only really been tested when grabbing food. Here clear favourite is a packet of raisins - today she demolished 3 packets (without my approval). Trying to remove the third packet that Alexa had given her just before bathtime proved unsuccessful (screams and an iron grip!).

Isobel has a wicked sense of humour. I can hear her chuckle every now and then as she is playing. Her latest trick is teeth grinding - if you haven't experienced this try thinking of nails along a blackboard and you will get hte gist. Isobel knows the reaction she will get and will do it, wait for the reaction and then giggle. Other things that get her giggling are - grabbing someone's nose and pinching, clapping, high fives, having a ball rolled to her, and anything that Alexa does.

She is too young for time out - but we discovered this self created trap:

First bike ride

2008-10-02T09:32:00.002+01:00

Isobel got a kick out of 'riding'

this after watching Alexa on it.

Omaha

2008-10-02T09:15:00.002+01:00

We recently had a fabulous week up at Omaha, just north of Auckland. It was a family break before David started his new job, and before we started open homes on our house.

It was a nice warm week, a tempter to what summer could bring.

The girls play very well together - Isobel is now crawling very slowly which means she can get to items that Alexa is playing with. This causes the occasional sibling fight - Alexa has yet to work out that she can move away.

Isobel gets a real kick out of playing with Alexa, and of anyone Alexa can make her giggle. Her tricks of late include clapping, and making the hand sign for a duck quacking. She loves watching animals, particularly dogs.

Feeding

2008-10-02T02:26:00.004+01:00

Alexa has been brilliant of late, helping out with things and responding to simple requests. Here she is wanting to help feed Isobel. When asked what Isobel was eating, she responded "Tofood". This is her own version of Tofu, however other mispronunciations are clearly due to certain influences. David for medcine (instead of medicine) and John for misappeared (as opposed to disppeared), a mispronunciation Alexa made early on that John is perpetuating.

David's birthday

2008-10-02T01:37:00.004+01:00

It was David's birthday recently. Alexa's latest star chart of reinforcement involved a reward of decorating a cake once she had 10 stars, and coincidently she got 10 just in time to decorate Daddy's cake. Unfortunately the decoration didn't quite conform to the vision she had given time constraints and a rush job, so instead of a chocolate cake with pink icing and a cherry on the top he got this.

What to do on a summery sunday morning

2008-10-01T23:20:00.004+01:00

If you are struggling for ideas as to what to do with your children, try this sometime.

1. Take one large bean bag.

2. Get child to open both zips and begin pulling out the beans.

3. Stop and start picking up the tiny little beans (one at a time) and put them back into the beanbag. This will involve you all down on your hands and knees.

4,. Then get said child to help by launching themselves onto the beanbag, with zip open, to engulf you in a cloud of fresh new beans.

5 Begin picking them up again.

It is great fun for the whole family. If you want to make it even more fun - do it outside when it is windy and then add the challenge of a new crawler into the mix.

Time taken - all of sunday morning.

Travelling with kids

2008-09-26T10:41:00.003+01:00

Travelling with kids - especially flying - presents many challenges. Flying home from Fiji was a classic example with the kids kipping out using baggage as beds.

Fiji

2008-09-26T10:38:00.004+01:00

We recently had a fabulous CS family extended holiday in Fiji. Here are a few shots taken - spot the fish in the water with David and Isobel.

Sisters playing together

2008-09-26T10:34:00.002+01:00

Apologies for the long delay in writing. It has been a crazy few months as we get our house in tip top shape to put on market, David starts a new job, we holiday in Fiji etc etc. Phew!!

Isobel is now 10 months and has just begun to crawl, making her much happier at her progress. Alexa spends hours playing in the car 'driving to Annie and Jo's' and other make believe. It is great for me as she is out of the house but safely contained in the garage. I just have to remember to turn off hazard lights and shut all doors properly after she has finished.

This photo taken in about August showing the 2 girls playing in a cardboard house.

Isobel at 8 months

2008-08-02T09:04:00.003+01:00

Our beautiful second daughter is 8 months old. She is an absolute delight - very chilled out wee thing who plays quite happily and chirpily by herself for most of the time. She loves: her sister, animals - in particular Zac, being tickled, baths, throwing her head back and lying against us, gurgling loudly, playing hide and seek, pulling her socks off. She dislikes: the finished sign at the end of her meal, having her toys taken off her (particularly the phone!), having her nose blown, being leaned on by Alexa.

First time at the snow

2008-08-02T08:48:00.006+01:00

Last weekend the girls and I travelled from the farm over to Turangi, while David drove down with Annie and Jojo. We stayed in a rented cottage with the fire on from dawn till after our covers where pulled around our ears. Brrr it was chilly. But it did enable David and John to try a spot of fishing, and then for us all to drive up to the Chateau to give Alexa and Isobel their first taste of snow. There wasn't much on the ground, but enough for Alexa to enjoy. People before us had made a snow rabbit - which Alexa wandered over to greet (with the traditional hongi).

Isobel spent most of the time asleep in her car seat but did wake finally to experience the temps and we didn't even get a glimmer of a smile. This very serious look was all we got out of her the whole time. Once she warmed up, back at the cottage, she was back to her normal chirpy self.

A week on the farm

2008-07-24T03:59:00.006+01:00

Monday I travelled down to the farm with the girls. They did remarkably well on the trip, Isobel crying for about 30 mins on and off, and Alexa was brilliant occupying herself with looking at the animals and inspecting her new purse that Annie had given her complete with 'lipstick' (an empty lip salve), moisturizer (an empty sample bottle) and money (yes that is real!).

On the farm there is much to look at. Alexa loves the puddles and insisted on stepping in every single one. That means doubling back to get the ones on the other side of the track as well, so progress is very very slow! She is much more confident with the dogs, although still wary. She was quite unsure of the calves though, and even though they were safely trapped in their pens, insisted on clinging to either Gran or I and watching from a distance. She was fascinated by the little calves being fed with 2L milk containers, however the fascination didn't seem to relax her and she refused to get too close.

Isobel on the other hand loves getting up close!! She giggles at Zac, especially when he is in reach, and thought the calves where hilarious giggling at them sticking their tongues out at her to lick her. She would occupy herself on a mat while we sat up to the table having our meals, occasionally entertaining us with peek a boo. She has learned to lift a cloth over her head and pull it down with a smile when we sing out 'peek a boo'. She also enjoyed pulling out toys from a bucket, very quickly learning to tip the bucket up. Despite a fair amount of attention, Gran was never really successful at training her to put the toys back into the bucket!

Isobel has had a bit of a miserable time compared to her usual content self. She has spent most of the time with a streaming nose, eyes and mouth. The eyes usually due to something Alexa's done. She has one bottom teeth through, but no others so far. She has however slept right thru the night each night only waking after 7am which is fantastic.

Alexa and I have been sharing a room and two single beds which is a novelty for us both.

Tomorrow we head off to Turangi, where David, Annie and Jojo will join us for the weekend. We hope to do a trip to the snow and introduce Alexa to Snowmen and other icy things. She has no concept of snow and therefore no interest, but hopefully this will change.

Cool dude

2008-07-16T04:09:00.004+01:00

The girls are keeping us very busy of late.

Alexa is testing boundaries by being a bit naughty and also not staying in her 'timeout' spot. This has meant a trying time of an hour spent continually putting her back on her spot until she did her time (2mins). Most of this was spent with her giggling and thinking it was a great game to run away and be dragged back. Eventually she saw that she wasn't going to get off and succumbed with sobs. Since then I have begun a star chart (thanks to Jane) and she gets a star when she has been particularly good - good listening or helping etc. When she has filled up the row with stars she gets a 'treat' - the first of which is a trip to the pools and a swim. The idea is that together we will think up each new treat and work towards it.

She is a fairly bright girl and recently had the girls at daycare laughing. A new boy had started, his name Donato. Alexa immediately began calling him Donato Tomato, to which pretty soon the rest of the children followed suit. They ended up calling him Donnie in an effort to stop the vege link.

Meanwhile Isobel has begun to move her hands in that lovely way children do - rolling them at the wrists with the movement getting busier the more excited she is. She is just beginning to get her first tooth through which today has caused her to be off form and quite grizzly. I have her wearing Alexa's old amber necklace and I use a teethmed naturopathic spray that seems to calm her. Hopefully this will see her through.

Both girls have developed a recent habit of waking at between 5 or 5.30am. Isobel can be convinced back to sleep by lying her against our chest, but Alexa is more reluctant. She will stay in bed reading for half an hour, then if it is still too early we have resorted to putting on the tele and going back to bed. I am horrified that it has come to this but it seems the easiest way to get a few more minutes of sleep.

Omaha

2008-06-27T00:49:00.003+01:00

A few weeks back we and a few families went up to Omaha to stay at Anne and John's for the weekend. The Glovers from Waiheke came with their guitars, Christine and Lily arrived on Saturday, Simon being absent due to a trip to Valencia (poor him!). We also had Naomi and Mark staying in a nearby house (they were happy not to be privy to the night wakings and early morning start!). These shots show Henry (2 and half years), Cooked bfast Sunday morning, Henry and Kevin serenading us to the sound of two guitars, Isobel in the foreground; Lily (11m) and Isobel(7m) checking out the toys.

Out for a walk

2008-06-27T00:45:00.003+01:00

Coming down our drive after taking Gran and Grandad out to the park. Alexa loves holding onto Grandad's hand and has just let go seeing me. She loves having visits from Gran and Grandad and looks forward to trips down to the farm and the additional bonus of Boss and Zac. She explains to me, very matter of fact, that Zac gets time out when he chases the cows.

Sisterly love

2008-06-27T00:38:00.003+01:00

Yes of course the girls get on well!! As you can see from this picture Isobel loves her big sis! Don't ask how many pics I took to get this shot, and therefore how much torture Alexa endured, I figure she gets her own back on Isobel most of the time so its all fair.

Isobel is getting much bigger and treats us to some wonderful conversations using consonants like na na na, da da da or ma ma ma. She is sitting very comfortably now and seems happy with this and currently has no desire to move (roll or crawl). I'm sure this will change soon, but for the moment it is great to know she stays where she is left!

Pic two is Isobel modelling a knitted outfit from Gran - it does cause confusion from strangers especially older ladies who almost look cross at me when I say no the baby is a girl. it's like I was deliberately trying to mislead!!

Long Weekend

2008-06-03T09:22:00.003+01:00

We spent the long weekend in a holiday house at Waimauku (north of Auckland) with the Glover family and the Moore's. It was fairly chaotic with 2 x 2 year olds, 2 x 6/7 month olds and one very pregnant lady. Luckily there was plenty to keep them busy - goats, sheep, chickens, cows and horses not to mention a new house to explore with door handles within reach. Alexa spent most of her time opening and closing all the doors and playing her own game. Some of this included Pooh Bear who was told (by Alexa) to stay in his room as he wasn't listening to her (hmmm sound familiar??). She has also come up with a new saying - asking a question then completing the sentence with "or not?". Example - Gran do you want toast or not? It is scary when your turn of phrase is used back and you and suddenly you realise how silly it sounds! Well at least it is better than the oft repeated "what is that noise" that was used for some time at unknown and known sounds!!!

The nights weren't quite as restful as a holiday ought to be due to the disturbance of kids - Alexa continually tried to sleep across her bed and ended up falling out a couple of times, Isobel was a little unsettled in the travel cot and as she was in our room this kept us from slumber. However it was a great weekend with trips to Muriwai, into Kumeu and also a quick drive around the area to look for our next home! The first two shots are of our walk from Muriwai to Maori Bay and the gannet colony.

It was a fabulous holiday and a great chance to catch up with friends that we don't see as often as we'd like.

Gran and Grandad arrived Monday as we were in clean up mode and took Alexa for a walk, then on down to the Muriwai playground. We then went to Carriages in Kumeu for lunch. Isobel demonstrated her love of solid food by downing a large bowl (1/4 cup) of mashed Avocado and Banana, she then was quite happy to be getting close to that man with the beard! I love this shot of her with Grandad.

Isobel is growing so quickly. She can sit up unaided now and spends a lot of time sitting up on her sheepy playing with various toys. She looks fairly similar to Alexa and like her she is very contemplative with a serious gaze of consideration. However, she is far calmer and easier to get off to sleep. She also seems more relaxed with others and more ready to smile than Alexa at the same age. She loves being talked to by strangers and beams at them when they give her some attention. It was quite fun seeing Zoe Glover this weekend and comparing her development - she is far far more active than Bell, in fact for a tiny mite she radiates energy and is a live wire. Isobel in comparison to Zoe is much more sedate (cool, calm and collected) - as depicted by this chilled out photo with crossed monster feet.

Like a monkey

2008-06-03T09:18:00.003+01:00

Alexa has been attending Jumping Beans a weekly class where they do some gym activities (climbing, swinging, jumping) as well as singing and group

activities. She loves it, and I have noticed a definite improvement in her abilities as a result. Here she is showing off her fearless jumping from the monkey bars at Muriwai playground this weekend.