It had to happen some time

Many of you with kids have probably used one of those baby rockers at some stage in an effort to try and keep an infant happy and occupied whilst you are blaring around trying to get things done. We borrowed one when we had Tom, and mum bought us one when Biddy came along. Just prior to Bella, my SIL loaned us another type - a swingy type thing - that incidentally, we bought her when she had twins a few years back.

At some point, both Tom and Biddy fell out of the rockers. Once the babies find the ability to kick their legs, they seem to simply slide out of them (and yes, I know that there are straps to buckle them in...but you don't tend to use them when they are motionless...it is only AFTER they fall out you start using them!). The drop from the end of the rocker to the floor however is only 5 or so cm. Not so the swing, which Bella fell out of tonight. That is more like a drop of 30cm!

Having just got Biddy in the bath, I stuck Bella in the swing in front of the babysitter (aka tv) to go get pjs and milk ready. Tom was in the lounge with the baby and I told him to not touch the baby and to leave her alone as she was quiet and content. I go to the bathroom to get Biddy out and Tom appears in the door to get in. I chase Biddy down the hall to her room, only to hear screaming coming from the lounge where I find the baby flat on her back on the floor under the swing. For the life of me, I could not work out how she'd come adrift because this time I DID buckle her in.

Clue #1... the swing's speed was now at the fastest speed - I had it on the lowest speed.

Clue #2... guilty look on Tom's face when questioned about how the baby fell out of the swing.

Turns out, he dialed up the speed and then unbuckled her to play with her (why???) and then got distracted and left her to go to the bath. And then she fell out! Good Lord. How is he ever going to be ready for school next year? How is he not going to get distracted when it comes time to change buses?

I think we are in for some ride next year.......

Grampians camping

As mentioned in the previous post, we took off for a week in the Grampians straight after Bella's christening. We went with the Butlers (Bret, Bernie, Emma & Monnie) and mum came with us as well. It's been ages since I've been away camping with them all. Years ago, we used to go camping every second month. I'd like to get back into that.

Unfortunately, Bella was rather unsettled and cried a lot....A LOT. Sigh. I think I was more stressed than anyone though about her crying worrying others. But it was enjoyable and MArk and I are now starting serious discussions about where our next big trip (a la Darwin) will be. Maybe WA? Or maybe Flinders ranges? OR Tassie? Not too sure.

Anyway, here are some pics of the time away. It was very cold and as you will see, we were quite rugged up. On some days, I wasn't too sure I even had kids much less a baby due to all the swaddling around them all!!

Phew....wotta week!

So much has happened in the past 7 or 8 days, I hardly know where to start. But first, may I say.....

CARN' THE PIES!!!!!!!

Woooooohooooooo.

I could not believe it when the first granny was a draw. I mean come on! There have only been 3 drawn Grand Finals and Collingwood has been in 2 of them! At least, the end result was not anything like the '77 Grand Final against North Melbourne. Much to my relief and Mark's disgust. The kids are firm Magpie supporters now!!!

This time last week, we celebrated Isabella's christening. It was a great day and we were blessed to be surrounded by a number of family and friends. Mark and I chose Bernie as godmother and Chris as godfather (need a big burly bloke to look out for the girl when she reaches her teen years!!).

On the Monday, the Butlers, us and mum all headed to the Grampians for a few days camping. It was quite chilly to say the least, only really warming up the day we left (typical). It is due to this camping trip that I have not been online to post any pics of the christening.

But I have sorted through some and here they are! I created a collage of a number of them, but because it may be a bit difficult to see, I've posted a few of them singly.

For the first time in a loooooong time, I had to front up to the dairy to milk! Gasp, splutter, gulp! Yes, for the first time in about 3 years, I had to don the waterproofs, brave the cold and milk with Mark. I'm pleased to say that our marriage has survived intact. I also have to say that if any of our staff whinge about milking on the cups off side, I will make them come and look after my kids for a day! With the cup removers, backing chains laid on and no need to mix up chemicals, it is DEAD EASY around that side. The hardest thing is making sure you don't get shit on! It is a hell of a lot easier than when I milked with Mark every weekend and didn't have the cup removers. (Mark will remember back further when it was even more labour intensive in the walkthrough dairy....another story that one).

Anyway, I will edit the pics from the Grampians and be back to post them. But for now, have a squizz at my darling baby's big day.

the christening cake (which had a MAJOR overhaul)

this christening gown was Mark's (I think I have posted about this when Biddy was christened). All our kids have been christened in it and it is my wish that my kids continue the tradition with their own babies.

the water

Bernie Butler and Chris Foster (godparents)