Alexander's 1st Birthday

On Wednesday 17th May our baby boy turned 1! That past year has flown by so quickly. We didn't have much planned for his birthday, partly because we'd already had his party, also because Daniel was at preschool that day and also because he was still getting over being sick so a quiet day was had at home. But it was still a fun day!

We started the morning with reading a book, one of his birthday books from the Howies. Of course reading for one became reading for 3!

Once dressed we had breakfast and then Eliza decided to read Alexander a book too. He wasn't too interested.

Daniel and Alexander had fun playing with a ball. Alexander has many giggles as he throws the ball and tries to catch it.

We then took Daniel to preschool and returned home and Alexander went down for a nap. My beautiful thumb sucking boy!

Before Daniel headed to preschool he asked if we were going to have cake for Alexander's birthday because you always need cake for birthdays. When we got back home Eliza told me that she wanted to have cake for Alexander's birthday so she helped me make some cupcakes (or as she calls them cuppacakes) for Alexander. It was quite fun baking with her.

After we got home from preschool Daniel and Eliza both helped decorate the cuppacakes. They had a blast putting M&Ms on them. Daddy also helped with some icing on them too.

We then gave Alexander his present - a bike to ride inside the house! He was very excited and curious about it. Daniel and Eliza were keen to have a go on it but for the moment we have made a rule that it's just for Alexander - we don't want it broken before he can ride it properly.

This is how you ride it, right?

We then had dinner together. Alexander has just started to hold hands while we say grace. He's so sweet when he reaches out his hands when we ask.

After enjoying dinner it was time to sing happy birthday and enjoy the lovely cuppacakes.

He wasn't too sure about the candle but he sure did enjoy eating the cake!

He then enjoyed a short ride on his bike (well more a sit on his bike). I'm so glad that he likes his present!

Sibling Love

Some moments I wonder if Daniel and Eliza will be good mates when they're older. One moment they are getting along well, the next moment they will be running away from the other saying 'leave me alone' or 'I don't want to play with you'. Sometimes they will push and shove the other one. But a lot of the time they do get along pretty well. I hope that Alexander, Daniel and Eliza are all good mates when they're older. I hope they look out for each other, that they enjoy hanging out together and doing things together.

This week though I saw true love and care between Daniel and Eliza. On Thursday they decided to play different board games. After a few games of Hungry Dino and Tickle the Whale they got out Snap. Daniel has started to understand how to play snap properly and can snap the cards pretty quickly. Eliza hasn't really understood how to play properly. She enjoys putting the cards down but doesn't know when to snap them. When I play with them I go very slowly and give Eliza the chance to win. 

While Daniel was playing with her he would snap the cards each time. He was very excited and would let me know that he won a big pile of cards or a small pile. Eliza didn't mind, she was having fun playing. After winning 4 or 5 times I mentioned to Daniel that he might need to help Eliza while they played together. Sometimes saying what the cards are as they were put down helped. Also pointing out if the cards were the same before snapping them gave her a chance to snap first. The next thing Daniel came running into me to say 'Mummy, Eliza and I snapped the cards at the same time! We need to share the cards!' This happened again a few more times. I was watching them from the kitchen and Daniel was being so patient and loving towards Eliza. He was saying each of the pictures as they were put down. He was pointing out if the cards were the same. He was so excited for Eliza getting some cards and he was so encouraging, especially when she snapped the cards before him. He was so proud too that he was helping her out.

Here's some video of them playing together.

 

It really warmed my heart to watch this. James took this photo in Tasmania and we just love it. The love between these two is gorgeous!

 

Eliza Fairy

At preschool last week, Eliza sat down at one of the tables that had drawing, paper and booklets made up. She did some drawing and then picked up one of the books. We unfortunately needed to go but Eliza wanted to do a book like one of the other girls. I suggested that we could take it home and write a story. When in the car I asked her what we could write about. Eliza said 'a fairy'. Then as we drove I suggested different story lines - the first one being that she falls over on her way to school and hurts herself. Eliza then said that a doctor could fix it. Another idea was that she could fall asleep and not be able to wake up. To wake her up she could be tickled. When we got home Eliza decided that she needed to dress as a fairy to write her story. She was gorgeous.

We then wrote her story - her telling me what to write on each page. She then did the illustrations for each page drawing Fairy Eliza (but I needed to draw the wings for her). I can't wait to see what other stories she comes up with in the future.

Enjoy reading her story.

 
 

Family Time

Since getting back from Tasmania we have had a lot of time with family and it has been just lovely. The week after we got back from Tasmania Nana J and Boompa came down to visit. We got to spend some time with them - having dinner, heading to the park, playing with them. I just love watching the bond between the kids and their grandparents. It is especially beautiful watching Eliza with her Boompa. While at the park Eliza had a great time running up to Boompa, giving him a big cuddle and then running away again. She repeatedly did this.

Once Mum and Dad came back from their holiday Dad and I headed to the AFL with the kids. Alexander used Daniel's V8 earmuffs which worked well. He looked very cute with them on.

The kids were great, watching the game, cheering on the Swans, eating, playing with some toys and Alexander slept. It is fun taking them to the game, even though it is hard to watch the game. The Swans also won which was great. The kids must be their good luck charm.

Ready to go to the game

Too focussed on the game for a photo Mummy

Hanging with Poppy

Kisses and...

Cuddles

We won! Cheer cheer

Just before Alexander's birthday party Aunty Jen, Uncle Ryan, Maddie and Aly had been having a holiday in Sydney. We were lucky to spend some time with them in the afternoons and at dinner. The house was filled with many laughs, giggles, chaos, shouts of joy, games, fun. It was so lovely having them around.

For Nana's birthday and for Mothers' Day we went around to Auntie Sue's place for lunch. The kids had a great time playing together, a tasty lunch was had and of course, there was cake.

The kids liked spending more time with Nana and Poppy and I managed to get a photo of all of them together - long overdue!

Oscar photo bomb

Playing with Poppy

 And Alexander was close to taking his first steps with Auntie Jenny. He took a couple of steps while falling towards her.

 At Mum and Dad's place they gave Alexander a walker that he could use outside. He had a blast using it and enjoyed having some laughs with Mum. There is a very special bond between these 2.

 He also loves to sit on the little cane chair at Mum and Dad's place. He is getting good at climbing up by himself and sitting on his bottom. He's very proud of himself.

I love Fridays with Mum and Dad. Not only because of the kids following around Mum and Dad for a while instead of me (which is a nice bit of quietness) but also because of the way they play together. I just love watching their time together. As I mentioned before the connection that our kids have with their grandparents is so precious. Last Friday I loved hearing chatter and laughter outside. I watched from the house and just loved watching the kids adore Nana and Poppy.

Smiles

Crazy faces. Love these crazies

At Mum and Dad's place the kids love jumping on the beanbag. Even Alexander has started to get into it.

 
Family is so precious and I love that we are all so close.