tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17479565799772640862024-03-14T14:50:24.072+08:00Baby De RoachKirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.comBlogger400125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-13194180239245581142016-11-15T19:28:00.003+08:002016-11-15T19:28:49.665+08:00<br />
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As I sit to write this I am so sad to realise it is my first ever post on this blog about our beautiful girls Matilda and Quinn. Maybe one day I'll go back and fill in some gaps but just in case I don't it's time to make a few notes.<br />
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These crazy girls of ours sure have tipped our lives upside down. It has been the biggest challenge of my parenting so far. I guess it sort of goes without saying that having 2 babies at once and jumping up to a family of 6 would come with some difficulties but WOW you really couldn't even imagine.<br />
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I know this time will be over so quickly and in a flash I'll have 4 teenagers and a whole new set of parenting hurdles to overcome. I try so hard to appreciate them and their little gorgeous faces and all of the little quirks each of them have. I try to record it in my mind and remember it all but it's already starting to fade.<br />
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I didn't record the dates that the girls rolled over, or stood or walked or cut their first teeth. Does it matter? I don't think so. It's not because their milestones mean any less to me - I have cherished them just the same. I just do not have the time to be all things to everyone anymore.<br />
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I'm happy - really happy. My life is full of love. I am also tired and exhausted, so tired some days I feel like I wont be able to make it to the end of the day. Rob works so hard too and we are often like ships in the night. We're a great team though and these kids of ours are all doing so well and we are really proud and blessed.<br />
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Today Matilda said her first 'sentence'. As we waved rob off to work she said 'Bye Bye Dad' it was so bloody cute it motivated me to jump on here and note it down.<br />
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Our gorgeous Quinn doesn't say much but she understands everything that we say to her so no doubt she'll start saying all sorts of words any day now. We have a bit of a laugh because she mainly talks in grunts and growls so we sometimes call her 'Chewbaca' (Her words are Mum, Dad, Duck, Tilda)<br />
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Matilda can say Mum, Dad, Nanna, Noah, Harpy, Goggie, Cat, Duck, Byebye, Seeya, Flower, Plane, Shoe, Milk and makes a few animal sounds.<br />
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Off to actually spend a minute with my husband now, Hopefully talk again really soon.<br />
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<br />Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-83200067989933671352016-09-26T19:11:00.001+08:002016-09-26T19:22:00.215+08:00Baby De Roach Blogspot Revival<div>Kirsty and I thought we might try to revive our babyderoach blog. We started it with banjo before Facebook was popular, now I'm sick of all the advertising on FB, but still want the best bit - storybooking our life and 4 babies! This photo was from a crazy day exploring Avon Valley camp sites :)</div><img id="id_f71e_c7f9_804a_bbf5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PliLgxcfnzU/V-kE1YGQg9I/AAAAAAAADWE/xoJ8hPjbuGk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-60260578710124470672016-03-02T11:11:00.000+08:002016-03-02T11:11:30.679+08:00'Me Time'<br />
Today is my third consecutive Wednesday I have been kid free from about 9am until 3.30pm.<br />
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When I had Noah my father-in-law made a decision that he wanted to be an involved and regular fixture in his grand children's lives and he decided to semi-retire to make it happen. As soon as it was possible he showed up and took Noah away for a special one-on-one 'Pa Day' every week. Only 6 months later my sister-in-law added another grandson to the mix and he too got his day in the sun with Pa. As the boys got older and easier to handle their days with Pa merged so that they were also getting some quality cousin bonding time too. Then along came Finn's baby sister Beth and then our beautiful Harper. John certainly had his hands full now and depending on school schedules had various combinations of 2 or 3 of them and then 4 in the school holidays.<br />
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When the twins came along I never really thought much about Pa Day. I figured 8 years later John had probably done his dash and would appreciate some free time now that he'd seen the 4 big kids through to their school years. As the end of last year approached though the news came that once school started he would like to take Matilda and Quinn for their turn. I was gobsmacked. Two babies - was he mad? I can barely cope most days and it has certainly been a daunting prospect for most people to even babysit for a couple of hours here and there - let alone committing to 9 hours every week.<br />
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But here we are week 3 and in he comes at 8am on a Wednesday morning full of enthusiasm and takes those precious girls away. On alternate weeks he even takes Harper too. He genuinely loves it. Sure he's tired at the end of the day but he's always full of smiles and reports how wonderful his day has been.<br />
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It's an amazing blessing for me of course - a chance to take a moment to get some shit done or take some time out or drink a hot cup of coffee. The best thing is John does it because he wants to, of course I benefit, but that's not what it's about. It's a no guilt, no strings attached kid free day and I bloody love it.<br />
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<br />Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-50963266804256634842014-07-13T10:42:00.000+08:002016-03-02T10:48:39.335+08:00This week on Facebook #2<br />
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Ok so this week started with my youngest sister Holly's 36th Birthday. It was her first birthday as a Mama celebrating with her beautiful Tommy who is just a few days off 3 months old already. As always a simple family dinner was enjoyed at my Mum and Dad's place followed by Cake - it's all about the cake and every kid getting a chance to blow out candles and spread their share of spit onto the cake!!<br />
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July 9th is the day our precious Angel baby Banjo was born 7 years ago. We don't dwell - we've been blessed with 2 beautiful boys and who knows, one day maybe another sweet baby, but we pause and remember him and what an impact his short life had on ours.</div>
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This year July 9th will forever be the day I 'lost' one of our dogs for a whole day and had the whole city searching for him only to discover I had literally been sitting on him all day! He had gotten trapped in the void space under our recliner sofa when I had closed the leg rest. Serious stress was quickly replaced with horrific embarrassment and everyone had a great laugh at my expense!!!</div>
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Skidder after he was 'found' - he just popped out yawning and stretching from his awesome 6 hour nap!!!</div>
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July 10th</div>
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Harper is just over 2 and a half now and is full of personality plus. He loves to dress up and some days can involve multiple wardrobe changes. The kid knows how to accessorise too. It's not often you'll see him without some kind of musical instrument in hand and a pair of sunglasses - always sunglasses. He keeps us on our toes but he's such a delight we almost don't mind.</div>
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July 11th</div>
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Harper was off to hospital AGAIN for his 3rd set of grommets. As always the happy chappy easy patient took it all in his stride.</div>
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In the car on the way bright and early</div>
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Post surgery recovery</div>
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Back home we spent the afternoon relaxing on the couch but then it was time to head to Nanny and Poppy's to pick up Noah and in true Harper style even while in convalescence he did not forget his style.</div>
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2 pairs of sunglasses for the trip there</div>
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Nanny gave the patient some new glasses so this new ensemble got thrown together for the trip home which was just perfect for a trip to the pharmacy too!!</div>
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<br />Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-52739071047752611362014-07-06T08:56:00.000+08:002014-10-22T09:02:37.286+08:00This week on Facebook<br />
So I swore at the start of this week I was taking a step back from FB and getting back on blogging track. Facebook like the addictive bitch that she is lured me back so I decided instead of fighting it to embrace it, so this is the first in a weekly series of posts to be known as 'My week on Facebook'<br />
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I was pretty good the first few days and it was pretty quiet but we did go to the pop-up outdoor ice skating rink on Friday night so that was pretty awesome.<br />
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The boys and I caught the bus and the train which always starts an outing off on the right foot.<br />
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Harper enjoyed it for a little while and then preferred to just hang out on the sidelines. Noah, our athletic,, sporty good at almost everything guy has really struggled with any form of skating but he finally got the hang of it that night and had a great time. <br />
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Out in the city on a Friday night - such a simple adventure full of fun </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/215/4640F6AAE05A2B74D63E7604CC2EEE5C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-52974152375436922462014-07-01T12:37:00.000+08:002014-07-01T12:39:04.180+08:00Hello Old Friend<br />
Over the weekend I said to Rob that I was going to take some time to get back to writing my blog. He, being the IT nerd and all round geek that he is, promptly informed me that blogging is passe and blogs probably wont exist soon. Here I am anyway. I don't care what the current popularity or cool factor of blogging is, I used to love this little space of mine and I enjoyed keeping our family memories documented. Even if nobody else reads it I don't mind because it's just for me. Today I've looked back through old posts - so many fleeting moments of Noah's life captured and I knew for sure that I wanted to get back on here and get more of our memories down as they happen day to day. I might even try and makeup for lost time with some retrospective posts about Harper (the forgotten but very loved second child!) There are no lovingly scribed baby albums in this house, just this space so I'm recommitted to making it current.<br />
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I blame Facebook - I really do. I was hesitant to join Facebook for a long time - I was a relative latecomer. I was a bit smug about it. I used to say things like 'I have friends in real life I don't need to be friends with 200 people on the computer'. (I say old lady things like 'on the computer' because I'm a bit weird and out of touch like that.) Eventually it came to the point where I was missing out on play dates and events because they were being arranged through Facebook, so I took the leap. <br />
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Facebook has it's place - it basically did what I had been attempting to do with my blog for years. It allowed me to share photos and stories about our lives with friends and family anywhere around the world. The trouble is FB is such a quick and easy fix that I stopped taking the time to sit and share longer stories. The instant gratification of FB is addictive. Blogging is more of a slow boil and lots of what is written goes un-noticed but at least it's all laid out there to look back on in a pure form not lost between pictures of cats riding robot vacuums and photos of Rugby players consuming their own urine!! (True Story)<br />
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FB also steals so much more time that you ever realise as you find yourself reaching for it more and more throughout the day just to see what new tidbit has popped up in your news feed. So I'm taking a step back from FB and focusing on quality blogging time instead.<br />
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All of this is part of a bigger picture. I have made a vow to myself to change the way I manage my time. I am ALWAYS busy. I literally run from one thing to the next and I feel like no part of my life is getting the correct focus. I know a do a good job. Our home is clean and tidy, there are clean clothes in the drawers and a meal on the table every night. The kids are happy, healthy beautiful kids and they get lots of love and attention. It's me though - I'm exhausted. Physically, mentally, emotionally. This has been a tough year there have been bigger challenges than 'normal' but when is life ever 'normal'. Rob likes to remind me a lot that there is always something. I can often be heard saying things like 'After X,Y,Z event is over life will calm down and I'll do that task'. No more. <br />
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I want to get to a place where no matter what external factors are in play I don't feel like every day is one constant ball of chaos. Rushing here and there yelling at kids to hurry, hurry, hurry. Putting out fires all day long then getting to 7pm and collapsing in a heap with no sense of accomplishment.<br />
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One of the first things I need to do is re-instate my exercise regime. There is a lot to be said for exercising in the morning and feeling that you've achieved something before the day has even started for most people.<br />
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I constantly over commit. I am a YES person. This month I am pulling back from everything that is not absolutely necessary. I have lots of wonderful friends and I like to do the right thing and keep in touch with them all. It's very time consuming. Don't get me wrong time with friends adds so much value to your life but surely a month without coffee dates and outings won't kill any friendships. Not to mention I actually quite enjoy being alone and being in my own company.<br />
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There are tasks in my life that have literally been building up for 6 years that now need to be done. (Kids memorabilia boxes piled high, nothing with dates on it) I have made a start already this week and it feels great.<br />
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This post is a <strike>bit</strike> lot rambley but hey it's my blog I can ramble if I want to.<br />
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See you tomorrow<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/215/4640F6AAE05A2B74D63E7604CC2EEE5C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-71663401126910983472013-09-26T12:18:00.004+08:002013-09-26T12:18:37.924+08:00So Much Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi Harps</div>
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Do you know what? We love you so much. Honestly we just adore you. You are so sweet and funny and make us all so happy. That's all that matters really - as long as you know you're adored I'm a happy mummy. This blog of mine is neglected. Where every moment of your brother's life was recorded and documented your isn't. We are busy - really busy. Somehow being a Mama to two boys didn't double the workload it trebled it. We're a very happy family, we live a good life - we have loads of fun. We're just so busy living it there's never time to stop and get it down here. Right now I can still remember all the little details - when your first teeth came, when you first walked and all those funny little things you do and say. I will record them before I forget but right now I'm so busy loving you and enjoying you that I don't want to stop, I don't want to miss a moment.<br />
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So just for today that's all but one day soon I promise I'll be back to fill in the blanks. After all you're almost Two!!<br />
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<br />Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-9457634318575894432012-10-31T07:52:00.000+08:002012-10-31T08:33:48.139+08:00Reflections on Harper's First Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">'<i>It was the best of times, it was the worst of times'</i></span></div>
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Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities</div>
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There are no better words to sum up the last year for me and my family. On the surface we look like the luckiest people. We finally welcomed a much anticipated and desired second child to our family. We bought and moved into our dream home. I finally lost the (almost) 40 kilos that had been literally and figuratively dragging me down for the last 6 years.</div>
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That's on the surface - behind the scenes it has been an entire year of sleepless nights. It has been a year of stress and worry. Why is our baby crying all day, why is he always so sick and sad. Doctors visit after doctors visit with really no answers. Months of weekends and nights completely consumed with selling our old house when we had already committed to buying a bigger more expensive house. Moving house with any baby is tough but with one that cries all day and never sleeps - chaos reigned. Rob made huge sacrifices for me to attend my 5-6 hours of exercise every week and it's taken it's toll on him.</div>
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It feels like our precious big boy lost his Mummy this year. After 3 and a half years of solid quality time with him I became almost completely unavailable. Hours rocking a crying baby to sleep and hours of painting, packing, renovating old and new houses meant that Noah has watched more TV in the last year than his first 3 years of life. It is showing in his behaviour and it hurts me deeply that he has been affected negatively by our decisions and choices.</div>
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On the weekend we celebrated Harper's 1st birthday with an awesome Very Hungry Caterpillar Party. At the last minute Rob urged me to make a speech and I've regretted it ever since. I didn't say what I wanted to - I'm not good on the spot. I only said a few sentences but they were not what I meant. Every quiet moment I've had since then it's run through my head - what I wished I had said. So here it is.</div>
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It's been a tough year, Harper has not been the dream baby everyone hopes for but we wouldn't change it for the world. We love him. He has completed our family which we though might never grow bigger than the 3 of us. He's been hard work - really hard work but his smiles and his giggle have made it all worth while. We know the future is bright and things can only get better. He'll grow into a delightful boy just like Noah did and all this baby nonsense will soon fade from memory. We are so very thankful to live in this beautiful home which we only have through the love and financial support of both sides of our family. We are blessed, we have more than most but most importantly we have each other. We are a family and that is all we need. </div>
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We love you Harps - you're a gorgeous sweet little man. Happy Birthday. GO TO SLEEP!!</div>
Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-46576060554129332012-10-30T21:06:00.000+08:002012-10-31T07:58:54.262+08:00Harpsy, on your 1st Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tomorrow, Harpsy, you turn One!
Your mummy and I really don't know where this year went. We feel a little guilty that you haven't received many posts on this blog, but for your information only, I want you to know that we took 14,168 photos in your first year of life (and we only took 9,434 photos during your brother's first year)... it's just been that we've been so busy loving and caring for you, that we just haven't had a chance to blog. Also, if Facebook still exists by the time you can read this - have a look at mummy and daddy's timeline - you're the star attraction of 2012!<br />
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We won't lie - you have hardly slept or eaten much this year - and mummy and daddy's eyes have nearly fallen out... but you are healthy, and your fun-seeking personality, your smile and your laugh truly melt our hearts so much it hurts.<br />
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You LOVE music, and bopping away to anything with a beat... perhaps you've absorbed all of Noah's music classes by osmosis. You particularly like using any stick-like thing as a drum stick... and you LOVE clapping (yaaaaaay Harpsy).<br />
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You can rise and stand by yourself - but can't yet walk. Crab crawling is still just fine - and b*gger going backwards, head first into any obstacle is the way to go (usually holding something to increase the level of difficulty) - a true reflection of your character.<br />
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You say da da da, all the time, with reference to anything and everything. You haven't quite (or maybe you have) mastered kisses and often leave your tongue hanging out.<br />
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WATER is you deity - you worship the warm shower god just like your brother did, and enjoy the bath and swimming lessons even more. You're a beach baby too (you really have no choice - to be consolidated by your first week of your second year spent at various beaches in Rottnest).<br />
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You LOVE your cousin Abbey, and look at her as if she is your second mum (this is something to do with her loving you to bits and looking after you all the time).<br />
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Your brother ADORES you, and is often found in your bedroom after you have just woken up, well before mummy and daddy reach you. You look at Noah the exact same way you look at Abbey, although sometimes a bit more quizzically, as Noah's eccentricity and craziness towards you is sometimes a little hard to understand.<br />
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Your grandparents (Nanny, Poppy, Pa, Nanna Mal, Grandad, Nanna Ivy, Pa Pa and Nanna Bron) are besotted with you, and you have taken to each of them. You have particularly spent a lot of time at your Nanny and Poppy's house because they love you so much (and for which your mummy and daddy are eternally grateful :)<br />
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Personally, we are most content when one of us cuddles you in our arms, as you doze off feeling safe and comfy (while the other one of us reads a book to your big brother in bed).<br />
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You are our beautiful Harpsi-chord and we promise that we will do everything in our power to let your life flourish into whatever you want it to be...<br />
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Most important of all is for you to always know that WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.<br />
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mummy and daddy XXX
Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-23410777919844460442012-05-11T15:33:00.001+08:002012-05-11T15:33:35.066+08:00A Post From The Husband - Happy Mother's DayThe best mum that I know XXX
<a href="http://picasion.com/"><img src="http://i.picasion.com/pic52/87a2cb3e0e280de7e75627375189d9e4.gif" width="300" height="400" border="0" alt="create an animated gif" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasion.com/">create an animated gif</a>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-82952852575915988412012-04-30T08:01:00.000+08:002012-05-12T08:13:47.167+08:00Our LifeHarper is 6 months old today. It's hard to believe that much time in his precious life has gone by already. Life has been hectic (complete and utter chaos might be more the truth here). It's almost impossible to remember that not so long ago it was just 3 of us and we had things pretty under control. Life was, dare I say it, easy. We all knew things would change, we wanted them to change. We were desperate to open our hearts and our home to a new bundle of baby love. I don't think we were prepared for how different it would be - in so many good ways but also some very challenging ways. <br />
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Not only did Harper grow our family but not so long after his arrival our gorgeous 11 year old niece Abbey started living with us. We are now a family of 5 and that is awesome. Growing form 3 to 4 to 5 in a space of only a few months has brought some other big changes. There is a new house which we are preparing to move to and of course a house to sell also.<br />
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Somedays it's hard to remember how lucky we are. Hard to take the time to enjoy our big loving family. It's too easy to get caught up in the rush of it all. The days quite often blur into one big crazy cycle of packing lunches, washing clothes, getting kids to soccer, hockey, music, tennis......<br />
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I have to remember to take time to stare at this precious boy that is changing every day. Enjoy watching the way he grabs his little toes and pulls them to his mouth. The big gummy smiles he gives all of us but most expecially Noah and Abbey. His sleeping is getting so much better but I need to try and enjoy those nighttime cuddles and that feeling I am the only person in the world that can make him happy at those hours of the night.<br />
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My big boy Noah, so grown up and smart and brave and funny but really still so small. He will be starting Kindy next year and then after that it's full time school - FOREVER. I'm trying to take the time to enjoy our days together - he's my buddy and such fun to be around.<br />
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For every day full of frustrations and all the stress and sleep deprivation it's still an awesome life and I feel so lucky to be a mum to these beautiful children.Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-11077480768907457102012-01-31T08:28:00.002+08:002012-03-04T10:03:32.694+08:00Letter to Harper 3 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHFp__UkSR0/T09uuYih7ZI/AAAAAAAAC4A/NSXbs2DXb7A/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHFp__UkSR0/T09uuYih7ZI/AAAAAAAAC4A/NSXbs2DXb7A/s640/127.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><br />
Dear Harper ( aka Harpsie, Harps, Harpsie Bear, Harpsichord)<br />
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13 weeks ago you made your grand entrance. In some ways it seems so much longer but it also feels like just yesterday. It had just been Daddy, Mummy and Noah for such a long while and at times we had almost given up on having another baby so it seems very surreal now to have you here.<br />
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You are a beautiful baby and we are all absolutely smitten with you especially your doting, if at times, too enthusiastic big brother.<br />
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It is uncanny how much you look like Noah did as a baby. We are excited for the future and to see how you grow and change and how alike the two of you end up.<br />
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One things for sure you both have a total disregard for sleep and like to cry A LOT. You do like your sleep and are quite easy to get off to sleep but you just like to check in for some milk and cuddles every 2 or 3 hours day and night. You are certainly not a fan of the car either which is a shame because it was one of our tricks to get your brother to sleep but you prefer to scream in the car.<br />
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You are very clever and have already rolled both ways a few times but it's not a daily trick yet. You love kisses and really try to kiss back - mostly sticking your tongue in but we get the message.<br />
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We're all really tired and so far it's been a challenging journey but it's all worth it when you give us one of your big gummy smiles. You are a beautiful delightful baby and we are so happy you're here. We have so many adventures planned for you but for right now we are enjoying your delicious baby face because we have learnt that the time goes ever so fast and it is too precious to waste.<br />
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Love Mummy<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-32728281756612158032011-12-31T15:16:00.000+08:002011-12-31T15:16:31.543+08:00Harper - 2 Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yG87qMcN6tQ/Tv62GvkpdAI/AAAAAAAAC3E/p3VIaZMiT_E/s1600/285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yG87qMcN6tQ/Tv62GvkpdAI/AAAAAAAAC3E/p3VIaZMiT_E/s640/285.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TgqaKSivqGE/Tv62daYTqxI/AAAAAAAAC3U/M5ySBIeyHzw/s1600/288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TgqaKSivqGE/Tv62daYTqxI/AAAAAAAAC3U/M5ySBIeyHzw/s640/288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEz7CNSpjPk/Tv62qF6OPUI/AAAAAAAAC3g/B9_OS27D7VE/s1600/311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEz7CNSpjPk/Tv62qF6OPUI/AAAAAAAAC3g/B9_OS27D7VE/s640/311.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-29748544750967953552011-12-15T13:02:00.002+08:002011-12-15T20:15:01.452+08:00The day I broke my son's heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aMP8FJUsC5U/TumBdYTk0oI/AAAAAAAAC2k/saO2eWVVg50/s1600/7212491-boy-playing-with-stick-in-the-sand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</div>Every day in playgrounds across Australia and probably the world you can hear mothers telling their children not to play with sticks. Sticks are a boy's best friend and a mother's worst nightmare. All we can imagine is someone losing an eye as careless children wield them at each other with no regard for the danger but kids don't see a dangerous stick they see a sword to have a pirate battle, a magic wand or a beautiful flute.<br />
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Noah and I got into a battle royale today - I had relented and allowed him to play with a rather large stick in the park but when he insisted on bringing it in the car and home I was strident. He is usually fairly easily convinced to leave them behind but today he was adamant. Eventually after getting nowhere with reasoning and then a time out I took that blasted stick and snapped it over my knee. Noah burst into tears and was wailing 'my beautiful flute, my beautiful flute' 'I need glue to get it back how it was'. He was repeating it over and over and crying so hard it was the ugly snotty cry. Even when I tried to apologise and explain my actions he wouldn't look me in the eye. My words can't do his level of emotion justice - he was genuinely heartbroken and he looked at me with such hurt my heart broke too.<br />
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I was with a friend who also has small children and we were both struck by the moment (and to be honest a little bit teary). We realised that sometimes rules need to be broken. That sometimes we need to let our kids have a win. Would it really have killed me to let him bring the stick home. These are not little people to be controlled by our never ending rules. Our children are full of potential - they need our guidance and some of our rules need to be steadfast but some can be bent to allow their creativity and imagination and independence to blossom.<br />
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As I type this Noah has helped himself to a jar of screws and has glued them to a collage he's working on. I have had to remove them from his picture (They are part of an IKEA project I'm building so it's not negotiable) and he is upset (again) but the stick I could have given in on.<br />
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<i>Amendment at 8pm</i><br />
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Just to document another major parenting failure - it appears I have also managed to get my beautiful 6 week old boy's face sunburned in the park today.<br />
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Both these event have caused me many tears this evening and I have realised I am at that point where no area of my life is being given the attention it needs or deserves. I am juggling too many balls and something has got to give. It might be time to cut the 3 hourly expressing sessions and give in to the failing battle to breastfeed. More on that front tomorrow.<br />
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Oh yeah and my cleaner of two years quit today too. Best. Day. Ever.Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-59713098766619586972011-12-14T01:22:00.002+08:002011-12-15T08:41:09.462+08:00Wordless Wednesday - Harper 1 month.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGrb4srxgIA/TuXzK__GUMI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/OJnxcUUIr5s/s1600/259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGrb4srxgIA/TuXzK__GUMI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/OJnxcUUIr5s/s640/259.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Better late than never he's actually 6 weeks and 2 days now</span></div>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-82358946099975037352011-12-02T09:21:00.002+08:002011-12-02T12:21:46.590+08:00Things I know<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m-0OVwWNI54/Ttgpsia4fuI/AAAAAAAAC2A/6FurA56sYrM/s1600/busymum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m-0OVwWNI54/Ttgpsia4fuI/AAAAAAAAC2A/6FurA56sYrM/s1600/busymum.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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As a mother of two now there are some things I have learnt - I thought I'd share.<br />
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1. Having 2 children is the fail safe quickest way to cure a lifelong nail biting habit! My hands are never still.<br />
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2. You can (and will) blow dry your hair using the car air conditioning on the way to Kindy/Swimming etc<br />
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3. The sound of the breast pump will become the soundtrack for your life and you will grow to love it's funky German nightclub beats.<br />
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4. You and your husband will never again have a conversation that doesn't involve talk of poo, breast milk and who's turn it is to change the nappy.<br />
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5. Even though you wondered if you could ever love another child as much as your first - the love is instant and overwhelming and the pride of watching your older boy love his new brother is heartbreakingly special.<br />
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6. It's all worth it (and sleep is for the weak!)Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-73384018812733747242011-12-01T22:04:00.001+08:002011-12-01T22:34:17.511+08:00Inside, Outside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Remember This?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and then Voila!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4M_csy-kS5Q/TteFoIb6crI/AAAAAAAAC10/OyXR8UdFUy4/s1600/deroach+57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4M_csy-kS5Q/TteFoIb6crI/AAAAAAAAC10/OyXR8UdFUy4/s640/deroach+57.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photos by <a href="http://www.daintystills.com.au/">Michelle at Dainty Stills</a></div>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-7392783056708452472011-11-24T20:56:00.006+08:002011-12-01T22:35:00.431+08:00Family of Four<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhD0-ltcg64/TteB_m2QoOI/AAAAAAAAC1k/djEv8OKJSxQ/s1600/deroach+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhD0-ltcg64/TteB_m2QoOI/AAAAAAAAC1k/djEv8OKJSxQ/s640/deroach+8.jpg" width="640" /></a>I am a mother of two. It still hasn't completely sunk in. So many times we thought we would never have a child at all let alone two beautiful boys. <br />
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Harper is 3 weeks and 4 days old now and so far, although life is<i> really</i> hectic, we are settling in well to this new family arrangement.<br />
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Noah has taken to his big brother role better than we could ever have imagined. He is so patient and wonderful with me even though I am constantly unable to be there for him like I used to be. He is beyond smitten with Harper and is never far from him with oh so gentle kisses and cuddles. He wants to help in every aspect of Harper's care and is actually a very capable and useful extra set of hands.<br />
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As far as Harper goes we had a little hiccup when he was re-admitted to the hospital 4 days after coming home but now he is gaining weight beautifully and is a nice and healthy 3.5 kilos. Unfortunately breastfeeding is proving a challenge again and so I have had to concede to formula top-ups to keep this tiny boy of ours on the right track. Hopefully with the help of the lactation consultant we will get to 100% breastfeeding eventually.<br />
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Here are some more pictures of our beautiful boys<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5XlmZ7FqU8/TteA9DQLK_I/AAAAAAAAC1Q/WRHhkH35uT4/s1600/deroach+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5XlmZ7FqU8/TteA9DQLK_I/AAAAAAAAC1Q/WRHhkH35uT4/s640/deroach+23.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZOEiPVwqkc/TteBKqrVjdI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/p_i_NeWFwSU/s1600/deroach+33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZOEiPVwqkc/TteBKqrVjdI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/p_i_NeWFwSU/s640/deroach+33.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All photos by <a href="http://www.daintystills.com.au/">Michelle at Dainty Stills</a></div>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-27346778702899058252011-11-02T06:40:00.006+08:002011-11-24T20:55:10.000+08:00A Brand New Baby De Roach - Harper Thomas<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Harper Thomas De Roach</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Born 9.47am, 31st of October 2011</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3.185 kg, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">51 cm long</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/01/2923.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/01/s_2923.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/01/2924.jpg"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/01/s_2924.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/01/2925.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/01/s_2925.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/01/2926.jpg"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/01/s_2926.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/01/2927.jpg"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/01/s_2927.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-7776985478054804342011-10-30T22:19:00.000+08:002011-10-30T22:19:14.903+08:00The Night BeforeThe time has finally come. I'm heading off to bed soon and when I wake up it's off bright and early to the hospital. Our new baby boy will be making his grand entrance at around 9am. We are all very excited.<br />
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I'm not at all nervous about the C Section but I will be waiting with bated breath to see if our boy comes out healthy and ready to face the world without any medical intervention. After Noah and I being separated for the first days of his life (in two separate hospitals) I am very hopeful of a different outcome this time.<br />
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We have had a wonderful family weekend. The added bonus of a long weekend here in Perth has meant 3 days of action packed fun. Beach, Playgrounds, Fremantle, CHOGM, Lazy Breakfasts, Cafe Breakfasts, Tapas, Drinks in the sun - you name it we've squeezed it in. It has been special to enjoy this time just the 3 of us hanging out together like we love to do.<br />
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I can't wait to meet my boy in the morning but beyond myself I am bursting to see Noah meet his baby brother. I just know he will be in love at first sight and I look forward to watching all of their brotherly love and adventures ahead.<br />
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Rob or I will be back soon with lots of pictures and all the news. See you on the other side.Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-88290113097273920672011-10-22T19:00:00.000+08:002011-10-22T19:00:10.142+08:00Sometimes with toddlers you find yourself in a conversation so unexpected all you can do is dive right in and hope for the best.<br />
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A few nights ago we were reading bedtime stories and we read <a href="http://clubs-kids.scholastic.co.uk/products/68829">Moo-Cow Kung-Fu-Cow</a> and in the story there is mention of tattoos which lead to a discussion about Mummy and Daddy's tattoos and in particular one on Daddy's arm that has the name of our first son who was stillborn - <a href="http://babyderoach.blogspot.com/2007/07/what-happened.html">Banjo</a>.<br />
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We have never really laboured this event with Noah and we certainly don't discuss it regularly and definitely not in a sad way. We have however been open with him. We have a big gum tree in our backyard with a plaque for Banjo and there is a teddy bear with his name and birth date printed on (Noah also has one of those for his birth). We do visit the cemetary a couple of times a year. We have kept the facts pretty light for him. 'Mummy had a baby boy in her tummy before you and he was sick so he went to Heaven to be an angel.'<br />
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This particular conversation started the same way but the questions just kept coming. They Why's were never ending and I patiently answered them all - keeping things simple and light. I guess he is getting to the age where the concept of death is solidifying for him. We recently saw the Lion King and of course the death of Mufasa was a major storyline and it may even have started this whole interest.<br />
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At one stage he asked for Banjo's bear in bed with him for a snuggle and I could see he was getting teary, I was not showing any sadness so it amazes me that his little mind is processing this concept and understanding the emotions that go with it. He's only just turned 3.<br />
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Eventually I managed to wind up the conversation and said goodnight but as I walked to the door to leave his room he started sobbing. There is only one other time I have seen Noah genuinely cry and that was when he saw me cry. We get the hurt cry and the 'sad that I got told off or can't get what I want' cry but this was different. My heart broke in two - he was wailing by now with cries of 'Mummy why did Banjo leave us' 'Why did he have to go'. ' I love Banjo the best'. He was inconsolable. All I could do was hold him. <br />
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He was very confused by his own emotions and even asked me at one stage why he felt so sad. I told him that's it's because he is a beautiful boy with a huge heart full of love and it's all true. His capacity for love, kindness and compassion amazes me every day.<br />
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Eventually he calmed down and went to sleep and since then he has asked more questions but thankfully no repeats of the emotions of that night.<br />
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Is 3 too young to know about death? How much information do you think is the right amount?Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-25359629674717075582011-10-02T16:50:00.002+08:002011-10-02T16:51:33.303+08:00Pregnancy, Infertility and LossI wrote a post last week about my pregnancy so far - it was very positive and upbeat but I never got around to publishing it. Then we had a very traumatic weekend where we felt very uncertain about the safety of our unborn baby and went through a lot of stress. It is never far from our minds that we <a href="http://babyderoach.blogspot.com/2007/07/farewell-to-our-angel.html"><i>lost our first son</i></a> and it certainly adds an extra dimension of worry and stress to pregnancy. The fear that it could happen again is sometimes overwhelming. It's something that is part of my life, everyday during my pregnancy I wait for those little movements. I count them, I analyse them. They are the only element of control I feel like I have. My Obstetrician is amazing - she has 100% faith in me, if I'm worried she takes it seriously. So last weekend we had two visits to the hospital to undergo ultrasound and foetal monitoring - both times all was fine. Seeing that my stress levels are peaking my OB has now commenced twice weekly CTG (foetal heart rate monitoring) sessions as well as weekly visits. I have also undergone the steroid injections to help mature this little guys lungs just in case we decide to bring him into the wide world even earlier than already planned.<br />
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The idea of so much intervention would be abhorrent to many people I know. It is to me also, but in the end I will take a a baby in my arms over the grim alternative no matter what it takes. I am pregnant through the miracle of science and I will use that same science whenever it is required even if it is not my perfect dream scenario. In the end I will have my perfect dream baby.<br />
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<i>Here's last weeks unpublished post too</i><br />
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<i>When you're pregnant the first time around - being pregnant is pretty much the focus of your life. It's all about you and how precious and clever you are growing this new life inside you. The second time (or beyond) there is a child (or children) to care for and it's easy to forget the pregnancy completely. Much like the universal complaint that subsequent children are less photographed so too the pregnancy is far less documented. The first 2 times around I recorded every little detail, every appointment, every milestone.</i><br />
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</i><br />
<i>So on that note I thought it only fair that this little boy who will join our family in only a few weeks get some attention. The first thing about this pregnancy is that I have been really well - I don't think I have had one single episode of true morning sickness. Sure I've had days where I've felt off or the thought of certain foods made my stomach churn but at least 95% of the time I've been fighting fit.</i><br />
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<i>I have been injecting blood thinners daily this time as before but that's a very small price to pay. Let's be real - I've had about 10 rounds of IVF, an induced birth and a Caesar - not much could phase me anymore.</i><br />
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<i>All of our tests have been really positive. Our first trimester screening gave us a 1 in 641 result so need for an amnio this time around - a stress I was glad to avoid.</i><br />
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<i>This bub is a mover and a shaker - boy does he wriggle and we've all had great delight feeling him move and watching Mummy's tummy do some pretty cool alien tricks as hands and feet poke out to say hi.</i><br />
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<i>All in all a great pregnancy. We all just can't wait to meet this new little boy and discover everything there is to know about him.</i>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-76568821429213447372011-09-21T18:57:00.000+08:002011-09-21T18:57:31.518+08:00Family PhotosA couple of weekends ago we had some family pictures taken. We had some around the same time last year and thought it would be nice to get some of the three of us before we become four and also document my pregnancy which sometimes gets a bit forgotten in the blur of everyday life with a toddler. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8VI5rOi0IY/Tnm9BB761bI/AAAAAAAACy0/_tvEblEnVs8/s1600/Kirsty+74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8VI5rOi0IY/Tnm9BB761bI/AAAAAAAACy0/_tvEblEnVs8/s640/Kirsty+74.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BH3Gkl7AXHU/Tnm9MMRQ7uI/AAAAAAAACzA/wgNPhv0DcxE/s1600/Kirsty+36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BH3Gkl7AXHU/Tnm9MMRQ7uI/AAAAAAAACzA/wgNPhv0DcxE/s640/Kirsty+36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RguG5bthawQ/Tnm9OZJPxqI/AAAAAAAACzE/PqsWmW9GNY4/s1600/Kirsty+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RguG5bthawQ/Tnm9OZJPxqI/AAAAAAAACzE/PqsWmW9GNY4/s640/Kirsty+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NcOR0AXXGuE/Tnm9lKRtIRI/AAAAAAAACzI/iofCmiKrCyY/s1600/Kirsty+61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NcOR0AXXGuE/Tnm9lKRtIRI/AAAAAAAACzI/iofCmiKrCyY/s640/Kirsty+61.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Our Crazy Kid</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M11c9zie8k8/TnnAB6Qw7HI/AAAAAAAACzM/0ryyrc-LAZs/s1600/Kirsty+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M11c9zie8k8/TnnAB6Qw7HI/AAAAAAAACzM/0ryyrc-LAZs/s640/Kirsty+11.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjgESexO8U4/TnnATqb01uI/AAAAAAAACzU/atimFy1kUaQ/s1600/Kirsty+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjgESexO8U4/TnnATqb01uI/AAAAAAAACzU/atimFy1kUaQ/s640/Kirsty+13.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9584iexVQNM/TnnAbGVsxOI/AAAAAAAACzY/4Q0e97I3sBw/s1600/Kirsty+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9584iexVQNM/TnnAbGVsxOI/AAAAAAAACzY/4Q0e97I3sBw/s640/Kirsty+25.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc6PuaxIX-4/TnnAkg4N84I/AAAAAAAACzc/FQtgWRdhDDM/s1600/Kirsty+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc6PuaxIX-4/TnnAkg4N84I/AAAAAAAACzc/FQtgWRdhDDM/s640/Kirsty+27.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lAUfzZ5-gRg/TnnAqwqjBaI/AAAAAAAACzg/B8m9D12ZGZc/s1600/Kirsty+43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lAUfzZ5-gRg/TnnAqwqjBaI/AAAAAAAACzg/B8m9D12ZGZc/s640/Kirsty+43.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-BAC3P-NzM/TnnAyeL4zWI/AAAAAAAACzs/xupcth8fplM/s1600/Kirsty+45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-BAC3P-NzM/TnnAyeL4zWI/AAAAAAAACzs/xupcth8fplM/s640/Kirsty+45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mummy, Noah and Bump</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BC1AERds8g/TnnA-PIad8I/AAAAAAAACzw/hOzNituDgT8/s1600/Kirsty+59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BC1AERds8g/TnnA-PIad8I/AAAAAAAACzw/hOzNituDgT8/s640/Kirsty+59.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ivp1tEaN7w/TnnBWzejyyI/AAAAAAAACz0/w5D74i60hhA/s1600/Kirsty+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ivp1tEaN7w/TnnBWzejyyI/AAAAAAAACz0/w5D74i60hhA/s640/Kirsty+9.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The Boys</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5kemC4v1D4/TnnBkqFE6zI/AAAAAAAACz8/XgehLANxkhI/s1600/Kirsty+47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5kemC4v1D4/TnnBkqFE6zI/AAAAAAAACz8/XgehLANxkhI/s640/Kirsty+47.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Txp0s-mxLU0/TnnCngJmQ3I/AAAAAAAAC0A/BKf5KhkgbkU/s1600/Kirsty+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Txp0s-mxLU0/TnnCngJmQ3I/AAAAAAAAC0A/BKf5KhkgbkU/s640/Kirsty+3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Whole Gang</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you're in Perth and you want a fun relaxed photo session with a wonderful photographer - check Michelle out at <a href="http://www.daintystills.com.au/">Dainty Stills Photography</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-88201162883713506762011-09-21T18:05:00.000+08:002011-09-21T18:05:55.937+08:00San Francisco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From the start San Francisco was a much needed change of pace. We packed up and left the Disney Hotel nice and early on Monday morning (August 1st) and headed for the AMTRAK station. In my husband's infinite wisdom the decision had been made to travel from Anaheim to San Fran via train. It was something he really wanted to do and he assured me the scenery would be amazing. I was ambivalent to the idea of 12 hours on a train with a 3 year old but I was so wrong - it was a perfect day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However before we got on the train things got way too hectic and stressful for my liking. After the short trip from Anaheim to Union Station in LA we realised we had about 2 hours to kill before the long train ride started. One flippant comment from Rob and we were in a cab whizzing around the sights of LA (not a planned part of this trip). We almost missed our train to San Francisco and it took about half an hour for my heart to stop racing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the evidence that we have been to LA!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tC3LEcMlEjA/TnBrvAjcZPI/AAAAAAAACwM/zUpq0n5zUk8/s1600/443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tC3LEcMlEjA/TnBrvAjcZPI/AAAAAAAACwM/zUpq0n5zUk8/s640/443.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Once we were on the train the relaxation really began. Rob was right the scenery was beautiful - farmland, beaches, bird-filled wetlands, old mining towns and quaint stations. We were blown away by our day on the train. We had booked a sleeper cabin so we all napped and relaxed and we were also fed a really nice hot lunch and dinner - all included for only just over $200 for all of us. It was a great way to recharge plus see some sights we would never see had we flown up the coast.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgY4wv4daDQ/TnBr31h-eUI/AAAAAAAACwQ/4RrCvNCcdos/s1600/486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgY4wv4daDQ/TnBr31h-eUI/AAAAAAAACwQ/4RrCvNCcdos/s640/486.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXltkXgKgpY/TnBsCFEPRBI/AAAAAAAACwU/BhLkO6qXlBk/s1600/490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXltkXgKgpY/TnBsCFEPRBI/AAAAAAAACwU/BhLkO6qXlBk/s640/490.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxO5JWY0J6s/TnBsKN39K6I/AAAAAAAACwc/aGTco-WnIvo/s1600/493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxO5JWY0J6s/TnBsKN39K6I/AAAAAAAACwc/aGTco-WnIvo/s640/493.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Our hotel was situated right in Fisherman's wharf with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. All of these pictures were taken within a 10 minute walk of our hotel.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGo48GqUnwE/TnBsWt3269I/AAAAAAAACwk/AglCFNl0xfI/s1600/533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGo48GqUnwE/TnBsWt3269I/AAAAAAAACwk/AglCFNl0xfI/s640/533.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPtVVO-VRp0/TnBsfb26EPI/AAAAAAAACwo/JSY2pBys4pM/s1600/543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPtVVO-VRp0/TnBsfb26EPI/AAAAAAAACwo/JSY2pBys4pM/s640/543.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8SkxSnAWJM/TnBspiOthoI/AAAAAAAACww/gVZj47S1ccE/s1600/551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8SkxSnAWJM/TnBspiOthoI/AAAAAAAACww/gVZj47S1ccE/s640/551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OrtjQZ6wTXw/TnBs0UP0-VI/AAAAAAAACw0/3QQ-eHNE55s/s1600/555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OrtjQZ6wTXw/TnBs0UP0-VI/AAAAAAAACw0/3QQ-eHNE55s/s640/555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ym8CZ-zTV-E/TnBs9uElAoI/AAAAAAAACw4/p9NIA-BZ2cU/s1600/582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ym8CZ-zTV-E/TnBs9uElAoI/AAAAAAAACw4/p9NIA-BZ2cU/s640/582.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtpZuKNtrIo/TnBtGLynU6I/AAAAAAAACxA/gnIRpssggrs/s1600/588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtpZuKNtrIo/TnBtGLynU6I/AAAAAAAACxA/gnIRpssggrs/s640/588.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9WWWU1RczU/TnBtQI4jGFI/AAAAAAAACxE/TnF-yvKD3Ms/s1600/590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9WWWU1RczU/TnBtQI4jGFI/AAAAAAAACxE/TnF-yvKD3Ms/s640/590.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the highlights of San Francisco was time spent with our wonderful friends who had left Australia about two months earlier to start a new life living in Cupertino (about an hour from SF). These are friends who trusted me with their children for four years so they mean a lot to me and especially I love those kids like they were mine. Noah has very close bonds with the kids and especially with the Ivy who is only 9 days older. It was like a reunion from a teary rom-com and then they were inseparable for those couple of days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJSlmOs_g4E/TnmjvsUFbsI/AAAAAAAACxQ/YwoxSKIj_TA/s1600/637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tse9FTR0msU/Tnmj9trNMpI/AAAAAAAACxc/Q-LnTOVWAyY/s1600/638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tse9FTR0msU/Tnmj9trNMpI/AAAAAAAACxc/Q-LnTOVWAyY/s320/638.JPG" width="240" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJSlmOs_g4E/TnmjvsUFbsI/AAAAAAAACxQ/YwoxSKIj_TA/s320/637.JPG" width="240" /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We all cruised under the bridge together and visited the famous Pier 41 sea lions</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--iPZ6E7IIQg/TnmkTAzzEFI/AAAAAAAACxo/Kmw0godI1O0/s1600/723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--iPZ6E7IIQg/TnmkTAzzEFI/AAAAAAAACxo/Kmw0godI1O0/s640/723.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mEAI-z1a1Us/Tnmkb4oWKuI/AAAAAAAACxs/-TqNg03bK14/s1600/648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mEAI-z1a1Us/Tnmkb4oWKuI/AAAAAAAACxs/-TqNg03bK14/s640/648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Agwa2_cu2co/TnmmgFbAtBI/AAAAAAAACx4/IlKhUO6jKpU/s1600/885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Agwa2_cu2co/TnmmgFbAtBI/AAAAAAAACx4/IlKhUO6jKpU/s640/885.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Noah loved the public art - we had to take at photo at every one</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLTDZOWIbA8/TnmmogSBOoI/AAAAAAAACx8/MVL7uz1geo4/s1600/933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLTDZOWIbA8/TnmmogSBOoI/AAAAAAAACx8/MVL7uz1geo4/s640/933.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COqn0F_YHTM/TnmmxLWUbtI/AAAAAAAACyA/gHOazW5YD38/s1600/938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COqn0F_YHTM/TnmmxLWUbtI/AAAAAAAACyA/gHOazW5YD38/s640/938.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Riding the famous Cable Cars</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3kAP6_Bfwk/TnmnK4W-l4I/AAAAAAAACyM/OYak9G6BrW0/s1600/948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3kAP6_Bfwk/TnmnK4W-l4I/AAAAAAAACyM/OYak9G6BrW0/s640/948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3P9CDd-uiw/TnmnTjqtt5I/AAAAAAAACyQ/eqmG2mGbB6Q/s1600/951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3P9CDd-uiw/TnmnTjqtt5I/AAAAAAAACyQ/eqmG2mGbB6Q/s640/951.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Views up and down Lombard Street - Famous for being a very long steep road that includes a section that is supposed to be the windiest in the world<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rb826KWnp58/TnmnZqGWnzI/AAAAAAAACyU/SR6Klwf014o/s1600/972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rb826KWnp58/TnmnZqGWnzI/AAAAAAAACyU/SR6Klwf014o/s640/972.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Some of Noah's Photography </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEkMtE2IAQA/Tnmnjv8NHYI/AAAAAAAACyc/LEu-2s9oalk/s1600/998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEkMtE2IAQA/Tnmnjv8NHYI/AAAAAAAACyc/LEu-2s9oalk/s640/998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Noah having a nap on a bench in Muir Woods</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DFaVPVMm5F0/TnmnvDR_xiI/AAAAAAAACyg/B4E2NlYY3Gg/s1600/1022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DFaVPVMm5F0/TnmnvDR_xiI/AAAAAAAACyg/B4E2NlYY3Gg/s640/1022.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1MiiFj737I/Tnmn6GXDQKI/AAAAAAAACyo/rX_92iYSRAE/s1600/1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1MiiFj737I/Tnmn6GXDQKI/AAAAAAAACyo/rX_92iYSRAE/s640/1024.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Muir Woods and the famous California Redwood Trees</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next Stop Vegas and then New York City. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747956579977264086.post-53888629000154148672011-09-06T10:44:00.002+08:002011-09-15T20:54:57.198+08:00Disneyland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I got in trouble yesterday from a friend eagerly awaiting the rest of my holiday posts - there are always excuses and apparently 'good bloggers' don't make them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we got back from our holiday things certainly didn't slow down we were immediately thrust into Daddy De Roach's birthday and of course Father's Day so we have spent our days in a flurry of planning, shopping, crafting, cake baking and hosting. Life is definitely never boring around this house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's only 8 weeks until this new baby boy will be joining us (possibly earlier if he follows in his big brother's footsteps!) and then before we know it Christmas will be here. Scary but true - Christmas is only 15 weeks away. On that note I have been trying to be Mrs Organised and getting my shopping done before baby arrives so I can just relax and enjoy those first weeks without any extra stress.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway here it is - Disneyland in all it's colourful, magical glory.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zhVtmYX7bY/TmV-8xccZvI/AAAAAAAACu4/jmiV3QKszx8/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zhVtmYX7bY/TmV-8xccZvI/AAAAAAAACu4/jmiV3QKszx8/s640/084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Our very first visit on Day 1 - just hours after getting off a plane from Sydney</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w83llgRQ1U0/TmV_EoNvw5I/AAAAAAAACvA/2sOXs7FI92o/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w83llgRQ1U0/TmV_EoNvw5I/AAAAAAAACvA/2sOXs7FI92o/s640/086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Main Street USA</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iD5T19DuPAk/TmV_M_TGzRI/AAAAAAAACvE/8R-bdVCKIms/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iD5T19DuPAk/TmV_M_TGzRI/AAAAAAAACvE/8R-bdVCKIms/s640/089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">If you were to ask Noah the best bit of his whole holiday he would say the Dumbo ride</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsCX8xdrULU/TmV_Tt7gXmI/AAAAAAAACvI/R3A_dTz6fjk/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsCX8xdrULU/TmV_Tt7gXmI/AAAAAAAACvI/R3A_dTz6fjk/s640/097.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Disney Castle during the nightly fireworks</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKCV3aaqr5o/TmV_cySy7UI/AAAAAAAACvM/Em-kcL7A0xs/s1600/120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKCV3aaqr5o/TmV_cySy7UI/AAAAAAAACvM/Em-kcL7A0xs/s640/120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The Rocket Ride</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFTe-vq3Ts0/TmV_ttlUcmI/AAAAAAAACvU/XPf83lh2wJg/s1600/143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFTe-vq3Ts0/TmV_ttlUcmI/AAAAAAAACvU/XPf83lh2wJg/s640/143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Alice in Wonderland Teacup Ride</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGuZqyP37hY/TmV_4aTO8-I/AAAAAAAACvY/mOVtDzG2W64/s1600/153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGuZqyP37hY/TmV_4aTO8-I/AAAAAAAACvY/mOVtDzG2W64/s640/153.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The start of a new love affair</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRubACU7AXw/TmWAFKoyuJI/AAAAAAAACvc/MgB5Z0lR9kA/s1600/157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRubACU7AXw/TmWAFKoyuJI/AAAAAAAACvc/MgB5Z0lR9kA/s640/157.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Chip or is it Dale?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ngpEd7Y8wk/TmWAO1jfdrI/AAAAAAAACvk/pP08BpXJ2zk/s1600/163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ngpEd7Y8wk/TmWAO1jfdrI/AAAAAAAACvk/pP08BpXJ2zk/s640/163.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Ta-Da</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4ZyR865B9k/TmWAYGlIxsI/AAAAAAAACvo/03yUSDwdLyY/s1600/164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4ZyR865B9k/TmWAYGlIxsI/AAAAAAAACvo/03yUSDwdLyY/s640/164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More sly photo ops instead of waiting in the HUGE lines</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OK_wJaoCVwM/TmWCKJGYDDI/AAAAAAAACvs/Cu5tpyp9SJM/s1600/210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OK_wJaoCVwM/TmWCKJGYDDI/AAAAAAAACvs/Cu5tpyp9SJM/s640/210.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">A picture from the famous <a href="http://babyderoach.blogspot.com/2011/08/dancing-noah.html">dancing display</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G3fU1ZMyagM/TmWCQ6xBF8I/AAAAAAAACvw/b-fCI_ErjU8/s1600/271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G3fU1ZMyagM/TmWCQ6xBF8I/AAAAAAAACvw/b-fCI_ErjU8/s640/271.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Noah's True Love</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNoV7TFQF7c/TmWCWqchkpI/AAAAAAAACv4/W8macpgqjUE/s1600/277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNoV7TFQF7c/TmWCWqchkpI/AAAAAAAACv4/W8macpgqjUE/s640/277.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Oops watch out Mickey he looks cute but he's trying to steal your girlfriend!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JK7NxcGYwM/TmWCdfwFTpI/AAAAAAAACv8/jJBucX_k4U0/s1600/304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JK7NxcGYwM/TmWCdfwFTpI/AAAAAAAACv8/jJBucX_k4U0/s640/304.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to go on the Toy Story ride</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7jWKcwG-FI/TmWCklWlKiI/AAAAAAAACwA/FYVC2WgM2Jc/s1600/311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7jWKcwG-FI/TmWCklWlKiI/AAAAAAAACwA/FYVC2WgM2Jc/s640/311.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The 'Real' Buzz Lightyear</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been to Disneyland several times before (the first time I went for 5 days straight!). I loved it then and it was even more amazing to be there and share it with Noah. Words and pictures really can't do it justice. There's an indescribable atmosphere of joy and happiness in the air. It's immaculately clean. The staff are beyond friendly and every kid and adult is wide eyed. The kids rides are fun and there are some ridiculously cool grown up rides but the best part of Disney is the characters. Everyone loves Disney movies and as Noah kept saying Disneyland is 'The Real Movie'. We especially loved the rides that took you through those classic movies - Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Snow White and the newer ones - Finding Nemo, Toy Story and Pirates of the Caribbean. The special effects are mind blowing. The Nemo ride was under water in a moving submarine and the scenes of the film were holographic and laser images viewed underwater. The Toy Story ride was like being inside a giant video game and we had laser guns to battle Zurg and play in Andy's Room.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We could easily have stayed in Disney a week or more but we only had 3 days which we definitely made the most of. I have a feeling we'll be heading back before too many more years pass.</div>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01046734724670731694noreply@blogger.com3