A week of growth and development..

My gosh, the past week has involved a huge amount of growth and development for my little miss..

6th August - Teeth 3 and 4 have popped out.. Love this cheesey photo of her, which shows them off beautifully.. 

8th August - She's clapping when we say "Mei Mei, Clap!"

9th August - She flipped from back to belly for the very first time.. It was around 9pm, and she often requires a resettle after her first sleep of the night.. When I went into the room, I found her like this..

12th August - She pulled herself up from sitting to standing position and was so proud of herself..

13th August - We had to lower the cot this morning since this little cheeky Miss has been rolling around non-stop since the first time and trying to pull herself up..

Milestones..

My little girl has started waving back to us and also crawling backwards.

She's been wanting to stand for weeks and insists that we either hold her hands or prop her next to the table so she can, but the other day, she started moving around and pushing herself backwards while on her tummy.. We thought she may skip the whole crawling stage, but maybe we're wrong and it will only be a matter of time before she starts crawling properly..

Meegies Bear Bottom

Five Minutes..

Is the phrase we've been hearing every evening for the past few weeks from our little man..

'5 minutes till bath..'

'5 minutes till nigh nigh..'

'5 minutes and then 5 minutes..'

Wonder where he learnt it from?

{Review} - Mother's Corn.. Is it edible?

Was the first thing Brian said when he saw the selection of Mother's Corn products that were sent to me courtesy of Mother's Corn and Kidsberry to review..

I can see how he thought so with the yellow creamy coloured sets...

And he was almost correct.. It's made from natural and biodegradable products sourced from corn, making it environmentally friendly with no nasties.. To find out more details of the manufacturing process, head to Mother's Corn Facebook Page or Website.

So after taking them out of the packaging and giving them a thorough clean, it was time to put them to use.. Firstly, oats for breakfast for Miss Meegies..

No problem with microwaving the oats and milk directly in the weaning bowl - in fact, the curved lip of the bowl was brilliant to stop the overflowing of oat/milk foam over the bowl.. However, upon taking the bowl out of the microwave, I noticed that the silicon non-slip ring had come apart from the bottom of the bowl.. Luckily, I had noticed it before it could have come into the wrong little hands...

There was no way to place it back with a bowl full of hot contents, but that didn't matter too much since Megan is still a little to young to feed herself - not that she didn't try with the cutlery set I gave her though!

Once the oats were at the right temperature, feeding was a breeze with the feeding spoon set.. I loved that the handles were nice and long, allowing me to feed Megan easily, even when she gets distracted and turns her head to the side..

And when she finished it all? She wanted to play with the bowl and didn't have any trouble holding it..

Then for lunch, we used both the weaning bowl and spoon set again as Lucas didn't want to miss out on all the fun.. Being so light-weight and the perfect size for little hands, self-feeding was a breeze for him..

So the verdict?

I loved the products that were sent to me to sample! Despite the silicon ring coming off my weaning bowl, all the Mother's Corn products that I tested were wonderful to use and I would highly recommend them.. 

The bright colours and little drawings on each item appealed to my little ones, and I also loved that the feeding spoon set came with it's own box.. I took it out and about with me so I could keep the spoons clean for Megan's food, plus the bonus thing was, it also doubled as a rattle/toy to keep her amused when I didn't have anything else..

So thank you once again Mother's Corn and Kidsberry for the opportunity to trial your products..

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

Noooo! It's "Supe-Man!"

1st day of Winter..

Lots of rain welcomed the 1st day of Winter here in Adelaide, and there was no better way to experience it than to head to Morialta Falls..

We headed off after lunch, armed with some warm clothes, rain boots and umbrellas.. Lucas enjoyed walking the whole way there - especially when he could hold the big umbrella and splash in all the puddles along the way..

 When we finally reached the first falls, we were rewarded by this.. AMAZING!

It would have to be the first time we've ever saw the falls with so much water, and we've been here numerous times.. So if you've never been here, especially when it's raining, do go!

Neglected and a quick update..

Ahhh.. I can't seem to be able to keep up with my Project 365 on my blog, especially when time is limited while looking after two little munchkins..

I haven't stopped taking photos though, and still do them daily, however, creating a weekly collage of the photos have definitely proved to be a challenge - I haven't updated the blog in a couple of months! Eeek!! So much has happened since then and like last time, I don't think I'll ever get up-to-date with it all..

So a quick summary of what we've been up to includes -

• Our family trip to Hawaii back in April.. It's such a beautiful place and the shopping is amazing!! We literally shopped-till-we-dropped, ate lots of yummy food, saw some gorgeous scenery and swam in the ocean many times.. 

Sunset at Waikiki

• Miss Megan turned 7 months old last week! Yes, time just flies!! She has her 2 bottom teeth now, and still gives us so many gorgeous smiles.. She can now sit and is trying her hardest to crawl.. She also loves her food, eating pretty much anything and everything we give her, which is a refreshing change to her fussy brother..

Megan at 7 months

• Lucas is still as cheeky as ever and over the past few months, we've noticed a huge improvement in his speech.. He can now string basic sentences together and use some logic behind it.. For example, when we tell him to be careful, he tells us "ooh.. careful.. fall.. sore.. cry.." or everytime he sees his daddy's car, he goes "Daddy's car broken.. Someone hit daddy's car.. ooohh.. Daddy's car broken..".. Yes, that's what happened.. 

Splashing in Puddles!

Project 365 - {Week 10}

{Week 7} - 5th - 11th March

1. Boing! Boing! I purchased this bouncy ball at Kmart this arvo and Lucas has a 'ball' getting bounced on it.. I just love the look of joy on his face!
2. Peek-a-boo! I just can't get enough of her gorgeous smiles and giggles!
3. Just Hanging..

4. Playgroup Fridays, which included an obstacle course.. 
5. Daddy, yummm!! After finishing his own slice of watermelon, Lucas saw Brian eating his piece, so he ran up to him with his mouth wide open, saying "yummm" while also rubbing his tummy.. Cheeky monkey!
6. Waiting for the boys to finish swimming.. Probably in another couple of months, we'll be joining them instead of sweating like a pig in the humidity..
7. Tricycle racing.. I think the two of them look so alike in this photo..  

 

Coffee Break..

A couple weeks ago I was sent some Piazza D'Oro L'OR EspressO capsule samples and Lucas got his little hands on them before we could even taste.. Cheeky Monkey!

When both kiddies were asleep for their arvo naps, I had a chance to try the Decaf Forza, of course with a choc cross bun.. I loved the sweet coffee aroma as I ripped open the packet, and being a level 8 coffee, I expected the taste to be nice and strong, similar to the Decaffeinato Intenso from the Nespresso range.. However, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't, but it was still nice and smooth.. The bonus of the L'OR Espresso range is that they are readily available from my local supermarket and also a little cheaper.. Will definitely be getting some more..

Project 365 - {Week 9}

{Week 7} - 26th February - 4th March

1. I managed to capture Megan doing a couple of rolls this arvo.. Looks like the jabs she had today didn't stop her one bit, despite wailing so loudly that everyone could hear her at the medical centre..
   
   So she is now 7.1kg, 63cm long and has a head circumference of 41cm.. Surprisingly, she is slightly smaller than Lucas at the same age as he was 7.25kg, 65cm long and had a head circumference of 42cm.. It was between 4-9 months where he hardly put on any weight, I wonder how she'll do.. I hope she doesn't lose all her cute baby rolls.. 
 
2.  "Mama, mama.. raaaaaaaainnn.." The cool change and rain was a welcome relief here and Lucas enjoyed doing the rain dance outside..
3. Happy 4 months, gorgeous girl! Love your cheeky smile..
4. Water play day at playgroup.. Lucas was a little sad sack before he found the water to play with this morning.. 



5. We headed to the dentist for a check-up and clean.. Lucas was somewhat interested in the whole process, but I doubt he would have sat nicely in that big scary chair..
6. It was a gorgeous morning to head up to Mt. Lofty Botanical Gardens to catch up with a few of my photography friends.. The boys enjoyed the walk down to the little creek to look at the water flowing and also throw some acorns into the water..
7. Daddy's bowl of Japanese Curry Rice was too hard to resist.. 

 
 

Project 365 - {Week 8}

{Week 7} - 19th - 25th February

 

1. I took Megan grocery shopping with me today and she was so chilled in the baby seat of the trolley looking around and chatting to herself.. 
2. Shadows.. Lucas is fascinated with his shadow whenever we go outside to say bye bye to Brian.. He would dance around watching it, it's hilarious..
3. 1st Roll!! I witnessed Megan's first two rolls from belly to back today! Gosh, she is growing up so quick and look at all that hair!!





4. Chucking a tanty because I told him he had to have a bite of his lunch before having yoghurt. I knew that if he would just take one bite, he would want more.. and yep, I was right.. He ate his sandwich and wanted more.. and yes, he did get his yoghurt too..
5. Did I tell you that she was growing up so quick??! We've moved her to the cot now.. *sob sob*
6. Eeeee!! Shoes! Shoes! Not sure how we'll manage to go to the beach in Hawaii as each time Lucas gets something in his shoe's he immediately wants his feet cleaned off.. Must take him here sometime so he'll get use to it, maybe.. 
7.  The dogs spotted T-Rex in the window.. They were not happy.. LOL..

 

Project 365 - {Week 7}

{Week 7} - 12th - 18th February

 

1. Why the sad face, baby?? Because it's time to be dropped off at Child Care, that's why!! Still after almost a year, Lucas still gives us his sad face.. Luckily, it's a much happier little boy at pickup time.. 
2. Someone wanted to go for a walk this arvo, but after a minute or two, we headed back home as it was way too hot and Miss Megan wasn't too happy..
3. Happy Valentines Day! I spent the entire day with little Missy as Lucas was with his grandparents and they didn't drop him off home until 9pm.. hmm.. not sure I'm too happy about that, would be nicer if it was earlier as it was past his bedtime and he was exhausted..





4. Cheeky monkey reindeer! He found the reindeer beanie in a bag that we hadn't put away and of course wanted to try it on and check himself out in the mirror.. 
5. Smile! Brian took out his coloured dominoes this arvo, so we tried making up words and just randomly joining them together to see how they went.. It was a bit of a battle with Lucas as he of course wanted to knock them all down..
6. Exhausted! After going swimming in the morning, we thought Lucas would have a nap at home before we had to head out again to the Wilson's place for lunch and a play date.. Well, he didn't end up napping at home, but fell asleep in the car.. Brian managed to ninja him and placed him on Hannah's sofa where he slept like this for a bit.. 
7. Mmmm... Toelicious.. This photo just cracks me up.. They were both sitting next to each other originally, then Lucas decided that he wanted to lay down.. Not sure what went on in his mind to think that it was a great idea to put his foot in Megan's mouth shortly afterwards though.. lol.. Maybe Megan's Jedi mind tricks do work on Lucas.. ;)

Project 365 - {Week 6}

{Week 6} - 5th - 11th February

 

1.  Megan spent the day with me down at Glenelg - however, not to actually enjoy the warm weather and beach, but to attend my work's strategy meeting.. She was so so good! No one heard a peep from her all day until she started hiccuping!
2. Cheeky Bum! Lucas wanted to run around bottomless after he done a wee on the loo today.. I was super proud of him as he also did a poo on the loo too.. I'm not actively toilet training him just yet because we're heading to Hawaii in about 7 weeks, so I'm planning on waiting till after then.. Yes, Hawaii!! Yay!! I am so excited!!
3. Sophie kisses.. 
4. Poor bubba.. Caught a cold from child care on Tuesay, so he wanted to spend the morning sulking on me.. 
5. We went to visit my parents and brother this arvo and Lucas had an awesome time hanging with Jessi.. 
6. Just Hanging.. Little Missy has such good head control, we were amazed by how well she was in the Jolly Jumper at 3 and a half months..
7. <3 my little princess.. Must get this printed and up on the wall..

Project 365 - {Week 5}

{Week 5} -29th January - 4th February

1. Doing the Downward Dog..
2. Shadow Dancing.. We were waiting for daddy to get home from work, so Lucas was busy watching his shadow dance with him.
3. "Neh neh, Lucas, I have your Iggle Piggle"
4. "Gimme my Iggle Piggle back!!" This photo is hilarious! We were pulling silly faces together and Lucas didn't want Megan to miss out, so he helped her out.. Don't worry, she didn't mind too much as she smiled and enjoyed the attention straight after..
 




5. After 6 months off, Lucas returned to the pool this morning.. He wasn't a very happy chappy and clung to Brian for dear life while Megan just chilled in her pram for most of the session..
6. The Lego house we built last night was a huge hit this morning after Lucas woke up.. He spent some time putting the Lego man into the car, driving him to and from work, pressing the doorbell, having a bbq, taking him in and out of the house, up and down the stairs etc etc.. Oh yes, of course several renos and repairs were required.. ;)
7. Happy Birthday to me.. This was the gorgeous smile that greeted me first thing this morning when I went to get Megan from her bassinet.. It was the perfect gift for an otherwise boring birthday.. 

Project 365 - {Week 4}

{Week 4} -22nd - 28th January  

 

1. Brian had an orthodontic appointment in town today, so Megan and I tagged along.. Captured our reflection in the Mall's Balls..
2. I had been meaning to give Lucas' hair a trim for ages, so I finally did tonight.. Definitely much better!
3. Woooooo.. My little monkey was having so much fun with daddy tonight, running through the cloth and putting it on his head..
4. Brian picked up our impressions frame yesterday, and I absolutely love it..
5. Australia Day today - not that this picture depicts it that well, BUT, Australia is so multi-cultural, so it really is a part of Australia.. ;) 
6. Lucas went on a bear hunt at Ikea today.. Every time we go, he loves grabbing at least one of these bears and dragging it around with him..
7. My little princess is 3 months today!! Can't believe how much she's grown and how much she manages to amaze me every day.. Especially with a 9 hour straight sleep overnight! More of those please.. =)

Project 365 - {Week 3}

{Week 3} -15th to 21st January 

1. Lucas gave all his cousins a hug and kiss goodbye as they were leaving the next morning to head home to Brissie.. It was a whirlwind trip, but he absolutely enjoyed every moment they spent together.
2. Princess' Megan and Lucas.. one to keep for their 21st, I think! We found the crown and sceptre at the shops today, so when we placed it on Megan, of course her older brother wanted a go too.. 
3. Lucas spent the entire day and almost night with his grandparents (they dropped him back home at 7.30pm), so it was lovely to have an hour or two just together with Megan..
4.  Planking and doing a damn good job of it too!

 


5.  "Woooo.." Lucas loves hopping on this fire engine whenever we go to this particular shopping centre.. Today he also decided that he wanted to wear his monkey hat too.. Just as well it wasn't a 40+ degree day, more like 28 degrees Celsius, but still!
6. "1, 2, 3 Go!" Lucas' current game is to stand by the front door and after you say "1, 2, 3 Go!" he would quickly sprint to you.. Today he was having a race against Koko. 
7. Sharing is caring..

Project 365 - {Week 2}

{Week 2} - 8th to 14th January

1. I've been getting so many gorgeous smiles from Megan, so these are just a few of them that I captured today..
2. We headed to the new Bonython Park playground this morning to have a play date with Lucas' little friends. He had an awesome time there, especially playing with the water equipment.. Yep, he ended up completely drenched, luckily, I took along a change of clothes for him.. So, if you are in Adelaide, have young children and are looking for something to do with them, then this playground is fantastic!
3. I spent a little time today with it photographing my munchkins with my prime lens which I haven't used for a very long time.. I love how crisp and clear the result it is..Lucas' expression is a hoot too, looks like he's going "I didn't do it, mama.."
4. Megan and I headed to Calvary hospital to visit the Webster family this arvo so I could get some newborn cuddles from little Joshie who is 2 days young.. Miss Meegies happily laid in the bassinet for a bit too while we were there.

5. My little man was beyond excited when he saw his cousins who arrived from Brissie at lunch today. They then spent a few hours at Bonython Park again hanging and playing together..By the time we left at 4pm, he was completely exhausted and promptly fell asleep in the car.. He woke up after napping for 2.5 hours and was all ready to party again.. Luckily his cousins came by just after he woke up and they ended up watching a movie while munching on chips. He eventually went to bed just after 10pm..
6. Lucas had another big day out with his cousins, who he just adores so much.. We all had lunch together at Va Bene where he devoured a couple plates of pasta, followed by heading home to chill for a bit. Then later, we went to check out the local Northgate Festival and the playgrounds nearby.. The hot chips he had for dinner went down a treat too..
7. We headed to St. Kilda Adventure Playground this arvo for another busy day.. Lucas just loved going down the slippery dip and Megan had a couple of goes too..

Project 365 - {Week 1}

So I'm starting my Project 365 again and given that I didn't manage to post a photo-a-day on my blog last year, I thought I'd try things a bit differently this time round.. Instead of posting daily photos, I'll try doing a Week-in-Review instead..

{Week 1} - 1st to 7th of January

1. New Years Day - Brian set up one of the Lego train sets that he purchased just before Christmas this arvo.. I'm not sure Megan quite enjoyed being in the middle there, but at least she didn't complain..
2. Lucas loves drumming on his makeshift drumkit and of course loves having an audience, so he moved them next to Megan who was lying in her rocker.. Once again, looking at the expression on her face, I don't think she was a fan..
3.  Lucas spent the day at his grandparents, so I'm sure Miss Meegies really enjoyed the quiet time at home with just me.. I know I did.. =) Love her hand dimples..
4. Jasmine and Nat came over for a playdate with Lucas today and boy did they have a good time.. They ran up and down the hallway and into Nat's arms at least 50 times.. It was hot and tiring just watching them.. The sweetest moment was when they both held hands and walked all the way back to the door together.. awww..
5. It was a perfect evening to fill up the pirate ship before bath time, and Mr. Cheeky Chops loved being tall enough to pour water into the tower himself.. He ended up nakie since his nappy soaked up as much water as it could and was chockas..
6. I took Lucas to the library this arvo while Brian kept an eye on Megan while she slept.. As soon as he saw the Spot books, he sat down and started 'reading' them, so I added a few other books to his pile..
7. Spent the day at home chilling with my babies while it was another 41 degree day... Megan is growing up way too quickly!!

Sleep..

I keep telling myself each day that I should go to bed earlier, yet each night I find myself still sitting in front of my laptop procrastinating at 11.30pm or later. Gah! When am I ever going to learn??

Have to say though, Lucas' sleep has improved immensely since he turned 18 months. He's now sleeping through most nights and if he does wake up, Brian usually settles him quite quickly. I actually don't hear him on the monitor anymore as my ears are now tuned into Miss Meegies cries..

Speaking of which, Miss Meegies wakes up at least once, sometimes twice a night for a quick feed. The broken sleep is what kills me, making me so exhausted the next morning. I wonder when she will start sleeping through? Hopefully much, much earlier than 18 months!! Funny thing is the majority of the photos I take of her are of her asleep..

See?

Sleeping Beauty

She loves to sleep with her arms up and has never been wrapped.. so different from Lucas!! However, she's becoming a lot more awake and aware over the past couple of weeks, much to Lucas' disgust as he now has to fight for my lap space.. haha..