Blue Mountains Birthday Adventures

Yesterday was James' birthday and we had a Wotif voucher from Christmas last year so we decided to book at trip to the Blue Mountains for one night. James took work off on Friday so we could spend the day there. The morning started with present giving (after a feed for Daniel). I had contributed toward a Weber BBQ with some of James' family and my family and Daniel was very generous in his gift giving.

Giving Daddy his present

Cuddles with a tired Daddy

Surprise!

Even Daniel looks surprised

Ready for next year - a Sydney Swans Guernsey

Daniel helped make the card from him. This was done by me putting a coloured texta in his hand and moving a piece of paper infront of him before trying to stop him eating the texta. He obviously decided that because he couldn't eat the textas, he would eat the card.

Eating his card

Practicing his sitting.

His card

Some loving cuddles with his Daddy

And cuddles

After packing our bags, doing the washing, having rice cereal and getting all organised we hopped into the car and headed to the Blue Mountains. Half way there I remembered that I had forgotten to pack my motillium and vitamins so we turned around and headed back home. Mummy error! Packing for a baby as well as myself really is a lot of thinking and a lot of work. My brain just wasn't coping. Take 2 - we headed to Leura and made it this time. :-) First stop was the Wayzgoose cafe for lunch. Daniel was the first to have his lunch. Whilst we got organised he hung out with Daddy.

 After having one side James kindly took Daniel to change him as he had had a poo explosion. It was disgusting! I am so glad that we are using cloth nappies. They just seem to contain things a whole lot better than disposables (which we use when we are away). Anyway, after a clothes and nappy change Daniel finished his lunch and then had cuddles until we had our lunch - yummy pot pies. Then we had happy photos.

He is sucking his bottom lip a lot at the moment. I think it's to do with his teething.

 We then checked into our hotel - the Fairmont Resort. It was gorgeous! We are keen to go back. They were so lovely. They set up a cot in the room and had the added touch of a teddy in there for Daniel to cuddle (we didn't leave it in there but it was very cute). We had a king bed. It was massive! We put Daniel on it and he looked so little.

We then got ready to go for a walk at Leura Cascades. While we waited for James to get the casule from the room (we were in a forgetful mood today obviously) I decided that Daniel could have a turn at driving. 

I think he has a way to go before he can start driving

We then headed to Leura Cascades. James chose to carry Daniel and we were hoping he would go to sleep as he was due for a nap. 

All ready with Daddy

It was really nice walking around. The first part of the walk there were lots of stairs which tired out our legs. There were also pretty views. James and I just love going to the mountains. It has a lot of lovely memories and hopefully has a lot of future adventures.

Still awake

Having a rest after walking up lots of hills. James also found it is harder carrying 6kg extra

No sleeping for Daniel so we decided to take some photos.

We love this boy so much! His smile just melts our hearts and his giggles are contagious.

Checking out the view

 We then decided to change who was carrying Daniel as he usually falls asleep when I carry him at Mothers' Group walks so we thought it was worth a try. We continued to walking around to a different lookout.

I think this is just so beautiful, even though it often causes so many problems for people

Bridal Veil Lookout

Mummy win! Daniel fell asleep on me soon after we started walking again. I just think he is the cutest when he is sleeping.

 We then headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. James and I have a tradition that when we go to the Mountains, we go to the restaurant 'St Mounts Trattoria'. This restaurant is the place that James took me to the day he proposed to me. The food is yummy and it is just a special place for us both - brings back happy memories. Unfortunately Daniel didn't get the memo of sleeping for us. When we arrived he was still awake. We tried covering him up and just rocking him back a forth like I do at Mothers' Group lunches but he didn't want a bar of it. After we'd ordered I took him outside for another walk and then stood outside the restaurant. Eventually he fell asleep. Fortunately he stayed asleep for us to eat which was quite nice. Just as we were about to leave he woke up so we headed back to the hotel for Daniel to have a feed and then sleep. This was the first time that we were sleeping in the same room as Daniel as he had been in his own room from when we brought him home from hospital. We were a bit nervous that he would keep us awake with his snoring and sounds. After feeding by lamp light we put him down and sat in darkness for 5-10mins. He fussed around for a bit (no crying, just moving around lots) but then settled himself and went to sleep. We waited a bit longer and then tried turning on the light again - he didn't wake. Then we tried turning on the tv - he still didn't wake. Winner! Eventually we went to sleep and didn't wake up besides getting woken when he was hungry (only a couple of times - 1am and 5:30am). At 7am he woke up and didn't want to go back to sleep so we popped him on our bed to play (as it was so big). Eventually I got up and fed him. After getting ready he then had his rice cereal. This morning there were 4 teaspoons of rice cereal and he was SO keen to eat it. Every mouthful he swallowed quickly and then opened his mouth, ready for the next spoonful. He even decided that he could take control of the spoon and didn't need my help.

 Tomorrow I'm going to feed him rice cereal twice and increase it to a tablespoon each time. Hopefully he will still enjoy it.

We then packed up and headed to Echo Point to see the 3 Sisters and to go on a couple of walks. Daniel was excited to see the 3 Sisters.

He loves chewing on the straps

Us and the 3 Sisters

Us at the first sister

We then went for lunch in Leura again, this time at the Garage Cafe. This was a lot more classier than yesterdays lunch. Again, Daniel had his lunch first and then James and I shared a tasty seafood mix and pizza strips.

The prawns were so very tasty! After a stroll through the shops we headed back home. Once home we unpacked and then James got to work assembling his other present - a Weber Q bbq. Once assembled I had a very happy boy.

And then tonight we had our first dinner from it. James cooked a yummy steak for him, sausages for me (so tasty) and potatoes. Not too bad for a first time effort. It was funny having the sausages. It was the first time that they have been moist to eat - the way I think they are supposed to be, so I am happy with his present and he is too. This week we are going to try a pizza in there too.

Happy Birthday James!