4 days to go!

In 4 days Gaby will be 2!!!! Naturally she has no idea what an exciting occasion it is, but I am getting really excited about her party - and of course about the fact she'll be a whole year older! I think things are in order for her birthday party - well as far as planning goes! Who knows if everything will actually go according to plan! So far our guests are:
Me
Gaby
Nan
Poppa
Nana Joyce
Grandma
Arthur
Serena
Josh
Kate
Noah
which I think is a pretty good number - it isn't like Gaby is going to understand why everyone is getting together, but it'll be a nice way to get the family together!

Today we went down to Horseshoe Lake before preschool & went for a bit of a walk. Gaby really isn't too sure about those Ducks!!!! She is okay when they aren't close to her, but when they're all chasing after her & crowding around, she does not like being on the ground!!! A bit like her Mama I think!!!!!

Fun in the sun

This week Serena & I took Gaby & Josh to the beach for a bit of fun in the sun. Gaby had a blast - she loved the water and running around on the sand - she actually thought the sand tasted pretty nice too!!!!!! Josh & Serena stayed the night & Gaby and Josh had a whole tonne of fun playing together. They were VERY loud, which was kind of cute, but I think a volume control would have come in rather handy!!!

I guess this could potentially be the last entry for this blog - because next Sunday Gaby turns TWO & I plan on making a new blog, all about being two. This past year has been an amazing one, on many levels - Gaby has gone from saying a couple of words, to saying hundreds of words. From being very unsteady on her feet to running & jumping. From sleeping in a cot, to sleeping in a big girl bed. Of course there have been many other changes, but they are some of the ones that stick out to me!


Her party is in a week today - I've decided that rather than make her a cake in the shape of the number 2, I'm going to make her a cake in the shape of a Tiger face!!! I found a 'pattern' in the Australian Womens' Weekly Birthday Cake Book (which Mum has had since me & Terri were little), so hopefully it shouldn't be TOOOOOO hard to create!!! I don't know yet how many people are going to be there, I think around 15 at the most though. The only other kiddy that is going to be there is Josh, so I am not going to worry about party games & the like - just some finger food & a cake & we'll be set!!!


She finally seems to be over her ear infection/s, which is nice - she's a lot less grizzly, and obviously not in any pain! Almost felt as though the ear infection just wasn't going to go away. Amazing how much difference there is between Grumpy Gaby & Happy Gaby!!!!

Gaby's on the go need Milo!

My little monkey is going to be the next Milo covergirl....

"I eat Milo everyday, it helps me
maintain my youthful essence"

Yesterday morning she came & gave me a kiss, with a mouth covered in chocolate... She had had a biscuit so I presumed it was that - although those biscuits have never made THAT much mess before... and they smelt strangely like chocolate. I cleaned her up & then about half an hour later, same thing - mouth & hands covered in some weird chocolatey thing. I turned around and looked in the kitchen............. and found the milo container lying on its side, with a dusting of Milo all around it, and Milo-looking handprints on the cupboard the Milo goes into!

"Milo gives me the spark I need
to make it through a busy day"

Yes, my little angel had gotten into the Milo & had been eating it 'raw'. She was very sticky - was rather challenging trying to clean it all up!!!!!! I figured I could either hit the roof, or find the humour in the situation. I chose the humour option. And took a couple of photos along the way.

the last month of 'It's Fun Being One'!

Gaby 2 years ago!
37w6d pregnant - still 4w1d to go!

Yesterday was September 26th - meaning that now in under a month, Gaby will be TWO! So in the next 4 weeks or so I'll be winding up this blog & starting a new one, for her third year of life!!!! At the moment Gaby has an ear infection - since Monday she hasn't been eating much & has been particularly grizzly - then on Thursday she was feverish, so I took her to the doctor & voila, an ear infection. Crazy thing is that on September 26 2007 I took her to the doctor for the same thing - almost EXACTLY a year to the day that she went this year! Antibiotics & Pamol seem to be doing the trick though, she seems to be happier today, but I can imagine that it won't last ALL day (heck, why would I be THAT lucky!). Up to absolutely no good!

Got her weighed at the doctors the other day & she weighs 29lb13oz/13.5kg - over 3x as much as she weighed at birth (8lb4oz/3.7kg) - so obviously she is growing as she is meant to be! I plotted the weight on a growth chart & she is in the 88% for weight, but I have no idea about height - because she hasn't been measured since about 15 months, but I'm thinking she's going to be around 85cm, give or take... Certainly growing like a weed!!!

future tattoo artist/enthusiast?

She has started being a lot more active outside, running around on the lawn, kicking balls & chasing Baldrick (at Nan & Poppa's), it's a lot of fun chasing her around - good exercise for both of us! I am trying to decide whether to get personalised invites made for her birthday, or to just buy a packet of invites - I think I MAY just buy the packet of invites, getting personalised ones made is going to be more expensive than buying a pack & some stamps.... But I will check trademe incase they have some on there - that is where I got her personalised ones last year, but don't seem to be able to find them now!!!! FINALLY took on the task of sorting through her drawers & getting rid of the clothes that are too small... will probably put them on trademe I think, try to earn a few extra buckeroonies! Didn't realise just how many clothes she has - I'm rather ashamed to admit some of the clothes in her drawers were size 0 - for 6-9 months! Obviously those clothes are a little small now.. It was mainly vests - because they seemed to be fine, up until about 2 months ago. I

t's really windy right now & Gaby is fascinated with looking out the window, watching the trees blowing around & all the blossoms etc flying off the trees... It's a little scary for ME, I feel like such a woosy - considering my 2yo daughter is laughing! She's one tough lass!

Gaby is rather excited because next month (for her birthday) she'll be seeing 'Gammie' and 'Arfie' (Grandma & Arthur) - they haven't seen her since early November 07 - so will almost be a year by the time they get up here, I wish my car was more reliable so I could go down and visit them with her, it'd be a nice break! Maybe I will go down during summer.... if I get rich & can afford all that petrol!

that little imagination is blossoming!

For me one of the biggest indicators of a child moving from (Jean) Piaget's 'sensori-motor' stage (0-2) to the 'pre-operational' stage (2-6), has been the appearance of a child's imagination... & evidentally my little girl is making the transition from sensori-motor to pre-operational!

The past few days Gaby has been saying things &/or doing things which show that her imagination is coming out of its shell.

The first thing I really noticed was when we were leaving Mum & Dad's house & she said "going to go in the truck" - when obviously I drive a CAR, not a truck

The second thing - Gaby kept telling Kai the other night that she was going to "go in the plane"

The third thing - yesterday Gaby was pushing her toy dolphin around on the car saying "brmm brmm" - ie she was using the dolphin as a car

And the forth thing - just this morning Gaby got my handbag out of my room, put her shoes on, went to the door & told me she was going to the 'smarket' (supermarket). I told her we needed bread, milk & vegemite & she said "Okay" then waved goodbye to me!

Just had to share, because I think it is really fascinating!

Gaby went to her first party!

Food time @ Will's birthday party
Gaby fitting right in!

On Saturday Gaby was invited to Will's 9th b/day - she had a blast playing with the 'big kids' - and I think a favourite for Gaby was the wonderful spread that Aunty Sally provided! It was quite cool seeing Gaby playing with Will, Livi, Geordie & Max - they seemed to all get along pretty well, and Gaby took a particular shine to Will!!!! Hopefully they'll all come to Gaby's birthday party next month!

Gaby sitting between Will & Livi

As per usual - language - WOW, Gaby is talking so well now! She can usually get across what she's trying to say, by saying a whole bunch of words - takes a couple of seconds to piece it all together, but once you've got it - well, you've got it! I'm sure that soon she's going to be able to count to five! She can count 1 2 3 - and then will say 5 - so we just need to learn number 4 & I'm sure she'll get it all together properly! It's such a fun time of her life, all this learning she's doing - she's so clever!!! Also makes me feel pretty good too, because I know I'm part of the reason she is doing so well (but I can't take all - or even most of the credit!)

Gaby, Max & Geordie playing with the cars

Gaby is verrrrrry clever! She can now do forward rolls ALL by herself!!! I was very surprised to see her get down on her hands & feet, put her head on the ground & then roll forward! I haven't really shown her how to, and she has only done one forwards roll at gymnastics! Managed to get her doing it on webcam so Aunty Terri could see - and needless to say, she was very proud of Gaby!

My lil Homey-G(aby)

planning a birthday party

I haven't consciously thought "right I will plan Gaby's 2nd birthday party" - but I'm doing it anyway! Terrible I know - her b/day is still 6 or 7 weeks away, but I guess I can't help feeling a little excited about it!!!!!

We're going to have an afternoon party at Mum & Dads, on the Saturday (day before her b/day), I'm going to invite mostly family, but some friends as well. Being that it's Labour Weekend, I'm picking that some people are going to be away, but hopefully we'll have a decent turn out! Probably just have a few nibbles, and spend time outside - but it'll be nice to catch up with anyone. As for her cake, I'm going to make it in the shape of the number 2, like I did last year (in the shape of a 1 obviously), will put some coloured icing on it & then I think I might put little marshmallows around the outside of it, seeing as Gaby likes marshmallows - thanks to Aunty Terri!

I am really amazed, the past THREE days Gaby's language has suddenly become really clear!!! She is using her words a lot more when she wants something, rather than whining or grizzling. She came out this morning & told me "hurts", when pointing to her arm, whereas this time last week she'd have been grizzling & I'd have no idea what the problem was! She also told me yesterday that her ear was sore!

Yesterday Samara (who I haven't seen since around 2003!) came and visited for half an hour, with her little girl - Jaiden (2 1/2). Gaby & Jaiden were a little quiet around each other, but by the end of it they had started warming up a little. Gaby kept trying to hug her, but Jaiden wasn't very keen - don't blame her! Felt very weird to see one of my high school friends - and both of us are parents now!

Big breakthrough as far as the potty/toilet training goes - last night Gaby wanted her nappy off so she could sit on the toilet to do wees. She didn't do wees, but pretended to, and even wanted toilet paper to wipe herself. Very cute. Hopefully the first tinkle in the potty or toilet isn't too far away!!!

my future Olympian gymnast - & Mrs Josh Peychers!

Gaby & Josh reading a book

Gaby has been doing gymnastics since late July, and so far Gaby hasn't really done what the teachers have asked, she's spent most of her (45 minute) sessions just exploring the gym, and doing a couple of the activities that they're 'meant' to do! She HAS walked across the beam twice, but since then, she's not really done anything. BUT on Wednesday, Gaby swung from the bar AND the rings!!!!!!!!!!! WAY TO GO GABY! I was so proud of her, you'd think she'd have just scored a perfect 10 (or whatever a perfect score is now!) in the final of the Gymnastics all around final in the Olympics! Hopefully now she's going to slowly start doing more of the activities they're meant to be doing - although the teachers don't really mind if the kids want to explore, which I think is good - can't expect such young children to follow instruction 100% of the time!

Gaby attacking Josh with a cuddle

Last Thursday & Friday nights, Josh & Serena stayed with us, because Serena was going to watch Gaby on Saturday while I was moving. Gaby & Josh had a TONNE of fun together, it was so cute - lots of pushing each other around & stealing toys off each other - they even had a bath together, which was VERY cute. A few times Gaby tried to kiss or hug Josh, and he'd be all like "ew, girl germs, get away from me" (well, I'm sure he was thinking that!) - but Gaby got him a couple of times! It's cool that Gaby is at the age now where she can have 'friends'... She adored having him around - they even slept in the same room, rather successfully! Admittedly by the Friday night me & Serena were a little frazzled & decided to have ourselves a bottle of wine! Thanks to the good folks at Ricadonna

Gaby and Josh playing rough, behind the curtain (so we couldn't tell they were doing it!)

The big girl bed continues to be rather successful - she had her first nap in her big girl bed yesterday afternoon, but admittedly she actually slept... on the FLOOR! She kept getting out of bed, I kept putting her back in... she was screaming, banging on the door, then all of a sudden went quiet, so I presumed she'd hopped into bed (or was playing with her toys). About 20 minutes later I opened her door to check on her - and Gab was lying on the floor in front of her door - I actually hit her with the door when I opened it - oopsy! But luckily she went back to sleep. Last night she came out at 3.30am *yawn*, I thought "uh oh here goes" - I put her back in her bed, and very much to my surprise, she went back to sleep - and came into my room at the late hour of 7.30am!!!!!!!!!!! Today is our Palms day with Mum, so I'd better go & get ready. Gaby LOVES Palms day - it's really cute!Gaby reading her book in her big girl bed

Big girl bed

Gaby is now sleeping in a 'proper' big girl bed (ie a single bed)! So far we've had 3 nights of her going to sleep straight away & not getting up until at least 6.30am. We moved house on Saturday & I decided it was time to bite the bullet & put her into a single bed. I was getting sick of her cot, because the side that is meant to go down wouldn't go down! (could have something to do with me not putting it together properly...).

Gaby is loving the new house, particularly the toilet - as the flusher is at a perfect height for her... She seems to like her room & well, every room! She's adjusted really well, which is a relief to me, as I was a little worried that it'd be a big change for her. I guess having familiar things around (furniture, toys etc) makes it a little easier for her!

In two months Gaby will be TWO! Where is the time going? She is quite literally changing everyday now - her language skills are improving daily, it is strange going from not really understanding anything she says, to understanding most of what she says! Her favourite phrase now is "I've got poos"... I hear it every morning! We read a book this morning & I got her to name objects (clothing) - and she got pretty much all of them right, then we read another book - and I got her to say the names of the colours & she was able to pronounce all the names well! My next 'task' is to get her familiar with colours - not all of them of course, but it'd be cool if she could start identifying some colours!!!!

chatter chatter chatter

Gaby is talking soooooooooooooooo much now!!! She's stringing 2-4 words together - she is just so clever!!! All of a sudden she's turning into a real little person, telling me what she wants, telling me what she sees, telling me what is annoying her.... I am trying to teach her numbers & basic colours, but I don't want to push her, because I know it isn't something that she's EXPECTED to know at this age!

Speaking of her age - she's almost 21 1/2 months old! How the hell did she get that old? This time next year she's going to be almost THREE! It's scary - very very scary. Still feels like just a few weeks ago that she was a little babe, totally dependent on me for EVERYTHING, but now she's doing a lot for herself. I really should start thinking vaguely about her birthday party. I would love Terri to be able to come to it, so I'll plan the dates around her if she can come - and I think I might invite Grandma up to it, now that she's retired & has time on her hands!

We had a few days in Dunedin last week, was good to catch up with everyone - and of course Gaby got showered with attention which she loved! She enjoyed teasing Jasmine by not giving her cuddles or kisses - yet you could tell she wanted to. Was pretty funny!

Gaby - my friendly little munchkin!

the cheerful little Gabsta

I am back at university for semester two - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Gaby has preschool, but they couldn't give me the hours for Thursday. I posted an ad on the treasures forum & a lady replied, saying she was a PORSE (in home care) Educator, off on maternity leave - and she lives really close by, and that she'd be more than happy to take Gaby.

She has a 15 month old son - Ashton - and is currently pregnant & due on August 25th with a little girl. I was a little concerned that this would mean there would be weeks she couldn't care for Gaby - but the legend that she is, she has said the only chance of disruption is if she's in labour on a Thursday - and if that's the case her Mum will be having Ashton - & she doesn't mind having Gaby too!!! I am happy with the arrangement - more than happy, because Gaby gets one-on-one contact with another child, a similar age, she will become more adaptable to other people watching her - and she's also going to get to experience having a newborn around!!!!! Obviously a little brother or sister isn't in Gaby's near future, so I'm glad she's going to have interaction with a little little bubba!

Today she had her first 2 hours with Kylie & Ashton - and it went really well! She did get scratched by the cat, but I'm sure the cat was more than entitled to do that... Sounds like she enjoyed playing with Ashton - when I got back he was in bed, Kylie said Gaby had tired him out... sounds about right to me!

Cutest thing happened after I'd picked her up - we went to The Naked Baker so I could get some lunch, and there was a little girl - maybe 3?, she walked over to Gaby & said hello - and then they started holding hands! Cutest cutest thing ever. They walked around the bakery together - and even had a little kiss! Ahhhhh so sweet. Obviously if she was older it'd be a bit of a worry, but it was a safe environment (well as safe as it can be when strangers are involved!). Gaby had a smile on her face the whole time, so I know that she didn't mind one bit!

I can't remember if I mentioned last time, about Gaby's EXPLOSION of words? Every day there are new words which blow me away - last night she was talking about the stars for instance! Other new words: orange, yogurt (yogot), Jim (ie my Grandad Jim!) - ummm, there are lots more too, but they are the first that come to mind. She's also started stringing more words together, which is really exciting - she can say "it's stuck", "more please" - once again there are more, but they are the ones that come to mind first!

It's really amazing - and a little overwhelming, how much she is developing right now. Every aspect of her development seems to be taking off!!! Her behaviour is also changing, which I suppose is normal when other facets of her development are changing - and I am finding it a little hard at times to cope with it, and to not let it get to me. I have to remember that when he is 'naughty' she isn't being 'naughty' just for the sake of it - it's all about testing limits & becoming more independant - and I have to try to allow that to happen, but at the same time, give her some sense of what is appropriate & what ISN'T appropriate....

Top it!!!!!!!!

Uh oh...

On Saturday Gaby was bugging Nan, who told her to "Stop it". Gaby looks at Nan, points her finger & says "TOP IT" to Nan. Uh oh. The talking back has begun!

Gaby seems to be okay with her big girl bed now, especially since I put the bed rail up - the last couple of mornings she's woken after 7am, which is all good in my books! I wondered if being a 'big kid' might go to her head, but it doesn't seem to have - unless you count the talking back thing LOL.

Incase anyone is wondering, the Crayola Washable markers ARE washable! How do I know that? Because Nan bought Gaby some, and she has drawn on the wall & herself in the past two days. Not a mark is left though, thanks to the good folk at Crayola. I'm not sure why she's finding it so much fun to draw on the walls/herself with these markers - she never did it with the highlighters or pencils or crayons! She got blue on her face & it looked like I'd been punching her or something - thank goodness they came off!

This week Gaby is having a go at trampolining, as part of the KidsFest program. I kind of lied about her age - it was for ages 2+ - she isn't THAT far off 2! I hope she has fun - she certainly enjoys bouncing on my bed enough!!!!!

my little girl is in a big girl bed!

On Wednesday I decided (for some reason) that it'd be a good idea to convert Gaby's cot into a toddler bed! So all by myself I took down the cot (took only half an hour to figure out how to get the slidey side out!!!), then put it back up, minus the sides! The end result looked a little something like this:the first night in her big girl bed went FINE! She woke up at 7am - around 45 minutes earlier than usual, but as Mum said to me, she's probably waking up at that time anyway, but in her cot she'd go back to sleep. The first day of naps were a different story. I had to sit with her to get her to sleep for the first nap, and the second nap - well, it was a battle of the wills, and Gaby won. Yesterday I got her a bed rail - and her nap yesterday afternoon went fine - straight to sleep, so we'll see how her naps are today! Hopefully the bed rail makes her feel a little more secure & less like getting out!

She seems to be getting sick again, which is a bit of a bother - the cough is coming back, as is the snotty nose. I think she's teething though, so that probably doesn't help at all! We'll keep up with the cough medicine & Pamol this weekend, but if she's getting worse by Monday, I'll defiantely be taking her to the doctor! I guess being at preschool she is a lot more susceptible to all the little bugs going around, so it's probably to be expected that she'll get sick. Heck, it IS winter as well - everyone gets sick!

What else is new in Gaby-land? Not much REALLY... She's plodding along, making me laugh & testing my patience all in the space of 2 minutes. The terrible twos are certainly here - or very much on there way (I hope it doesn't get worse, but I think it will!!!!). She's now 20 months, 1 week & 2 days old - getting closer & closer to that big 24 month mark! I'm starting to think about her birthday present, I think I might get her some Duplo or Mega Blocks, but then, there are just so many cute toys around, she'll probably end up with a few things!

Gaby was lucky enough to get a box of clothing from Aunty Terri yesterday! She got new pants, sweatshirts, pyjamas, socks, shoes & a gorgeous purple jacket! In the box was also a video of Gaby as a little bub!!!! I made it for Grandma, but when it came time to put it on a video, we realised the cord we needed wasn't there! But Terri's flatmates have the right cord, so FINALLY it is on video! I plan on getting it made into a DVD soon, and then giving others a copy! It was weird watching it, thinking that she started out as a couple of cells - and that the first time I saw her (ultrasound) she was 6.3cm long! Even weirder to think she lived in my belly for 42 weeks!!!! & now she's this big, boistrous, adorable, sweet, cheeky toddler!

12w5d ultrasound

39w6d pregnant, 2w1d before Gaby arrived20 months, 1 week old!

A happier Gaby this week!

My sleepy girl, giving 'Moo' some love

Thank goodness Gaby seems to be over the worst of her virus. We (finally) got a diagnosis of 'viral bronchitis' last week, from a doctor who was a LOT more professional, friendly, compassionate & reassuring (thank god!). He told me I was doing everything I should be, and that all I could do was to let it run it's course. Around Saturday/Sunday she started getting a bit more Gaby like, and I don't think she's coughed so far today! Doctor said it'd last 7-10 days & he was spot on!!!

The only good thing to come from her illness, was all the cuddling she did!!! It was like having a little little bubba again... sometimes we'd sit for half an hour cuddling, it was lovely. She also slept a lot, which was a nice little bonus for me, allowed me to recharge my batteries a little!!! But that said, I'd have preferred a not-sick Gaby!!!!!!

Back to her normal cheeky self!

She's started stringing words together the past week or so - she has started saying "in the car" & "where's ____", there are others too, but my Mummy brain can't think of them right now!!! When we were waiting for Kai today after he'd gone into a building, Gaby kept saying "where's Kai?" - so cute - so CLEVER!!!!!

On Monday I went to the Christchurch Steiner School for a 'special character talk'. I am very interested in Gaby going to a Steiner school, it seems like such a nurturing environment for a child - & teenager, their philosophy concentrates on encouraging 'head, heart & hand' - the 'heart' aspect being the spiritual/creative/inner being of the child. I really like the ideas they promote. If you want to read more about Steiner, I will put a link on my links list!! I have to take the application form into them ASAP so she can get on the waiting list. Yes - the WAITING LIST! Gaby's year group is already full up! I don't mind so much if she doesn't go to Steiner for Kindy, but really really hope she can go for her primary & secondary schooling.

Gaby is feeling a bit better

my not-so-sick monkey

Yay Gaby is feeling a little better today!!!! She still has her yucky cough, BUT she is a bit happier, is eating & drinking - and basically running amuck!!!! What a relief. She did get tired pretty quickly after she'd had breakfast, but not as bad as yesterday

more teeth & a virus

Gaby now has teeth 15 & 16 to add into the mix!!!!!! Hopefully that is it for a few months? I have no idea when her next ones are meant to pop through though, so who knows, maybe this teething gig will last longer. Oh well, we're both pretty used to it by now!!!!! She looks so adorable with a full set of teeth (from the front view) - so grown up, and certainly not baby-ish. I was looking at her baby photos where there is a gummy grin, rather than a toothy smile - amazing what difference those little white toothy pegs make!!!

my very un-Gaby-like virus infected baby girl

Sadly, the Gablet is sick at the moment. Poor baby. Went to the doctor last night & he said that she has a 'virus'. I hate the word 'virus' - I think it is really code for "I'm a doctor & I can't be bothered taking the time to check your daughter over properly, because she's screaming and it is annoying". Phht. So she is having her first nap of the day - after being up for a little over an hour! She's off her food, not drinking much & has a nasty chesty cough. The cough worries me a bit to be honest, if it gets worse I'm going to take her to my regular doctor, I know that he will take the time to examine her properly & to reassure ME!!!

One positive from her being sick, is that she's VERY cuddly!!!!! I don't get too many long cuddles these days, there is always a teddy to go play with, a tower to build, or a ball to throw around - but last night and today, cuddle cuddle cuddle. Love love love! I'm hoping this virus won't last too long, it's sad seeing my baby girl so un-Gaby-like!!!!!!!!!

19 months old now!

Gaby drawing with her Aunty Terri

Gabrielle Jayda-Lee is now 19 months old! Where the hell do the months go? It seems really crazy that not so long ago she was still in my belly, and now she's getting closer & closer to age two!

up to no good! That's my girl!

She is certainly very energetic - jumping on anything that is, well, jumpable - she loves jumping on my bed. I shouldn't encourage it, but she loves it so much! She is always running around doing something silly - the good side of that (apart from it being damn cute!) is that she's usually ready for bed around 6.30pm! We might go and feed the ducks this afternoon I think - or we may go for a playdate with Ann & Maddie.

Aunty Terri was up for the weekend, and Gaby had a great time playing with her - and I think Aunty Terri enjoyed it as well! At the airport on Saturday night, Gaby knew precisely who her Aunty Terri was and ran up to her - it was so adorable & brought a tear to my eye - I'm glad she is so in love with her family! Sadly we didn't get much time with Terri, but hopefully we'll see her again soon - either up here, or down in Queenstown.

Potty training & Old MacDonald!

"say cheese!"

Today we officially started potty training! Can't believe my princess is already for this big transition, but I guess I can't deny it! When she is nappy-less now, she holds on to her wee & runs to get a nappy for me! I had her sitting on the toilet, while we sung songs - Baa Baa Black Sheep & Old MacDonald mainly...

Old MacDonald - it was really cute, she got VERRRRY excited whenever it got to the point to introduce a new animal, so would jump up and start saying (loudly & excitedly) "Moooo Moooooo" or "Wooooof Woooooof" or "Dog"... I couldn't stop laughing. I am guessing that won't be a potty song - not unless we want wee & poo on the floor!

Teething seems to have stopped for the time being - her mood is a lot more stable, the red cheeks have gone - and the red bottom has gone! Yay! I know it's just a short reprieve, but any day without teething is a good day in my books!!!!

She is just so damn cute these days, and is talking so much - she can now identifiy frogs! Sounds cute when she says "frog" - she emphasises the 'g' sound. Ducks appear to be her favourite animals right now, whenever she sees a picture of one she'll kiss it - including the Duck's on her cot sheets! She adores her (my!) stuffed cow she takes to bed - she just refers to him as "Moo". Lovely!

1 week today & she'll be 19 months old.....

two new teeth

Gaby has two new teeth! God only knows how many others are coming through though! At least with her teething this time, she is sleeping through the night, and not waking like she was last time!!! She now has 8 teeth in a row down the bottom, and I'm guessing it won't be long before there are 8 in a row up the top!

Little toad bit me today though - even biting through my top she managed to pierce the skin a little! It immediately went red, bruised & there is a bump underneath it when I rub it now. Little monkey. She did it in public of course, so I had to remain calm & the picture of Mummy serenity. I wouldn't have smacked her or anything of course - but I probably would have spoken a little louder to her than I did!!!!

Her little cheeks are still bright red, as is her bottom, so that is what makes me presume there are more little chompers on the way. It is pretty much a year ago that she got her first teeth, so I think it's quite cute! In the space of 12 months she's had 14 (16 soon?) teeth! Must admit, I'll be darn glad when it's all over!

back to normal

my little 18 month old cutie!

Thank goodness, Gaby appears to be 'back to normal' after her little virus during the week. She isn't tooooo grizzly now, and seems to be back to her normal eating patterns - thank goodness, not much fun when all she'll eat is toast!!!

I can't believe she's now closer to 2 than she is 1!!! I suppose I should start thinking about what I want to get her for her birthday. Since she now likes jumping on the bed (rolls eyes), I think I might get her one of those little trampolines with the bar to hold onto. I saw one at K-Mart the other week for about $60, which I thought was an okay price. I am also thinking of getting her her first little trike!!! I think she's old enough for the little red & yellow ones - all you Kiwi's will know the ones I'm talking about! Gosh.. a 2nd birthday to plan for, that's a really scary thought!!! I keep thinking it's still ages away, but in reality it's only 6 months - well, less than 6 months now - and if being a Mummy has taught me anything, it's that the months just FLY by. I think I'll just keep it simple like her b/day party last year... A cake, a few friends & family. I see no need to spend hundreds of dollars on something that she'd have forgotten about by the next day!!! I think her b/day is a Sunday this year, so she'll be at Kai's for her actual birthday, so I might have her actual party the weekend after that.

my little love bug!

Gab's Aunty Ali is coming up to stay for three nights next week, so I'm sure they'll both have a lot of fun! For those of you who don't remember (or know), Alison is the one who took us to Hong Kong with her - so it'll be nice to have her here so we can reminisce! It doesn't seem like a month ago that we went to Hong Kong - but in 3 days it'll be a month since we left. Gosh, it all goes so fast.

Gaby is wearing her t-shirt/dress she got in Hong Kong today, it looks so adorable on her - a lot more adorable than it looked, covered in chocolate sauce! I'm going to keep her clothes that she got in Hong Kong, for the memories - especially the Cinderella dress that her Aunty Ali bought her - I'm going to have to try & get a photo of her wearing that this week to post up on here!

One more tooth...

Finally, one of Gaby's eye teeth has started cutting! Yay!!! Hopefully the others aren't far behind, and then we can have a break from this teething nonsense! Poor thing, you can tell she's so uncomfortable - chewing on her fingers, on flannels, not to mention being verrrrry very grumpy!!!

Last night Gaby was in bed - and asleep - by 6pm! She obviously had a huge day at preschool, to be that tired so early! Poor thing. She probably could have been in bed even earlier than that, but I didn't want her waking up at 5am!

Food seems to be something we're having trouble with right now - she just doesn't want to eat anything, except for cheese!!! I might make some ricey stuff tonight, hopefully she'll eat it!

18 months old today!

At 1.01am today, Gaby was officially 18 months old! WHERE the hell has time gone? She has changed so much in 18 months, it really is amazing - and I wish there was some way to record every single second of it - so that I could play back those early days and remember how tiny she was, the cute little things she did back then, and watch her development - from that tiny baby I brought home from the hospital, who pretty much only ate, fed & pooed - to this gorgeous 18 month old who can tell me what noise a motorbike makes, tell me what sound a cow makes, put her socks on......

She does seem to be getting cheekier & cheekier with each day that passes - as I type this she is tipping water from her sippy cup, onto the floor. It's only water. It won't stain. She certainly knows when she's doing something she shouldn't be - she'll look at me (or anyone!) and wave her finger at them while saying "no", it's too damn cute & it makes it so hard to actually stop and get her to stop what she's doing. She's copying ALL of our language - mostly good words, but some bad words! At Mum & Dad's on Thursday, we were leaving the house, when she quite simply puts her hand up to her mouth & says "Oh shit!". WHAATTTTTT? So now we are making a huge effort to keep our language 'clean' around her - although we were trying to do that anyway, obviously not hard enough though.

Gaby got to see her Aunty Terri over the last couple of days, which I think they both enjoyed a lot! Terri & her friend were going up to Auckland for a concert, and they were flying out of Christchurch - so we were lucky enough to have a few hours with Ter! Terri got lots of cuddles and cute behaviour - I think Gaby enjoyed having someone new to show off to! On the way back from the airport last night, Gaby seeemed to have Terri & her friend very impressed with her language skills - repeating lots of words they said. It was Terri who taught her how to say "brmm brmm".

Photos from Hong Kong - part 1

Here are some photos from Hong Kong! Blogger is playing up so I'm not able to upload anymore photos at this time! Will upload more later today or tomorrow

Gaby helping herself to Mummy's sundae

Mummy & Gaby on the flying Dumbo ride

Mummy & Gaby with Goofy

At the entry to Disneyland.. Mickey riding Moby Dick

Outside THE entrance to Disneyland

The view from our hotel room

Front Desk of the hotel

Gaby about 20 minutes off the plane from Auckland - Hong Kong

long overdue update!

Gosh, so much to update, I'm not sure I can get it all in!

On April 7th, me & Gaby - along with Alison & Joelle, left New Zealand for Hong Kong! We had a crazy/amazing/wonderful/exciting/tiring 5 nights in Hong Kong, and the best part of 32 hours travelling & in airports.

When we arrived in Hong Kong it was 6.45am Tuesday 8th April - it felt more like midday (because that's what the time would have been in NZ). Gaby coped with the travel pretty well, she had a few grizzly moments on the 11 hour flight from Auckland to Hong Kong, but was in surprisingly good spirits when we arrived in Hong Kong! Our first day in HK was spent getting acquainted with the hotel, and we went for a swim in the hotel pool. What a beautiful pool it was! Gaby loved the pool, I think she (like the rest of us) enjoyed the relief it gave from the 85-95% humidity!

Wednesday & Thursday were spent at Disneyland!!!! It felt bizarre to actually BE at Disneyland - it was a place I imagined I'd NEVER get to visit - let alone be a place I'd be able to take Gaby. I think Gaby was a little young to properly understand how cool it was to be at Disneyland, but she did have a good time. Her favourite rides were the Flying Dumbo's, the Carousel, the Pooh ride & the Flying UFO's. She fell asleep within 10 mintues of getting into Disneyland, which made me laugh! Gaby wasn't too fond of the mascots wearing full body costumes - such as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy & co. - funnily enough me & Dad aren't too fond of mascots like that either! She did like the princesses though, and we got a photo taken with them. She did grizzle a bit while we were there, but I am guessing it is because of all the people, the heat, and being in a strange place in general.

Gaby could almost be the newest attraction at Disneyland! Hundreds of people stopped me so that they could take Gaby's photo, or have their photo taken with her - because of the blond hair & blue eyes. It was a little scary, but if Gaby was in a good mood, she didn't seem to mind. It did bother me a bit when people touched her - I felt it was overstepping some kind of boundary... I should have charged $5 for each photo, if I had, I'd have come home fairly rich!

The photo taking carried on into the hotel as well! It would take us about 20 minutes to get from the front desk to the elevators, because people would stop us to take her photo, and to talk to her - by the end of the trip Gaby knew how to work the crowd, even if she was crying, as soon as someone started talking to her, she'd be all smiles and waves, and when walking away she knew the perfect time to wave & say "bye bye". It was pretty adorable really.

On the Friday we took our first trip away from the general vicinity of the hotel & resort area - we took a train into Tsing Yi so I could buy (of all things) nappies! They only had newborn size nappies at the hotel, and I ran out of my supply. Gaby loved going on the train, and I found the train's to be wonderful! They were very regular, and once you knew what you were doing, they were very easy to use!

In Tsing Yi we went into a big mall, it had about 3 or 4 levels (I can't remember). I think it was all a bit of a shock to Gaby, and she had a few grizzly moments, but was pretty good in general. We stopped at McDonalds, where Gaby gained a couple of friends! There was a family sitting next to us, and by the time we were getting ready to leave, they were sharing their chips with Gaby, and talking to her - and of course she was making them laugh. I couldn't help but laugh myself, it was so cute. I didn't realise how friendly she was until we went over there! I managed to find nappies eventually - COW PRINT nappies! After that we got the train back to Disneyland, and then the free bus back to our hotel.

On the Saturday we went up in a cable car to Ngong Ping village, where we were able to very clearly see 'the Big Buddha' (Tian Tan Buddha), it was really amazing up there - I'm not exactly religious, but it was a very spiritual place! Gaby wasn't terribly fussed by the cable car, she just sat in her stroller & talked to/waved at the people on the car with us! She ran around a bit & got in the way of peoples photos - oopsy! She seemed to be quite happy that afternoon, we didn't have much crying while we were on that specific expedition, and enjoyed drinking a juice with us at Starbucks. On the way back the cable car was temporarily suspended, due to thunder and lightning! It opened again, we got on, and about 1/4 of the way down, the lightning started again - the others on the car were a bit freaked by it all, but I found it wonderful!!!! We had a really good view of the airport - I didn't realise how massive it was!!!

Sunday was our final day in Hong Kong, and that day we actually went INTO Hong Kong city, which was another big experience. It was all a bit hustle bustle for me - so many people, and tonnes of massive buildings, I felt very claustrophobic, and I think Gaby felt the same way. She was quite unsettled for most of the day, but she did have a few moments. We met another family, they had two little girls, and one of the girls gave Gaby her balloon - I thought that was incredibly sweet! Toward the end of our time in Hong Kong city, we went out to the Central Pier, and had a look at the view of the city from there, it was less crowded and Gaby seemed to relax a little... as did I! We got the train back to Lantau Island for the final time, it was quite sad really - but at the same time, it was exciting to know we were getting closer to going home!

Sunday night we had around 2 hours in Hong Kong airport, waiting for our flight. Gaby didn't handle this very well, mainly because we didn't have a stroller! Silly to think that airports in NZ will let you borrow a stroller, but a huge airport like Hong Kong don't. Eventually we boarded our plane - and it wasn't very full, unlike the flight over! Gaby seemed pretty happy on the flight - and she slept for most of it (thank goodness), the staff on the plane were great, more than willing to accomodate us - they certainly made the trip a lot easier (as did Ali & Joe!). I managed to get some sleep, but when we woke up for breakfast (which was around 10.30am NZ time), I decided it would be best for me & Gab to stay awake, so we could hopefully fit back into the NZ timezone.

The last hour or so of the flight went really quickly - and as soon as we touched down on Kiwi soil, I let out a huge sigh of relief. It was so lovely to be back in our own country, and to know where we were going, and what to expect! We had about 2 hours at Auckland Airport before we FINALLY left for Christchurch. The flight to Christchurch was fine! We had a family of 4 sitting across the aisle from us, they had a 5mo and a 2 1/4yo, so Gaby was fascinated by the kids, and me & the Mum talked a bit. Gaby managed to sleep the last half of the flight, which made me very happy - because she needed a little sleep! 5pm we touched down in Christchurch, at long last. Didn't take long to get down to where Mum was waiting for us - god it was good to see a familiar face! Gaby realised it was Nan & went up to her for a cuddle, we went and got our bags then made our way back to Mum & Dad's... Gaby saw her Poppa - and then it was all over..... we were officially back home!

That was Monday 14th. Tuesday 14th Gaby slept until 10.15am, Wednesday 9.15, Thursday & Friday 8.30am - making up for all the early mornings in Hong Kong. I failed to mention that Gaby would wake up for the day between 4-5am didn't I!!!!!! That wasn't particularly fun, but luckily Alison wasn't able to sleep over there, so she would usually take Gaby for a walk, and then I would get myself out of bed around 5.30am and we'd go for a walk around the grounds of the hotel. It was awesome - got a decent wee walk, and Gaby got to run around. One day we even found a frog, which was pretty exciting for me - having never seen a frog! Gaby did stand on him though, but somehow he was fine and didn't get squashed!

The hotel (Disneyland Hollywood Hotel) was amazing! It was beautiful inside, all done in black and white marble - I loved it! The staff were all really friendly, particularly with Gaby - and they didn't seem to mind all the messes she left behind in the restaraunts! We had complimentary breakfasts at the 'Chef Mickey' restaraunt - now THAT was a breakfast! It was buffet, and Gaby had a large mix of foods! Bacon, eggs, sushi, teriyaki chicken, pikelets, waffles, yogurt, breads - she had a ball! Us adults had similar breakfasts, it was way too easy to go back for 2nds or 3rds or 4ths (or 5ths!). For dinner we went to the other restaurant in the hotel, the name of it slips my mind right now. They had a delicious drink called a Peppermint Twister - it was non-alcoholic, and delish! Could do with one of those about now!

All in all, it was a great trip, and I am sure that in a few years time, Gaby will look back at the photos and want me to tell her stories about the trip - it was such a great opportunity for the two of us, and I think the break away from 'real life' helped the two of us, though we both missed our family!

my little lunatic

Gaby was in a very crazy mood earlier this morning! Everything she did made her laugh - and made ME laugh. She kept climbing on me, kissing me, squealing, pulling clothes off the chair - to name but a few things. Toward the end of her little crazy-girl-mood, it was getting a bit old, possibly because I was trying to tidy the lounge, and she was making it near impossible! It reminded me a lot of Terri when she used to get hyper on Brown Sugar. Note to self: Gaby is no longer eating Porridge with Poppa.

her new favourite accesory - Kai's hat!

The little poppet continues to amaze me more and more each day. The last week she's REALLY become a little person, as opposed to a baby or infant - when she talks in her little protolangauge, you can tell that she's having a real 'conversation', and what she is saying has meaning. New words this week include 'light' and 'Gaby', along with 'biscuit' and 'baby'... What next? Every word I say she seems to try and copy, so I'm making an effort to be a bit more careful with my choice of language I am using, and also to use language properly. Y'know speak real proper like.

"Yes Mummy, I'm sound asleep"
... a photo taken when Gaby was meant to be asleep in bed last night
(it looks like the light is on, but that's the flash)

In 3 days we leave for the start of our journey to Hong Kong. Friday after Kai finishes work we're heading down to Temuka - where we'll stay with Deb & Mark. Saturday we will make our way down to Dunedin - where we are going to stay with Sue & the girls. Sunday we are going down to Gore (of all places), so that Kai can pick up some parts for his car - so I'll use this as an opportunity to stop in & visit Teresa, Josh & Bryce! Sunday we'll be heading back to Dunedin - and Kai will be making his way back to Christchurch. Monday - well, Monday is D-Day. At approx 5pm we get on a plane & leave for Hong Kong - via Christchurch & Auckland! I am nervous about how Gaby is going to be on the plane, but I'm going to try not to worry about it. I can't control what is going to happen, so no point stressing about it! I wonder if Gaby will realise that she's going on a PLANE!?

my little helper!

Gaby helped me unpack the groceries today! It was pretty dang cute - even if it took about 10x as long as it usually would have! She got all the cans out, one by one & handed them to me, then the packets, boxes & stuff for the fridge. Very adorable! I wonder if she can just go and do the groceries by herself next time?

This weekend is Gaby's first easter where she'll be able to delight in all of the chocolatey benefits of the holiday! I bought her a hollow egg last week - but of course I got in a grump and slammed the bag containing the egg on the ground. Oops. One smashed egg! I got her a hollow Cadbury egg today, and was very careful with it, and now it is stashed in the top of my pantry, awaiting... hmm, whatever day you're meant to eat easter eggs on!

Today Gaby is playing with her friend Josh, while I go out - Serena is being fabulous and watching her again. Hopefully they won't get into too much mischief! I have put Gaby to bed so that she won't need a nap this afternoon - and fingers crossed, won't be tooooo grizzly for Serena! It's so cute seeing Gaby & Josh playing together, especially now that they are old enough to interact with one another.

potty time?

Gaby has made it pretty clear that she knows when she's going to do wee's or poo's.... Mum has mentioned a few times that perhaps now is the time to start thinking about potty training my little Gablet, and I think she's right.

Obviously 16 1/2 months is still pretty young to be starting the potty training, so I think I will go into it more as potty-getting-used-to for a start. I will try and get her to sit on the toilet daily - but if she doesn't want to, I will follow her lead and leave it for awhile. I don't expect her to do anything in the potty at this age or stage, but if she does, it'll certainly be met by lots of praise & excitement!

Potty training seems to be a big milestone to me - the milestone that makes her more child than baby. I don't want my baby to grow up! But, it is also really exciting! All these milestones seem to creep up on me really fast, but before I know it... another milestone has passed!

We go to HK in under 3 weeks now, and I am still feeling pretty apprehensive bout the flying aspect of the trip - but really, it is only 12 hours out of our trip (well 24 there and back), so if the experience is bad, so be it.. Her passport arrived yesterday morning which was very exciting - she seems too little to have a passport for international travel!

"no Gaby" "no" "don't do that Gaby" "GABRIELLE"

busted doing something naughty!

Oh man... my daughter is a monster!!! The past while Gaby has been getting into EVERYTHING. I think that all I say is "no Gaby, don't do that", "Gaby - no!", "Gabrielle!", "GABRIELLE!!!". This morning after turning the TV on & off about 20 times, while laughing at me the entire time - and running straight back to the TV after I would move her away, she proceeded to pull all the wipes out of the wipes pack - while I was cleaning that up, she started playing with the stereo - got a hell of a fright when she turned it up & messed up the tuner.... THEN it was into the pantry (oh crap, when did she start being able to get in there?) and pulling food onto the floor. I was sorting out the pantry - and Gaby was into her pre-school bag, pulling out all the contents.... What else did she play with? God only knows, but I see now that the wipes are back on the floor. Moral of the story?? Put everything about two metres off the ground!!!!!!! (yes, I know I could put things away too!).

stealing my phone
....while I'm cleaning up one of her messes!

She seems to be laughing at me constantly - in a cheeky way which I know means she is plotting against me. It's a pity it's so bloody adorable!!! I can't help but laugh at her, which doesn't help the matter at all - only serves to encourage her. Trust me, if I could keep a straight face and be stern - I would!!!!!!!

Dancing seems to be one of her favourite things to do as well. She will stand there, rocking side to side, clapping her hands, wiggling her fingers around, sometimes moving her head side to side, crouching down & then standing up. Beautiful - it's just beautiful (and cute) to watch! Her favourite song at the moment seems to be 'Don't Stop The Music' by Rhianna, and 'Bleeding Love' by Leona Lewis. They must do dancing a bit at preschool I think - either that or she's naturally a musical little monkey!!!