Bits and bobs

Before the turf was put down, Zane hired a mini bobcat to level the yard off.  The boys had to help, of course!  I'm not sure who was more excited, Zane or the boys. Rick also came over to add some man-power.   Thanks Rick!

When Ella first came home, Liam was all over her and wouldn't let her leave his sight.  The novelty has now worn off, somewhat, which has allowed James to step up to the plate and have a turn.  James is quite taken with his baby sister and loves to sit next to me while I'm feeding her and then hold her hand while I burp her.  He is always available for cuddles too.  We have been having lots of interesting discussions about what babies like and don't like (i.e. they like having their toes tickled, they don't like having a toy smashed in their face, they like milk, they don't like Tiny Teddies).  Liam informed me in the car yesterday that I had better not go over any bumps in the road as Ella might fall out the window and smash into tiny little pieces.

 Gazing up at big brother James in awe!

 Group hug.

Last weekend we went to visit Zane's Grandma Mavis to introduce her to her new great-granddaughter, Ella.  The pair hit it off immediately!

Last weekend we took a trip up to the Sunshine Coast to visit Underwater World.  The boys took a super-hero each to fend off any baddies.

 
 On the way up... bright eyed and bushy tailed

Travelling along the travelator... 

 We might need those super-heroes now, boys!!!

Both boys asleep on the way home - a sure sign of a successful day out!

 Ella has been racking up a few zzzz's of her own.  Look at that chubby-cheeked baby goodness - just made for kissing!

Isn't she lovely!

Garden update

Goodbye swamp, hello lawn!  Order has now been restored outside and we have a lovely green, prickle-free lawn.  The garden is going really well too.  We have been eating the lovely tomatoes and the corn should be ready soon.  We also got our first sunflower! 

The boys have been gazing longingly at the pool and asking when we can swim in it ... maybe January boys, fingers crossed!!

Our beautiful new lawn.

Our first tomato!

Liam with the spoils.

James watching on with glee.

Sunflower!

The corn must be ready for picking soon.

The gorgeous Ella May having a quiet reflective moment.

John is in BrisVegas at the moment helping his son move, and he popped in to meet his new niece.  They got along really well together.

Ella May Knight

Welcome to the world, Ella! 

After months of anticipation, our gorgeous little girl has finally arrived.  She was born at 1.19pm on Thursday 18th November.  She was 3.25kg or 7lb 5oz and was 52cm long.  She has a good head of dark brown hair and baby blue eyes.  The labour and birth were surprisingly bearable and I recovered really quickly ... must be getting better with practise! 

So far Ella has been an absolute dream baby, feeding every 3 hours or so and hardly cries at all. 

The boys are absolutely delighted with the new addition to the family, especially Liam who is besotted and thinks she is the most beautiful girl in the world.

The proud Dad moments after Ella was born

Ella having a snooze

Liam's first cuddle

Cheesy grins all round

... and another snooze

We had some visitors on our first afternoon at home.  Aunty Kerrie had a nice cuddle.

More snoozing, this time with her brothers.

Liam is taking his big brother role very seriously and constantly

checks to make sure I am looking after her every need.

... another snooze with Aunty Penny.  All this meeting the rellies is tiring!

The proud Aunty Chae.

Grandad, Chae, Jacki and the little lady.

Grandad's first cuddle.

Chae made scones for all our visitors and they were consumed with gusto (James had four).

Weekend on the gold coast

Zane's dad got a new boat a couple of weeks ago, a 38 foot launch by Riviera.  We spent the day on it on Sunday and had a fabulous time.

Leaving Runaway Bay and heading for the Spit

The captain at the helm with brother Pete

Zane and James enjoying the sea breezes

Liam, Jacki and Chae

Safety first!

Cruising the broadwater

A nice cuddle from Jamesey

Setting off to explore the islands

Checking out the action at Sovereign Islands

Sunny weekend

After all the rain we have been having, it was great to have a nice sunny Saturday morning.  It inspired us to take a drive out to Sandgate for breakfast at Sonomas, which is a really nice cafe right on the promenade.

A quick spot of colouring in before brekky arrived

Cuddles with Daddy

... and Mum

Look at that glorious view.

This was taken just prior to both boys falling off the back of the tree!  The headlock grip should have been a clue for us that something bad was about to happen ...

After a quick broken bones check (all good) it was time to sail the high seas and escape the pirates and sharks that were circling in the playground - this boat very conveniently sports two steering wheels

Liam fancies himself as a bit of a photographer.  Not bad for a 4 year old!