A girl can't have too much sparkle...

Today Alex insisted that she wanted to wear her sparkle outfit. And not just over "normal" clothes - but all by itself! So one pink sparkle outfit plus white sequin number later, and she's asking me if she has sparkle underwear..."Definitely not!" I respond and insist that as we are going to the indoor playground, that she wear her blue sandals instead of either the green sparkle shoes or her pink sparkle highheels...

Have I mentioned before that she's not my daughter?!

So I'll bet all those Australian aunts and great aunts and Grandy's are cackling to themselves as the damage is done. At least she was easy to spot in the crowd!

Preparing for Sebastien

Hmm, we had a BBQ last Thursday and one of the babies there needed a bottle. So we dug through the stuff we'd packed away to get one for her - and it hasn't exactly been put back into storage! Alex latched (heh) onto it straight away, seeing the possibilities for her baby. So we've spent the past few days feeding our baby, "refilling" the bottle, taking care to hold the baby's neck/head properly etc. Daddy has taken the lead on this one - Mummy is just bemused by the whole thing. I guess that pumping will be the norm for this next delivery so the big sister can help feed little brother. Another of her current mantras: "I help, I do it BY MYSELF." Funfilled days ahead!

This is the way we brush our teeth...take two!

Well, not every night! We've been asserting ourselves lately when it comes to our pre-bath brush and so this was a unique solution Daddy came up with one night. It sure kept HRH amused as she imitated Daddy's technique in the mirror!

Just one of the many ways HRH is defining her personality these days...

Circus

Daddy, Mummy and Alex met up with our Dutch friends Annelie, Robin, Joris and Lieke to go to the circus on a hot Saturday afternoon. It went for a LONG time so Alex's attention dropped off after a couple of hours but these photos are from early on. There was lots of action plus some animals. The physical abilities of the acrobats are quite amazing - all performed on an asphalt carpark with no apparent safety nets.

Very comfortable thanks

It's hot, hot, hot and Mummy is starting to get very uncomfortable. She's started to put her feet up in an effort to keep swelling at bay and prevent those varicose veins. Sitting in "her" armchair she is perfectly placed near the airconditioner - and Alex thought that looked like a good thing. So she joined Mummy lying down and reading a book - though Alex's choice for a book was a Disney princess one whilst Mummy leaned more to James Patterson...



Alex likes Mummy's chair and is still small enough to sprawl across it. She also likes to dictate what her hairstyle should be every other day. On this particular day she asked for Princess Leia hair (not that she knows who Princess Leia is) and is finishing her snack very comfortably.

We love Mr.Fish

Our across-the-hall neighbors are on holiday for a fortnight so we are fish-sitting. Alex is a BIG fan! Every morning after breakfast we get Mr.Fish down from the top shelf of the bookcase and feed him 5 tiny pellets one at a time. Well, Alex feeds him and talks to him through the top of the vase. She particularly likes it when he's hungry and "chomps" the pellet very fast. Then we say goodbye to Mr.Fish and put him back until the next day. And yes, his real name is Mr.Fish, this isn't an Alex creation!

Independence Day

Our second July 4th in Urbana-Champaign - last year we were in Alaska/Canada. A big difference between our first one where Alex was 4 months old and this one where she's 2 1/3 years old!

It was tough though as we'd been swimming that morning to try to beat the heat and the parade went for over 2 hours! She was definitely battling sleep to see everything. We did manage to stake out a shady sidewalk spot though and eat our lunch while we waited for the parade to come past.



She was pretty excited to hear the bands and to wave her little flag. Then after a nap, we went to Adam, Amy and Elaine's house for a BBQ - the Aussie contingent provided a Pavlova - decorated in red, white and blue of course!

An oww... with blood!

Photos never do injuries justice...
Since Alex could walk, we have distinguished ows into two types, general ows that are nothing to cry over, and ows-with-blood that make everyone else cringe when they see them.
Alex and I had a pretty rough Monday morning. We headed out to open up the Playgroup room for Orchard Downs as a favor for someone and on the way down our apartment concrete steps, I mistimed a stepdown and took all the skin off the back of my heel/achilles of my left foot - ow, ow and ow. I was pretty pleased to keep my more choice words inside my head as Alex was right next to me. When we arrived at the Playgroup room I cleaned myself up.

Meanwhile, Alex wanted me to read to her and tripped up while following me into the hall - she went headfirst into a concrete wall corner and ended up with a tooth going through her bottom lip, a graze from lip to under the chin in the shape of the corner, and blood, lots of blood everywhere. It's true when they say that your heart ends up in your mouth - my first thought was that she might have lost a tooth, but after she eventually let me look, all was ok. It's amazing just how much lips can bleed!

Anyway, she wouldn't let me clean her up or put ice on the lip so now she is sporting a fantastic fat lip although the graze has started to fade (as of Saturday). She spent almost all the playgroup 2 hours sitting on my knee and reading stories which is very unusual for her. And when her Daddy came home for lunch, she was most excited to tell him about Mummy's "ow-with-blood" and left him to guess what happened to her! We put this down as the second injury - the first being when Aunty Chelle visited and Alex headbut/tripped into the corner of the desk leg and ended up with a goose-egg on forehead. And so far one visit to the ER for a fall onto concrete onto her head...and she's a girl and only 2!

Tea anyone?

Alex had a great time playing with Nat's teaset at her house. She even deigned to serve tea to Sarah who also liked the teaset. Here she is trying to walk to the other side of the picnic table very carefully with the tray. Notice the intense look of concentration on her face. And thanks again to Donita, without whom I would never have any casual photos of Alex!

Take my picture, c'mon, I know you have a camera...

By now Alex has worked out that Donita always has her camera handy - and she's not shy when it comes to smiling for the camera. Definitely unlike her mummy and Aunt Lyndall! This is at our apartment - Donita and Sarah are visiting and Alex is sharing her toys for the first time. Something that she'll need to get used to once her younger brother arrives on the scene!

Fun with friends

Thank goodness Donita takes such good photos! She's always got her camera near her and manages to get some pretty good shots. Here's Alex enjoying sharing her Cheerios with Julia (l) and Sarah (r). Julia's older brother Alec is playing by himself outside the playhouse. The girls were just so quiet and playing so well together that we mums couldn't help but peek in and check it out.

Going to Ohio

We spent A LOT of time in the car on Friday driving to Columbus Ohio to visit friends who moved there. Here is Alex checking out Goran's workplace at Ohio Wesleyan with his girlfriend, Kat. Alex LOVES Kat and Goran - between Kat's shoes and handbags, and Goran's "Bush Gems" and BBQ-ing she was in 7th heaven. When we got home yesterday, she asked if we were going back to Ohio...





On the way there we stopped for lunch at a lovely park - and had a great picnic first and then played in a terrific playground. Alex was wearing her "I love Daddy" t-shirt and spent lots of time with him in the playground. About the only issue with the trip was on the return when we ran in the Indy-500 traffic in Indiannapolis...yuck! We were very well looked after by Kat and Goran and had a ball - it was nice to get to see them before they head off to Europe for the summer.

Guilt, guilt, guilt

OK, so I'm practically in my third trimester with baby #2 and I finally acknowledge that I am yet to put all of those "Alex Year One" photos together in a book. So I guess you could say it's like nesting - I took the first step yesterday and put together her first page...

One down, goodness only knows how many left to go! Anyway, I did get a sense of achievement once I saw that it was done and have made a promise to get 3 pages a week done. A realistic goal I hope and one that should see Alex's scrapbook finished before baby #2 arrives!

Just like daddy

After daddy goes on his marathon training runs, he spends some time doing ice massage to the bottoms of his feet (plantar fasciitis) which Alex has observed numerous times. So this time when daddy had retrieved the ice bottle from the freezer, Alex pounced and started her ice massage - Brett and I were both in stitches! She also stretches her calves etc just like daddy too - without having done the 5 miles beforehand of course. I only have video of that so this photo of the ice massage will have to do.

I can sleep anywhere...

Wow! After a swim at Sholem and then a bikeride to Emily's birthday party, Alex was pooped. She had actually been asleep for 10 minutes on the back of Brett's bike so we left her in the seat to sleep for as long as possible - oblivious to the party going on around her! She was asleep for about 20 minutes - no mean feat strapped upright into the bikeseat (which is even more upright than the carseat)!

Can you resist this face?

Well I can't - not often anyway! Although with the "terrible twos" well and truly here, I am finding it easier and easier as this is not the face doing the screaming-blue-murder! I also like this photo because it shows her hair done - she likes to decide how it will be: pigtails, ponytail, derry-werry, braids or Princess Leia.

Busy, busy June

Well it is the start of summer and already it is hot, hot, hot! We have a pool pass that we intend to make very good use of and of course there are many playgroups to go to! Last weekend we had a "Bounce into Summer" event that included a bounce house (bouncing castle -Aussie speak) and icecream. Although adamantly stating she wasn't going in the bounce house, Alex ended up loving it and spent quite a bit of time there. The rest of the time she spent playing with her daddy. We are also making mini pizzas every week - and now that Alex has a step stool in the kitchen, she insists on "helping". It's great that she likes pizzas because it is the only way to get her to eat capsicum (pepper - US speak), mushroom, onion, tomato and pepperoni in one mouthful!

Planting in the "garden" - Mothers Day revisited

After seeing Brett's post about Mothers Day, I had to post a photo-story-line of the whole event. It was wonderful. We all went shopping to buy plants, soil and containers and then came home for the main event. First we had to bring everything downstairs to the grass - because we knew how messy it would be!

Then we got started, mixing in the various mixes to make sure the plants would be happy.

Alex didn't exactly realise what was involved in "mixing" until afterwards - she really examined her hands hard and wanted them cleaned until daddy showed her how to wipe them on the grass. Eventually she even ended up with dirt on her face!

After all that mixing, we had to make holes for the plants for daddy - Alex really relished digging out the dirt and putting it into her own little pot.

Then she helped put it back in the container and press it around the plants.

At the end of the afternoon (early evening actually) both Alex and daddy had a well earned rest at the picnic table - here you see the product of their efforts. Cherry tomato plants, strawberry plants and basil plants - YUM!

Then we moved them upstairs to our balcony and watered them in. We can't wait until we can see the start of little tomatoes and strawberries! What a great Mothers Day present!

Mummy? Playgroup t'morrow?

Almost every night before she heads off to bed, Alex asks me "Going to Playgroup t'morrow, Mummy?" This is an outing that she absolutely loves and she'll always ask who we are going to see. She's pretty good on the relationship thing, who is who's mum, brother etc. so she also knows who we will likely see at any given playgroup...thank goodness for my sanity as I don't think I'd survive without getting out and about and meeting up with wonderful friends!

Our friend Donita is an excellent photographer - witness the gorgeous photos of a recent playgroup in the park! Of course, her subject matter was definitely above average... ;)

The first photo is of Donita's daughter, Sarah, leading Alex onto the play equipment. Alex has recently developed a "fear" of the slide - perhaps she knows she's not indestructable?! She is slowly getting over this, but is still a little wary. The second photo is when (I think) Alex asked Donita to take her photo - and then immediately asked to see it in the viewfinder! She knows from experience that you can do this with the wonders of digital cameras! But I say it is pretty damn good for a "drop down on your knee and shoot" kind of picture!

Hmm, sandwich anyone?

You Are a Ham Sandwich

You are quiet, understated, and a great comfort to all of your friends. Over time, you have proven yourself as loyal and steadfast. And you are by no means boring. You do well in any situation - from fancy to laid back. Your best friend: The Turkey Sandwich Your mortal enemy: The Grilled Cheese Sandwich

What Kind of Sandwich Are You?

Happy Mother's Day

So we were a little late with this, but Alex had a virus last weekend and the family was in no mood for extracurricular activities.

But, this weekend we celebrated Mother's Day with some gardening. We planted some strawberries, tomatoes and basil all for our sunkissed balcony.

Hopefully, Alex will enjoy reaping as much as she enjoyed sowing.

Yes, we're expecting again

Hmm, now we're back in the States, and heading into the hot and humid mid-western summer, and expecting baby number two!

Today (30th April) we had our first ultrasound and yes, we have a very active baby on our hands. It took the techs over an hour to get all the shots they needed, but we've been told that everything is where it should be and it seems to be a very healthy baby.

And for those asking the question "Did you find out whether it's a boy or a girl?" the answer is "Yes, eventually!"

Baby brother come on down!!!!

Alex (who when asked if she'd like a baby brother said "No, baby sister!") is expecting a baby brother to join us in late September so now we have to put our heads together to come up with names....

On to the Wedding in Bright, Victoria

Well, finally we came to the pointy end of our Australian holiday. Aunty Lyndall and Uncle Pip's wedding. This photo is the only one we have so far of the wedding, but it has Alex as flowergirl sitting on Aunty Lyndall's lap after she signed the registry. Aunty Chelle is holding the flowers behind her. Luckily Alex did everything that was asked of her (perhaps she could have walked a little slower...) so there were sighs of relief all around. Lucky for mum and dad, Grandad and Grandma had come down to Bright to babysit Alex for the reception, so mum and dad could let down their hair...except that mum is pregnant and couldn't party like she used to!

On to Narrandera with Grandad and Grandma

I had a great time with Grandad and Grandma. They have a pool which they heated so I could go swimming. I love swimming. The best part was being in the tiger float "all by myself" although Grandad chasing me was cool in a scary/fun way. Grandad also took me out to a farm and I had a ball - this left mummy some much needed "mummy time" that she spent eating lunch and reading a book in Leeton. Apparently I found another puppy dog and some actual puppies - and had a ride on a tractor (I love tractors - and motorbikes). Grandad took great delight in teaching me my colours - if I got the colour right I got to eat the jellybean, if I didn't then Grandad got to eat it. This didn't faze me at first as Grandad did "colours" (as I called them) five or six times a day, but then mummy suggested it should be once only - which really upped the odds. I'm pretty good on my colours now!

Grandma also took me on a tour of downtown Narrandera and let me wander in and out of shops everywhere. No wonder she was tired when we got home! Mummy also got this time off for good behaviour and made a second pilgrammage to Leeton for lunch and reading. Maybe she needs to get out more??

I visited lots of people with Grandma and Grandad - I had so much fun! And then we had to go back to Canberra to see Daddy arrive at the airport (who I had been studiously ignoring on the webcam for the past 5 weeks - mummy was worried about the welcome he would get...)

Next stop, Canberra

Luckily Aunty Chelle came up to Armidale to visit and she kindly drove the whole way from Armidale to Canberra!! Well, we did stop off in Sydney briefly. I still remembered her from her visit to the States in October 2006 so wouldn't let go of her hand when she came off the plane - and wanted her to sit next to me in the car.

We managed to see my Uncle James and at last meet Aunty Clare in Canberra - plus they kindly babysat me whilst mummy went shopping with Aunty Chelle. Uncle James gamely changed his first dirty nappy ever - and even having used all of the wipes in the travel case, did a pretty good job!

I also got to see cousin Tristan play basketball - I love basketball! He is so grown up now. And his mummy and daddy were there too which was great too - I love having two Aunty Chelle/Shell's.

I really loved staying at Uncle B and Aunty Chelle's house - they have two "kids" too, Bruce and Anika. I love animals and mummy is happy that Bruce and Anika were so accommodating, letting me serve them cocktail drinks on their bed and talk on the phone with them. We really only spent two days in Canberra - heading off to Narrandera was the next part of the trip.

I am lucky to have more than one birthday...

Wow - I didn't realise that they had birthdays in Australia too! I had a cookie and icecream cake party in America before we left, and when I got to Australia my family had organised a birthday party in Dorrigo with some great aunts/uncles as well as second and third cousins. It was excellent and the rainy weather meant that there was plenty of leech entertainment! I wasn't overly impressed with my crown, but the fairy costume was a hit as was the lamington catapillar cake - yum!

First stop, Armidale and Grandy and Poppie

While we were home, Alex got to water her gum tree that had been planted the first time we were home. It has now grown bigger than her! She also spent some time with Poppie (and Aunty Chelle) in the garden, digging holes, filling them with water and planting more plants. She even learnt about picking flowers with Poppie...

Luckily Grandy had a big stash of family jewels for Alex to wear so she felt appropriately attired all the time. Even down to clip-on earrings! She wore her jewels at every opportunity, even whilst watching tv!

Poppie also introduced her to sticky date pudding - which she promptly devoured leaving him not much more than half his serving! Perhaps the icecream was an incentive?!

A blogging we will go..a blogging we will go..

Well, it has been an absolute age since I ventured into these pages - international travel does take it out of you, especially with a social 2 year old!

So March and most of April saw Alex and I getting to Australia for a vacation with Brett joining us for 10 days at the end for my youngest sister's wedding.

We had a great time!



Of course, it didn't start off well with Alex deciding that 3 hours sleep for the whole trip was enough... 1.5 of which were in LAX waiting for our connecting flight.

But we had a lot of people to see in quite a short time - it always seems to be shorter than we need.

There's no place like home

Lys and Alex are off to Australia (I hope). I saw them through security at Chicago (Alex oblivous to the queue formed to pass through screening, Mum passing through a minute later). I'm missing them both already.

Hopefully Alex is fast asleep as they wing their way through the air. (can't resist, must include photo)

Happy Birthday!

For those that missed it Alex turned 2 on March 2nd. We celebrated with a cookie monster party and an icream cake. Cookies and icecream - the two major food groups!

Thanks to everyone who came to the party and for the lovely presents.

Alex had a great time playing with all her friends and eating cookies!

Growing up fast

I can't believe that this Friday is Alex's second birthday! It's really hard to see that two years have passed already. Anyway, in honour of her impending birthday, here is a photo of her - going on 30! Note the combination of high heels with tracksuit - plus ubiquitous bag.

Pretty...

Hmm, Alex has learnt a new word and I'm not exactly sure how. She now denotes many things as "pretty". Today she came out of her room with two bibs around her neck and told me that they were pretty. Last week when Brett brought some Mardi Gras beads home from work, she pounced on them and declared them "mine, pretty". I'm doomed to have a girly girl. Help?!

This is the way we brush our teeth...

We've finally managed to get somewhat of a routine for Alex's teeth brushing. Now that she actually has a mouthful it seemed much more important. The thing is that she is now aware that mummy isn't actually putting any toothpaste on her toothbrush (despite the pantomime) so now I will have to go out and buy some toddler toothpaste. Brett asked whether they make it awful tasting to help teach them not to suck it off the brush - but no such luck. Flavours such as bubblegum and tuttifrutti abound, sigh. Oh well, at least we get through the ABC song before finishing.

Counting Down...

Only 27 more sleeps until we leave for Australia - yay!

This is especially nice as the weather at the moment is particularly awful. When the daytime temperature doesn't get out of the teens (in fahrenheit) it's not good. Plus, even though they ploughed the roads when it snowed, there are still some roads covered in snow that make difficult driving.

Anyway, a nice indication of the weather we're having is this photo of Alex - all bundled up in her snow suit, balaclava, boots and mittens. She doesn't mind sledding, so long as she's with mummy or if it is on the flat, so long as she's pulling the sled.

What are you looking at?!

Well! Alex has finally decided that washing her hair is ok. A few weeks ago she started crying blue murder when we washed her hair and seemed really freaked by it. So over the past 3 weeks we've been gradually coaxing her into having it washed again. Now she proudly says "now close eyes!" when it's time to wash the soap off. This photo was taken partway through the coaxing back process - when we were just wetting her hair with water to get her used to the idea again. I just love that she is looking directly at the camera - but it really shows just how long her fringe has grown!