Chatty

My grasp of the English language is getting a bit better. To finish off the year here is my current lexicon...

"amah" = amen
"aye-bye" = bye bye
"yep" = yes
"nup" = no
"narnar" = bananas and watermelons (!)
"bar" = bath
"boh" = book
"bore" = ball
"roe" = rose
"noh" = nose
"poh" = poo
"up" = up (usually accompanied by two raised arms)
"hat" = hat
"mama" = mum
"daddeeee" = dad
"broom broom" = car (and sometimes trains)

In my pants

After a couple of grimaces and grunts I pointed at my nappy this morning and let dad know there was something in there.

He said 'poo?' and I said 'poh'...And we checked, and there was one!

Mum says that now that I'm aware of my nappy dwellers it's time to pull out my toilet seat and learn to become a toilet master...

Big bath

My little blue bath is getting a bit on the squeezy side, especially with some of my new Christmas bath toys, so dad filled up the big bath for me tonight, and I had a fantastic time. Last time I had a bath in there it was all tears.

And the discomfort of having bathwater pouring over my head and eyes seems to only have been a phase, tonight I actually handed mum my new bucket and asked her to pour it over my head!

But the funniest thing that happened today was when we were in the car and I stuck my foot down my throat and spewed! Ewwwww! We were on our way to another family lunch and I had to get around in a nappy again, becasue my pants were a bit whiffy.

Another late night

This has been a busy Christmas, and I've had a fair share of late nights.

I had my daytime sleep much later than usual today, and woke up out of sorts. I grizzled when I was picked up and I grizzled when I was picked down, and I grizzled in between being picked up and put down. I stayed that way for a long time, but soon after the visitors arrived I perked up and ended up having a wonderful time.

Party time!

Today we loaded up the car and headed west for dad's family Christmas celebration.

We left a bit late after the rough night last night, but at least I got to have my mid morning sleep in the car.

There were lots and lots of people to play with, and I think I managed to have a cuddle with everyone - especially the girls!

A certain aunt encouraged me to eat all sorts of yummy food - including lots of grapes and dried apricots and other delights, and laughed that dad would have a 'fun' time dealing with these same foods at the other end of the day when they came out the other end of me!

I ran around a lot, and danced a bit, and even had time to stop and smell Nan's roses and by the time we piled into the car to head back home I was zonked - with a big grin on my face.

It was a fantastic day.

The longest night

After the biggest day of my little life yesterday, today was relatively quiet, but tonight wasn't much fun. Mum reckons I had a case of the 'night terrors' - lots of crying and screaming in my sleep, and when I finally woke up it took me a long time to settle down, and then I was ready to play - at two o'clock in the morning! Surprisingly no one else was ready to play, and dad mumbled all sorts of grumpy things!

The longest day

I slept in this morning. I don't mean til 6 o'clock. Or 7 o'clock. I didn't wake up until 20 to 8, and had to have my bottle on the way to church and my breakfast during the service!

We had all mum's family around to our house for Christmas lunch and there were lots of people to play with. And toys too. Before the official present exchange dad gave me a parcel from him, a pack of my very first toy cars*. He may have been more excited than I was. We played with them until all the family arrived and then we gave, and got, a few more things.

I scored a toy rock and roll guitar (so did uncle Michael and we jammed for a long time afterwards) and I also got a beach set of buckets and a puzzle made from my name and plenty of books and a Thomas the Tank Engine train and another car and probably a few more things too - oh yeah, a Johnny Cash kid's album and some glow in the dark socks!

Before lunch mum suggested that dad put me down for my usual sleep, but I didn't want a bar of that. I got as far as getting out of my church clothes and into my usual daytime sleeping outfit (which is a nappy). I stayed awake during lunch, and then through the afternoon, and then teatime, and was still awake at supper time! All the time I roamed around the house wearing only a nappy! And for year's to come people will probably wonder why I'm half naked in the family photos taken on Christmas day.

*For the trainspotters here are the car details; A Ford GT40, a red Ferrari, a Mini (with '07' on it – my birth year) and a '68 Hotwheels Treasure Hunt.

Solo slippery slide man!

I rode the slippery slide* all by myself today!

It took a little time to muster up the courage at the top of the slide, but I soon let go and dad grabbed me athe halfway point, and I laughed. So we did it again and again, with dad grabbing me later and later, until I was doing it all by myself.

On the last go dad and I must have both gotten a bit too confident, and he was half a second late in catching me, and I turned to have another go a bit early, and clonked my head on the side of the slide. I'm still sporting a little bruise above my eye, but it's a bruise I can wear with pride, because I am a slide rider!

*or should that be slippery dip? Dad called them slippery dips when he was little, and so did mum, so we might have to christen them slippery dips in our household...

Come here baby!

My only real cousin in the world came to our place for a visit! I was very excited.

He's three months old and doesn't do much. But that's OK, because all I wanted from him was a hug and a cuddle. And I was determined to get both.

After a little bit of nagging from me, mum let me sit on her kness and then Oliver was placed carefully in my lap. I beamed the biggest smile. And gave him a little pat on the head and a kiss on the cheek.

Later on at tea time he was sitting in my rocker underneath my highchair. I offered him some carrots and corn but he didn't take it. He only drinks milk.

Could we live at the park?

Dad and I went to the park today.

He decided it was a great way of getting rid of all my mid-morning energy.

I walked all the way to the park at the bottom of the street. I found the long grass in front of some people's houses a bit hard to walk in.

I loved the swing. Dad pushed me higher and higher, and I started giggling. I really seem to love the wind in my hair.

It was getting a bit sunny, and almost time for my sleep, when dad decided we should head home.

I did not share the same sentiment.

We got a few metres before my protests won and we turned back and had another whole go on the swing.

Then when I wasn't quite paying enough attention dad grabbed me and started to run, he took my hat off so the wind blew my hair - and I laughed and laughed - unbeknowns to me we were headed away from the park. Very quickly. I figured out what was going on when we reached the road...And boy did I protest.

Dad let me walk the last half of the way home, but I let him, and the rest of the street, know I was not impressed that we left the park.

I'll do it myself

I decided I'd feed myself today. We were having soup. It went everywhere.

I also did a big poo in the bath, and an uncovered wee on the change mat. I thought the latter was funny and laughed. Mum didn't.

We went for a walk in the park this morning, just around the time I usually have a sleep, and so by the time we got home I was exhausted. I slept for almost three and a half hours. That's what impressed mum and dad today.

New friends

We had a visit from old friends from the coast. They brought their new puppy. I was excited and scared and compelled to pat the dog and wanting to run away, all at the same time.

Even more exciting than the dog was the present they brought me. A Buzz Lightyear!

I brought Buzz to dinner, and did something I've never ever done before. I offered one of my toys some food. Mum says it was very cute.

Buzz got dragged all over the house.

I don't call him Buzz, I call him "zzzzzzz"

Parties

Mum and dad had another Christmas party to go to today, so I went to my usual party place, grandma and grandad's. but not before mum and I dropped into dad's work for end-of-year drinks.

I was a little overwhelmed by all the people, but I did manage to charm a few of them. And run up and down the hallway.

Kneel

I've got a funny new habit.

When people kneel down to talk to me at my level, I turn myself around and try and sit on their knee!

I did it to dad this afternoon, and then I did it at bathtime - he knelt down to dry me off with the towel, and I tried to sit on him!

Stop and smell the roses

I climbed up onto the table today and grabbed a vase and lifted it to my nose and smelt a rose.

Mum quickly put a stop to my climbing and grabbing glassware - but she thought it was pretty cute at the same time.

Toilet boy part 1

I did a wee in the toilet today.

There was much celebration.

Mum decided it was time to start loo familiarisation. Mum made me feel very special when it was time to climb up on my special toilet seat. I thought it was a great game.

We waited. And waited.

Mum helped pass the time by ripping up the toilet paper into tiny pieces and giving them to me to drop into the water underneath me.

Half an hour later we had some wee action.

Mum confessed to dad that she messed up the next bit. She was told that half an hour after the first wee I should get back onto the loo for a follow up wee. We didn't do that, and half an hour later I managed to have a little accident in my trainer pants. On the good loungeroom couch. whoops.

Party. My house. Be there

We had all mum's 'lady club' friends over tonight for tea, with their hubby's, and their kids! It was quite a party.

I took it all in my stride, and seemed to love all the action taking place in my bedroom. The kids loved my play area, and had a great time on my table and chairs.

I patrolled the whole house, working the floor, mingling with the grown ups and the kids.

I did my usual scavenger hunt through other kid's dinner plates, and Olive and I had a stand off with plastic forks over some ham, but otherwise it was a fine, fun time.

Christmas tree

Mum put up the Christmas tree tonight.

She was wise to do it while I was in the bath and unavailable to help.

When dad and I came in to the family room after my bath, mum turned off the lights so we could appreciate the Christmas lights.

Pretty!

But it wasn't long before I was keen to appreciate the Christmas decorations. Our baubles are silver and gold and...would you know...bounce on the floor!

Excellent!

I took them all off and bounced them all over the floor! Dad did say, to my credit, that I did try to put them back onto the tree, but I'm not quite skilled in the tree decorating department yet...

Stinky and busy

My fellow old testament named cousins, Ezra and Joash, visited for morning tea and saw my house, and my playroom, for the first time.

I really like it when other kids come over, and I don't seem to mind at all when they come into my room to play with my stuff. Come to think of it, the only time I'm not really in the mood for being in my playroom is when I'm the only one in there!

After a big play and just as we kids were starting to get a bit grumpy, the mum's packed a picnic and we went to the park for a play. Our park is great - it has a playground just for little kids like me. But today there were a few big kids around which made me a little bit nervous. But we had a really good play.

When I got home I was sweaty. And smelly. And my clothes and shoes (and nappy!) were fillled with sand from the playground. Dad took a whiff of me and wondered aloud if I should be wearing deodorant!

First kiss

I had my first kiss.

With a girl!

My age!

Mum and I were at Shelley's and I was playing with Olive and Harvey in the lounge room. Mum was eating her lunch but looked up just at the right time to spot me and Olive, arms around each other, smooching!

The mum's laughed and Shelley told me that it might be fine now, but in a few years time Olive would not be encouraged to kiss the boys, and mum told me that in a few years, I wouldn't be interested in kissing either. Especially girls. Dad told me that after the time I'm not interested in girls, there will come a time that I'm very interested in them, and may even want to try kissing again. Ah, it's all very complicated!

When we were leaving, Olive and I waved to each other from our mum's arms and leaned in for a final little peck on the lips.

Braaaaainnns!

Somehow, the conversation a few nights ago turned to zombies. Mum thought zombies were a little scary for someone like me. So dad decided there was a sure fire way that zombies wouldn't be scary - if we were the zombies!

He stuck his arms out and moaned 'brains' and staggered after mum. I thought it was hilarious. I decided to 'chase' him. But I hadn't mastered the arm movements, but I got out a 'baaaa' which sort of sounded like what a zombie might say.

Anyway, a couple of days later, in the family room, of my own accord, I lifted my arms in the classic zombie pose and said 'baaaaa'. Everyone laughed. And then dad and I took turns in chasing each other up and down the hallway.

Dad said he was impressed that after the initial 'lesson' I spent a day or two figuring it out, and boy did I figure it out. Mum worries I might pull it out at the wrong moment. I think dad hopes I will pull it out at the wrong moment!

If at first you don't succeed, try five times

It took me three hours to get to sleep today. Normally I'm pretty good at my daytime sleep and nod off easily at about 11 o'clock and stay asleep for two to three hours. But not today.

Attempt #1 - Today was swimming day and I'm always sleepy after swimming. I was asleep when we arrived home but woke up because some workmen arrived at the same time. Mum decided to give me some morning tea and then try again later.

Attempt #2 - Just as I was about to drift off into dreamland, the workmen knocked on the door and we had to go and investigate. It woke me right up and I spent the next half an hour kicking my football around the family room.

Attempt # 3 - We read a story and I had a cup of warm milk. But do you think I had any intention of sleeping? I wailed and cried and carried on like a pork chop. Mum knew that I was too overtired to settle so we went into the loungeroom and watched Night Garden.

Attempt #4 - My serene disposition while watching Night Garden didn't follow me back into the bedroom. I let mum know exactly what I thought of daytime sleeps! Much more wailing and sobbing and gnashing of teeth.

Attempt #5 - Finally mum did something that hasn't been done since I was a very small baby. She strapped me into my carseat for a few laps around the block. Before we'd even completed one lap, I was completely zonked out. I stayed asleep during the drive home and then during the transfer into bed. Success at last!

Don't forget to pay

I almost unwittingly shoplifted today.

Mum and I had to duck into the shops for a few minutes. I'm not always very good at shopping these days. I sometimes get a bad case of the whingees in a lot less time than it used to take.

So while mum pushed the pram around Big W, she gave me something to hold.

Trainer pants.

I'm better at shopping if I have a job to do. We lined up at the check-out to pay. It was after mum paid for our stuff that she realised I was still holding onto the training pants! She quickly paid and I got my trainer pants back. Legitimately this time.

You might wonder what I'm doing with trainer pants? Well, that's a story, and a mission, for another day...or week, or month!

New stuff!

I had a very social day today. Mum went to work at uni and I went to play at grandma's.

She bought me a new Buzz Lightyear car! Usually, I like to make 'brum brum' noises and push cars around on the floor myself. But grandma made the mistake of showing me how to make this car drive across the lino, by pulling it back and letting it go. The trouble is, I don't know how to pull it back to make it go, so grandma had to keep doing it. My job was to chase it across the floor and then bring it back to her. We went on like that for a long time.

I had a late afternoon sleep and it was just as well because we had visitors for tea and I like to entertain visitors. Glennys and Steve are like my bonus grandparents - they give good cuddles just like grandparents and even good presents! They gave me a book.

We had a very nice time and I managed to stay up way past my bedtime. When mum finally decided it was time for me to say goodnight, I wasn't impressed. I tried to prolong my goodbyes by giving everyone lots and lots of kisses but I still had to go to bed. With a very bad case of the whingies.

Pa rum pa pum pum

I didn't let mum leave me at Tiny Treasures by myself today, because there were too many big kids around and I sometimes find too many big kids a bit full-on.

It was a pretty busy day after church. I got dropped at grandma's church and she and grandad took me home to play while mum and dad went out to a Christmas lunch for mum's work.

I had a big sleep when we got home and then that night mum and dad took me to the carols by candlelight!

We were a bit late, just like last year! But five minutes before it starterd dad said we should make it a family tradition. So we zipped down to the park to find it rather full. There weren't many good spots left, but we pulle dout our picnic blanket and sang along with a few songs. I did a few groovy moves and made the teenage girls sitting behind us swoon. We didn't stay for the fireworks - I was a bit tired, and so were mum and dad. By the time dad heard the familiar sound of the fireworks, I was sleeping in bed.

Daytrip

It is my aunty Lyndall's birthday today. So we decided to visit her.

We had a play in a park, we went out for lunch. I impressed everyone by eating mum's spicy morrocan chicken salad. I'm enjoying spicy food at the moment. I finished my food before everyone else, so I then amused myself with the little pebbles in a big pot next to our table. I took out the pebbles one at a time and handed them to grandad. Then I gave a few to aunty Lyndall. This game went on for ages, because they kept putting the stones back into the pot.

Later on we went to another park and dad and I found a goanna, and I met a bush turkey.

Mr Helpful (the sequel)

I've made a habit of helping mum with the housework, especially the vacuuming.

Vacuuming is great!

But today I took 'helping' to a whole new level. When mum was doing the vacuuming I decided I didn't just want to help. I wanted to do it all myself. I waited until mum wandered off to get one of the attachments and took my chance. I grabbed the vacuum cleaner hose and started to do the vacuuming all by myself!

I even copied some of the things that mum does. Like grab the extra attachments and fiddle around the end of the nozzle with them. I didn't actually attach the different attachments, I just waved them about!

I got so carried away I didn't notice that mum had started to video tape me. Excuse my state of undress;

More shopping

Mum doesn't like to take the pram to the shops. She thinks it's too big and gets in everyone's way. I think it's because she used to whinge about people with their prams before I came along. But today we used the pram for the express purpose of getting in the way!

There was a big special on at one of the shops and we needed to get some Christmas presents. So mum and I arrived just after 8 o'clock to wait for the shop to open. We weren't alone. By the time the doors opened, there was quite a crowd gathered so mum warned me that we might have to make a run for it. And we did! We managed to be one of the first to get to the department where the big specials were and then we used the pram to hold our position.

Once we got what we wanted, mum took me to the toddler department and we got me some new shorts. I'm growing out of all my shorts and now I'm well and truly into the size two's.

Some recent stats

I've got 14 teeth!

I've discovered meat is actually pretty good.

I like to grab the little bags of dirty nappies and take them out to the front door.

I can almost say 'rose', and my ta's have morphed into da's...But I'm saying it without having to be reminded (mostly). I'll attempt a few words, but my usual saying is 'dukka dukka'.

My hair is getting longer, and mum thinks I should get it cut short for summer because I seem to get quite hot with the hot weather. Dad says I should get a mohawk. Mum says I won't be getting a mohawk.

A cordless drill is better than Santa

We had our playgroup Christmas celebration today.

Santa comes.

Dad thought I should wear a shirt that says 'I know you're not real' on it. I think he said the same thing last year. There's a good chance he'll say it this time next year too! Next thing you know he'll be telling all those 'dad jokes'.

Anyway, when it came time for me to collect my present from the guy in the big red suit I wasn't interested. I wasn't scared. I was too busy playing with the Bob the Builder toys at the back of the room. Mum led me down to the big chair, but I as soon as I was handed the present, I dropped it and went back to the plastic drill.

The Dr Seuss books I was supposed to unwrap are still waiting patiently...

Mr Helpful

Mum had a big list of things she wanted to do around the house and I set to help her.

We did some vacuuming. I like to hold onto the front of the hose while mum pushes it. It slows the whole process down, but it keeps me entertained.

We hung out some washing. I played with the pegs.

I took my dirty nappy bag out to the wheelie bin. Mum was impressed that I seem to know where the rubbish bags should go.

Virtual games can still hurt

We went to Andy and Wendy's place for lunch.

They have a Wii.

I walked a little too close to Andy when he was 'bowling'.

I got clonked in the head!

I settled down pretty quickly. Fortunately the controller has a rubber cover, and after both blokes wacked themselves in the head to see what sort of pain it causes, the general consensus was that it's not as bad as it looks - but that I should be kept at a safe distance, in case I got the urge to walk into the danger zone again.

Parks are too much fun to leave

I woke up early this morning. Not a very popular thing to do on a Saturday.

Dad got up and we had breakfast while mum had a sleep in. We played with my stacking blocks for a while, and then I busied myself playing with pegs in the laundry.

After my sleep mum and dad had to go to the plant nursery to pick up some fertiliser. I had a great time walking up and down the paths and looking at all the plants and garden statues. I didn't touch much (which relieved mum) and I even had a chat and a cuddle to the owner!

On our way home we stopped at a park, mum and dad tohught that seeing I loved the nursery I'd probably appreciate more time in a park. I did. I had a swing and then a good run about on the grass. Well, run isn't really the best word - a 'cautious walk' is better. But it was great fun.

So much fun, that when it was time to leave I was not ready. I cried. And cried.

I even cried when we got home. And cried during my bath. And cried right up until tea time. And then I stopped crying to eat. And then I started crying after I ate. And then I fell asleep.

Don't bite your friends

I am usually pretty quiet when we go out to mum's friday playgroup. I do my own thing and stay out of trouble.

Not today.

I was in the thick of it. I was sporting a black eye from yesterday's loss to the kitchen drawer. So I looked like a bruiser, and I acted like one.

I bit Zara. I annoyed Olive. I pinched people's drinks. I pulled Aanika's hair. I tied up the slippery dip by walking up it, and all the other kids had to wait patiently at the top for me to get off. I even had a 'John McEnroe' moment and threw the totem tennis racquet into a bowl of cheesels the big kids were eating.

Mum was quite embarrassed. She told dad. He wasn't proud either.

They told me that had better be the last day I pull stunts like that. I wonder if I can blame my teething for it all?

When dad got home we went outside and played in the backyard. For ages. Firstly with a footy, and then a blow up beach ball. I had a great time. And I didn't have the urge to bite or annoy anyone.

All three of us

Mum was home today, which is unusual. She's usually at school, but it's getting towards the end of the year and nobody was looking for a relief teacher today.


Usually us fellas have free run of the house to make videos, to run up and down the hallway, play air guitar and rock out to loud music and to not have to pick up after ourselves. But things were a bit different with mum working from home. So dad and I decided to go out after lunch and do the shopping. I was a very good shopper for dad. I tried to stand up a few times but I was otherwise very happy to go along for the ride.


After dad went to work in the afternoon, mum and I were working in the kitchen. She was unpacking the dishwasher and I was unpacking the bottom pot drawer. But then I slipped! Mum heard a very loud cry and I was sitting on the floor with my hands over my eyes. Mum was very relieved to see that my eye was still intact but I had a little cut just under my eye from where I slipped onto the corner of the drawer.

Ouch!


I settled down quite quickly but I'm now sporting a pretty tough looking bruise!

Not quite a dog paddle

I woke up looking a lot better this morning. And acting like my usual self.

I got to go to the pool. Mum reckons I'm getting a lot better at the things I should be doing, although I still refuse to kick when we do our kicking practice. But I do like to 'swim' when the teacher lets go of me and pushes me to mum - it's not a proper stroke - it's not even a proper dog paddle - but it seems to propel me in the right direction. I'm also pretty good at the 'falling in' practice.

Spew!

I woke up not looking well.

Then I rolled over and had a spew.

A bright yellow spew.

It helped everyone get out out bed.

I was not feeling well.

I had a morning bath, which is unusual, and proceeded to have a very quiet and clingy day. No playgroup, but I did have a visit to the doctor. The diagnosis is a 'low grade virus' caused by my teething. Those blinkin' teeth!

Early call

I had to cut my day short at grandma's because I had a bad case of the 'sads'.

Mum wasn't at school, so it wasn't too bad, and we could afford to have an early rendezvous.

I had time for a walk in the backyard. I am enjoying the outdoors a lot, now that I'm properly mobile. And, what might be even more exciting, I've rekindled my love of pegs!

Slippery dips

We went out for a barbecue this afternoon.

All the other kids were having fun on a slippery dip. I have had a go on a slippery dip once, at the park down the road, but dad held onto me very tightly that day.

I watched as all the other kids climbed up the steps and slid down. Then I decided I'd give it a go. I didn't really think through the whole thing and when I got to the top of the slide I did an awkward move that got me on my side, with one foot stuck under my bum (it's hard to explain, but you get the idea I wasn't in the traditional slippery-dip launching position). Dad was watching the whole procedure, and at the moment it looked like I was about to launch myself down - he grabbed a hold of me and made sure I would have a safe landing.

I laughed, and promptly climbed the stair again. It only took another two goes for me to figure out a better launchin position, but dad still kept an eye, and a hand, on me as I slid down - because I'm not good at holding my head up straight, and he didn't want me clonking my brains!

The trouble with an extra daytime sleep

I've been getting up early lately.

One of the problems with waking up early is that I get tired a bit earlier, and that means I wake up a bit earlier for lunch, and that means I get a bit grumpier around tea time.

Mum and dad thought they'd see if I could do with an extra daytime sleep - an afternoon nap. Mum was wanting a lie down this afternoon herself, so she cuddled me off to sleep.

Everything was fine until it was time for bed tonight.

I was not tired at seven o'clock.

I was not tired at eight o'clock.

I was not tired at nine o'clock.

I finally got tired close to ten o'clock.

Needless to say we're still working on the perfect timing for first and second daytime sleeps...

Body art

When mum and I picked up dad from work this afternoon I was wearing a nappy. No pants, no shirt, no shoes. Just a nappy. And a tummy covered in blue felt pen scribbles.

I had spilled water on myself, which is becoming a bit common lately.

I also discovered a pen, and quick as a flash, before mum could whisk it to safety, I got me some ink on my skin.

Our neighbours were in the garden when we got home and the adults had a good chat, but mum and dad were somewhat embarrased that their pride and joy was seen in public a) without any clothes on and b) with a doodled tummy!

Stand up if you like trolleys

Dad and I had to go to the hardware store today.

We looked at all sorts of blokey things.

My job was to hold a couple of smaller items - a little seedling pot and a connector pipe for our water tank. Dad grabbed a piece of plastic pipe and blew into it like a didgeredoo. I laughed, and then tried it myself. It kept me enertained for a while as we picked up all the bits and pieces we needed.

But I soon got a bit bored and decided I wanted out of the trolley. So I stood up. The little seatbelt is no match for me. So dad had to do some quick manouvering and shuffling of goods to get me sorted, and to keep all the stuff safely in the trolley.

He told mum about it. She said it's not the first time I've decided to bail out of the trolley. There was talk of me not going shopping in the future.

Plain bikkies 0 : Tim Tams 2

Dad stayed home from work today. He had a queasy tummy. Mum's job was to keep me out of his way so I don't get sick too. But I wasn't having any of this quarantine business. If dad's are home, then they're home to play, as far as I'm concerned.

I went to swimming in the morning and mum decided to test out how much I know by using a 'sink or swim' approach. She was very happy that I chose to swim - or at least thrash about until I got out of trouble.

Later in the afternoon, we were walking in the rose garden when our neighbour drove past and told us that there was a big storm coming. Those words were what it took to make mum and dad decide now was the perfect time to finish cleaning out the garage for the car. But there was one little chink in the plan...what to do with me. It's been mentioned before but I'm not very helpful in the cleaning and organising stakes. Dad's solution was to strap me in the high chair in the laundry so I could see what was going on. No way, dad! Mum's idea was to give me a plain biscuit and see if that would keep me busy. No way, mum!

Finally, in desperation, mum peeked into the fridge and saw an almost-finished packet of Tim Tams. They're not in the habit of handing me chocolate bikkies, and I've never had a Tim Tam before, but desperate times call for things stronger than a plain bikkie.

It turns out Tim Tams can buy ten whole minutes of peace and quiet!

50/50

One of the downsides of hitting the eighteen month mark is having to head to the doctor for another needle.

This time I wasn't as quiet and tough as I have been in the past.

When the needle hit my arm I wailed. Ow!

But things were soon fixed when the doctor offered me a jelly bean. Alright!

He did a few tests and measurements and I'm now fairly and squarely in the 50% percentile of height and weight. For someone who's been on the skinny side of things for his whole life it's good to be smack bang in the middle of all the other kids.

Drawn

It was a nice rainy day and mum and I stayed home all day.

After dad's success with my sleeps over the weekend, mum decided to try out his techniques. After a busy morning of vacuuming the house, mum put on a cd so we could jump around to some music. Mum started jumping around the house and tried to get me to dance too. But I wasn't impressed. I just climbed up on the couch to watch mum's crazy moves. Next, she tried the running up and down the hallway trick. I had a go, but after two laps lost interest and wandered off. Consequently, I only slept for an hour and a half and mum didn't get all her work done.

We spent the afternoon making towers with my blocks and playing with my special Russian Babushka doll. Then mum sat me down in the study with some drawing materials to keep me busy while she quickly checked her emails.

I did what I was told...but only to a point. Forget about the paper...I did all my drawing on my legs! I had to spend a little extra time in the bath tonight while dad scrubbed my legs. There's still a little bit left, but dad assures me it'll come off sooner or later.

Grumps

I had the grumps today.

I had another big sleep (sunday school tired me out) but after I woke up I was in a bit of a feral mood until the time I went to bed after tea.

I didn't really enjoy my bath, I didn't really enjoy a walk outside with dad and I didn't really enjoy tea. I think mum and dad enjoyed it when I finally went to sleep!

Big sleep

It was me and dad all day today. mum had to go to uni for a bit of peace and quiet to write up a big report for work. so us boys did what we do best - hung out!

Dad's plan was to play. First, it's fun, and secondly, if I play hard I sleep hard.

So we literally ran up and down the hallway - must have been over twenty times - waving our arms around and hooting and hollering. It was fun and I laughed and laughed and got wobblier and wobblier as the laps increased.

But that wasn't all - we jumped around to music in the loungeroom and then had a bit of a wrestle in the spare room. We haven't been able to use the spare room for months because it's been full of boxes, but we tidied it up a bit for grandma and grandad to stay, and since they're gone it's the perfect place to jump around.

All the running and jumping and rocking made me tired. I slept for three and a half hours! That's a modern record. Mum was quite impressed.

Eighteen months

I made it to another milestone. Eighteen months old.

Here is a quick snapshot of where I am at this historical moment;

My walking is getting a lot better - no longer do I look like a zombie lurching about with my arms extended out in front of me. I'm a lot better in bare feet than my shoes.

I love drawers and cupboards and pulling stuff out of them, and then putting the same stuff back in. It's a great occupation, but not really appreciated by mum.

I've still got teeth coming through (yep, the same ones that have been causing me grief for the past few weeks)

I am quite partial to soft drink. If I see mum and dad grabbing a plastic bottle full of the fizzy wonderdrink I'll point at it and then my bottle. They happily oblige - but I think they're having the last laugh - I drink it watered down. Very watered down.

I'm back onto meat.

Too quick

Dad and grandad were still doing jobs around the house today so grandma had a bit of baby duty inside.

The plan was to watch a bit of kid's telly. We sat down together, and I watched for a while, but soon decided to go for a wander. I was out of the loungeroom in a shot. I think I'm a bit quick for grandma, becasue she ghot left behind in the loungeroom while I roamed the house. I discovered dad and grandad fixing the push bikes out the back and spent a few minutes chatting through the screen door before grandma caught up to me.

It came from the depths

I went swimming in totally different gear this morning.

Mum and dad did a bit of swimming future-proofing by buying a size 3 suit months and months ago for me - we dug it out of the cupboard this morning and, lo and behold, it fits me now!

So we ditched my Rip Curl boardies and I had my swimming lesson in a streamlined one piece. It's not exactly like the ones they wore in the Olympics. It's blue and has scales printed on it, with bones sticking out, and a text bubble that says 'arrgh!' - It's a monster swimming suit!

All the mums told me I looked good when we got to the pool.

One thong is not enough

Mum and Grandma took me for a walk to the park this afternoon.

Unlike yesterday's marathon effort, I spent a bit of time in the pram. And this gave me ample time to get barefoot.

I was wearing my new thongs, and they're pretty east to take off. A lot easier than my sneakers.

I finally managed to get one off. And no one noticed. Until halfway home. Mum counted one thong. That's not enough thongs apparently. So mum had to run back to the park and do a scavenger hunt for the missing havaina.

She found it. And I had a quick lecture on why flinging shoes overboard is not a good idea. If it happens again they might buy my next thongs from Target. And that would teach me!

A long walk

Dad and grandad took me for a very long walk today.

We went to the park down the bottom of our street.

I've been there before, but I've never walked the whole way.

It took us ages, because my little legs can go only so far.

We discovered my swing with the safety chain had been tampered with (the chain was missing a few links - so it wouldn't click shut) and so I had to go on the slippery slide instead.

After a few good slides we decided we should head back home. And I decided to walk the whole way back. I got tired legs before we got home. But I didn't whinge. My steps just got a lot shorter! Grandad laughed that if it were any further I'd probably have ended up marching on the spot!

I was pretty zonked when we got home, and even lay on the cork floor in the dining room to rest my head before tea.

Dairy-ian

You've heard of vegetarians (I've been one of them), and fruitarians (I've been one of them too) - but lately I've been a dairy-ian.

That's right, I've had a diet of milk and cheese and yoghurt.

Well, to be honest it's only been one day. But my little gums hurt - you should see the lumps inside my mouth. You'd think a volcano was about to erupt. So I haven't been in the mood to eat much at all. Although, dad did succeed in trying to get to eat something non-dairy; Coco Pops!

Yep, the food pyramid is a weird shape at Long Lived Rock HQ at the moment!

Unpacking

Dad decided to clean out the garage today. It's still full of cartons of stuff from our move.

I decided he needed some help.

I squeezed through a few openings, and had a wonderful time exploring the world between boxes. I'd cry if I made it to a dead end. Which was often. And then I really cried when I leaned on a really big box to find it was empty - it fell over with a bit of a crash - and even though I stayed standing, the fact that I made a box bigger than me fall over freaked me out. More tears.

We eventually gave up on the garage and headed into the loungeroom for a bit of air guitar rockin'.

Grandma and grandad arrived late tonight. They're visiting for a week, and helping do a few jobs around the house.

Too tired to sleep, so let's get into the garden

I was too tired to sleep today.

Mum and I went out to lunch today, so she could talk to her friends and I could play with mine.

It used to be that Olive and I played inside while the bigger kids played outside in the cubby house. But today Olive decided to be one of the big kids and disappeared to the backyard. I'm not so sure about the backyard. I went out there for a little bit to have a look around but then retreated to the safety of the playroom. No green ants in the playroom. But no playmates either, unless you count Zara. And she's still a bit little for me.

After lunch I fell asleep in the high chair so Mum decided it was time to go home. She had lots of work to do and was hoping I'd have a nice long sleep. But as it turned out, I had no sleep at all!

So when Dad got home from work he was immediately put in charge of me and we went outside and had a great wander in the garden.

I quite like the backyard. There's always something interesting to point at. Especially spiders in their webs. I like them. Not knowing what spiders are probably helps. I reach out and touch some of the flowers - but dad won't let me reach out at the spiders.

We'll blame the new teeth for that

Dad and I hung out today. No shopping expeditions this week, just messing around at home.

I wasn't eating much - dad blamed the new teeth.

I sat and played on the floor in the study as dad did a few things on the computer, and after a little while he noticed a weird yellow puddle on the floor. He thought I'd spewed. He picked me up and asked me if I was ok - and checked my tummy for any weird milky smells. Nothing. so he got a cloth and wiped it up, and gave it a bit of a smell. It wasn't spew. It was poo!

They say when you get new teeth your poos can go runny (I hope no one's eating....) and they were - so much so they ran out of my nappy and onto the study floor.

But dad cleaned it all up and I was back to my usual self soon after. And so was he. But I think he's not stepping on the site of the incident, just to be safe!

There's nothing fun about a sea of plastic balls

I know I've been using it as an excuse for many things, but my molars are still really hurting. And I was in a bit of a grumpy mood today.

We went to swimming and I didn't want to walk on the mat like I did last week. And as usual, I didn't do any kicking either.

After swimming, mum and I went to a special playcentre to meet one of her friends and her little boy who is about my age. The grown-ups thought it would be a great idea to get together at a place where there was lots of fun stuff for little people to do.

But we little people took quite a bit of warming up to the idea. For a start, I discovered there is not much to like about those pits filled with colourful plastic balls. The idea of sinking into a sea of plastic is not my idea of fun, and I let everyone know about it. I ended up having fun playing on different things, but I'm definately a few months (or maybe a year) away from having a good time in the pit of (plastic ball) doom.

Two playdates

Mum took me to Shelley's place for a play before playgroup.

Two plays in one day!

She decided to go to uni to do a spot of work, because a certain little person was making it impossible for her to do the work at home. I find that very hard to believe!

I played with Olive and Harvey, but did spend a bit of time sticking close to Shelley.

Later on at playgroup, I stuck close to Shelley even though Mum was right there too!

Not quite myself

I hung out with grandma today. She thought I wasn't quite myself.

I think my gums are still hurting. Those big molars haven't come all the way through yet, and since there's four of them, that's a lot of uncomfortableness for a little guy like me.

It took me ages to settle down after tea tonight, both mum and dad had 'baby settling' shifts, and an hour after bedtime I finally drifted off to sleep.

Oh, and on a totally different note, I have decided to do the yanks a service and tip their election. We've been forced to endure night after night of US election stuff, so it's the least I can do; Obama or McCain?

Puppies and kittens

We visited aunty Lyndall's friends today, their cat had kittens yesterday. They were very little. I was not allowed very close to them.

They also had some puppies. I was allowed near them, but was a little stand-offish. One little puppy tugged at my pants - but I played it cool and didn't cry. I did cry on the trip home though. Mum and dad decided to pull over at the next town, but each time they were about to pull over I'd stop crying. But then I'd start up again soon after we'd gone past the town. So that lasted a few towns until I finally went to sleep and we travelled in peace.

China and thongs and reunions

We had a big day today.

We got up pretty early for a saturday and dived into the car to go and visit aunty Lyndall.

We went to a big second hand sale and I spent most of the time tucked up safely in the pram - mum and dad wanted to be sure I kept my hands to myself - especially with expensive, and breakble, china and glass everwhere. I got a few compliments regarding my good behaviour.

It was pretty hot, and I was wearing my shoes and socks - dad thought it was a bit too hot for shoes and socks so we went to find me some cooler footwear. We got some thongs. Well, not just any thongs, baby havanianas. Tiny versions of the grown up thonngs - but mine have an elastic band at the back to help keep them on. They were $20. Dad said even his thongs didn't cost that much. But at least they're cool.

Then, when you thinkthe day couldn't get any cooler, grandma and grandad G turned up. I haven't seen them for months. I was alseep when they arrived, but after a couple of trips in to watch me sleep, I finally woke up and saw grandma smiling at me. I was a bit sleepy, but still managed to impress them with all the things I've learned since I'd seen them; my walking skills!

Where's my shoe?

I lost my shoe today.

Unlike grown ups - I don't just leave things in the usual places...Oh no, I can be very creative.

The shoe was not in the gap betwen the dishwasher and the bench - that's where I like to keep the balls from my drum.

The shoe was not in the dining room buffet. But we did find a missing puzzle piece in there.

The shoe was not underneath the computer desk. But mum did find her own phone there.

Finally, before we gave up, and I was going to have to go outside in bare feet, mum decided to look in the kitchen pot drawers.

Eureka!

Guitar hero

Dad and I hit the town early to get me a new guitar.

It's a toy Gibson - it makes cool noises, and you can plug an mp3 player into it. Not that I have one of those. And it was on a really good special.

It will be great for rockin' in the loungeroom before tea.

But I can't open it yet. It's for Christmas. Dad thought it was Ok for me to see it, and write about it, because I'll more than liekly forget about it before December 25.

I had a hard time getting to sleep this morning after shopping. My new teeth are still giving me a bit of grief.

Walking on water

One week into my walking career and I impressed everyone at swimming, and made mum very proud. And relieved too!

I walked across the floating mat!

Very carefully. Very slowly. And with the sounds of all my classmates and their mum's clapping.

I also had my first grilled cheese on toast, known in our household as a 'cheesie'. I like cheesies!

We had tea at grandma and grandad's place, because it is mum's birthday today. We had candles on a cake, and I loved it. Last time I encounted candles on a cake with the lights off I got a bit scared. But tonight I enjoyed it.

Haircut

I I had my first paid haircut today.

At a proper barber.

It was much better than my first haircut. It's still got a bit of length in it, and grandma assured dad that 'he still looks like a skywalker'!

We went to playgroup this morning, and I wandered over to where the big kids play. I usually sit with the littlies, but now that I'm a walker, I've obviously decided to hang with the big kids. I still played by myself - grabbing a toy drill and laughing loudly as I walked around in circles...

Ducks with grandad

Grandad is on long service leave, and he and I went to the Japanese gardens to check out the ducks.

I had a good time, but we didn't take any bread. One day, someone will take bread to feed the ducks with me, but at the moment I don't seem to mind, they're pretty entertaining.

I spent the rest of the day cleaning out grandma's cupboards. Two drawers and a cupboard to be precise. But I did help to put the stuff back, so that makes it okay.

Girls!

We had a barbecue at Rod and Tonya's place, with a few families. Olive was there. She's the closest kid to my age I hang with. Usually we don't 'play' together - but tonight we had a great time. Until she grabbed my face.

Ow!

Did I let her, and everyone else, know I didn't like it.

Dad came and rescued me, but I soon forgot about the incident and we went back to blowing raspberries on the glass, and doing all the things that 17 month olds think is cool.

Until I got face grabbed again.

And again.

Someone said it's probably because I'm so cute, and irresistable to the ladies.

The giving game

We had visitors tonight, and I tested out my 'let's play the handing stuff to people game'.

We were in the loungeroom, sitting next to one of the CD cases, and I grabbed a Cd and handed it to Wendy. Then I grabbed another one. I kept going until she had a pile of discs on her lap that reached her chin. Everybody laughed.

I kept going until there were only a few discs left.

Once I'd cleaned out the case I was keen to fill it back up. But not with any CD. Wendy handed me a disc from the top of the pile, but I pointed to the one at the bottom!

Needless to say, none of the adults liked the idea of me pointing out each disc to refil the box, so I was whisked away and the discs all put back without me.

Sleeps and sniffles

I've still got the sniffles.

Mum and I went to the doctor, and he had a good look at me. I had a good look at his desk and managed to grab his mouse pad, plonk it on my head and say 'hat'!

The doctor told me I was a good patient, becasue I sat still when I needed to.

Dad came home early from work because he wasn't feeling 100% - and we both had an afternoon sleep to make us feel better.

Push ups

Dad was doing some push ups this afternoon. I decided to join in and help.


I got as close as I could and then I pushed down on his back and then lifted up his shirt to help him back up!

He started laughing, and that stopped the whole thing!

Then, I lay on my tummy and bobbed my head up and down - my version of push ups.

It made everyone laugh.

Self sufficient

We were in the kitchen.

Mum was chopping up veggies and I had my back to her, playing on the floor with the box of little silver spoons. I pulled out a little wooden breadboard and began tapping the spoons against it, then I found a bit of museli bar (previously discarded) on the floor.

I put the museli bar on the breadboard, then with a spoon in each hand, began to stab at it until I managed to break a bit off.

Carefully, I loaded up the spoon with that little bit of museli bar.

Then, I say, very clearly, 'maMAH!' (my version of 'Amen') - nodded my head, and ate the museli bar.

Very cool.

Pick 'n grab

Mum and I went shopping today.

I rode in the trolley, and was in 'grab' mode.

If mum ever got a bit too close to either aisle I'd reach out and grab stuff. I wasn't too picky, anything would do.

I scored a plastic sieve, and grabbed onto a couple of trolleys that were parked close by. And I also managed to pull off a 'special' price tag from the confectionary aisle. It was for Starburst Fruit Chews. $2. That's 34 cents off. Waving the tag at mum didn't inspire her to buy any fruit chews, but seeing the little metal holder that held the tag in place went flying when I pulled it off, we had no choice but to put the little card in the trolley. It came home with us.

We also discovered the checkouts are pretty narrow, and that there's all sorts of things to grab at while waiting in line.

Sleepy head

I don't really need to be rocked to sleep anymore. I've developed a new habit. One that may be worse than the old one. But sort of funny.

I like to climb all over mum or dad before I finally fall to sleep. And I really like to fall asleep draped all over them.

It's quite a sight to watch me get comfortable. And then mum and dad say it's quite a job getting out of the room without me noticing. Very hard, especially seeing they're underneath a sprawled out baby.

Still got it

Mum and dad woke up wondering if i'd be keen to keep trying out my walking, or if I'd revert back to my tried and true, and faster, crawling.

It was a littl bit of both today, but the walking did win out overall.

Mum parked herself in one corner of the family room, and dad in the other, and I walked between the two - stopping for a big hug at each turn.

Mum said she wished she could stop time at each moment I gave her a hug at the end of my 'lap'.

Mum pulled out the crayons later on, and I scribbled on some paper - but had more fun digging my fingernails into the crayons. At least I didn't try eating them!!

Walking!

I don't know if it was mum's promise of having to walk everywhere, holding her hand, or the performance enchancing steroids i'm on at the moment for the croup, but I WALKED TODAY!

Yes!

Everyone was impressed.

We even went over to grandad and grandma's place to show them my cool new moves.

No more crawling? Really?

Mum decided we should walk everywhere today.

Hand in hand. Up and down the hallway.

Our trips around the house took a bit longer than they usually do, but mum's determined that I'm not still crawling on my 21st birthday!

On the 'roids

I'm on Steroids.

For my bark.

Yep, on top of my sore mouth, and my ear infection, I can now add croup.

I went to bed a little bit miserable, and woke up an hour later very miserable, and with a loud bark-like cough.

I was finding it hard to breathe so mum and dad hot footed it to the hospital. A few minutes(and a few dollars!) later we had a diagnosis; croup.

Between my barking bouts I was doing my best to be the normal happy-go-lucky toddler...As we were walking in to the emergency ward a ute drove past and I waved and said 'allo'...It made mum and dad smile - even in the midst of being sick, I'm still me.

The doctor said night #3 is the worst for croup, so that's something we're not looking forward to. But by next week all should be right.

A very sad day

Oh yes, I warned you!

I've got a big tooth on its way. A really big tooth.

It's made a big lump in my mouth, and I spent most of the day with my hand shoved in my mouth trying to soothe it.

Mum gave me some Bonjella and even some baby medicine to take away the pain, but even after all those things it was still a miserable day.

In the morning I was playing on the blow up bed we had left over from visitors, and I fell off it and landed on my chin, and it made a bruise on the other side of my mouth!

And then I fell out of the Big Bed!

Oh, what a terrible day!

I found it very hard to sleep, and that meant everyone found it hard to sleep.

Sore mouth ahead

I have a lump in my mouth, right where one of my molars should be.

It's been a little while since my last tooth came through, but there's still a lot of blank space in my mouth, so we might have a few uncomfortable days ahead.

On a brighter note, I said 'woof'. In context. Mum and I were talking about dogs.

Watermelon

After some cool, wet weather, it finally a bit warmer today so mum celebrated by giving me my first big piece of watermelon. I've had watermelon in small cubes once or twice before, but this was a big, smiley face shaped piece...

Brilliant!

I loved it, probably mostly because it's a fruit, but also because it's cold and squishy.

Mum cut me a big wedge of the quarter-watermelon and I polished it off very quickly. A second wedge followed and I soon put that away too. Mum was having trouble keeping up with me so eventually just popped the rest of the watermelon on my high chair tray and I got stuck into it.
Soon there was watermelon all over my singlet, all down my pants, stuck up in my fingernails, and none at all left to eat!

Watermelon might not be very filling but eating lots of it could explain why I didn't have much dinner tonight. Either that, or because there were only baked beans on offer and I only eat fruit. But mum and dad were determined not to give into my demands for 'narnar!' and make me eat the main meal. I did not. I think I should expect round two tomorrow night.

The great race

Bathurst!

It's a big day of racing car action today, and so dad declared he was spending most of the day on the couch watching the telly. Mum and I went to church, but he stayed home. Um-mah! I spent most of the service in people's arms. Either mum's, or my favourite teenage girl at Tiny Treasures. Mum reckons I was in exactly the same spot when she came to collect me as when she dropped me off. She says I should probably start to play with the other Tiny Treasures kids, but I seem to like cuddles more.

When we got home we spent the afternoon in the loungeroom, dad with the telly, and me with my ark and animals. I played happily next to dad while he cheered on the Fords.

Rose show

We went to a rose show today. Dad's roses are a little bit too new to be up to show standard, but we grabbed a couple and took them along for a bit of fun.

I was held tightly, and both mum and dad made sure my little hands didn't get too close to the roses on display. The last thing we wanted was to cause a big scene for all the wrong reasons.

There was a playground nearby and Claire and I played on it. I was in my socks and after getting them rather dirty mum decided I should be wearing shoes from now on!

Rainy days

It's raining today.

It hasn't rained for a long time.

When mum and I got home from driving dad to work, it was raining quite heavily. I didn't mind. I stuck out both my palms to catch the drops and then, just to fully appreciate the experience, stuck my tongue out too.

I had a great morning playing with Gabe and Claire. Claire might not be much chop and telling a boy from a girl, but she's great at playing. We built towers out of blocks and she pushed me around on my shiny red fire truck.

We also continued playing a game we made up yesterday. It's the 'ahhh' game. I say 'ahhhhh' for a long time and then the big kids chime in so that we're all saying, 'AHHHHHHHHHH' together.

The grown-ups thought it sounded very funny. Then I would pick a new sound like 'nananananan' and we'd all join in together. The game kept going until we all got the giggles.

Is he my sister?

That's what my new friend Claire asked her dad while we were playing this afternoon. 'No, he's not your sister, and besides, he's a boy', her dad said. Then, with more than a hint of surprise, came the reply. 'Is she a boy?'

I admit I was wearing my overalls at the time, which could get mistaken for a dress (if your eyesight was really bad). And my hair is longer than some other boys. And Claire is only four. But it still made everyone laugh.

Dad told mum to ban the overalls. I had been mistaken for a girl the other day, and I was wearing the overalls at the time. So he wants to ditch them. He doesn't want to cut my hair. Someone told me I had Luke Skywalker hair. Dad was very impressed. So, as much as some people want to find me back in that tall chair again, lollypop in my mouth, wrapped up in a Wiggles cape, watching DVD's, while my beautiful golden locks get the snip - chances are I won't be there for awhile - the Force is too strong!

Back to school

My holidays are over and I went back to school today.

Swimming school.

Mum wondered whether I would remember to shut my eyes and mouth when I went under water. I did.

She wondered if I would be in a splashy mood. I was.

She wondered if I would finally decide to kick my legs. I did not.

She wondered if all the other babies would be walking across the mat and I'd be the only one still crawling. But there was no mat today. Lucky for me!

It was a good first lesson and I was ready for a big sleep when we got home again.

Let go

I am a happy baby and I enjoy cuddles. I am also a very cautious baby and do not, as a rule, take risks.

But I do not like it when someone puts their arm out to stop me falling off something. If I choose to sit perched on the armrest of the couch to watch Night Garden then that's my business. Put a protective arm around me and I will soon tell you what to do with it. But I should have been a bit more careful this afternoon.

Mum was lying on the bed having a rest and I was supposed to be getting sleepy myself. But instead I was crawling around and getting a bit too close to the edge for mum's liking. She kept putting her hand out to hold me and I kept picking up her hand and putting it back where it came from. But then disaster struck when I gave mum's hand such a big shove that the force of it propelled me backwards and I sailed right over the edge of the bed and landed with a thud.

As you might expect, I cried like the sky was falling. But mum thinks it was my pride which bore the brunt of the fall.

Before six

I've been waking up before six o'clock lately.

My cot's still being used to house clothes, and I'm spending the nights parked between mum and dad.

Mum promised that after our trips around the countryside were over we'd get back into 'mission cot'.

I caught mum and dad planning today - they said something about putting toys within reach so that when I wake up I'll have something to do before they come and collect me at a more respectable time.

Make believe

I entertained everyone today with my pretending.

We were in the loungeroom, getting ready to watch the footy grand final, when I reached down, locked my fingers in a pincer grip, and prentended to pick something up. I did it a few times.

The really cool part was when I held my hand out to dad to show him the pretend thing I'd picked up - I used my other hand! It happened every time, and every time everyone laughed.

When the footy started I stared at the telly and waved my hands and yelled for a few seconds. Just like the eighty thousand people at the ground. Dad thought it was quite fitting.

Matter of fact, I've got it now

You can get it in the car on a long trip to the city.

You can get it lying back in the baby capsule in the shopping trolley.

You can get it lying on mum's shoulder.

You can definately get it in the baby carrier.

You can even get it in the highchair waiting for tea;

Dad was walking over to the kitchen when he passed me nodding off in my highchair. Every time my head got a bit too heavy I'd startle and bob it back in the other direction. Dad says it was pretty funny. Needless to say dinner got cancelled and I got put straight to bed. I woke up an hour later in a bit of a confused state, so I got handed a bottle of warm milk, drank it all, and fell asleep until morning.

Beachcombing

We went for a really long walk on the beach today.

Probably the longest my little have ever walked.

Usually we walk up and down the hallway at our house. Maybe two or three times. But today's beach walk was like mum and dad's old waks they used to do before I came along. And my little legs are a lot shorter than theirs!

Dad stopped a few times and showed me some shells on the sand.

Cousins

I played and played with my city cousins today.

We played a bit of peek-a-boo, a little bit of chasing (although I'm not the best at chasing yet - seeing I'm still getting about on all fours) - and we still had a bit of time for Duplo!

The boys stuck together, and even though there's a bigger age gap, even this fifteen month old knows boys rule!

Best car trip ever

Dad had to go to the city for a work conference, and so mum and I decided to tag along (not all the way to work, just to the city).

I had the best car trip I've ever had. I started with a bit of a sleep, and woke up a fair way before we arrived, but just sat quietly with my arms hitched up on the side of my carseat, very relaxed. Usually I whinge and carry on during trips of ten minutes or more, so today was a very nice experience for everyone.

Movies

Mum and dad went out to the movies tonight, their first cinematic experience since I was born.
I went to Grandma's place.

She usually has me for daytime meals, and she has a fail safe superfood that always does the trick. Brocolli.

But it didn't work tonight. It may have been thanks to the huge amounts of fruit and veg I had for lunch.

We also had a bit of a panic when we couldn't find the top of my bottle when it was time for warm milk. Fortunately grandma could distract me from the most serious disaster since the last time I missed a bottle of milk, and wall was well by the time mum and dad came to collect me.

Throwing

We had visitors over for dinner tonight.

While mum was getting tea ready I was having a case of my usual 'just-before-dusk-whingy-and-clingy-time'. To keep me entertained, and becasue it's hard work cooknig tea with a baby clinging onto your legs, mum sat me in my high chair and gave me fruit.

Lots of fruit.

Come tea time I wasn't as hungry as I usually am. So we said grace, the adults tucked into their food, and I didn't. I reached into my bowl, grabbed a handfuil of diced veggies, started my 'countdown'. On the count of three the veggies were flung in mum's direction - and into her lap!

There were some muffled laughs, and some stern words. And no more food throwing.

Blowing bubbles

Mum and I had to dash to the shops for a quick trip. To buy me a little present with a gift voucher from my birthday and to Grandma's to borrow a vacuum cleaner.


Being such a short trip, mum didn't bother to pack the nappy bag. She should have.


While we were on the road, mum noticed that instead of drinking the water from my sippy cup I was taking a big mouthful and dribbling it all down my chin.


By the time we got to Grandma's house, my sippy cup was empty and my t-shirt and shorts were soaking wet.


We didn't have any spare clothes and a quick search of Grandma's baby present cupboard (I must take a closer look in there sometime) revealed nothing in my size.


So while I spent the next half an hour playing happily in just my nappy, the rest of my clothes tumbled dry.


Finally, we continued to the shops and the bubble blowing incident had given mum an idea. She decided to buy me some bubbles and a bubble blower so we can blow bubbles together in future...and keep my clothes nice and dry.

False alarm

My beauty spot is not.

Thank goodness dad is not a doctor.

It must have just been a little sore in disguise. In dad's defence it really did look and feel like a mole.

I've still got a mole on my tummy. And a little tiny one on the back of my neck.

But the nose one is gone.

Fruitarian

I love fruit.

It's the best thing in the world.

I think bananas are the best peice of fruit there is. I can even say "narna". But I usue it as a universal term for fruit.

My morning teas usually consist of a few chopped up strawberries, half a kiwi fruit, some banana, and most recently, some grapes.

Beauty spot

I've got a new mole. Right on my nose.


Mum noticed it the other day when she was cleaning some strawberry off my face, and dismissed it as another of my many and varied scratches. But it stuck around and on closer inspection today it was declared a beauty spot.

Back to crawling

The walking didn't stick.

Yes, I know that the grown-ups get all excited when I take a few steps but I wasn't having a bar of walking today. There wasn't much of a chance because, except when I was sleeping, I was sticking very close to mum. If we were sitting, I was holding onto her hair (she says she is seriously thinking of cutting it very short), and I was walking it was with my arms wrapped around mum's leg.

Mum thinks I am finally going through separation anxiety. That's what babies get, usually when they're a bit smaller than me, when they suddenly realise that their mum is a separate person. But I'm not just attached to mum. I don't really mind who I hold onto, just as long as I'm not left alone.

Walker

I am a walker!

I walked in the kitchen, and I walked in the family room.

There were cheers.

Mum was on the phone to Dad, and when she looked over to the kitchen to see what I was up to, I wasn't head first in the tupperware cupboard like she expected me to be...I was walking! Mum called for Aunty Lyndall to come and I spent the next few minutes walking between the two of them, the whole width of the family room. Later that afternoon we met dad for a picnic in the park, but I was finished with the business of walking by that time and was quite happy to crawl in the grass.

I also went to see Colin Buchanan in concert. We know his songs quite well, he's one of the people I rock out to. He's also the only kid's album we have. I knew the very first song that came on and was immediately on my feet, standing on mum's lap, and waving my arms up and down in my very best air drum moves. But then Colin burst onto stage in a big silver spacesuit and gave me a big fright! I immediately got down and burrowed into mum's hair. I did end up watching most of the show, but with a very serious expression on my face and with one hand firmly in mum's hair for security.

Home again

We are home.

Mum told dad she has a new appreciation for people who have to fly with toddlers. But she's really quite proud of my behaviour today. After we had dropped Grandma off at Uncle David and Aunty Lisa's house, mum and I drove to the airport. While we were waiting for our plane, I got friendly with the people sitting near us. Then another family with a baby my size turned up. The little girl decided to walk over to me and we seemed to be quite interested in each other, much to the amusement of the other passengers. Mum was just hoping they'd still be amused with me by the time our plane took off! This time we had an aisle seat. Mum told Grandma it was so we could make a quick getaway if I became whingy. But I don't know where we'd get away to. Luckily, I was a very good boy. I sucked on my lollypop during take-off and managed to not get my sticky fingers on the nice white coat of the lady sitting next to us, despite my numerous friendly overtures. Then I played a game of giving a five dollar note I found in the nappy bag to the nice man across the aisle. And then I stood up on mum's knee so I could wave at the people sitting behind us. And, like my first flight, I spent most of my time pulling down the tray and putting it back up again.

Traditional

Mum and Grandma and I went to church this morning. It was advertised as a 'traditional' service and so mum was on high alert to my every sound. From the moment we sat down, she popped a museli bar in my mouth. Normally food does keep me quiet, but this morning I was in a chatty mood and wasn't going to let a mouthful get in my way. So before the sermon had even begun we left Grandma and retreated to the babies' room. There were three other mum's in there already and three girls, all my size. The other mum's were all friendly but my mum was a bit worried by a sign she saw on the wall saying that if your baby puts any toys in their mouths, they must be wiped down with antiseptic wipes. At my playgroup we babies chew on toys with abandon. So mum stayed close to make sure I toed the line. The one time she dropped her guard, I picked up a rubber duck and gave it a big smooch on its beak. But we don't think anyone saw it.

'No'

I have learned to say 'no'.

I have long been able to indicate the sentiment by way of a big whinge or a turn of my head or a flap of my arms. But today I pointed my finger, shook my fist and shouted 'No! No! No!'

It was all over Poppy, my new puppy friend. I like her but she sometimes barks a bit too loudly and gives me a fright and tries to lick the bits of food left stuck to my shirt and pants. So I tell her who's boss!

Well, from a safe distance. Mum and grandma think it's quite funny that I only shout at Poppy when she's away from me, and never when she's up close. I'm not quite that brave.

Later that day, back at our apartment, I met mum's good friends Andrea and Kate. They'd never met me before and mum was hoping I'd be on my very best behaviour. I wasn't. I was tired and a bit whingy. But they still told me I was very cute.

In the sky

I had my first plane trip today!

Mum was nervous but I was full of beans. As soon as we arrived in the departure lounge, I spied a friendly older couple and crawled over to say hello. I took my chirpiness onto the plane with me and gave a big hello, with a wave, to the people sitting behind us. But then it was time to get strapped in. A nice lady in the departure lounge had given us a lollypop for me to suck on while the plane was taking off, so that I wouldn't get sore ears. Well no one told me how to eat a lollypop so I just did what came naturally. I bit down so hard my arms went shaky and when I came up for air, there was a big chunk of lollypop missing! Mum and Grandma thought it was very funny that I had finished the whole lollypop before we'd even taken off.

When we arrived in Canberra, I met my new cousin Oliver. He is very small. I gave him a quick inspection, but then moved onto something more interesting – Uncle David and Aunty Lisa's dog Poppy. She is a friendly dog but she barks when she gets excited and it always gives me a fright and I sometimes cry.

Meeting chicks

I met a chicken today!

A baby chicken.

I have tasted chicken before and, like most kinds of meat, I don't like it very much. But this was the first time I met a real live one.

We were staying with Aunty Pam and Uncle Tom in Brisbane so we could get an early start for our big plane trip the next day. And after dinner mum's cousin Joel brought in a tiny baby chicken for me to meet. Mum stayed close by to make sure I didn't get too friendly, but I just poked out my finger and gave it a very gentle touch on its tummy. Because the chickens are just babies they spend the night in a little cage near the kitchen. So I crawled over to visit a few times while all the grown-ups were having coffee. But the main reason I was in the kitchen was because I had found a cool toy car to play with and I spend the whole night before bedtime driving it up and down the kitchen floor.

Sports bottle

I found mum's sports drink bottle in the car.

I figured out how to get the water out.

And now I prefer it to my sippy cup.

In fact, when I finished the water ni the sports bottle mum handed me my sippy cup. I whinged. So mum tipped out the water from the sippy cup into the sports bottle, handed it to me, and I happily drank it.

Tough as nails

I had my MMR shot today.

I didn't cry.

I also skinned my knee when mum and I were putting washing on the line.

I didn't cry.

But I am sporting my first band-aid.

Blocks

We unpacked my building blocks today and dad built some structures which I waddled over to and knocked over.

Dad thinks I enjoyed the knocking over a bit too much!

After a few minutes of knocking stuff over I decided to build a tower myself and carefully put a long block on top of another long block. Mum and dad gave me a big clap. I decided to put another block on top, and then gave myself a clap!

Grumps

I got the grumps today.

Maybe it was because Lyndall left and after a week of having a full house of kids and adults, it's just back to the three of us. Or maybe I'm getting another tooth. Or maybe I got a bit too upset when dad had to confiscate mum's mobile phone after I made a 15 second call to their friend Eden.

Bye bye beach

Our last day at the beach, and I enjoyed my final wade in the water. I even had a smile on my face when I walked on the sand.

I sensed something was up when all the bags were being shipped out to the car, and got a little clingy before we jumped in the car.

When we got home we discovered aunty Lyndall at our house, so I got lots of cuddles and scored a new story book! She even read it to me. She's a good reader, and I sat quietly right through the whole story.

Amen

Mum and day always try to say grace with me before I tuck into the meal.

They emphasise the word 'amen' - hoping it will sink in. It has been.

Today when mum said 'amen' I followed with an 'ah ah' - but with the right intonations and phrasing.

I've picked up a couple of language things this week. Dad often counts to three and then throws me in the air or tickles my tummy or does something else that makes me giggle.

"One, two, three....Hahahahha".

I've started to do my own countdown. But I don't always count to three. 'ah...ah....BLAAAAH!' Dad says it's very cute.

'you have to say....'

We went out for tea tonight and I got to play with Byron and Darcy. I haven't been to their place since I was a little fella. I got to eat with the other kids at the big coffee table in the loungeroom. Dad sat next to me, because I wasn't strapped into the little chair, and there was always the chance I'd make an untimely exit from the table!

At one stage Byron brought some star wars toys to the table, and being an excitable young fella, I reached in to grab one. Byron said 'you have to ask me for a toy'. I just grabbed another one. He was a little confused, he has to say 'please' and 'may I have a toy' and other polite things, but this little intruder was getting away with no politeness. He made one last ditched effort to get me to respect his authority, 'you have to say, 'Byron may I play with your toys'. I reached out and grabbed the C3P0 from him. All the grown ups had to hold back the giggles, as Byron's mum explained to him that I wasn't being rude, just that I don't understand all the complexities of manners and such. Mum swooped in and grabbed me, just in case I got the hankering to grab R2D2. Negotiations between little people is more confusing than the UN.

Sandcrawler

I ventured onto the sand, all by myself. Mum plonked me onto a beach towel, and I stayed put for a very long time. But I slowly picked up the courage and crawled over to mum and dad. It was cause for celebration! We went into the water and splashed about.

Glug glug and the loud trip to the surf club

Ruth bought me a fluffy toy dog. I picked it out myself from the display. It is very cute. I gave it so many kisses that by the time we got to the checkout his little nose was quite damp!

In keeping with Jack's rule about listening to the toy to see what name it wants ('toys tell you what their name is', that's what he told dad), my dog is called 'glug glug'. OK, it's not a traditional name, but I only have three words, 'hat', 'mum' and 'dad'. And all three of those would be a bit confusing to name my dog, so seeing I've been talking like a Klingon, and 'glug glug' being my favourite phrase, that's the name of my dog.

We went out to the surf club for dinner, and I got a little rowdy while we were waiting to order. Dad got a bit panicky, thinking all the other patrons would get peeved with us, so while we waited for our main meals, mum ordered a plate of chips for me. They arrived in record time and I hoed into them. It stopped my whinging and set dad's mind at ease...

Old haunts

We visited mum and dad's old work this morning, and I got a lot of 'oh, you've grown' comments.

I got some nice cuddles too, but was pretty careful to stay very close to mum. One of the ladies gave me a money box shaped like a pig to play with. I kissed it on the nose. Then, someone handed me a stapler, and showed me how to staple a bit of paper. Dad didn't think that was the most appropriate toy for a 15 month old, so he took it off me, and boy, did I let the whole office know I was not ready to let go of the stapler...Pretty soon our visit was over and we hit the shops. We went to the toy shop mum bought a lot of my baby clothes and nappies from when I was little (yes, it's a little weird to buy nappies from a toy shop) I scored some wooden puzzles. Yay!

Hello beach

We're on holidays!

Mum and dad have been careful to re-introduce me to the surf in a slow, friendly, methodical way.

Firstly we walked along the water's edge just so I could get used to the sound of the surf. When I was really little I found the surf very loud, and not much to my liking.

Next, mum and dad grabbed an arm each and lifted me up into the air, and then down into the water as the waves ebbed and flowed...I didn't really like it, but gritted my teeth and bared it. Then mum decided to lower me into the water – it would have been up to my ankles – not very deep.

We sat there for a while, mum paying close attention to my reaction. In fact she paid such good attention to me that the attention to the actual surf wasn't...Suddenly a big wave (big to me, knee height to an adult) came through and totally dunked me! Dunked mum too, because she was sitting down. I was so shocked I didn't cry immediately, I ended up with a very screwed up face, and sand and water all over me...I eventually cried, and then settled down, and when we got back to the unit and took my togs off I dropped a big lot of sand on the bathroom floor!

The best toy

Imagine a toy that was one part musical instrument, one part 'pegs into hole', chuck in a couple of balls to throw around, some doors, and a hammering tool. You would have the greatest toy known to man and small boy...

Well, you don't have to imagine it, because it exists, and I have one. It came from Steve and Glennys, and they certainly hit the nail on the head, or more correctly, hit the ball with the plastic hammer.

I love my drum/ball hammer thing.

Klingon

I've been 'talking' all week. I find any excuse to talk about hats. Even when there are no hats about.

But my most entertaining vocals have come when I insert clicks and clacks throughout my talking. Dad says I sound a bit like a Klingon!

Speaking of klingon - I've been very clingy lately (cling-on. Get it? Yeah, bad pun) Hugs for everyone. Especially mum. Mum says it's lovely to get hugs all the time, but sometimes my hugs and cuddles are a bit over the top and I get the whingies if I'm not carried around everywhere. And that can get wearing...

Dress ups

Dad and I had our usual Thursday hang out this morning. We were supposed to go to the irrigation shop to buy some parts for our rose irrigation system, but halfway there he smelled something coming from the rear of the car. And I don't mean the exhaust. Well, not the car exhaust. Mine!

So we did a 180 and headed back home. When he plonked me on the change table he discovered it was a false alarm. Just a big fart. I did a few more during the day. In my defense, becasue I'm not much of a meat eater, mum's been giving me a few good helpings of baked beans, and you know what they say about them...

Later on, dad found a replica racing suit of one of his favourite racing car teams of years gone by. He bought it ages ago. Years before I was born. But it looked about my size, so back on the change table I went.

It fitted! So we grabbed my fire truck and zoomed around the kitchen, like racing car drivers.

And in even more exciting news, I have my first cousin! He was born today. He doesn't have a name yet, but apparently has a very squashed head.

Kick it!

The pressure is on. Swimming lessons have so far been fun and games, but next term there'll be a bit of pressure to perform.

That's because, if I want to progress to being a Platypus Level 5 (I'm a Platypus Level 4 at the moment) I need to start kicking by myself.

Usually during kicking practice, I'm too busy watching the other babies kick and need some prompting from my teacher. She will kick my legs for me and I'll start to join in myself, but as soon as she moves on to the next baby, I get back to rubber necking.

I'm very good at all the other things, like putting my head under the water and doing all the actions to all the songs. But Mum says it's time to get serious about the kicking. No more rubber necking!

Drawing

I drew a picture!

I scored my first set of crayons this morning and mum set out to teach me how to use them.

I'm quite a fan of the dot. Mum encouraged me to draw lines, but I got into a dot making frenzy.

After drawing, we did seven loads of washing!

Mum told me I had to put a hat on when we went outside. That was fine with me, because hats are the coolest things ever! But before we went out I pointed at dad's cap and said my usual 'hat, hat'. Mum realised she had made me put one on, but she didn't have one on. so she put dad's trucker hat on and we both went outside to hang the washing on the line.

Another quiet day

I had another quiet day today, and I was caught with my finger in my mouth a few times too - the general consensus is that there's some major tooth action going on.

There was also some major butt action going on this morning. I started the day with my backside at the same level as dad's head...A few gurgly butt noises later, and we were both awake!

But it wasn't all butts and sore teeth. I managed to charm nana when grandma and I went for a visit. I gave her one of my patented kisses, and she was very impressed.

I had a big afternoon sleep, but that meant I was up a bit later than usual - and when mum and dad headed off to bed I was ready to play...

Quietly does it

I had a very quiet day today. I still had time to laugh and joke and point at the odd hat, but mainly I sat (or more precisely, held in mum's arms) quietly and contemplated life.

Someone at church noticed my rosy cheeks and asked mum if I had a red bum. That's a bit personal isn't it? Well, it turns out I do have a bit of a red bum and all those things point to new teeth coming through, which may explain my early morning wake up.

We went for a walk in the park today and met grandma and grandad and uncle Michael. There were lots of flowers in bloom and I had a good look at them, but didn't get too close, because there were quite a few bees too!

da dog

Dad was back into the garden today, and I set up shop at the front window - knocking on it and yelling out 'da'.

I can say 'mum' and 'dad' but usually out of context - so when mum heard me saying 'da' and pointing at dad, she was quite excited. She called out to him, and he came over and we all celebrated. He says he felt quite proud.

Later on we went over to Andy and Wendy's place for tea. They've got a dog called Max. Max usually goes outside when I come over - but tonight she came back in after tea and was lying on the floor just under the couch I was sitting on. She's pretty placid (unlike grandma's dog who I'm sure is out to get me) and I was able to crawl over and pat her. I giggled with every little pat, and had to be reminded to 'be gentle'. Max rolled over onto her back and wanted a tummy rub, so I did my best canine massage. I was smart enough not to pull her big floppy ears, because that may have ended our happy playtime. At one stage Max ran out of the loungeroom into another room, and I waddled off after her. We had a great time.

I stayed up way past my bedtime, and when we finally said goodnight and bundled into the car, I was asleep before we had even backed out of the driveway!

I stayed asleep until 3, when I woke up with a huge cry. Dad tried to settle me down, but this was a job for mum. I settled about half an hour later, and they gave me some gum soothing gel, just in case it was a new tooth that caused my stress.

The Fonz

My copycat skills are developing, and dad says it's great to see me trying out all the things he does. He also says he'll need to be careful what he does around me, in case I try and copy the bad habits!

Mum has taught me to wave my hands like stars to 'twinkle twinkle little star'. When she sings the tune, I do the moves. Everyone loves it.

Dad saw this, and decided I should learn to do 'something cool'. So he looked me in the eye and said said with his best Henry Winkler voice, 'heeeeey' - while doing the thumbs up. He reckons I will be the coolest kid on the block if I can do a Fonzie. I haven't quite mastered it - I get my thumb in the air, but keep my index finger pointed - so it looks like I'm pointing a 'finger gun'. And I can't quite say 'heeeeey' like the Fonz just yet...Maybe a leather jacket would help?

Helping dad

Dad had to do a bit of watering this morning, and seeing he didn't want to put me in the sling he grabbed my rocking chair out of the cupboard (mum had packed it away with a few of my 'baby' things), strapped me in, and plonked me on the front verandah while he carted bucket load after bucket load of water.

I loved it.

There's lots to look at outside.

I managed to stretch my legs out and touch the ground, and if I leaned forward enough I could almost stand up, despite being strapped in the chair. Mum says I look a bit like a turtle - with the chair as my shell! Dad laughed when he saw me pull this move, and realised why mum packed the chair away in the first place.

A sort of walk

I'm doing a lot more standing on my own and today made a step under my own power.

I was sort of tricked into it - I was walking along, holding dad's hand and all of a sudden he let go and I kept going. I must have travelled about 50cm before realising what was going on, and slowly lowered myself onto the floor (because I'm still pretty careful when it comes to most things)

Mum and dad reckon it's only a matter of time before I'm toddling around on my own.

Kiss me

I figured out kisses!

For months grown ups have been planting kisses on me and I haven't really been into them, but now I am. And I've even figured out how to kiss back. My first kiss was reserved for....My teddy bear!

It made mum and dad laugh...

My best times for kisses are in the morning, just when I've woken up. I'll lean in and kiss mum or dad, and then I'll kiss them again, and maybe even again...

The only thing I haven't figured out yet is how to do the 'kiss sound' big people do when they kiss, I puff out my lips and say 'maaah'...

Tumble

We were playing with the firetruck...We may have taken a corner a little bit too fast. And I may have let go of the handle bars just as we turned. And I may have gone one way when the firetruck went a different way. And I may have tumbled onto the floor. And I may have cried.

Dad reckons he could see the whole thing happen in slow motion. I settled down quickly, but gave the firetruck a wide berth for a few minutes.

Once I'd gathered my composure I climbed aboard and dad and I headed off down the hallway - a little bit slower than before - and this time with his hand on my shoulder - especially for those tight turns from the hallway into the dining room.

Tofu is not food

I'm not much of a meat eater but I don't think I would make a very good vegetarian because their number one dish is daft.

Tofu.

It was mixed in with our Pad Thai, and even though it looks interesting, it's not. I gave it a good try too. I chewed and chewed and chewed. Probably hoping it would start to taste like something. It didn't.

So my second course (custard) came a little bit earlier than expected.

There happened to be two pieces of tofu left on my high chair, and halfway through my dessert I grabbed one of those pieces and popped it in my mouth. I chewed and chewed and chewed. Nothing. I opened my mouth, reached in, grabbed the offending stuff and threw it down my shirt.

Custard > Tofu

Waiting in line

Dad and I found ourselves with a little bit of time to kill while mum was having a haircut. We decided to go to the fabric shop to get some material to decorate hats mum and dad were wearing to a trivia night.

I spent the time pointing at lots of rolls of fabric. We had lots of time because we ended up in the checkout line for 25 minuites! That's a long time. Especially when you're being held. Yeah, we didn't take the pram - it gets in the road, especially in shops and their small aisles...

So dad's arms got quite sore, but he was prett yimpressed with my composure during the wait. we chatted to each other - and I did a few high pitched squeals - just for fun.

We finally got to the counter, and dad plonked me down - I think his arms needed a rest...He says it's ok to sit on counters at shops unless they are food shops. Parents who put their kids on counters at food shops should be sent to the naughty chair.

Bye grandma and grandad

We got up very early this morning to go to the airport to see off grandma and grandad. They are going to New Guinea for a few months and so we thought we'd see them off.

I've never been to an airport before, there was a lot to look at, and lots of people. Probably too many peoplem because I got a little bit shy and did not want to leave dad's arms under any circumstances. Even hugs with grandad and grandma didn't last very long, I kept asking for dad. I'm a pretty social little fella, but sometimes you just gotta have your dad.

Oh yeah, it may have had something to do that I was still wearing my PJs! Yep, here I was on my first visit to the Brisbane International Airport, and I'm wearing sleepwear. It's because we hit traffic and had to make a mad dash from the car to the depature lounge, and I was the only one who couldn't dress himself.

Grandad had a hat on, and I thought that was very good. We bonded over his headwear.

Just as they were about to go through Customs I decided to give grandma a cuddle and everyone sighed with relief...

After they flew off we flew to the shops...And I scored some new shoes. New Chuck Taylors! They're too big for me now, but they were on a 'buy two' sale and mum got some so it made sense for me to chuck a pair of Chucks in the cupboard for later on...

Scary sleep

I had a pretty normal day - hanging out with dad in the morning, mum in the afternoon...But it was late in the night where I woke up with a start, quite distressed.

I was doing little squeals. Well, they weren't that little, especailly for those sleeping right next to me...So we all woke up, and mum set about trying to settle me down.

I eventually calmed down, but it wasn't very nice.

Mum and dad wonder if I had a bad dream. What do kids like me dream about?

Dad wonders if my bad dream had something to do with a teddy losing his hat. That would be a very bad dream indeed.

Me and my custard

Mum and I went shopping today and while she was busy choosing milk I busied myself grabbing a bottle that caught my eye. A bottle of custard. A one litre bottle of custard.

I leaned out as far as I could but couldn't quite manage to lift it into the trolley no matter how hard I tried. But I tried so hard that it impressed mum and she helped me get it into the trolley. So I got my custard!

At tea time I got a bowl and a spoon and dad let me feed myself. It took a long time, and sometimes I didn't quite manage to get much on the spoon, but I managed to get a lot in my tummy. And all over my jumper. The inside of my jumper too. Anyone can drip food all over the outside of their clothes, but it takes a certain skill to get it all over the inside!

On hats

Hats are the coolest things in the world. I even love the word, 'hat'.

I don't really like putting them on my own head, but I love putting them on other people's heads. It's a game I love playing, but one other people get sick of pretty quickly!

Grandma has a hat rack at her house and every time we've been there recently I point at the hat rack excitedly. Yesterday I annouced what it was, 'hat'.

It's pretty much my only real word, apart from 'teddy' which I let slip and grandma's place today. We were looking at some dominoes with teddy bears on them, and I said 'tedeeeeee'. Everyone was quite impressed.