A little boy

(Ella & Jacob at Blackbutt Reserve - someone needs to be climbing up the wall!)

Jacob has started to turn into a little boy. He is drawn towards muddy puddles (I was impressed with his shoes, no water leaked through) and likes to get in the driving seat to "drive" my car.

He also manages to find holes in the wall and will stick his finger in there (hope there are no nasty spiders in there waiting for him!), will poke at ants walking along the wall, is brave and sticks fingers in and makes faces at emus. He now also likes to walk along a wall, jump off curbs and collect rocks and line them up.

Jacob also enjoys following birds around - doesn't matter if it's a gull, a peacock or a duck. As long as he's in no danger, it's great for me to watch him.

Jacob also got a big treat yesterday, I got him a Little Tikes Coupe. Once he had woken from his nap, had lunch and finally saw the car, that was it - no getting him out. Dave said this morning he went straight to the car and whilst I'm typing this - he's in the car! A great buy.

Illness & Music Classes

In the last couple of weeks we've experienced a hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak - Jacob, Dave and I were all victims, as were some of our friends. It really wasn't too bad, Jacob got lots of spots and felt a little unwell and wanted some cuddles. I didn't fair too bad either, just a few spots and felt tired but Dave got some ulcers on his hands, feet and in his mouth!

Just before Jacob came down with HF&M we started a new class - Little Musos. A nice introduction for Jacob into the world of music and dance. He got to play with loads of different musical instruments (not the type of things you'd see in a school orchestra) and then whilst shopping at Aldi we found a musical instrument box, so we now get to have music at home too. He loves it. There's a little dancing at the class but he does loads more at home. Always bopping when he gets the chance, even in the car Jacob will move his arms around to the music.

We had to keep away from the non infected for a week, so met with Kerry and Ella quite a bit and Susanne and Oskar too. Tracey and Ciara were very lucky and escaped the virus. We've been to the beach a few times, Blackbutt Reserve and each others houses.

Jacob is now starting to try and say more words. He's also our little copy cat. Sneezing, coughing, burping, greeting you like a pirate. So funny. He's also a lot faster on his feet and is doing a little run too.

A walking week & a surprise bbq

This last week I've tried to be outside as much as possible. The first half of the week was great with winter sun and the second half a little more fresh and windy.

We've walked with Tracey & Ciara, Susanne & Oskar, Kerry & Ella. We've met up with Beth, Alfie & Kathy for a nice walk and play on the beach. Alfie had great fun climbing in Jacob's stroller and both of them wondering off looking for sandcastles to demolish! We met up with Kel & Elliott at Westfield Kotara and the boys sampled some babychinos and of course the play area! I walked with Adela along the foreshore and found coffee and raisin toast at a local cafe with a promise to do it again next week.

Friday, whilst packing the groceries away, I looked outside at the ocean (from out kitchen) and saw a whale breach. I grabbed Jacob and house keys and we went and watched it for a few minutes. The whales (please note the plural), were that close to the shore, that Jacob could point them out.

Dave, Jacob and I went for a walk on Saturday morning and a great play on the beach in the afternoon. And today we decided to go for a quick walk before the weather changed but got caught in the icy cold wind! Jacob loves the wind blowing in his hair.

(Jacob & Dave watching the waves come in)

(Jacob & Dave enjoying kicking ball about)

We got an invitation to go round to Beth, Paul and Alfie's for a bbq this afternoon. They say it's because they like us and count us as their friends, I say it's because Paul wanted Dave's expertise on how to make his own beer!!! Other than the dubious reasons on why they invited us ;o), we had a great time. Jacob enjoyed playing with Alfie, Elliott, Ben and Noah and we enjoyed having conversations with Beth and Paul and their other friends (some we knew, some who were new to us). Jacob decided he wanted to play with Alfie's car and pushed him out!

When it was time to come in (typical British bbq, it started to rain) the boys came in and then, whilst watching the Olympics, they helped themselves to some snacks.

(Jacob, Elliott & Alfie)

Paul braved it outside and got the food cooking, whilst we all sat inside and enjoyed the nice warm house.

Thanks guys, we had a great time and it's our turn to host a bbq very soon.

The last few weeks

Jacob and I have managed to get out and about in the last few weeks. A trip to Melbourne, playing at Lollipops, walks, coffees - the list is endless.

We caught up with the Antental Group at Lollipops not too long ago. Jacob managed to have a play in the ball pool and the slide before he discovered the cars and then that was it. He just went from one car to another and was really easy to keep an eye. At times he was joined by his mates and some other times, he played happily on his own. We'll be there again the future.

(Jacob and Alfie)

We lent our friends Jacob's travel stroller for a trip to Fiji, so that meant we had to walk with Jacob around the local shopping centre. That wasn't fun for us but Jacob had a great time. Dave had enough of going up and down the escalators!

Steve celebrated his 40th birthday and kindly invited us along. Jacob enjoyed running over the dance floor, sitting himself with other people and playing with the balloons.

(Top: Steve & Ella - Bottom: Jacob after some beer!)

Sometimes it's just tiring being a toddler and it's nice to have a snuggle and cuddle with Daddy.

A visit to Melbourne

Last week, Dave had some business in the Melbourne area. Jacob and I tagged along. We stopped in the CBD and was able to walk everywhere, so Dave could have the car.

We flew from Newcastle airport. Jacob loved spotting the planes, the jets and generally touching anything and everything. In the plane it was very exciting for him. He looked out the windows as we took off and get making "wow" faces. Of course, he wanted to sit with Dave when everything was going well but as soon as we made our descent and his ears started to hurt, he wanted his mummy. The same on the return journey too. I'm really looking forward to our flight back to the UK, on my own!!!

Anyway, we flew in on Tuesday afternoon, chucked the stuff in our room and went straight out for an early dinner. We found a nice pizzeria on the river, Jacob got stuck in too and it was really nice to eat out.

(Jacob enjoyed playing with the drawers in our hotel room kitchen)

Wednesday I got to the Tourist Information Centre, the lady gave me some valuable information - where the nearest playground was! We headed there straight away and Jacob was very happy. We met my Auntie Jackie and caught up with her for morning tea and then it was back to the room for Jacob to have a lovely long sleep. Did I mention we were on the 20th floor and the lift only went to the 18th - we had walk up the rest of the way! But we had a great view.

In the afternoon I thought I'd walk to a different playground. After 40 mins hard walk we got there. It was a swing and slide. So, after a play it was time for a walk around the park. Jacob had to touch everything and I mean everything. He found twigs, leaves, grass, walls, trees. It was a long walk through the park. I was glad to put him back in the stroller and take a walk back. We went out for a really nice Indian meal. Jacob had a tandoori chicken starter and really enjoyed. A great evening.

On Thursday I took Jacob to Melbourne Aquarium. I was amazed at how many fish, sharks, rays, jelly fish and other sea creatures he pointed out to me. He had a great time and he was free to get in! We had a more relaxing afternoon and again, went out for dinner in the evening.

Friday morning came and it was time to check out. We went with Dave to where he was training, so he didn't have to come into the CBD to collect us on the way back to the airport. Jacob and I went out looking for a playground. At 8 in the morning it is pretty cold and the stuff was still wet but still managed a swing.

Jacob now enjoys sitting in the driver's seat and will play at driving the car. He'll do it for ages. Great entertainment and even better if you park up where there is a good view. We found 4 different playgrounds and the last one was great. It was pretty sheltered (as the weather was horribly cold and windy) and there was loads for us to play on! We did lots of sliding and climbing up stairs, walking on rope bridges and playing with the rocky/springy things.

I enjoyed our visit but felt really tired afterwards and was glad to come home.